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Stefano

Lives in: Zeccone, Lombardia, IT
Using: SPARK-8
Growing: Tall Fescue

Questions

Spark not working – won’t start valves despite all attempts

21
Stefano
Updated at 2025-07-23 06:55:23 UTC
Topic: Connected Home

Hi everyone,


I’ve been using a Netro Spark (8-zone model) for some time, but recently it stopped working properly.

The controller connects to Wi-Fi and appears online in the app, but when I try to start any valve (manually or via schedule), it says “communicating” and nothing happens.


Here’s what I’ve already tried:


  • Restarted the Spark multiple times
  • Performed a full reset (12 seconds on RST button)
  • Re-added the device in the app
  • Tried to trigger irrigation manually from both the app and the controller
  • Confirmed that the system works when I open the valves manually from the controller
  • Tried different power supplies
  • Connected to a mobile hotspot instead of my home Wi-Fi (same result)
  • Updated the firmware to the latest version (v3.3.0)
  • Purchased a brand new Spark controller and tested it — same exact issue



At this point, it looks like the issue is not hardware or network-related.

Could it be a firmware bug or a server-side problem?


Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks in advance,

Stefano Mauri


Problem: Spark 8 controller stuck on “in communication” when activating valves

21
Stefano
Updated at 2025-07-21 21:17:23 UTC
Topic: Connected Home

Hi everyone,

my Netro Spark 8 controller connects correctly to Wi-Fi and shows as online in the app. However, when I try to start irrigation manually from the app, it just stays on “in communication” and nothing happens.


I’ve already tried:


  • Using a different Wi-Fi network (even a mobile hotspot)
  • Replacing the controller with a new Spark 8
  • Restarting both the app and the device



If I activate the valves directly from the controller, they work fine — so it’s not a hardware issue.


Any suggestions on how to solve this?

Thanks in advance!

– Stefano