Remotes! Which one to use?

[Staygreen]

What is the best all around universal remote to use on any system/controller. Does not matter if there is a pig tail to wire just looking for the best system to use for both residential and commercial

[Mike Leary]

Rain Master is my vote; it's fast, durable, for winterize you can program multi-zones.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Rain Master is my vote; it's fast, durable, for winterize you can program multi-zones.

DITTO I've tried both the sidekick and RM. RM UA is far superior especially for service.

[jcom]

So I assume that you have to hook up a pigtail to each separate controller.

We have been using the SRR Hunter remote and are well pleased with it. But then we install Hunter remotes with the port so it is pretty easy to plug in and go.

John

[dwightschrute]

i have always had great success with the Rainmaster

[Mike Leary]

So I assume that you have to hook up a pigtail to each separate controller.

Yep, 'Course some of us have permanent
receivers at the clocks....click # of site & cruise down the drive as the
zones come on....billable time. :)

[HokieAg07]

Rain Master Pro UA is my choice

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

So I assume that you have to hook up a pigtail to each separate controller.

We have been using the SRR Hunter remote and are well pleased with it. But then we install Hunter remotes with the port so it is pretty easy to plug in and go.

John

Maybe the most brilliant thing Hunter has come up with. Can't believe the rest of the manufacturers have been unable to come up with something similar. Unfortunately you are limited strictly to Hunters and you can't change every clock you come across.

[irrig8r]

Shhhh.

Don't tell anyone...cuz it's a secret.... but Hunter remotes work with Irrigation Direct controllers...(you have to hook up a Smartport of course...)

[jcom]

Seems like it would be no different than us using a PRO-C with smartport and some pigtails.

Our service customers just leave the door open and we can access the poc and the controller.

90% of our winterizing is done from the outside after we coach the customers as to shutting off the system and opening the drains already in place.

Thanks,

John:rolleyes:

[londonrain]

I cant work without my Rain Master Pro UA....

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Seems like it would be no different than us using a PRO-C with smartport and some pigtails.

Our service customers just leave the door open and we can access the poc and the controller.

90% of our winterizing is done from the outside after we coach the customers as to shutting off the system and opening the drains already in place.

Thanks,

John:rolleyes:
What remote do you use on non-Hunter systems?

[AI Inc]

has Unfortunately you are limited strictly to Hunters and you can't change every clock you come across.

We try like hell!

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

We try like hell!

Are you using hunters ET system?

[AI Inc]

No , this area with the exception of a few towns dosnt realy have water quanity issues. Most of my systems are on private wells, We work in about 10 towns that dont even have water depts. Adequate rainfall , snowmelt. Im sure it will become an issue eventualy , not because of a lack of water , just an outdated infrastructure.

[Mike Leary]

We work in about 10 towns that dont even have water depts.

Is your market in Suffock County? :laugh:

[AI Inc]

Is your market in Suffock County? :laugh:

No Mike , people with large lawns in " suffock county " pay about 3 grand a yr for lawn water. Plus too much traffic down that way for me.

[irrig8r]

I still like the Hunter SRR for a lot of my residential jobs, either with an ICC, a Pro-C, or an ID brand DMC.

One thing that would be cool would be a locking weatherproof cabinet in which to fit the receiver and a Smartport for a semi-permanent install for outdoor mounted clocks... not for my use, but for the homeowners who want to monitor their system...

With maybe a small gasketed opening for the antenna to slip through...
or maybe just mount it upside down and a hole out the bottom...

Maybe the Hunter PSR box would be the right size for this? Can you think of any reason not to do this? Has anyone tried anything similar?

[Wet_Boots]

I still like the Hunter SRR for a lot of my residential jobs, either with an ICC, a Pro-C, or an ID brand DMC.

One thing that would be cool would be a locking weatherproof cabinet in which to fit the receiver and a Smartport for a semi-permanent install for outdoor mounted clocks... not for my use, but for the homeowners who want to monitor their system...

With maybe a small gasketed opening for the antenna to slip through...
or maybe just mount it upside down and a hole out the bottom...

Maybe the Hunter PSR box would be the right size for this? Can you think of any reason not to do this? Has anyone tried anything similar?The reason not to do it is that the connectors won't maintain continuity in outdoor conditions. Maybe if the connectors were gold-plated, but they aren't. The power is so miniscule, that it won't 'punch through' contact corrosion. I tried an outdoor, sheltered receiver install for a housebound customer, but it failed in weeks, and I moved it indoors.

[Mike Leary]

The reason not to do it is that the connectors won't maintain continuity in outdoor conditions. Maybe if the connectors were gold-plated, but they aren't. The power is so miniscule, that it won't 'punch through' contact corrosion. I tried an outdoor, sheltered receiver install for a housebound customer, but it failed in weeks, and I moved it indoors.

That is very odd, we've got a ton of outdoor pigtails, um, we
do use Rain Master and had had 0 problems..could it be your
choice of remotes?:p

[Wet_Boots]

That is very odd, we've got a ton of outdoor pigtails, um, we
do use Rain Master and had had 0 problems..could it be your
choice of remotes?You leave the receiver connected 24/7 in an outdoor location? What about theft? Besides, the SRR is interacting with CMOS circuitry, which is a different story.

[Mike Leary]

You leave the receiver connected 24/7 in an outdoor location? What about theft? Besides, the SRR is interacting with CMOS circuitry, which is a different story.

Nope, most of the small timers have the TRC plastic connector,
RM Universal plugs in when needed. RM has built-in connector +
permanent reciever for the mega sites.:)

[Wet_Boots]

The problem with the SRR is that the CMOS power is so infintesimal that connector resistance will block operation. No problem when you show up and plug in the receiver, since that wipes the contacts. The older remotes are switching solenoid power, and that's enough to overcome resistance. Gold was the original solution for switches and contacts for microcircuitry, but that got expensive.

[Mike Leary]

The high-fi folk still use gold, don't they?
Just for my info, what does CMOS stand for?

[Wet_Boots]

Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor ~ when gold pushed $1000 an ounce in the early 80's the electronics manufacturers came up with some ways to do without. I snicker at gold audio connectors. Just how much recorded music was produced without using any gold-plated connectors?

[Mike Leary]

All, as I recall.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

D. Spencer may weigh in but if I heard him correctly on the phone he had to spend about 200.00 to have the keypad rebuilt on his Rain Master that he bought on Ebay. My suggestion is that if you bid on a RM just add 200 to your final bid so you'll be mentally prepared for its real costs. The last one I bought I hit a homerun. It was almost brand new and in better shape than the two I already have.

[Dennis Spencer]

You could say 200. to be safe. Some were around 185. and that included a new battery that was maybe 18.When i first received the remote it didn't have a battery . After buying one and installing it the transmitter started clicking non stop.So remove battery and sent it to Rain Master for repair . Now two good batteries and a working remote for 520. I'm happy :dancing:

[Mike Leary]

I like this the best. ftp://Docs:Calsense@ftp.calsense.com/cutsheets/21_RRe_Tran.pdf
Tho I see no multiple station run option as the RM has.

[jcom]

Alright, now you have piqued my interest.

Sounds as though Fimco sells pigtails and I liked the looks of the conduit install. What do the pigtails sell for? We have several properties where we could use these.

Do I understand that the pigtails are for use with the RM UA remote setup?

We use the Hunter SRR now and even though it is simple, if we have to mount the smart port to the controller, it can be a pita as we don't know for sure if a valve is activated and not working unless we check the controller display. Or maybe I don't know our remote as well as I should. :)

Ground still froze here..

Thanks to all,

John:)

[DanaMac]

OK I have a couple questions. I have one landscaper that has a TRC Commander transmitter that he hasn't used in years. I think they used it one season while building and maintaining an apartment complex system. It also has two permanent receiving cards for the RB ESP MC, and there are 5 antennas. not sure why five. (Any idea on value?) I'm talking with him about using it or buying it, but would need to buy the receiver for other controllers. So, is there a specific receiver for this that would be the most universal?

My other option would be buying the TRC Sidekick for the RB ESP, as the majority of what we work on has this controller. Cost is lower that a full RM or TRC system. This would allow us to use it on probably at least 50% (maybe as much as 75%) of the controllers without adding any kind of pigtail, if I'm correct that the Sidekick just hooks into the remote port on the back of the ESPm board. The 3 landscapers that give us the most work all use this controller. Up until the ESPm it was the earlier ESP and for larger systems the ESP-Lx. So I'm not sure if the older LX has this port on the back of the board, and I know the older ESPs have no port. But these older ones would all be 4-8 zones, with not a lot of walking distance to either the controller or manifold.

I'm thinking about the Sidekick because it would allow me to buy two maybe three for a lot less than the other systems. And allow us to access most of what we work on. The other controllers are a mix of Toro, Irritol, a few Hunters, older RBs, and some odds and ends.

Thanks guys

[Mike Leary]

Peter's pigtails are right on;
the drawback was how to mount them..Dennis seems to have solved it, tho, as I posted
earlier...parts are cheaper than labor. I've owned TRC remotes..switched to RM when we
installed RM clocks. I'd like to get Calsense to bring out a universal since Toro bought
RM & generally, with Toro's track record, no improvements will be done.
With 2-wire coming on....I'd be looking at a remote that deals with both, tho,
someone correct me, I know of none except the toy from Weather-
Matic. Supposedly, their TRC/SL remote works with 2 & multi. I understand it's
around 1K. Jeez, I just realized I allienated the reps from the forum: would love
to hear from Calsense, Rain Master, Weather-Matic & TRC about these issues.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

The sidekick for the ESPM seems ideal for you Dana. The transmitter works with all sidekick receivers. If you go for a universal I'd go RM over the Commander but if you can get that Commander for less than 400 I'd jump on it.

[Mike Leary]

The sidekick for the ESPM seems ideal for you Dana. The transmitter works with all sidekick receivers. If you go for a universal I'd go RM over the Commander but if you can get that Commander for less than 400 I'd jump on it.

We had to use a TRC/RB remote at a site last year, big building in the way,
had to "do the remote dance"..complete waste of time & expensive.
If you've got large sites, consider a FM remote. Does the Commander have
multiple valve firing capabilities? Since you winterize, a big plus.

[mwardy]

I have a Eicon remote that I have used for many years. We buy a remote plug from dist. that Rain Bird sells. I think its from inside the RC controller. It only costs about $15.00. It's only good for 12 zones but you just multiple plugs in. The wires are labeled what zone they go to.

[DanaMac]

We had to use a TRC/RB remote at a site last year, big building in the way,
had to "do the remote dance"..complete waste of time & expensive.
If you've got large sites, consider a FM remote. Does the Commander have
multiple valve firing capabilities? Since you winterize, a big plus.

Problem with the winterizing. Most controllers here are indoors in the garage. And usually the HO is not home. With our manifold systems I can operate valves manually with little walking around for winterizing. I don't want to try and convince people to move the controllers just for the remote convenience. Will the Sidekick work ok with the controller indoors/garage? It will help more during start ups and repairs. Not many large commercial sites. One bank, 32 zones, one car dealership, not sure how many zones as I've never set foot on it. And some smaller stuff.

Will the sidekick activate more than one zone at a time? In case we are using during winterizing.

If I get this TRC set up from my friend/landscaper, I could use the receiver cards on those two commercial systems as they are both ESP MC or LX. If so, should I charge these customers for putting these cards in permanently? probably but just asking.

[Mike Leary]

I have a Eicon remote that I have used for many years.

You have one of the best remotes ever made, has Toro wrecked a fine product
since they acquired Eicon?

[DanaMac]

Does the Commander have
multiple valve firing capabilities? Since you winterize, a big plus.

I can't answer this, no manual and have never used a remote. Peter? How about the Sidekick?

[Mike Leary]

The Sidekick is line-of-site & touchy..not sure about the Commander.
Seems like the price of the remotes, the good ones, is about the same.
Rain Master.....yes, pricey....you'll make money & wonder why it took
you so long to get into remotes. How did we get started in a winterizing thread
during March? :dizzy:

[mwardy]

I haven't dealt with toro and the remote yet. Honistly I haven't had any problems with it yet. Replaced battery once. My receiver has 24 zones. I can run multiple zones for winterizing. I was wondering about the RM remote. Haven't seen any around here. I just bought the eicon that was on ebay for $110. Thought it would be nice to have a back up. The new one has 48 zones. I have a couple of larger comercial properties that it will be nice to have.

[DanaMac]

So if the ESP is in the garage, Sidekick will not work? Or work intermittently?

If I buy this TRC transmitter, what receiver do I need? and what accessories to make it universal to most controllers? Some pigtail with alligator clips? I'd like to upsell pigtails to all customers, but not sure how well it'll fly. Hard enough time selling rain sensors. How much do you guys charge to install a permanent pigtail?

[Mike Leary]

Honistly .

What I would do, besides using spell check,
is have the transmitters serviced, before Toro
drops the line.

[mwardy]

I don't even give them a choice I just install them when I need it and just build it in to bill. I had a sidekick over 10 years ago. Had that problem with it to. Sometimes had to walk halfway back to controller. Was still better than nothing at all. Can't think of working with out one now. Some of the building I have the controller is down in the garage or basement and the eicon works great. Only complaint I have is there is enough of them out there that sometimes someone else might be close enough to mess with your controller.

[mwardy]

I did use spell check thought I changed that. Don't do alot of typing.

[Mike Leary]

I did use spell check thought I changed that. Don't do alot of typing.

Do you still hand-write invoices? My kind of guy, but time for a change.

[mwardy]

No I use quickbooks. But set it up so you don't have to enter as much information every time.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

I can't answer this, no manual and have never used a remote. Peter? How about the Sidekick?

We consider the Sidekick a backup when our RM is down. Need to keep the 9 volt in the transmitter fresh like every month. henry frequently used the external antennae that came with it. On most residential properties it will do fine. With all your ESPMs it is well worth the risk for you since you won't need to install pigtails to use it. If two people in the same area are using sidekicks they will interfere with each others receivers. One transmitter will work on all the different sidekick receivers which can be bought separate from the transmitter. I charge 21.00 for our pigtail since I don't want the customer to nix it. If they whine I just give it to them and remember to add 21.00 on my next trip for something else.

[DanaMac]

If they whine I just give it to them and remember to add 21.00 on my next trip for something else.

I was kind of thinking the same thing. just add it in over the next trip or two into something else.

[Mike Leary]

I was kind of thinking the same thing. just add it in over the next trip or two into something else.

Every body wins that way.

[irrig8r]

Anyone remember a universal remote called Head Start from the late 80's/ early 90's?

It wasn't very sturdy, didn't like getting wet, and only went to 12 stations, but I spliced in a lot of pigtails on commercial jobs and got a lot of use from mine.

Automatic Rain, which was merged into Horizon, used to sell it.

[Mike Leary]

If they whine I just give it to them and remember to add 21.00 on my next trip for something else.

I had a client who was very hands-on, we talked almost daily during
construction; his problem was he never said "goodbye" or "thanks"
at the end of the conversation. I added $50.00 every time he was rude.
Prolly cost him 1k over the course of the project; I
dropped him after warranty expired.

[SI2004]

What is the best all around universal remote to use on any system/controller. Does not matter if there is a pig tail to wire just looking for the best system to use for both residential and commercial

I'm not sure how big of a company you have or plan to have but if your asking for the best product out there then I am sure you realize you are going to have to shell out some big bucks. But if you find yourself not able to do that, here is one that is less than half the cost and yes it is not as good as those other expensive ones but it gets the job done. If you are interested they are sold on e-bay item # 280214276803

[Mark B]

Gotta queston. Does anyone know of ANOTHER company that can rebulid my remote control tech transmitter. The touch pad is not working correct. It just started acting. Thanks

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Gotta queston. Does anyone know of ANOTHER company that can rebulid my remote control tech transmitter. The touch pad is not working correct. It just started acting. Thanks

Why not send it to TRC? Assuming it is a TRC. Rain Master has had my remote for over a month.:angry:

[Mark B]

I did. They say a 2 day turn around. I was wondering if there was a cheaper place to send it. It is a TRC sidekick.

It would suck really bad to have your remote gone for that long. Specially if you are using it already.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

I did. They say a 2 day turn around. I was wondering if there was a cheaper place to send it. It is a TRC sidekick.

It would suck really bad to have your remote gone for that long. Specially if you are using it already.

It was sooo bad I bought another one on ebay. Now we have three Rain Masters and a Sidekick for three techs.

[londonrain]

It was sooo bad I bought another one on ebay. Now we have three Rain Masters and a Sidekick for three techs.
I have 3 Rain Masters, all for myself.....:confused:

[Mike Leary]

Rain Master has had my remote for over a month.:angry:

Call Donna or Juan at the factory & rock the boat.
800.777.1477....Say hello from me.

[BSME]

what is the best price anybody has found for a new pro max-ua? One supplier said $1200

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

what is the best price anybody has found for a new pro max-ua? One supplier said $1200

Not a bad price for a new one.

[londonrain]

what is the best price anybody has found for a new pro max-ua? One supplier said $1200That is what I paid for a new one at JDL.....and worth every penny..

[Mike Leary]

That is what I paid for a new one at JDL.....and worth every penny..

Ditto. We're prolly going to go with the WM receiver that adapts to the RM
rather than use the little toy WM transmitter.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Ditto. We're prolly going to go with the WM receiver that adapts to the RM
rather than use the little toy WM transmitter.

Send a link on that receiver. Did not know they existed. Are you sure this isn't for the Sidekick?

[Mark B]

Just a heads up. TRC received my remote today they told me it will be back out this evening. The rebuild was $120.00. I will pay for 2nd day shipping back to NC. Can't wait to get that remote back.

IF I remember correct I paid $600.00ish for my sidekick. I can use it on ANY controller. I have the 12 station remote.

[Mike Leary]

Send a link on that receiver. Did not know they existed. Are you sure this isn't for the Sidekick?

It may be for the Sidekick, I saw a pic in one of the trades, perhaps TRC
is making it for WM, as they do for RB.

[irrig8r]

I was looking at an IRG at my distributor yesterday. The price was right, nice carrying
case and all, (unlike the Sidekick where the dang case lists for $100.00).

The only limitation is that it is specific to Hunter controllers...

So I was thinking... not knowing jack about the electronics involved, could someone come up with some sort of intermediary unit that translates the signals into something that will turn on valves... like do you need the whole Hunter controller in between, with the correct number of stations, or could it be something simpler and more compact?

[Wet_Boots]

Well, I won't hold my breath waiting for Hunter to supply the control codes for their controllers.

[Mike Leary]

Well, I won't hold my breath waiting for Hunter to supply the control codes for their controllers.

Real irrigators don't use Hunter remotes.

[Mark B]

i'm a happy water boy now. I got my remote back tuesday. That was good service 1 week turn around. On top of that I'm in NC they are in AZ.

[irrig8r]

Real irrigators don't use Hunter remotes.

Elitist bullcrap!

:rolleyes:

BTW, excuse my typo, it was obviously IRC, not IRG....

[irrig8r]

Well, I won't hold my breath waiting for Hunter to supply the control codes for their controllers.

Can't it be reverse engineered?

[Kiril]

Real irrigators don't use Hunter remotes.

That's right.....real irrigators only hang Calsense clocks! :cry:

[DanaMac]

Well, I finally bought one. Right now I only bought the TRC Sidekick for Rainbird controllers. Picked it up yesterday, and have 3 today that it will get used on. The ESP - whether it is the ESP TM style, the modular, the ESP-LX, or the ESP MC - it is by far the most common controller around our parts. I don't foresee being able to install too many pigtails for a universal remote on many systems, so this will still help me out tremendously. I am going to try it out and see about buying one or two more for the other guys. Or a receiver for the one transmitter I have from another guy, and having one universal. And some assorted pigtails to hopefully install.

And yes I know some of the older ESPs are not compatible. But those are primarily small 4 and 6 zone controllers. Will update later.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Well, I finally bought one. Right now I only bought the TRC Sidekick for Rainbird controllers. Picked it up yesterday, and have 3 today that it will get used on. The ESP - whether it is the ESP TM style, the modular, the ESP-LX, or the ESP MC - it is by far the most common controller around our parts. I don't foresee being able to install too many pigtails for a universal remote on many systems, so this will still help me out tremendously. I am going to try it out and see about buying one or two more for the other guys. Or a receiver for the one transmitter I have from another guy, and having one universal. And some assorted pigtails to hopefully install.

And yes I know some of the older ESPs are not compatible. But those are primarily small 4 and 6 zone controllers. Will update later.

You first one is on the house. PM me your address and I'll get it out.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Why not send it to TRC? Assuming it is a TRC. Rain Master has had my remote for over a month.:angry:

STILL WAITING ON MY REMOTE:realmad:

[DanaMac]

You first one is on the house. PM me your address and I'll get it out.

You da man. gracias.

[Tom Tom]

Well, I finally bought one. Right now I only bought the TRC Sidekick for Rainbird controllers. Picked it up yesterday, and have 3 today that it will get used on. The ESP - whether it is the ESP TM style, the modular, the ESP-LX, or the ESP MC - it is by far the most common controller around our parts. I don't foresee being able to install too many pigtails for a universal remote on many systems, so this will still help me out tremendously. I am going to try it out and see about buying one or two more for the other guys. Or a receiver for the one transmitter I have from another guy, and having one universal. And some assorted pigtails to hopefully install.

And yes I know some of the older ESPs are not compatible. But those are primarily small 4 and 6 zone controllers. Will update later.

SWEET!, buy you lunch if I can tag along sometime and see it in action.

[DanaMac]

SWEET!, buy you lunch if I can tag along sometime and see it in action.

Heck I can probably let you use it for a day is you know you have a few ESPs it would work on. Especially if you are doing some of the work for me on jobs for the one landscape company. They use all ESPs

[Tom Tom]

Heck I can probably let you use it for a day is you know you have a few ESPs it would work on. Especially if you are doing some of the work for me on jobs for the one landscape company. They use all ESPs


you'll never see me again.....:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[AI Inc]

Whats the deal with getting them rehabbed? I have 2 sidekicks that will not even beep.

[Mike Leary]

STILL WAITING ON MY REMOTE:realmad:

Did you ever call Donna or Jose in repair? :nono:

[Mark B]

Dana I guess you got the alligator clip pigtail? If so I just go in and strip the wire back farther so it is easy to connect the clips to.

As far as the TRC sidekicks, call them and get the special # ... It will cost you $125.00. They did a 1 day turn around on mine. I shipped mine out 2nd day from NC to AZ. Don't FORGET TO get the special # before you send it. Also remote control tech is diffferent then TRC sidekick when you google them for a phone #.

I see no reason why anyone should buy the pigtails when it takes me all of 3-5 minutes if that to connect into any controller.

[Mike Leary]

I see no reason why anyone should buy the pigtails when it takes me all of 3-5 minutes if that to connect into any controller.

I do: you guys miss the point concerning parts & labor. Why not, if they're
going to be "clients", install the permanent pigtail? Once & for all, it's there.
Yes, I came up with the alligator clip idea years ago; failed miserably.

[Mark B]

I do: you guys miss the point concerning parts & labor. Why not, if they're
going to be "clients", install the permanent pigtail? Once & for all, it's there.
Yes, I came up with the alligator clip idea years ago; failed miserably.

Well i'm going to diagree with you on that. It takes me like 1-2 minutes to connect. Then maybe 1-3 times a yr i have to replace a clip.

What happens when that client uses the other guy?

[Mike Leary]

Well i'm going to diagree with you on that.
What happens when that client uses the other guy?

(A)..I also diagree.

(B)..You'd figured this would be a long-time client, worth convincing them
about efficiency (& money saving) benefits of a remote. It puts you one step
above the rest.

[irrig8r]

I do: you guys miss the point concerning parts & labor. Why not, if they're
going to be "clients", install the permanent pigtail? Once & for all, it's there.
Yes, I came up with the alligator clip idea years ago; failed miserably.

That was your idea?

My old Head Start remote (circa 1991 maybe?) came with that kinds of pigtail.

The limitations were that only 12 zones could be hooked up at a time, and the range was limited... like a Hunter SRR, but predating it by a number of years. The receiver had a chrome plated telescopic antenna that broke off easily too.

[Mike Leary]

That was your idea? .

It was my idea & it failed. Permanent mount, baby.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Well i'm going to diagree with you on that. It takes me like 1-2 minutes to connect. Then maybe 1-3 times a yr i have to replace a clip.

What happens when that client uses the other guy?

Can't connect to every clock. How do your clips work on ESps with speaker wires and SLs? Real pain when you are out in the field and your clips pop off. They don't stay on rounded screws very well. Been there done that for many years. Permanent hook up only way to go. Bill the customer for it.

[Mike Leary]

Permanent hook up only way to go. Bill the customer for it.

Works for me. Who is this guy in Texas?

[Mark B]

Once agian. You take your wire strippers and strip back a tiny bit so you can clip tothe wire and NOT the screw head. Every clock that I have been to I do that to. That way you don't have to worry about the clip popping off of the screw. And yes I even do the power wire as well.

I guess this boils down to the person. You can have the last comment on this.

[londonrain]

I added some clips on a 12 zone pigtail for the 4-6 zone systems that I service once in a blue moon...anything over 9 zones gets a pigtail .... Hooking up 12 zones with clips is a real pain...
When doing 8-10 service calls a day, the 5 mins I would spend hooking up the clips would total almost 1 hr a day...

[DanaMac]

Dana I guess you got the alligator clip pigtail? If so I just go in and strip the wire back farther so it is easy to connect the clips to.


No, I got the Sidekick that is compatible with ESPs only. Most ESPs for the last 10 years or so have a 6 or 7 pin piece for remotes. So this receiver has a tail that slides right over the pins. The receiver is specific for the ESPs. You can't get an assortment of pigtails that would adapt to others. From what they told me. So there is no permanent pigtail needed to hook to this controller.

I could have gotten the universal receiver for the sidekick, but I didn't want to screw with the alligator clips right now. I may eventually for the TRC Commander transmitter I have from another guy. Plus my guy at Ewing said that one company here with the A clips fried one or two boards and I think one receiver because his guys hooked to wrong wires.

[Mike Leary]

Once agian. You can have the last comment on this.
Nice spell.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Nice spell.
:laugh:.............

Having said that one of my pet peeves are people who strip insulation back. Seems they do that in the soil as well. Whatever works though. Remotes are the only way to go.

[DanaMac]

Sidekick worked great. Simple system though. 5 stations, no problems to where it helped me much. But worked great.

[FIMCO-MEISTER]

Sidekick worked great. Simple system though. 5 stations, no problems to where it helped me much. But worked great.

good deal. Get in the habit of replacing the 9 volt battery once a month in the transmitter. Avoids frustration when the signal strength starts dropping off. Also once you start using a remote your service technique will change. We don't flag anymore. Just fix them as you go.

[DanaMac]

good deal. Get in the habit of replacing the 9 volt battery once a month in the transmitter. Avoids frustration when the signal strength starts dropping off. Also once you start using a remote your service technique will change. We don't flag anymore. Just fix them as you go.

One of my guys uses flags all the time. I rarely do. Mind like a steel trap... with plenty of holes in it. But yes, I can see technique of service calls being done differently now. Much easier to clean out a nozzle now, without getting the crotch shot of water trying to do it while its running.

[AI Inc]

One of my guys uses flags all the time. I rarely do. Mind like a steel trap... with plenty of holes in it. But yes, I can see technique of service calls being done differently now. Much easier to clean out a nozzle now, without getting the crotch shot of water trying to do it while its running.

If the customer is home and watching we dont use flags. If they are not home we flag so they know what heads we changed.

[AI Inc]

Also with a remote if I come across a head that needs changing , I will fix it and use the remote to fill other zones while Im doing the repair.Saving time for when I get to that zone.

[DanaMac]

What do you all use to keep your remotes in? I know I could buy the expensive attache`/brief case to go with it. But heck I barely make time to put my tools in the tool box between jobs. I do have a couple of the army ammo cans/boxes, and may line it with the foam that came surrounding the remote in the box. I know I know, you'll all bash me for that as being scum too :) But I think it'll be pretty cool when I'm done.

[Mark B]

I will put mine either in the back of the truck or in the passenger seat which ever is closer.

[Mike Leary]

scum.

Now Dana, nobody on this site would call you that. :laugh:
Whatever works & keeps it safe from vibration is the deal, besides, with me & my pony tail,
walking to a site with my little attache case makes me look like a drug dealer.

[Wet_Boots]

Now Dana, nobody on this site would call you that. :laugh:
Whatever works & keeps it safe from vibration is the deal, besides, with me & my pony tail,
walking to a site with my little attache case makes me look like a drug dealer.So you opt for the fringed deerskin pouch instead?

[AI Inc]

So you opt for the fringed deerskin pouch instead?

Ya can get the matching Gerry Spence hat.

[Mike Leary]

So you opt for the fringed deerskin pouch instead?

Salmon skin with kelp lining, thank you very much.

[irrig8r]

What do you all use to keep your remotes in? I know I could buy the expensive attache`/brief case to go with it. But heck I barely make time to put my tools in the tool box between jobs. I do have a couple of the army ammo cans/boxes, and may line it with the foam that came surrounding the remote in the box. I know I know, you'll all bash me for that as being scum too :) But I think it'll be pretty cool when I'm done.

I have a couple of those ammo cases I picked up at a garage sale... they seal up pretty tight.

I think one of those tactical vests like Tommy Herren, The Lighting Geek (http://www.lawnsite.com/member.php?u=63150) uses would be cool... if the pockets were the right size...

I could start my own Sprinkler Water Auditing Tactics unit...

[AI Inc]

I have a couple of those ammo cases I picked up at a garage sale... they seal up pretty tight.

I think one of those tactical vests like Tommy Herren, The Lighting Geek (http://www.lawnsite.com/member.php?u=63150) uses would be cool... if the pockets were the right size...

I could start my own Sprinkler Water Assessment Team unit...

Ive actualy worn a fishing vest during start up season before.