Question 1

What is LNK2, and how is it like Hydrawise?

Accepted Answer

LNK2 is Rain Bird's Wi-Fi module. It turns a compatible ESP-TM2, ESP-ME3, ESP-Me, RZXe, or LXME2 controller into a cloud-connected smart controller on the Rain Bird app — weather-based run times, remote control, and alerts. Hydrawise is Hunter's equivalent platform. If the job is already Rain Bird valves and heads, LNK2 keeps the tech in one brand.

Question 2

Does the Rain Bird app cost money?

Accepted Answer

No. The Rain Bird app and weather adjustments that ship with LNK2 (and RC2) are free. There is no monthly subscription for the residential/light-commercial platform.

Question 3

Which controllers work with LNK2?

Accepted Answer

LNK2WIFI is made for ESP-TM2, ESP-ME3, ESP-Me series (manufactured after November 2, 2016 with the LNK Ready mark), ESP-RZXe, LXME2, and LXIVM. It will not add Wi-Fi to older ESP-TM or ESP-Modular panels. RC2 already has Wi-Fi built in — you do not add LNK2 to an RC2.

Question 4

How do I get WaterSense certification?

Accepted Answer

Add LNK2 plus a Rain Bird rain sensor (WR2-48 is the usual pair) to an ESP-TM2 or ESP-ME3. That combination meets EPA WaterSense and is the path most utilities want for rebates.

Question 5

How much water can LNK2 save?

Accepted Answer

Rain Bird rates weather-based adjustments at up to 30% versus a fixed schedule. Pairing a WR2 rain sensor and, on ME3, an FG100 flow sensor is how you get closer to the 30–50% story Hydrawise advertises — skip rain, catch breaks.

Question 6

ESP-TM2 vs ESP-ME3 vs RC2 — which do I buy?

Accepted Answer

RC2 if you want 8 zones and Wi-Fi in one SKU. ESP-TM2 if you want a familiar panel and will add LNK2 now or later (4/6/8/12 fixed stations). ESP-ME3 if you need expansion to 22 stations or flow monitoring with FG100.

Question 7

Do you sell Rain Bird flow meters?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the FG100 1" wired flow sensor is the ME3 pair. It reports high and low flow so the controller can shut down a broken lateral. This site is the smart-control lineup (controllers, LNK2, sensors, flow), not the full 220-SKU Rain Bird catalog.

Question 8

Is this the same as IQ4?

Accepted Answer

No. IQ4 is Rain Bird's commercial central-control platform (ESP-LX series + NCC cartridges). LNK2 / RC2 / the Rain Bird app is the residential and light-commercial stack that competes with Hydrawise and Rachio.

LNK2 platform questions