ET Controllers in Review

Here’s a selection of the latest crop of ET Controllers as reviewed by irrigation expert and ornamental horticulturist Forest Hill.

Aqua Conserve Controllers

AQUA CONSERVE CONTROLLERS

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive, Easy to install and operate

This controller is useful for large office complexes and homes. It’s very easy to install and use. The stainless steel cabinet encloses a standard size controller, with a capacity ranging between 8 to 66 different stations. Aqua Conserve controllers can operate using 2 different modes: either the historical ET data, or with updated information delivered via a phone line. Phone operations also afford, a remote technician the ability to make field adjustments remotely. It is possible to wirelessly control up to 6 different units located in a single installation. Like other smart timers, it can be augmented with rain shut off and temperature sensors.

Rain Bird ET Manager

ADVANTAGES: Attractive price, compatible with existing equipment, no subscription required.

The ET Manager is an add on unit that will easily work with your existing irrigation timer. It’s programmable from your PC or directly in the field. The unit receives a real time signal from a local weather station and microprocessor technology to calculate optimal irrigation. There are weather stations in most areas of the country, and no subscription is needed.

Rain Bird ESP-LX Modular:

RAIN BIRD ESP-LX MODULAR

ADVANTAGES: Self Contained, low purchase price, no subscription required

The ESP-LX Modular is everything the Rain Bird ET Manager is, but is fully self contained. This is a good choice where you don’t already have a clock in place. Similar to the ET manager, the ESP will program the water run times and the days. It adjusts to current weather data from weather stations, with out needing a subscription. Both Rain Bird units are very inexpensive compared to their competitors.

TORO INTELLISENSE

IRRITROL SMART DIAL

ADVANTAGES: high accuracy, real time weather data

These models are similar in appearance and operation, and both use the weather track system. The Toro Intelli-Sense has a 48 station capacity, and the Irritrol Smart Dial will control from 6 to 24 stations. Programming parameters include soil type, sprinkler type, sun exposure, slope percentage, soak periods, and water windows. Accuracy is high, but programming complexity is greater than other units. Both units require a subscription to the Weather Track system, at a cost of $4 to $10 per month. This is a high performance unit, and professional installation is recommended.

Rain Master Eagle:

RAIN MASTER EAGLE

ADVANTAGES: Abundance of features, Internet Streamed data via Wi-Fi

These smart controllers have all the usual bells and whistles and offer wall or pedestal mounting options. The evaporation data comes is delivered over the internet via factor installed Wi-Fi hardware (MSRP $1200) with a $11.95 a month subscription required. The Rain Master Eagle has every conceivable Smart Controller feature, and must be installed by expert level technicians.

Soil Moisture Sensor

Moisture Sensors:ADVANTAGES: Direct measurement of soil moisture level

In addition to Smart Controllers, Moisture Sensors offer a more traditional type of irrigation management. Though they don’t offer the accuracy of real time data and microprocessor control, they will effectively manage water usage and reduce waste. Modern moisture sensors, used for landscaping (and also for greenhouses), can detect water levels in the soil any where from 6 to 36 inches deep. The units simply activate irrigation when water level in the soil reaches a predetermined point. A basic installation involves averaging the water usage over an entire landscape, be it sunny, shaded, sloped, thirsty or drought tolerant. A more accurate installation requires additional sensors, labor and hard wire runs controlling tightly defined irrigation zones.

For More Information Contact: Swan Drought Tolerant Technology http://swanh2o.com Swan is a division of Landscape Design Inc, CA lic. # 48431