Weathermatic "Smart" Sprinkler Controllers

[Hugh R]

I got one for free from my local water agency. It seems in "Smart Mode" it takes over from the manual inputs that I programmed with the wireless weather station that came with it. I've read they tend to keep plants at the ragged distressed level of water deprivation.

I have a garden of sorts that I want to water twice a day for a few minutes, and it seems in the "Smart Mode" it won't let me make it do that.

[rwest]

I've not been too impressed with technology that uses weather based data to make decisions. I think the only better way to control watering than manually would be in ground moisture sensors.

[chris_b]

Hi Hugh,

Does the controller you have show options for the soil, sprinkler, sun/shade, slope and or plant types? If so by monkeying with these parameters you can change the amount of water that the controller will apply to the plant material.

I.E. Turf will require more water than shrubs, sandy soil will require more water than clay soil, sunny areas more water than shady...

The theory behind the operation of these controllers is you program in the basic parameters for each valve, then the controller takes information from a local weather station and sets the run time for the valves that it thinks your garden needs to keep it irrigated properly. The key to getting the thing running right is pay a little more attention to your plant material once you install the system than you might ordinarily and if it is showing signs of stress tweak the parameters a little until you get it balanced out.

In my experience with these systems you can typically tweak them into running right pretty quickly, but keep in mind the more intricate your landscape is the more time it may take to get it right.

Another key element to having them run right is making sure that your irrigation system is valved properly, (plant material of similar water needs valved together).

I have been involved with at least a couple of hundred projects with these types of systems and have had good success, they do however do some weird things sometimes regarding start and run times so be ready for the unexpected...

I hope this helps, good luck!

Chris

p.s. I am in socal, if you want to chat about your system shoot me your number in a pm and I will give you a call.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

I have a garden of sorts that I want to water twice a day for a few minutes, and it seems in the "Smart Mode" it won't let me make it do that.

They must do things differently in Ca. Up here that would be the kiss of death for a garden. Unless you're growing moss and mold.

[Baz]

Hugh, Chris (post #2) is spot on - your smart controller is designed to retrieve all kinds of environmental data plus take into consideration various degrees of water requirements throughout your property - based on plant types, soil, exposure, etc. so it will require a bit of tweaking for it to operate effectively for you.

Bottom line is you will have to invest some time and effort to implement your smart controller and ultimately it may not be a good fit for your application at this time.

If Chris is willing to assist - since he is local - I would take him up on it. Otherwise - be prepared to do some trial and error - along with a bit of research on how best to use it.

[schamp]

Be careful about lightening. I have several of these. If there is a strike 20 miles away it blows up.

[campbellcj]

I've been wondering when Nest (Google) will get into this market.

[Hugh R]

Thanks guys, had it in one day and still playing. Yes it has lots of inputs for soil, slope,plants ,etc.

My problem is several areas and plant and slopes are valved together by a previous owner of the place.