A Closer Look At The Types Of Irrigation Controllers
This article will help you choose an irrigation controller. Sprinkler Warehouse offers various examples of controllers as well as links to browse available items. Sprinkler Warehouse offers you a wide range of indoor and outdoor sprinkler and irrigation timers from a variety of leading irrigation manufacturers, including Rain Bird, K-Rain, Weathermatic, Hunter, Toro, and Irritrol. The irrigation controller, also called clock or timer, is the brain of your system. Sprinkler controllers come in a wide range of makes and models. So it is important to choose an irrigation controller based on the size of the sprinkler system and any specific landscape requirements.
Web-Based Sprinkler Timers
These smart controllers offer a hybrid design that incorporates the latest technology with the existing infrastructure of your sprinkler system. By connecting to the internet, meteorological databases, and/or on-site sensors these controllers ensure that your sprinklers only run when they need to.
Example: Irrigation Caddy S1 is a web-based controller that can connect to Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. It has 9 zones, and 5 start times, and is also rain sensor compatible. The PC, tablet, or mobile device controls the controller. There are no requirements for special software.
Battery Operated Controller
Example: Irritrol IBOC-12PLUS 12 Station Outdoor Sprinkler Timer Sets up to 12 stations, comes with solar and battery-powered options, and built-in surge protection. Battery-operated controllers are also used for residential and commercial use.
Standard Irrigation Controllers
Simple and cost-effective, standard controllers are a great option for those installing a basic sprinkler system.
Irrigation controllers can use weather conditions to determine how much water to apply and when to run your sprinkler system. Low monitoring is required. You and it can help you save up to 25% of the water that you would apply by a traditional controller. In addition, Hunter’s lineup offers an array of user-friendly features and smart controller water-saving options built to fit any landscape irrigation system.
The image below shows the Hunter I-Core 6 Station Indoor/Outdoor irrigation controller:
Most irrigation controllers vary in their complexity but are relatively simple to install and operate. Installation requires basic electrical knowledge. Most homeowners can do this in as little as twenty minutes or as much as three hours. Sprinkler timers come in a wide range of makes and models. Above all, it is important to choose your timer based on the size of the sprinkler system and any specific landscape requirements.
Types of Controllers:
Wi-Fi Controllers:
- Wi-Fi controllers can connect to Wi-Fi.
- You can choose to operate your sprinkler controller from your PC, tablet, or mobile device.
Shop Sprinkler System Wi-Fi Controllers Here
Battery Operated Controllers:
- Battery operated controllers come in wall-mounted and also valve mounted types.
- Wall mounted battery operated controllers can operate up to 12 stations (depending on the model).
- Battery operated controllers work for residential as well as commercial systems. They also work for either sprinkler or drip irrigation systems.
Shop Battery Operated Irrigation Controllers Here
Standard Controllers:
- Standard controllers come in outdoor and also indoor models.
- Incorporate weather sensors for added efficiency.
- They are simple and cost-effective standard controllers are a great option for a basic sprinkler system.
Shop Standard Sprinkler Controllers Here
Smart Controllers:
- Smart controllers can use weather conditions to determine how much water to apply and when to run your sprinkler system.
- Help you save up to 25% of the water over a traditional controller.
- Often vary in their complexity but are relatively simple to install and operate. Basic electrical knowledge will help with installation. Most homeowners can install controllers in as little as twenty minutes or as much as three hours.
Shop Smart Controllers For Sprinkler Systems Here
Major Factors:
- Zone/Station Quantity– You need to decide how many zones are in your irrigation. The timer you select must be able to operate at least as many zones as your sprinkler system is broken into.
- Location– You have to decide where you want your controller mounted indoors or outdoors.
- Desired Number of Programs– A minimum of two programs is recommended. You may want more for increased flexibility. In addition, most sprinkler timers come in single, two, three, or four-program designs.
Additional Features:
- Remote: Many of the major irrigation companies such as Hunter, Irritrol, and Rain Bird carry compatible remotes that you can use up to 2 miles away to operate your system without all the walking back and forth.
- Seasonal Watering Adjustment: Most timers have seasonal scheduling options, in addition to daily, weekly, and monthly scheduling.
- Memory: A battery backup will store programming indefinitely without power.
- Self-Diagnostics: Some timers include water fluctuation compensating diagnostic programs or short-circuit protection.
- Rain Sensor: A great water-conserving feature for sprinkler timers is a rain sensor. Watering pauses when precipitation has been detected.
As a matter of personal preference, many additional features and options may be available that you can choose but are not critical to your sprinkler system functioning properly.
Related Items For Sale:
Irrigation Sensors
Drip Irrigation Timers
Battery Operated Controllers (Drip Irrigation)
The Rain Bird ESP-ME3 4 Station WiFi Ready Indoor/Outdoor Controller is available on SprinklerWarehouse.com and ready to ship today.
