New ways to more easily and precisely control irrigation systems
Gaining up to 50 percent water savings should garner the attention of your budget and environmentally conscious clients. That’s just one of the potential benefits some of the latest remote control systems offer. Here’s a peek at how they can work for you.
Money-saving, eco-friendly
DIG Corporation’s LEIT-2ET wireless control system uses local weather data (wind speed, temperature, rainfall and solar radiation) to automatically adjust irrigation schedules. The solar-powered system saves money by eliminating trenching for wires and the need for AC power. The controller also uses site information like plant type, irrigation method, slope and soil type that is contractor-programmed into the wireless two-way radio handset.
Run-time remote
Underhill International’s WaterDex remote can adjust sprinkler run-times without reprogramming the irrigation controller. WaterDex has a 200-foot line of sight range and can be wired into several popular controllers like Rain Bird, Hunter, Toro and Weathermatic.
Monitor soil moisture to prevent overwatering
Rain Bird’s SMRT-Y sensor measures moisture in soil, independent of temperature fluctuations or soil chemistry changes, every 10 minutes, and relays the info to the controller interface. If moisture levels are too high, the schedule is interrupted. Rain Bird says the SMRT-Y can provide 40 to 50 percent water savings and works on any manufacturer’s controller.
By Jennifer Holloway
