Rain Bird ESP-TM2I6-230V indoor controller - 6 zones - Wi-Fi upgradeable

Automatic irrigation control for 6 zones

The Rain Bird ESP-TM2I6-230V is a reliable irrigation controller designed to operate up to six independent watering zones. This compact indoor version is intended for installation in a dry, protected location and is particularly suitable for automatic residential lawn, flower bed, hedge and drip irrigation systems.

Six stations provide plenty of flexibility when dividing a garden into separate irrigation circuits. Different lawn areas, the front garden, flower beds, hedges and drip irrigation can each be operated through their own irrigation valve and programmed according to their individual water requirements.

The ESP-TM2 operates fully automatically without Wi-Fi or internet access. If smartphone control is required later, the controller can easily be upgraded with the separately available Rain Bird LNK2 WiFi module.

Simple operation directly at the controller

A smartphone or app is not required for normal operation. The ESP-TM2 features a clear control panel with a backlit display, central dial and conveniently arranged function buttons.

Simply set the current time, watering days, start times and individual station run times. The controller then carries out the programmed irrigation schedules automatically.

Individual stations, complete programs or all stations can also be started manually. This is particularly useful when testing the irrigation system after installation or when an individual garden area requires additional watering.

Six independently controlled irrigation zones

The six stations allow six separate irrigation circuits to be controlled. Each station normally operates one 24V AC irrigation valve. Multiple sprinklers, spray heads or other irrigation components can be installed downstream of each valve.

A zone therefore does not mean that only one sprinkler can be connected. The number of sprinklers that can operate within a zone depends on the available water pressure, flow and combined water demand of the connected sprinklers.

Six zones make it possible to separate irrigation types with different requirements. A lawn equipped with pop-up sprinklers, for example, can use a completely different run time from drip irrigation supplying a hedge.

Three programs with four start times

The ESP-TM2 provides three independent irrigation programs. Up to four start times are available for each program, allowing different watering schedules to be created for different parts of the garden.

Station run times can be set from 1 minute up to 6 hours. This makes the controller suitable for conventional lawn irrigation as well as watering systems requiring longer operating periods.

Multiple start times are also useful when a watering cycle needs to be divided into several shorter applications to improve water absorption and reduce surface runoff.

Flexible watering day selection

The ESP-TM2 supports custom weekdays, odd or even calendar days and cyclic watering schedules. This allows irrigation frequency to be adapted closely to the requirements of the garden.

Permanent no-water days can also be defined, making it easy to exclude regular lawn mowing or maintenance days.

Seasonal adjustment from 5 to 200% allows watering duration to be increased or reduced as weather conditions change without having to reprogram every individual station run time.

Connect standard 24V AC irrigation valves

The ESP-TM2I6-230V is designed to operate conventional 24V AC irrigation valves. This includes many Rain Bird and third-party valves equipped with an appropriate 24V AC solenoid.

In a typical installation, one wire from each valve is connected to its corresponding station terminal. The second wire from the valves is connected through the common circuit to the controller's COM terminal.

Suitable examples include appropriate 24V versions of Rain Bird HV, DV, DVF, PGA and PEB valves. Battery-operated 9V DC latching solenoids cannot be connected directly to the ESP-TM2.

230V input with 24V valve control

The 230V specification refers to the controller's mains power supply. The connected irrigation valves do not operate at 230V. The ESP-TM2 provides 24V AC for irrigation valve control.

Rain Bird specifies a maximum 24V AC output of 0.65A for the indoor version. A master valve or pump-start relay is also supported.

Low-voltage irrigation valve wiring is relatively straightforward, while any work involving the 230V mains supply must comply with applicable electrical regulations.

Designed for protected indoor installation

The TM2I6-230V is specifically the indoor version of the ESP-TM2 series. It should be installed in a dry, protected location such as a garage, basement, utility room or suitable garden building.

Measuring approximately 16.8 cm high, 16.7 cm wide and only 4 cm deep, the compact indoor version requires very little wall space.

For an unprotected outdoor installation, an appropriate outdoor ESP-TM2 version should be selected instead.

Connect a rain sensor

A compatible rain or rain/freeze sensor can be integrated directly into the irrigation system. Rain Bird offers suitable accessories including RSD and WR2 sensors.

Sensor control can be applied globally or by individual station. This provides additional flexibility when certain areas should continue to operate independently of the rain sensor.

Watering can also be delayed for up to 14 days without changing the underlying irrigation programs.

Upgrade to Wi-Fi with LNK2

The ESP-TM2I6-230V does not include built-in Wi-Fi. However, it is Wi-Fi upgradeable using the separately available Rain Bird LNK2 WiFi module, so the complete controller does not need to be replaced when smartphone connectivity is added later.

The compact LNK2 module plugs directly into the dedicated accessory port of the ESP-TM2 and does not require a separate power supply.

This allows the ESP-TM2 to be used initially as a conventional controller while retaining the option to add Wi-Fi functionality whenever required.

Convenient smartphone and remote control

With the LNK2 WiFi module installed, the compatible ESP-TM2 can be managed from a smartphone. The LNK2 connects the controller to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and enables supported remote functions when internet access is available.

You can check irrigation settings, adjust schedules and manually operate individual stations without standing directly in front of the controller.

The LNK2 requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and is not compatible with a network operating exclusively at 5 GHz.

Reliable irrigation even without Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is not required for automatic irrigation. Watering programs are stored locally in the ESP-TM2 and executed directly by the controller.

If Wi-Fi or internet access is temporarily unavailable, the irrigation system therefore continues to operate according to its stored schedules. Only remote and internet-dependent functions are temporarily unavailable.

Nonvolatile memory permanently retains the programming, while an internal lithium battery maintains the controller's time and date during power outages.

Master valve and pump-start support

The ESP-TM2 also supports a master valve or pump-start relay. Master valve operation can be enabled or disabled individually for each station.

An irrigation pump is not powered directly from the valve output. A suitable external pump-start relay or pump control system is required.

Technical data and specifications

• Manufacturer: Rain Bird
• Series: ESP-TM2
• Model: TM2I6-230V
• Version: Indoor
• Stations: 6
• Maximum irrigation zones: 6
• Input voltage: 230V AC ±10%
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Valve output: 24V AC
• Maximum indoor output: 0.65A at 24V AC
• Suitable solenoids: 24V AC irrigation solenoids
• 9V DC latching solenoids directly compatible: No
• Programs: 3
• Start times: Up to 4 per program
• Station run time: 1 minute to 6 hours
• Seasonal adjustment: 5 to 200%
• Watering schedules: Custom, odd, even or cyclic
• Permanent no-water days: Yes
• Watering delay: Up to 14 days
• Manual station watering: Yes
• Manual program operation: Yes
• Manual test of all stations: Yes
• Interstation delay: Adjustable
• Rain sensor connection: Yes
• Sensor bypass: Global or by station
• Master valve control: Yes
• Pump-start relay support: Yes
• Automatic short-circuit detection: Yes
• Program save and restore: Yes
• Nonvolatile program memory: Yes
• Built-in Wi-Fi: No
• Wi-Fi upgradeable: Yes
• Compatible Wi-Fi module: Rain Bird LNK2 WiFi
• LNK2 sold separately: Yes
• LNK2 Wi-Fi frequency: 2.4 GHz
• Internet remote access: Available with LNK2
• Installation location: Dry, protected indoor area
• Width: Approx. 16.7 cm
• Height: Approx. 16.8 cm
• Depth: Approx. 4.0 cm
• Maximum indoor operating temperature: 50°C
• CE compliant: Yes

Frequently asked questions about the Rain Bird ESP-TM2I6-230V

What do six stations mean?

The controller can operate six separate irrigation circuits. Each station normally controls one irrigation valve, while multiple sprinklers can be connected downstream of each valve.

Can several sprinklers be connected to one station?

Yes. The limiting factors are the available water pressure, flow and combined water demand of the sprinklers rather than the controller itself.

Can each zone have a different run time?

Yes. Individual station run times can be configured to suit areas with different watering requirements.

Which irrigation valves can I connect?

The ESP-TM2 is designed for valves equipped with 24V AC solenoids, including appropriate versions of many Rain Bird HV, DV, DVF, PGA and PEB valves.

Can I use 9V irrigation valves?

No. 9V DC latching solenoids used with battery-operated controllers cannot be connected directly to the ESP-TM2.

Does the ESP-TM2I6-230V include Wi-Fi?

No. Wi-Fi is not built in, but the controller can be upgraded with the separately available Rain Bird LNK2 WiFi module.

Which Wi-Fi module do I need?

The Rain Bird LNK2 WiFi module plugs directly into the dedicated accessory port of the ESP-TM2.

Can I control the controller remotely?

Yes. With an LNK2 WiFi module installed and an active Wi-Fi and internet connection, supported functions can be accessed remotely through the Rain Bird app.

Will irrigation continue if Wi-Fi fails?

Yes. Watering programs are stored locally in the ESP-TM2 and continue to operate even when Wi-Fi or internet access is unavailable.

Does the LNK2 require 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

The LNK2 requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. A 5 GHz-only network is not supported.

Can a rain sensor be connected?

Yes. The ESP-TM2 includes a sensor input and supports compatible Rain Bird rain and rain/freeze sensors.

Can I connect an irrigation pump?

The ESP-TM2 supports a pump-start relay. The pump itself is not powered directly from the valve output and requires an appropriate external pump control or relay.

Can the six-station model be expanded to eight stations later?

No. ESP-TM2 controllers have a fixed station capacity. If more than six zones are likely to be required later, choose the 8- or 12-station version from the beginning.

Can the indoor model be installed outdoors?

No. The TM2I6-230V is intended for dry, protected indoor installation. An appropriate outdoor ESP-TM2 version should be used for exposed outdoor locations.