So i bought what I call an "Obama" sprinkler system controller - Orbit B-Hyve - it came with a $100 rebate (received and I already cashed that check!)
I really like the set up as it can be controlled 100% by an app on your phone - It allowed me to easily turn zones off - which I was using to try and narrow down where my leak is - but my gripe is that it is dialed into your WIFI location and if any rain shows up at all then it turns the sprinkler off for 3 days, I am down with saving water but living in the mix of the desert / mountains / plains it can be a torrential downpour a block away and dry as a bone at my house. I tried changing my zip code on the controller to Las Vegas where it hardly rains and it auto changed it back to my actual zip code.
Gonna see if there is a way around this and if not will be taking it back to the home depot this weekend and getting another version that is more flexible.