New Irrigation Control Products

Irrigation control technology is progressing rapidly enough for a new crop of improved products to appear each year. November?EUR??,,????'???s Irrigation Association show in Phoenix was one recent place where experts and industry insiders got to see a range of new hardware under one roof.

Here?EUR??,,????'???s a peek at Hunter?EUR??,,????'???s product as well as a number of competing entries that were on display at the 2005 IA show in Phoenix.

Acclima?EUR??,,????'???s SC36 controller uses on-site moisture-sensing technology to prevent over-watering. The system?EUR??,,????'???s digital moisture sensor is the four-wire probe seen in the water tub at right here. The sensor can be placed and programmed to monitor different water zones using spray nozzles, rotors or drip. More info: www.acclima.com

AccuWater?EUR??,,????'???s ET-based controller is an integrated Internet system that sends real-time weather data to every controller. Combined with soil modeling and plant data, the system matches irrigation to the needs of individual shrubs, trees and other plants. The AccuWater controller also includes shut-off for wind, freeze and rain. More info: www.accuwater.com

 

Etwater?EUR??,,????'???s control system uses plant type, soil, slope, sun/shade, sprinkler type and distribution uniformity data to measure irrigation rates. The system downloads a new custom irrigation schedule to each controller daily. Includes a runoff-control algorithm to eliminate runoff. More info: www.etwater.com

The GP1 Irrigation monitor can add control to an existing system by coordinating a soil-moisture probe (the prong-like instrument seen here), a temperature sensor and a rainfall sensor. The system is paired with DeltaLINK PC software to allow viewing and analysis of field data. More info: www.delta-t.co.uk

The winner of the IA?EUR??,,????'???s 2005 Turf/Landscape category includes real-time flow sensing, built-in remote control and the ability to customize individual controllers while in the field. The adaptable design allows users expand from the base, 12-station unit up to a total of 42 stations. Plug-in modules let the ACC communicate with central control via hardwire, radio or telephone. More info: www.hunterindustries.com

The new LEIT Link Radio-Remote Handset allows an user to adjust and manage a LEIT XRC ambient-light controller from up to 800 feet away. The radio communication device can activate manual runs, test valves, install programs, adjust budgets, review controller status and activate programs. More info: www.digcorp.com

Toro?EUR??,,????'???s Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor adds rain and cold-weather shut-off capability to existing controller systems. The integrated sensors can be placed in multiple sites to communicate microclimate date to a central controller by radio. More info: www.toro.com

The SL 800 irrigation controller works with the SLW 10 weather monitor to add on-site weather data for more precise water control and savings. The SmartLine system includes a built-in valve locator that can help users find individual valves by sensing a solenoid?EUR??,,????'???s electric current. More info:www.weathermatic.com