Sprinkler Controllers

[gbcharles]

So last year I had a small sprinkler system installed. At the time I went with the default control box that my landscaper had for it. It's not a bad system, but it's also very simple. It has the zones configured, it has the schedule configured, and there's a nice manual dial that I can use to turn it on or off if I need to.

What I didn't think about when he set it up was the ability to have better control over it, as in being able to control it from my smart phone, or home automation system. I had a thought yesterday of something I wanted to try- plug the control box into a smart power plug, that allows me to manually turn it on and of, and schedule it, from my phone. Unfortunately, he said that with my unit it's not possible, due to the battery backup. Once the battery is dead, it will lose all programming and need to be reprogrammed any time it gets power.

I know they make controllers that are wifi capable, and able to be controlled with smart phones. My question is this. Is there a controller box out there that without any programming, will just turn on any/all zones when it's set to on, and turn them all off when it's set to off? The goal is, as stated above, to take a smart plug and plug the control box into it. This would cause power to be cut to the box whenever it's not on, which is why I'm looking for one that I could just set to on, knowing that when the power is restored to it, it will turn on.

Any thoughts on this are much appreciated.

 

[Milton Shaw]

You could do that with just a simple transformer instead of control box. Just get one that has the VA that is more than the sum of all the solenoids on the system and plug it into the smart phone box. If you want more than one zone, use more than one transformer and smart phone box. Simple and a lot cheaper than any sprinkler control box I have seen. Plus no battery back up or programming to loose.

 

[WhiffySpark]

For most it isn’t needed and just causes people to over water.

 

[Git]

Here is something to think about. When you set up irrigation system, your 'suspposed' to do a couple of tests first to determine how much water flow (gallons per minute) is available at your house. Then when you lay out your circuits, you need to figure out how many sprinklers you can have on one circuit to properly water. You can't just turn all your sprinklers on at once and expect them to work properly. And some things like plants, bushes and trees only need to be watered like every 10 days (depending on your location) where you may have to water your grass every day.

Take a look at the 'smart' controllers. They take a little bit of setup - but at least you can do it on your phone or on your computer. The smart controllers actually take into account the weather for your area so when it is really hot, they water more and when it is not, they can scale back. Again, once properly set up, you shouldn't have to deal with it again

I would suggest a Rachio - you may even qualify for a rebate from your water company

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1NMLJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mongo68]

I built an OpenSprinkler. They have kits or already built as well...

 

[kTHREE]

I've had fantastic luck with my Rain Machine.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Here is something to think about. When you set up irrigation system, your 'suspposed' to do a couple of tests first to determine how much water flow (gallons per minute) is available at your house. Then when you lay out your circuits, you need to figure out how many sprinklers you can have on one circuit to properly water. You can't just turn all your sprinklers on at once and expect them to work properly. And some things like plants, bushes and trees only need to be watered like every 10 days (depending on your location) where you may have to water your grass every day.

Take a look at the 'smart' controllers. They take a little bit of setup - but at least you can do it on your phone or on your computer. The smart controllers actually take into account the weather for your area so when it is really hot, they water more and when it is not, they can scale back. Again, once properly set up, you shouldn't have to deal with it again

I would suggest a Rachio - you may even qualify for a rebate from your water company

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1NMLJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You can add rain , wind, soil moisture and a few other sensors to most controllers. It doesn’t have to be a “smart” controller. I install hunter mostly. “Smart” allows you to look at it on your phone. I found it just caused people to run their water everyday and then blame us

 

[Git]

I would disagree.

Wifi would allow you to look at it on your phone.

"Smart" like the Rachio and Rain Machine actual obtain info from a local weather station and adjusts the watering schedule accordingly. Setup is a little more involved - what is being watered (grass, shrubs, trees, etc) type of sprinkler used, type of soil, any slope, amount of sun, etc. The controller then calculates the run time for each circuit and if it determines that it would be too much water at one time, causing the excess to run off, they will automatically implement a 'cycle and soak' feature. ie Water for 20 minutes then give it time for the water to actually soak in and then come back and water for another 20 minutes, etc. There is a reason that water companies are actually giving out rebates for these type of controllers

 

[gbcharles]

You've all thrown out some good things to consider. Truth is, I only have 2 zones right now, and don't have any plans to expand upon that. Last summer I just got fed up with them running before, during or after rain.

Has anyone used the Orbit B-Hyve? They have a 6-zone one that's pretty reasonably priced, and offers the features I'm looking for, and then some, including some of the ones mentioned above, such as taking into consideration weather forecasts and aspects of the yard such as soil, grass, vegetation and sunlight.

 

[Git]

It checks all the boxes

Fairly inexpensive, wifi, smart, lots of good reviews on Amazon. Can't see how you could go wrong at $85. There really is no need for all the 'sensors' anymore. If the weather forecast is for rain and the controller is smart enough to pick that up...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D15HOIQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

CNET likes it
https://www.cnet.com/products/orbit-b-hyve/review/

 

[jdm5]

I’m very happy with Rachio - might want to look at that if you’re investigating a smart controller.

 

[shoot summ]

I've had fantastic luck with my Rain Machine.

+1 for the Rain Machine...

 

[Falcon67]

I stick my hand in the cans and turn on the valves, then open the big gate valve at the pump. Worked well enough for the last 8 years that the controller in the box is way obsolete now LOL. I have 7 zones. The PO tore up the wiring at the valves and to replace the wiring would be a huge job covering 3 lots - and it's just not been a priority.