Which Controller? - LawnSite.com™

jahcad · #1 02-21-2013, 02:05 PM

I'm in need of some help. Talked to the local Pros. and get laughed at or hung up on. Looking for a controller that will monitor flow
and have a good weather station (like the RB ESP-SMT Series). All the locals have to say is you don't need all that for residential
and it would just be a waste.
Well I don"t think that's fair to say. So I'll tell you a little about the system.

6 Zones
15 rotors per zone
BERKELEY SSHM-2 Pump (from pond water)
I've got 2 of the 6 zones that I'm concerned will be vandalized

Looking to water smarter...any help would be great.

Thanks, Joe

mitchgo · #2 02-21-2013, 03:44 PM

Why do you think you need a flow sensor? They are more used for on demand systems that have the potential to cause mass amount of water loss/ damage if an issue/ break occurs.

There are other means that fit pricing better for residential.

If it was my place and I wanted to monitor flow - particularly if you are on a pump from a pond where the chances of having a Main Line break or stuck zone run 24/7 are Zilch. I would simply use a De-Duct meter that will count the amount of water I would use. A Deduct meter is basically just a water meter that you can install after your pump and would count the amount of water used.

The most reasonable price for residential use to have a flow sensor would be a Hunter ICC or I-core with the Solar Sync ( Dumbed down version of a smart controller ) and a Flow-Sync.

You should also simply document your zones design. For example if your zone has 15 heads and they all have nozzle of 1GPM. That equates to 15GPM usage. Say the zone runes 3x a week for 30 min each= Thats 1,350 each week or 5400 in a month. Adjust this for seasonal month to month

ArTurf · #3 02-21-2013, 04:18 PM

I think you can accomplish what you want with common sense once you start playing with it.

jahcad · #4 02-21-2013, 04:28 PM

I've got 2 of the 6 zones that I'm concerned will be vandalized.
15 rotors at 4gpm = 60gpm 150min. 1x a week (9000gal.)
I'm all sand here.
If a head is damaged it gets messy fast...lol

I don't mind spending 1k or more to get this set up right.

djagusch · #5 02-21-2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jahcad

I'm in need of some help. Talked to the local Pros. and get laughed at or hung up on. Looking for a controller that will monitor flow
and have a good weather station (like the RB ESP-SMT Series). All the locals have to say is you don't need all that for residential
and it would just be a waste.
Well I don"t think that's fair to say. So I'll tell you a little about the system.

6 Zones
15 rotors per zone
BERKELEY SSHM-2 Pump (from pond water)
I've got 2 of the 6 zones that I'm concerned will be vandalized

Looking to water smarter...any help would be great.

Thanks, Joe

Have you talked to Central Irrigation in Coon Rapids or John Deere Landscapes in Ham Lake? They would be the local suppliers.

Why 2 zones worried that they will be vandalized? Can you adjust watering times so it's less likely?

mitchgo · #6 02-21-2013, 04:48 PM

http://www.berkeleypumps.com/resources/images/345.pdf

That pump can't supply that safely

1 1/4 outlet can only safely handle about 25-30 gpm

Hopefully not every head is at 4gpm and that a proper design is in place.

Why 1x a week for 2.5 hours at one time in sandy soil? How to you come up with that? That's not smart watering for sand

jahcad · #7 02-21-2013, 05:33 PM

Central Irrigation wont talk to me... I'm a homeowner
John Deere Landscapes....haven't talked to them

Why 2 zones worried that they will be vandalized? Can you adjust watering times so it's less likely?.....see pic

mitchgo you are right
the zone in the pic is
3 360 at 9gpm (precip .495)
1 270 at 7.9 (.495)
6 180 at 4.3 (.475)
2 90 at 1.3 (.490) all = 63.3gpm pressure at heads are 48psi

As far as only once a week. Was just trying to deep water the best I knew how if its wrong please help. I can only work with what i read as what I'm watering is not the norm. I'm not here to come off as a smart axx just trying to fine the right answers. I will admit I'm over my head.

The reason I'm watering my trees is I have bark beetles. The MN forestry service keeps blaming our drought.......I dont know what else to do.

Mike Leary · #8 02-21-2013, 05:43 PM

Watering the bark will only increase the problem.

mitchgo · #9 02-21-2013, 06:03 PM

The next step up that's within your price range would be the new rain bird lx series

http://www.rainbird.com/ESPLXseries/...l/ESP-LXME.htm

Add a flow sensor to this and you'll be set.

The next controllers up from this are made for large commericial systems.