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QUICK REFERENCE CHART08-01-99 | 16
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We asked each of our advertisers to provide up to three controllers each so that we could make an quick reference chart so that the Landscape Contractor knows what is out there, thus making his job easier.

COMPANY: Irritrol Systems

High-End Controller:

MC Plus Series - Utilizing programming flexibility and performance reliability, the MC Plus is truly a high-end solid-state controller. Available in 4- to 42-station models, this family of controllers is ideal for most any application from residential to heavy commercial.

Features:

• Four independent programs. Three start times on programs 1-3 and two start times on program 4

• Programmable calendar up to 16 days

• Station run times from 1 minute to 24 hours (1 second to 24 minutes on program 4)

• Cycle looping with cycle day (program 4)

• Programmable delay between stations up to four minutes

• Water budgeting

* Programmable "Rain Off" up to seven days

• Cables disconnect from terminal strip board for easy installation and maintenance on 18- to 42-station models

• "All stations" watering time entry capability

• Programmable valve test function which doesn't interfere with regular programming

• Self-diagnostic circuit breaker which identifies and overrides electrical malfunctions in valves

• Non-volatile memory will hold program during power failures of any duration. Battery backup keeps accurate time and date for up to 30 days during power failure.

• Two separate senor hookups for cycle start/stop

• Weather-resistant steel, locking cabinet.

Specifications:

• Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz

• Output: 24 VAC, 2.08A

• Maximum output per station: 24 VAC, 1.24A

• Maximum output per valve: 24 VAC, 1.80A

COMPANY: Irritrol Systems

|Low-End Controller:

Slim Dial Series - What makes this controller series unique is its size. The controller is only 6" x 8 1/2" x 2 1/4" which makes it ideal for residential projects. Despite its size, the Slim Dial controller is sophisticated enough to handle almost any residential watering application with up to six stations. The user-friendly Guided Programming leads users step-by-step making it convenient and simple. 

Features:

•Two independent programs with two start times per program

•Specific days of the week or odd/even scheduling

•Station run times last from 1 minute to 4 hours

•Large, nine-position programming dial with self-prompting LCD

• Battery backup keeps accurate time and maintains program during power failure

•Self-restarting circuit breaker protection

•Wiring skirt/conduit adapter hides wiring for professional installation.

Specifications:

• Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz

• Output: 24 VAC, .6A• Maximum output per station: 24 VAC, .25A

• Maximum output per valve: 24 VAC, .50A

COMPANY: Irritrol Systems

Mid-Range Controller:

Rain Dial Plus Series - The next step up is the Rain Dial Plus, which adds a host of features making it an ideal controller for complex residential and light commercial applications. The Rain Dial comes in configurations of 6, 9 and 12 stations.

Features:

• Three independent programs, with three start times each, which offer concurrent operation capability

• 365-day calendar with automatic weekday calculation for odd/even day watering options and leap-year adjustment

• Short-station detection and display

• Modular design allows removal of control module without removing the wires

• Can program via remote while under battery power

• Self-diagnostic circuit breaker identifies and overrides and electrical malfunction in a valve

• Non-volatile memory holds program during power failure

• Battery backup keeps current time and date during power failure

• Enhanced design protects against lightning damage and power surges

• Start time stacking when more than three valves are on

• Weather-resistant plastic, locking cabinet with an internal transformer

Specifications:

• Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz

• Output: 24 VAC, 1.25A

• Maximum output per station: 24 VAC, .5A

• Maximum total output: 24 VAC, 1A

 COMPANY: K-Rain

Mid-Range Controller:

K-Rain Single Station - Sometimes, a project, like a small residential landscape, calls for just one station. Multi-station controllers are impractical for those projects, which is why K-Rain offers a single-station controller. These controllers are ideal for the home-gardener who is just running sprinklers, as well as for extended period drip irrigation systems.

"Single station controllers are good for single zone or drip zone irrigation. You can get extremely long run times and it is more practical than a multi-station controller for small projects." - Chip Kah

Features:

• 24-hour programmable dial

• Flexible timing capabilities from minutes to hours

• Maximum run time, 23 hours

• Up to 93 start times per day

• 14-day program dial

Specifications:

• A variety of models are available with input voltages of either 110VAC, 60CYC or 220 VAC, 60 CYC

• Output voltages vary for each model (110 VAC, 60CYC/ 24, 20/ 220, 60)

 COMPANY: L.R. Nelson

Mid-Range Controller:

SmartZone EZ - This mid-range controller, available with 4-12 stations, has most of the features included in a commercial controller, but is most applicable for residential projects.

"It was the first controller on the market to have non-volatile memory. With its many features, the SmartZone EZ controllers are cost-effective for any residential project." - Robert Nytko

Features:

• Clear LCD readout

• Three independent programs with up to 3 start times for each

• Three scheduling options (7-day; 1-30-day interval; true odd/even)

• Sensor input slots with option of manual override

Water budgeting from 5-200% (in 1% increments)

• Programs run from 1 minute to 9 hours and 59 minutes

• Poly-Fuse circuit protection

Specifications:

• Input: 120 VAC

• Output: 24 VAC, 60 Hz

• One 9V battery

COMPANY: L.R. Nelson

High-end Controller:

SmartZone - The "Daddy" of L.R. Nelson's controllers, the SmartZone has one thing most controllers don't, expandability. Through the use of four-station expansion modules, a SmartZone controller can be expanded from eight stations to 36 using the same controller.

"When you only have to buy computer boards rather than larger controllers, it allows the distributor to stock one unit and has more space on the shelves. These units also allow you to expand to new zones without having to purchase another controller. They are ideal for projects which grow over time, like apartments and condos." Robert Nytko

Features:

• Non-volatile memory

• Four independent programs with four start times each

• A simultaneous program allows multiple programs to run if electrical and hydraulic systems are not exceeded

• Stackable programs

• Three scheduling options (7-day/1-30-day interval/true even/odd)

• Sensor inputs with override option

• Water budgeting 5-200%

• 12/24-hour clock

• Programmable pump options and delay times

• Programmable start day on interval up to 30 days out

COMPANY: L.R. Nelson

Low-End Controller:

Solorian Wireless 8010 - In situations where the cost of wire installation is too costly or an area prone to lightning storms, a wireless, individual valve controller is a unique solution. The battery operated controllers contain their own solenoid and a contractor can service it directly through the valve box.

Features:

• Three scheduling dials

• Waterproof design (submersible up to six feet of water)

• One 9-volt alkaline battery lasts for up to one year

• Latching solenoid design uses minimal battery consumption

• Resistant to lightning and AC power surges

• Compatible with most valves

• Automatic watering twice-a-day

• Watering times from 1 minute to 5 1/2 hours

• Y2K compliant

Specifications:

• The 8010 series is controlled by direct user interface

• The 8030 and 8050 series are more advanced and require the 8070 or 8080 series programmers

Company: Rain Bird

Middle-end Controller:

ESP LX Series - This controller is similar to the E-Class, but is designed to run irrigation systems in some of the more complex residential and light commercial projects. It is still easy to use and is designed to meet a diverse set of irrigation requirements. The LX Series ranges from 6-24 stations

Features :

• Four independent programs with six start times to allow mixed irrigation applications

• 365-day calendar with leap-year intelligence for one-time date and time setting

• Four cycle modes (Custom, Cyclical, Even, Odd) selectable for each program

• Non-volatile program memory maintains user's program during a power outage independent of battery backup

• Can be programmed to accommodate special occasions and watering ordinances with Event-Day-Off option

• Programmable delay between stations to allow for water well recovery and slow-closing valves

• Start time stacking prevents hydraulic overload

• Removable, battery-programmable panel for the convenience of both programing instruction and programming prior to installation

• Water budgeting from 0-300% in 1% increments

• Programmable rain-delay enables system to stay off for specified period of time

• Sensor inputs and override switch, with LED indicator when irrigation has been suspended

• Master valve/pump start circuit, programmable by station

Specifications :

• Station timing: 0 to 12 hours for all stations ; 0-20 minutes selectable in 1 minute increments; above 120 minutes, selectable in10 minute increments

• Six starts per day for each program, available on the quarter hour

• Input required: 117 VAC +/- 10%, 50/60 Hz or 230 V +/- 10%, 50/60 Hz

• Output: 26.5 VAC, 1.5A SLO-BLO

• Overload backup fuse: 1.5A SLO-BLO

• Up to two, 24 VAC, 7VA solenoid valves per station plus master valve or pump start relay

Company: Rain Bird

Low-End Controller:

ESP Series - The most basic of Rain Bird's controllers, the ESP series is a hybrid controller which is ideal for residential use. The programs are easy to work with and the interface is user friendly. The ESP series can be used indoors and outdoors; and is very durable in both environments. Models range from 4 to 8 stations.

Features:

• Self-prompting alphanumeric LCD display which is easy to understand

• Two independent programs with three start times for mixed programming

• Water budgeting from 10-200% adjustable in 10% increments

• Station timing in 1-minute increments for precise watering

• Programmable 7-day watering schedule

• Fixed 2-day, 3-day and 5-day cycles for watering at regular intervals

• Master valve/remote pump start circuit for optimal irrigation control

Specifications:

• Station timing: 0-99 minutes (in 1-minute increments); 0-198 minutes with water budgeting

• Timing accuracy: +/- 0.01%

• Input required: 117 VAC +/- 10%, 60 Hz or 220 V +/- 10%, 50 Hz

• Output: 24-26.5 VAC, 1.5A

• Overload fuse: 1.5A

• Surge Protection: Primary input has built-in metal oxide varistor (MOV) to protect micro-circuitry; output side has one for each valve station

• 9V Ni-MH rechargeable battery maintains program up to seven days and keeps time within an accuracy range of 2%

• Station capacity: Up to two 24 VAC, 7VA solenoid valves per station.

• After prolonged power interruption, each station reverts to defaults program and waters 10 minutes per cycle beginning 8 hours after power resumes.

Company: Rain Bird

High-end Controller:

ESP MC Series - This top-of-the-line controller is designed to handle large jobs and comes in a durable metal cabinet. The MC Series, which ranges from 8-40 stations, is also upgradeable for use with a central control mainframe

Features:

• 12-hour watering duration for any or all stations to aid in drip compatibility

• Four independent programs with eight start times each

• Four cycle modes (Custom, Cyclical, Odd, Even) for program flexibility

• Two master valve terminals, one programmable by station, to provide better control

• Programs can overlap to maximize efficiency and minimize watering time

• 365-day calendar with leap year intelligence for one-time programming• Programmable rain delay enables system to stay off for up to 99 days with auto-restart

• Water budget from 0-300% in 1% increments

• Cycle+Soak: This function allows total station run time to be split into usable cycles, minimizing puddling and run-off. The controller will calculate start times from user- inputted parameters

• Programmable delay between stations

• Sensor inputs, override switch and LED indicator

• 100-year memory holds program, date and time during power outages

• Quick-connect terminal strip

• Universal remote ready

• Transformer for simultaneous operation of up to nine, 24 VAC, 7VA solenoids

Specifications:

• Station timing: 0 to 12 hours (0-2 hours in 1 minute increments; above 2 hours in 10-minute increments)

• Test program variable from 1 to 99 minutes

• Input required: 117 VAC +/- 10%, 60 Hz or 230 V +/- 10%, 50 Hz

• Output: 26.5 VAC, 2.5A

• Up to two, 24 VAC, 7 VA solenoid valves per station plus a master valve or pump start relay

• Overload backup fuse: 2.5A

Company: Rain Master

High-End Controller:

Evolution DX2 - This unit is Rain Master's top-of-the-line product with a high-volume of program options. These controllers can be used as stand-alone units, but can also be grouped together with other controllers at a single point of connection without the use of a central control system. For example, when three controllers are triangulated on a system, each station monitors the other two stations and have the capacity to override the other if something is wrong.

Features:

• Available in configurations of 6-48 stations

• Inputs for 16 sensing devices

• 80 Character LCD display with 24 key membrane keypad

• Audible tone for valid or invalid operator entry

• Features 12 programs with 8 start times for each|

• Programmable by time or moisture sensor

• Continuous cycling of programs based upon user established start and end times

• Non-volatile memory maintains programs indefinitely during power outages

Flow monitoring protects system from station underflow, overflow, mainlinebreaks and unscheduled flows

• Communication monitoring to detect and alert user when a communications path has been disconnected

• Keypad offers visual and audio function keys on the control panel

• Power supervisor circuit prevents lockups due to power surges and brown-outs

• Electronic overload protection with automatic reset

• Programmable overlap protection which allows programs to be stacked

• Visual indicator for sensor readout

• Water budgeting from 0-999% in 1% increments

• Built-in timer delay to allow slow-closing valves to shut off

• Programmable rain shutdown

• Field wire fault detection identifies shorts and automatically shuts down offending station

• Remote control ready

Specifications:

* Input: 117 VAC +/- 15%, 60Hz, 20VA plus load current of 1A per station, 2A combined

COMPANY: Rain Master

Low-End Controller:

RME Sentar - This controller was designed with an emphasis on ruggedness and to be user friendly. With multiple displays, program review and a manual rain-shutoff switch, the Sentar has been popular in the light commercial arena.

Features:

• Non-volatile memory maintains programs indefinitely during power outages

• Keypad offers visual and audio function keys on the control panel

• Power supervisor circuit prevents lockups due to power surges and brown-outs

• Electronic overload protection with automatic reset

• Four programs capable of running with 5 independent start times each

• Programmable overlap protection which allows programs to be stacked

• Programming based on 7-day, skip-a-day and up to 30 daysbetween waterings

• Visual indicator for sensor readout

• Water budgeting from 0-300% in 1% increments

• Built-in timer delay to allow slow-closing valves to shut off

• Programmable rain shutdown

• Field wire fault detection identifies field wire shorts and automatically shuts down offending station

• Remote control ready

Specifications:

• Input: 105-130 VAC, 50/60Hz, 0.5A max.

• Output: 24 VAC, 1.5A max. or 36 VA, 1.0A max.

COMPANY: Rain Master

Mid-Range Controller:

RME Hawk - This unit is similar to the Sentar and includes some more advanced features. It has the ability to protect for flow and flow control; and broken heads or valves. When something goes wrong in the system, the front panel will not only light up an indicator light, but will sound off an alarm.

Features:

• With the addition of the Rain Master flow sensor, the user gets main line break protection; unscheduled flow detection; station upper-limit flow detections; tracking of water usage; and flow learn mode which establishes limits automatically

• Both Cycle-and-Soak and conventional programming

• Displays total run time per program, including soak delays, water budget percentage and interstation delay.

• Rain/freeze sensor can be used to turn off any one of the four programs

• Non-volatile memory maintains programs indefinitely during power outages

• Power supervisor circuit prevents lockups due to power surges and brown-outs

• Electronic overload protection with automatic reset

• Four programs capable of running with 5 independent start times each

• Programmable overlap protection which allows programs to be stacked

• Programming based on 7-day, skip-a-day and up to 30 days between waterings

• Visual indicator for sensor readout

• Water budgeting from 0-300% in 1% increments

• Built-in timer delay to allow slow-closing valves to shut off

• Programmable rain shutdown

• Field wire fault detection identifies field wire shorts and automatically shuts down

offending station

• Remote control ready

Specifications:

• Input: 105-130 VAC, 50/60Hz, 0.5A max.

• Output: 24 VAC, 1.5A max. or 36 VA, 1.0A max.

Company: Storm Irrigation

High-End Controller:

AutoScape Series - The AutoScape is a solid-state, dial-operated controller with non-volatile memory. It provides highly sophisticated control of irrigation systems, pumps and other devices. It is available in configurations of 6, 9, 12, 16, 18 and 24 stations.

Features :

• Keeps accurate time during power failure with backup battery; program information is stored by the non-volatile memory

• Simple dial and three-button programming

• Easy-to-read, high-visibility LCD display

• Detachable facepack/CPU allows for easy installation, programming and diagnostics

• High-capacity surge protection

• Runs up to 16 programs for different day watering programs

• Cycles 1 to 99 times per program with optional cycle delays (up to 11 hours and 59 minutes) between cycles

• Run times of up to 11 hours and 59 minutes in 1-minute increments

• Program scheduling on a daily, day-of-the-week, odd-even day or day-interval basis (up to every 31 days) by program

• Smart overload protection without fuses or circuit breakers prevents damage and reduces service calls

• Percent scale option adjusts program from 10-250% of normal run times

• Suspends operations from 1-99 days in any program group for weather conditions or maintenance

Specifications :

• Input: 105-125 VAC, 60Hz, 0.4A

• Output: 24 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1.5A max for multiple outputs, 0.5A max for single output

• Two common grounds - one for rain sensor interrupt and one to bypass

• 40 VA internal transformer will operate up to four stations, plus pump relay

• Three wires (115 VAC) are needed to provide electrical power to the controllers. Two of these wires should be sufficient to insure at least an input of 105 VAC. The third wire (green #14 AWG) serves as earth groundat The third wire (green #14 AWG) serves as earth ground

Company: Storm Irrigation

Mid-Range Controller:

Mechatronic Dual Program and Double Dual Program- Enclosed in a weather-resistant steel cabinet, the Mechatronic Dual Program controllers are simple to operate, making them ideal for light to medium commercial applications, as well as most residential irrigation systems. The Dual Program is available in configurations of 8 and 12 stations. The Double Dual Program is configured for 12 and 24 stations. The main difference between the two controllers it the Double Dual has different start times available for the program, whereas the Dual has just one. "The key thing about the Mechatronics line is the reliability. It's extremely simple, just a matter of setting switches. Anybody can set the program." - Don Thompson, Director of Sales

Features:

• Accurate time setting from 0-60 minutes with variable adjustment

• Indicator light shows which valve output is active

• Rapid advance through stations not in use for installations where pump is activated by controller

• Automatic, semi-automatic, rain omit (off) or manual mode selector

• Manual station advance switch

• Station time multiplier for water budget or seasonal adjustments

• Dual Program: Day wheel provides for up to 23 starts per day; two rows of pins on the day allows each program its own 14 day cycle; program select switches allow each station to be assigned Program A / B

Specifications:

• Input: 105-125 VAC, 60Hz, 0.4A

• Output: 24 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1.0A for stations/valves

• 1 A max per station/valve, 0.5A for pump master valve

• Three wires (115 VAC) are needed to provide electrical power to the controllers.

Two of these wires should be sufficient to insure at least an input of 105 VAC. The third wire (green #14 AWG) serves as earth ground

COMPANY: Weathermatic

Low-end Controller:

Weathermate - Contractors looking for a ruggedly built controller for residential and light commercial applications can opt for the Weathermate, one of the newest controllers on the market. The dial-based, three-program controller is available with a two-button remote control designed for its simplicity. This model is available in configurations of 6, 9 and 12 stations.

Features :

• Outdoor models are UV resistant

• Large, easy to read liquid crystal display

• Non-volatile memory retains programs in the event of a power outage

• Input surge protection against power spikes and a short detection system which indicates stations requiring service

• Three, fully independent programs, with weekly, interval, odd and even day scheduling

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