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Anatomy 101 of a Sprinkler System: Four |
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Lesson Fourby Tom Lanier, Sprinkler Pros Lesson Four: The Sprinkler System Controller. This lesson includes ‘get to the point and don’t confuse me’ sentences in bold. Controller is the industry term for the layman phrase sprinkler timer. The controller is so called because it is the heart of the automatic sprinkler system. Except for the stragglers that still exist out there, gone are the days of gear-driven mechanical controllers. I can hear some of you sobbing uncontrollably . . . there, there. I understand. Those were the simpler days weren’t they? Well progress has knocked on our door and the good news is that there are a couple of electronic controllers out there that are actually easy to operate, but they won’t be found in a home center or hardware store. You’ll have to go to a local irrigation store (or call me). There’s one series in particular that has been a winner with every single customer I’ve installed one for since it’s inception in the mid ‘80s. It’s the Irritrol Rain Dial series. Of course it’s evolved since then, but they kept the ease-of-use design. The other almost as easy to use controller has snap-in modules that allow for sprinkler valve additions without having to upgrade to a controller with more stations on it. This is the Hunter Pro-C series. Both series’ are versatile and are available as indoor or outdoor models. Speaking of controllers, Mario Andretti once said,” If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough.”Always use outdoor controllers in environments that lend to dampness. They are built to keep the electronics dry. They cost a bit more, but they’re worth it. The warranty is void if you install an indoor controller outside and is ruined due to H2O invasion. Sorry, installing it under a roof line does not make it rain tight. There are now controllers that can be programmed from your computer! There are also controllers that, I believe, will become the norm for the near future especially in arid states like ours. They are called smart controllers. They have guided programs that allow you to input information about your climate zone, soil and plant types, etc. and then it will control the irrigation timing based on current weather conditions. In essence, you don’t have to ever mess with your controller settings again—in theory. Controller program settings will be discussed next time. Stay tuned. If you are frustrated with your current controller and would like a replacement, my cell phone is 878.5449.
All content is copyright Tom Lanier. This article was originally published in the Orcutt Pioneer www.orcuttpioneer.com.
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