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Direct Access (Port Forwarding)

 

Since the RainMachine devices are "cloud-independent by design", RainMachine Direct Access feature facilitates RainMachine users to access and control their RainMachine devices from anywhere without the need of a cloud connectivity. 

Note: When accessing the RainMachine through the Direct Access feature the smart integrations for the RainMachine will not be available. Those will be available when using Remote Access with Premium Services Subscription starting June 8 2022.

 

1) Set Up a Static IP Address for RainMachine device

Use the router to set up a static IP address. Do this because the RainMachine device needs an unchanging address in order to be accessible.

  1. Access the router as admin (find the instruction on the router website or manual).

  2. Locate a Client List, DHCP Pool, DHCP Reservation, or similar section of the settings. The section lists the devices currently connected to the router. The IP address of the RainMachine device is listed along with its custom name.

  3. Look for a way to reserve one of those IP addresses to tie it with that RainMachine device so that the router always uses it when the device requests an IP address. You might need to select the IP address from a list or choose Add or Reserve.

The above steps are generic since static IP address assignment is different for each router. Instructions differ if you need to reserve IP addresses for NETGEAR routers, edit DHCP settings on Google devices, or configure DHCP reservation on Linksys routers.


2) Set Up Port Forwarding to:

RainMachine_Static_IP:8080

Now that you know the RainMachine device's Static IP address and configured it to stop changing, access the router and set up the port forwarding settings.

  1. Log in to the router as admin. You need to know the router's IP address, username, and password.

  2. Locate the port forwarding options. These are different for every router but might be called something like Port Forwarding, Port Triggering, Applications & Gaming, or Port Range Forwarding. These might be buried within other categories of settings like Network, Wireless, or Advanced.

  3. Type the port number or port range that you want to forward. If you're forwarding one port, type the same number under both the Internal and External boxes. For port ranges, use the Start and End boxes.

  4. Choose a protocol, either TCP or UDP ports. Choose both, if needed. This information should be available from the program or game that explains the port number.

  5. Type the RainMachine static IP address that you setup on step 1).

    If asked, name the port trigger anything that makes sense to you. If it's for an FTP program, call it FTP. Call it RainMachine if you need the port open for your RainMachine.

  6. Enable the port forwarding rule with an Enable or On option. 

Some routers have a port forward setup wizard that makes it easier to configure. For example, the router might first give you a list of devices already using a static IP address and then let you choose the protocol and port number from there.

If you need to set up port forward to multiple RainMachine devices connected to the same network,  use something like:

Router:Port_85 -> RainMachine_1:8080
Router:Port_86 -> RainMachine_2:8080


3) Check the Direct Access to your RainMachine

After you set up the port forwarding to the RainMachine Static IP address and port 8080 you will need your Internet router PUBLIC IP address (unique address set for you by your internet service provider).

Type this address to find out your router PUBLIC IP address: https://www.whatismypublicip.com 

If that is not available to you in your provider package, you might be able to purchase it from them, or a workaround involving setting up a dynamic DNS service is just as helpful. 


Once you have all that set up, do the following

Using RainMachine Web app

  1. Type the PUBLIC IP address into a desktop web browser like:
    https://207.46.13.124:81 that points to the RainMachine Static IP address on your router (you just set it up on the step 2) like 192.168.0.102:8080 (mind the :8080 port)

  2. The RainMachine Web app login page should open up if everything is correctly set up on your router side and the PUBLIC IP is working

When using the RainMachine iOS or Android mobile apps

  1. Open the RainMachine mobile app and tap on the upper lift side hamburger menu
  2. Choose Network Settings, the tap on Direct Access
  3. Tap on Add Device (+)
  4. Enter a custom name and on the URL or IP address enter your PUBLIC IP that port forwards to your RainMachine. In our example is https://207.46.13.124:81
  5. Tap Save
  6. Go back to DEVICES screen and you should see your Direct Access device listed. Tap on it to access it and if everything is successful, you'll be asked to enter the RainMachine password to be able to access and control your RainMachine device from anywhere.



Troubleshooting


Not able to connect using Direct Access?

Make sure your ports are forwarded correctly in your router. (Need help Visit portforward.com)

1st Gen Models (HD-12 Sold before July 2015)

Port 443 or 18443

2nd Gen Models 

Port 8080 or 18080

Firewall - Generally most firewalls don't block ports internally, but if you get caught in this situation here are some common ports we use internally. 

8000 - Remote Access

8997 - Mobile App to send verification emails

9000 - Outbound to discover sprinklers remotly

61000-610xx depending on number of valves is Alexa integration ports




More port forwarding instructions:

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