How To Set Timer On Sprinkler System

Customize A Watering Schedule For Your Best Lawn

All as well oftentimes, homeowners invest in peak-notch sprinkler systems and timers – only never quite acquire how to program the irrigation controller effectively. As a result, wasted water and other issues can grow. A primary benefit of using a best-in-class sprinkler system controller is creating a watering schedule that keeps your plants and yard looking bully. And practise information technology without wasting exorbitant amounts of h2o. In this day and age, water conservation is a legitimate concern; not to mention that over-watering plants are a surefire mode to damage them.

Controller Programming Basics

Before delving into the intricacies of programming a sprinkler arrangement timer, familiarize yourself with controller basics. Whether you lot've owned your timer for a while, or if y'all've simply purchased one, it never hurts to learn everything from the beginning. That way, y'all create a sound foundation from which to base of operations the residue of your sprinkler system programming. Learn the basic components and before tackling involved issues to keep confusion at bay.

So, you lot ain a sprinkler system controller. That's a great first footstep, but there'southward still plenty to larn. We'll begin past learning about the basic terms and features that are associated with modern sprinkler system timers.

The image below shows the Hunter 10-Cadre half dozen Station Indoor Controller which features Solar Sync compatibility. A Solar Sync addition turns it into a smart controller which can utilize local weather conditions to change irrigation schedules every bit needed automatically.

Important Terminology To Know

Valve

This is probably the simplest thing to acquire. A valve is the part of the sprinkler organisation that receives signals from the timer. Those signals prompt the valve to open, letting water flow. A sprinkler arrangement timer works past telling these valves when to open up and operate. It is of import to familiarize yourself with the location of each valve on your property. And map out the types of plants and foliage that exist effectually each 1. For the best results, you should draw a map that outlines where each valve in your sprinkler arrangement is located.

Station

The term "station" refers to the valves that are being controlled. In most situations, i station volition correspond to one valve; yet, for very large properties a station could control two or more than valves in a given zone. Since virtually properties have one valve per zone y'all tin can think of the station on a time equally the same thing equally a zone or valve in a certain area of their property. You can also add more than zones to your irrigation organization with a sprinkler system expansion module. When programming a sprinkler system timer, y'all are usually going to accept to specify which stations to activate. This is convenient, of grade, since certain stations crave more watering than others – and some require a lot less.

The image beneath shows the Irritrol Rain Dial half-dozen Station Indoor/Outdoor Controller. This irrigation station can automatically reschedule watering schedules based on your local atmospheric condition.

Zone

While the region that gets watered is typically called a "station" on a timer, almost landscaping guides will refer to the actual surface area that'south receiving the water equally the "zone." For example, a flower bed might be one zone, a large surface area of backyard might be another. When mapping out your thousand and pinpointing its valves it is smart to break things up into zones. This will simplify the procedure of programming your timer since you'll have a articulate visual idea about the zones that each valve waters.

Plan

Nigh timers have 3 programs available. These programs hold the actual settings that control when and how long each station operates. You might set up program A, for instance, to water but the flowerbed areas and take them watered twice a day. Program B might be used to h2o only the lawn areas two or three days a week. Program C could be used to water plants or shrubs with a drip system if you take i, a couple of times per week.

Typical Timer/Controller Features

The adjacent step in programming a sprinkler system timer is learning all about its basic features. Exist sure to familiarize yourself with the following terms before attempting to program your sprinkler arrangement timer. Don't forget to refer to your sprinkler system controller transmission to brand certain that there aren't any unusual features.

The prototype beneath shows a Hunter Pro-C iv Station Indoor Modular Controller, available on SprinklerWarehouse.com.

The Hunter PC-300 Controllers are some of the most popular models for their ease of use and dependability. They work then well that some parts may vesture out over time. This is why Hunter makes a replacement front panel and then y'all don't need to replace the unabridged unit of measurement when the elements accept deteriorated the front panel.

Start Time

The start time feature on a sprinkler system controller allows you to specify a fourth dimension of day for a Plan (A, B, or C) to start. Once it starts, it will begin irrigating the stations or zones that are associated with it. Once it works its manner through all the stations or zones in the program, the controller stops watering.

Run Time

This is sometimes called "Station Elapsing." It is the time, in minutes, that a valve remains open. If you set up a run time for fifteen minutes, then, the valve that it controls will remain open and water a zone for that length of time.

Run

When "run" is enabled, your scheduled programs will run as planned. As long as you have everything programmed to your liking, then, yous're ordinarily going to desire to take "run" enabled.

Off/Stop

If you need to foreclose your programs from running, yous're going to want to toggle over to "off" or "stop." At that place are many different reasons that yous might want to practise this; for instance, you may want to stop programs while you are programming your sprinkler organization timer. Many people continue their systems on "off" during the winter months, likewise.

Semi-Auto

From time to time, a zone may require supplemental watering. In that case, the semi-auto office is very user-friendly. This function allows you to run a specific program – A, B or C – whenever you want. For case, if your expanse has been having unusually dry or hot weather, you may want to use supplemental watering to keep everything healthy.

Transmission

This button lets you lot run a specific valve for whatsoever length of time yous want. Likewise, on controllers that exercise not have a Semi-Automobile button, this is used to manually turn on a zone or run a program (depending on the model controller) to water an surface area of the property if it looks a little dry out. It is used to temporarily water the property at will without reprogramming the controller. It can likewise be used to spot-check an irrigation arrangement while performing repairs or during a bound checkup (looking for broken heads, misaligned heads, or other problems) of the sprinkler system.

Getting Started

Before y'all brainstorm programming your sprinkler system timer and set various programs for different zones, you're going to need to make sure that your controller is set up properly. The nearly important role of doing that is ensuring that the electric current day and time are correct and accurate. Naught tin can throw a kink in the works quite like having the incorrect twenty-four hours, engagement and time set on your timer, so have care to be as accurate as possible. It's never a bad idea to periodically check your controller to ensure that it's still gear up to the right time, too.

Entering A Programme

At present that you have the correct day and time configured, information technology'due south time to enter a programme.

1. Select the Plan (A, B, or C) you desire to program. For each program, yous will need to set up the H2o Schedule or "Days To H2o", Start Fourth dimension, and Station Run Times.
2. Select the "schedule" function (Days To H2o). Apply it to select the specific days that you desire the irrigation to run. An example would be Monday, Midweek, Fri, and Sabbatum. In some cases, you'll need to specify the number of days between waterings.
3. Select "start-time" and specify the time that you'd like the irrigation to begin. An example would exist 5:45 am. If y'all take newly planted flowers, you may desire to water a second time on the same day since the root zone may go dry past belatedly afternoon. If you want to schedule the second start time at say four:00 pm. Merely remember that the second start time is for the Programme y'all are setting upward and then all the zones you are watering on this Programme will exist watered a second time.
4. Select the "run time" or related role. Select the station of your choice and enter the run time for that valve. Continue selecting stations and inbound run times until y'all have entered a run fourth dimension for all the stations you will exist watering on this Program. Important: practise not set a run fourth dimension for the stations that will not be watered using this Program. A general rule to follow if you take no idea how many minutes to water per station, y'all can start with the following times and either increase the time if you run across you are non getting enough water or decrease the fourth dimension if you lot see you are applying too much water:
   • 3 – 10 minutes for spray head zones
   • 20 – 40 minutes for rotor caput zones
5. Programme setup is complete in one case you have entered in the Water Schedule or "Days To Water", Commencement Fourth dimension, and Station Run Times.

Additional Programs

To ready additional programs select a Plan (A, B, or C) other than the one you just ready up using the steps above. Repeat the steps listed above for each Program you desire to run. Yous will desire to set the Station Run Times to zilch for the stations y'all already take running on some other Program (A, B, or C). Only add Station Run Times for the stations you desire to water using the Programme you are setting up.

Please note that different sprinkler system timers accept different controls and features. Some utilise dials, while others are 100% digital. Brand sure to read through the specific instructions that accept been outlined by the manufacturer.

What Is A Seasonal Adjust Button?

Some tardily-model sprinkler system timers have seasonal adjust buttons. These buttons offering a user-friendly solution to unseasonable weather patterns past allowing you to make across-the-lath adjustments to watering programs on a percent-based basis. During the summer, for example, well-nigh people go on their seasonal conform buttons set at 100% for fourscore-degree days. When the temperature shoots up to xc degrees, the seasonal adjust button can be switched to 120%. In turn, run times will be lengthened by twenty%. This saves y'all from the tedious hassle of having to reprogram everything – only to switch it all back a few days later. If your system has this feature, be sure to larn it and put it to skilful utilize when needed.

Understand What Different Sprinkler Heads Practise

Unlike sprinkler heads are suitable for dissimilar purposes. When you understand what each type is all-time suited for, you'll be able to programme your sprinkler system timer more efficiently.

Rotor Heads

When you need to water large expanses rotor heads are the all-time option. They have a much lower application charge per unit than spray heads do. Rotors are used to save labor on installation since they cover a larger area than spray heads and then y'all can space them out much farther apart. They are also a ameliorate choice for sloped areas or areas that are made upwards of clay soils since they utilise water at a slower rate and thus help prevent water runoff.

Spray Heads

These sprinkler heads dispense high volumes of h2o in short periods of time. They are all-time suited for flat, even areas; do not use them on slopes. They are besides suitable for small, hard-to-reach areas of backyard, and they are practical to use in areas where you'd like to avoid spraying a firm, cars or the street.

Drip Systems

A drip system consists of a serial of tubes that have pocket-size holes in them. These holes manipulate small amounts of h2o to specific areas. This helps promote water conservation. Drip systems are best suited for flowerbeds, shrubs, and groups of cacti since individual root systems can be targeted with ease.

Programming a Sprinkler System Timer for Efficiency

You may know the basics near entering programs and setting up a sprinkler system controller, merely that doesn't mean that y'all know how to use one efficiently. The following tips, tricks, and communication can aid you lot brand the most out of your sprinkler arrangement timer.

Grouping Programs For Maximum Efficiency

Once you've mapped out the locations of all of the valves in your yard, you'll be able to devise a sensible programming scheme. You should use one program to handle the needs of your lawn; it should command all of the valves that irrigate areas consisting primarily of grass. Some other program should be to irrigate sections of flowerbeds or ground encompass. Another program should be used for drip systems.

Invest In An Automatic Rain Shut-Off Device

Some sprinkler systems come with automatic pelting shut-off sensors included. If yours doesn't, exist sure to invest in one correct away. These handy devices can be programmed to plough off your regularly scheduled programs whenever a specific amount of rain has fallen. Most people fix these devices to kicking in whenever half an inch or more of rain has fallen. Later on all, it hardly makes sense to h2o your holding when enough of rain has recently fallen. This is a corking manner to avoid wasting valuable water and to reduce your water beak.

Water Early on In The Morning

While you have full control over the times of day that each program runs, it is virtually always best to perform irrigation during the early on morning hours. During the heart of the 24-hour interval, the wind tin carry off water droplets or the blazing sun can evaporate a lot of the water that is produced past your sprinkler system; in plow, the plants that it'south intended for don't receive nearly equally much of information technology. Current of air can also significantly disrupt the spray design of the sprinklers causing wet and dry spots.

If you water during the early morning, you'll exist able to employ a lot less h2o, which is another smart style to reduce your water bills and assist the environment. Furthermore, watering at night promotes establish disease and mucus growth.

Avoid Overwatering

If you lot think that it's impossible to over-water plants, think again. Over-watering can exist just equally detrimental to plants equally nether-watering. Past programming your sprinkler system controller the correct fashion, y'all can provide the exact right amount of moisture for the various plants on your property without inadvertently over-watering them. The key thing to avoid is creating h2o run-off; if you see it happening, you lot know that you're overdoing it.

Get The Most Out Of Your Sprinkler System Timer

As yous can encounter, programming a sprinkler organisation controller doesn't have to be a mind-extraordinary feel. By learning about the way that your system is prepare, familiarizing yourself with its valves, learning virtually the different types of sprinkler heads that are involved, and understanding the needs of unlike types of plants, you can achieve a suitable and sensible irrigation schedule with a minimal corporeality of hassle. You tin besides extend the capabilities of your irrigation controller with an expansion module.

The image below shows the Rain Bird ESP4Me 6 Station Expansion Module which can add 6 additional zones to your irrigation system.

For more than specific calculations yous can perform to decide the optimum watering frequency for your system, visit the related links beneath.

Source: https://school.sprinklerwarehouse.com/parts-repair/how-to-program-an-irrigation-controller-timer/

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