Talk:Irrigation controller

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I'd like to update this article to state that a company also makes a sprinkler controller that updates watering levels based on weather conditions gathered from the internet, but not sure how to do this without it coming off like I'm just looking to give a link back to the company. I'm going to site it with a link back to an LA Times article, but if there's a better way to do this, please let me know! I will come back and check this page.H

Finally a Use for my Computer

Can you find two companies that do the above? The only rain gauge I can afford is a glass with a pinch of salt & two wires, and the only controller my PC. Internet information from local weather stations would be more practical.

Home gardeners who used to program computers would likely be interested in using PCs as irrigation controllers. Because of cost (and wild, unpredictable weather), farmers' tables are out; and we should like to use internet weather to adjust our use of water. (Currently I can write a Linux script that easily gathers this from a neighboring city.)'

Are there hobbyists who are doing this? (The Wikipedia discusses huge hobbyist groups that 'hot rod' their computer cases rather than old cars...) The missing part in my own design is a transformer & circuit that allow me to control solenoid valves (and garden lighting) through an RS-232C or USB interface. The Irrigation Valves entry is currently empty, but I should need electrical valves between two normal garden hoses. These irrigation topics have great value; and the design & implementation should be trivial.

This is not a trivial subject because not just California is running out of water; and, as a geologist, I'm aware there are essentially no more local rivers to dam. I let my grass yard 'die' in the summer, then mow it to 1cm height.

Remarkable amounts of water could be saved by watering lawns only before dawn for 15 minutes (as needed). The Gardening entry is sad. I can inquire at local farmers' supplies & golf courses, but others don't live in a farm belt. The Wikipedia could help societies by educating people on topics that have immediate & valuable importance to them. Geologist (talk) 01:18, 13 November 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Update in progress

Hi, I am fixing to create an interoperability / features matrix for irrigation controllers, sensors, valves and communications gear. Let me know if you can help!

Rainforee (talk) 22:15, 6 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]