Irrigation
RAIN LING RL-CA13 / RL-CA16 Modular Irrigation Controllers
RAIN LING's RL-CA13 and RL-CA16 are modular irrigation controllers sold side by side. Both start with four stations. The CA13 grows in steps of three to 7, 10 or 13 stations; the CA16 grows in steps of four to 8, 12 or 16. Both offer four independent programmes with up to eight starts each, station run times from one minute to 12 hours 59 minutes, a normally-closed rain-sensor input and seasonal adjustment from 10% to 200%. A Wi-Fi module can be added. Pick the model whose expansion steps fit your zone count, then confirm modules, valve load and the Wi-Fi package in the offer.
Lingxing Irrigation Technology (Ningbo) — RAIN LING ↗
Build my procurement briefCA13 or CA16: picking the expansion steps
Both controllers begin at four stations. CA13 lists 4, 7, 10 and 13; CA16 lists 4, 8, 12 and 16. An eight-zone site lands on different builds depending on the model. A fixed eight-zone job could also go on RAIN LING's RL-CA08 eight-station controller. Put the starting build and the future zone count on the quotation, along with module part numbers.
| Decision | How the two models compare |
|---|---|
| Zones today | Count your zones and pick the listed size that covers them. For eight zones, CA16 has an eight-station build; CA13's nearest size is ten. |
| Zones later | Ask for the expansion module part number, quantity, firmware match and fitting procedure, and whether power must be off while fitting. |
| What ships | The internal photos show a base, power unit and several output blocks. Get an itemised list of fitted modules and empty slots for your order. |
| Master valve or pump relay | One master-valve or pump-relay function is described. Ask whether it sits outside the station count and what external relay it needs. |
Published specifications
Read each value with its stated conditions, and ask the manufacturer for any limit not listed here.
| Specification | Published value | Meaning / limit |
|---|---|---|
| Model alternatives | RL-CA13 / RL-CA16 [1] | Two columns in one RAIN LING table, compared here on one page. |
| CA13 station configurations | 4, 7, 10, 13 [1] [3] | Four-station base with three-station steps. Ask for the module part number and how many come with the base. |
| CA16 station configurations | 4, 8, 12, 16 [1] [4] | Four-station base with four-station steps. Order CA16 modules for CA16; ask before mixing with CA13 parts. |
| Input and output | AC 220 V 50 Hz input; AC 24 V 0.8 A output [1] | Same for both models. Ask whether 0.8 A is per station or total, and what the master valve may draw. |
| Programmes and starts | 4 independent programmes; up to 8 starts per programme [1] | Starts are counted per programme. Ask how overlapping programmes are queued. |
| Station duration | 1 minute to 12 hours 59 minutes [1] | Run-time range per station. Ask for the step size and what happens to a run cut by a power loss. |
| Calendar modes | Weekly; odd/even days; cycle-day interval 1–30 days [1] | Three calendar types. Ask how date changes and programme overlaps are handled. |
| Seasonal adjustment | 10%–200% [1] | The description calls it a duration adjustment; the table words it as irrigation volume. It scales time, since no flow meter is listed. |
| Rain input / remote option | Normally-closed rain-sensor switch; Wi-Fi module compatibility [1] | Rain shutdown and a sensor on/off switch are described. Ask whether the Wi-Fi module, app and service are in your offer. |
| Weight rows, basis unclear | CA13: 11.70 / 13.95 kg; CA16: 12.00 / 14.25 kg (net / gross) [1] | The page also lists 6 PCS/CTN, so these may be carton weights. Ask for unit and carton masses. |
| Packing, both models | 43 × 32 × 37.5 cm; 6 PCS/CTN [1] | Carton size and quantity for freight. |
Programmes, start times and seasonal adjustment
Both models run four independent programmes with up to eight starts each, and station times from one minute to twelve hours fifty-nine minutes. Set up one real programme from your site with the supplier and watch it run before settling the layout.
Build a programme
Record its stations, calendar mode, starts and durations. Ask how two programmes that overlap are handled: queued, skipped or run together.
Check the calendar
Try weekly, odd/even or a one-to-thirty-day cycle as your site needs, including the cycle start date and a month change.
Apply seasonal change
Set a value in the ten-to-two-hundred-percent range and check the resulting run times. Measure water delivered with a meter if volume matters.
Settings and recovery
Ask how long the clock and programmes are kept without power, how a manual run interacts with a programme, and what happens when power returns.
Valve output and master-valve relay
Both models take 220 V AC 50 Hz and give 24 V AC at 0.8 A. Adding modules adds outputs; ask whether the power unit supplies enough current for them all. Get the controller, power unit and module data for your build and the coils you plan to use. If those coils belong to EVA/EVD solenoid valves from the same maker, ask for both data sets on one sheet.
| Item | What to request |
|---|---|
| Valve coils | Coil type, voltage, and inrush and holding current for each valve, plus the allowed simultaneous combination for your base and modules. |
| Master valve or pump relay | Timing, output type, the approved relay and who supplies the pump control. Drive a pump motor through a separate relay sized for it. |
| Wiring package | Power unit, module, terminal and field wiring instructions for your build. |
| Loaded test | Run the agreed stations with the master function on and check each valve opens, following RAIN LING's procedure. |
Rain sensor and Wi-Fi option
Both models accept a normally-closed switch-type rain sensor, with rainfall shutdown and a sensor on/off switch. Ask which sensor is supplied, which stations or programmes it stops, how bypass shows on the panel, and what happens if rain starts mid-run, a wire breaks or a station was started by hand. Ask too how watering resumes after rain.
The Wi-Fi module is an add-on. Confirm the module code, that it fits your hardware and firmware, the app, any account or service fees, the network it needs and whether it is in the price. Test remote monitoring and commands apart from local scheduling, and check what keeps running when the connection drops.
Cabinet, shipping data and handover
RAIN LING describes a waterproof cabinet for indoor or outdoor use. The table gives no IP number, temperature range or installed size, so request them. Keep packing figures apart from the mounted size and the unit weight. Larger layouts can move up to the RL-CJ100 decoder controller, and the irrigation category lists other makers' controllers for comparison.
| Item | What to settle |
|---|---|
| Cabinet and access | Model outline, mounting, cable entry, door and service space, and the environmental rating for this range. |
| Weights | CA13 lists 11.70/13.95 kg and CA16 12.00/14.25 kg net/gross, both with six pieces per carton in 43 × 32 × 37.5 cm. Ask RAIN LING to give unit, accessory and full-carton masses. |
| Build record | Model, fitted modules, station and programme record, power package, rain sensor and any Wi-Fi module, with a function test on that build. |
| Documents and support | Manuals, compatible modules and spares, destination conformity documents and written installation, warranty and support terms. |
Buyer questions
Can CA13 be built with exactly eight stations?
CA13 is listed at four, seven, ten and thirteen. For eight stations, CA16 has an eight-station build. [1]
Are the eight start times per zone?
They are per programme, with four independent programmes. Plan zone starts within those programmes. [1]
Does 200% deliver twice the water?
It doubles run time. Actual water depends on pressure and flow at each zone, so measure it if volume matters. [1]
Is Wi-Fi included?
RAIN LING says the controllers work with a Wi-Fi module. Ask whether the module, app and service are in your offer. [1]
What IP rating does the cabinet have?
The page describes it as waterproof for indoor or outdoor use without an IP number. Ask RAIN LING for the rating in writing. [1]
Prepare a model-specific brief
Write your actual conditions below. This local worksheet is not sent, uploaded or saved after reload. Copy or print it before leaving.
Sources
Specifications come from the manufacturer's publications listed below, with the date each was checked.
- Official modular controller description and two-model table
manufacturer · Checked 2026-10-11
RL-CA13 and RL-CA16 station builds, electrical ratings, programmes, run times, NC rain input, Wi-Fi option, weights and packing.
- Original official modular-controller front illustration
manufacturer · Checked 2026-10-11
Front panel with dial, programme selector, sensor switch and buttons.
- Official CA13 internal modular arrangement photograph
manufacturer · Checked 2026-10-11
CA13 interior with power unit, base and output blocks.
- Official CA16 internal modular arrangement photograph
manufacturer · Checked 2026-10-11
CA16 interior with power unit, base and output blocks.
Report a correction through our contact form, quoting RL-CA13 / RL-CA16 and the relevant specification.