Automatic Timers or Controllers
The 'brains' of an automatic irrigation system is known as the timer or controller. We'll stick to calling it a controller because it does more than just keep time. Of course not all controllers are created equally, but all of them serve at least the basic function of keeping the time, date, and activating the sprinkler system at a time programmed by the user.
There are many different models and grades of irrigation controllers available for homeowner and irrigation professionals to use. So how do you choose one that's suitable for you? Well if you already have an automatic lawn sprinkler system than you obviously already have a controller installed. If this controller goes bad than I will usually recommend that you replace it with the same make and model for a couple different reasons.
If you try replacing your controller with a different type than you will most likely run into complications such as the new timer being a slightly different size and shape which may require you to drill new holes and possible do several wire splices at some undesirable places. If you replace your old controller with the same type, then you should not have to drill new holes in the wall or side of house, and you should not have to do any wire splices as everything should match up nice.
Now there are cases where I will recommend installing a different model controller. For example, if I believe the timer or controller to be an inferior brand or model then I would recommend replacing it with a higher-grade model. While the commercial grade controllers that most irrigation contractors use are higher priced than the hardware store and Lowes/Home depot timers, they are worth the extra money because they are more durable and last longer.
The top controllers that I use and recommend are as follows:
Rain Bird ESP Modular Timer: Residential and light commercial applications
Rain Bird ESP-LX Modular: Medium Commercial, Larger Residential, and more complex water systems such as those containing two or more water sources.
Hunter Pro-C: Residential
Hunter ICC: Commercial
I still love Rain Bird products over Hunter, Nelson, or Toro, but the two Hunter controllers that I listed are not too bad and pretty much equal in features and capabilities to their Rain Bird counter-parts.
All of these timers/controllers have a 120volt input and a 24volt output to the master-valve (or pump-start relay) and each zone's electric valve. A 9 volt battery is utilized as a program memory backup, so that the program is not lost due to a short power outage, but the battery will not operate the system.
Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com
There are many different models and grades of irrigation controllers available for homeowner and irrigation professionals to use. So how do you choose one that's suitable for you? Well if you already have an automatic lawn sprinkler system than you obviously already have a controller installed. If this controller goes bad than I will usually recommend that you replace it with the same make and model for a couple different reasons.
If you try replacing your controller with a different type than you will most likely run into complications such as the new timer being a slightly different size and shape which may require you to drill new holes and possible do several wire splices at some undesirable places. If you replace your old controller with the same type, then you should not have to drill new holes in the wall or side of house, and you should not have to do any wire splices as everything should match up nice.
Now there are cases where I will recommend installing a different model controller. For example, if I believe the timer or controller to be an inferior brand or model then I would recommend replacing it with a higher-grade model. While the commercial grade controllers that most irrigation contractors use are higher priced than the hardware store and Lowes/Home depot timers, they are worth the extra money because they are more durable and last longer.
The top controllers that I use and recommend are as follows:
Rain Bird ESP Modular Timer: Residential and light commercial applications
Rain Bird ESP-LX Modular: Medium Commercial, Larger Residential, and more complex water systems such as those containing two or more water sources.
Hunter Pro-C: Residential
Hunter ICC: Commercial
I still love Rain Bird products over Hunter, Nelson, or Toro, but the two Hunter controllers that I listed are not too bad and pretty much equal in features and capabilities to their Rain Bird counter-parts.
All of these timers/controllers have a 120volt input and a 24volt output to the master-valve (or pump-start relay) and each zone's electric valve. A 9 volt battery is utilized as a program memory backup, so that the program is not lost due to a short power outage, but the battery will not operate the system.
Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com
posted by Irrigationman at
6:54 PM
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