[ArTurf]

Wireless solutions can run UNLIMITED number of valves from single (as long as there is water pressure) since the load on the clock is ONLY the transmitter. But, like it has been mentioned before, it won't be on the cheaper side.

I am not too familiar with golf controllers and how many valves they can run and how the cost compares in detail.

Golf can run 3 valves per terminal. At least the one from Hunter which is a version of the old Buckner.

 

[1idejim]

You’re a chump if you don’t call sj water, he’s real.

 

[Wet_Boots]

Not really expecting a bargain I know it's going to be 1k+. But not bend over and take it golf controller pricing. And even if the costs were close the way golf controllers, at least the one I've worked with, are goofy to program.

I don't know that it must be 1K+, just that a baseline model stuffed to the gills with expansion modules might reach a zone count over 20, without it possessing 3-on-a-zone capability. By the way, what zone valves are these? (thinking of their solenoid characteristics) - Some valves might be retrofitted with low-power solenoids, as a workaround.

Another possibility is to get a 48 zone controller and program it to run stations simultaneously, keeping valves per station to a maximum of two.

 

[ArTurf]

You’re a chump if you don’t call sj water, he’s real.

Done done it.

 

[ArTurf]

I don't know that it must be 1K+, just that a baseline model stuffed to the gills with expansion modules might reach a zone count over 20, without it possessing 3-on-a-zone capability. By the way, what zone valves are these? (thinking of their solenoid characteristics) - Some valves might be retrofitted with low-power solenoids, as a workaround.

Another possibility is to get a 48 zone controller and program it to run stations simultaneously, keeping valves per station to a maximum of two.

Valves are a variety pack. Some old Buckner, newer Hunters a few RB

Yes that’s my original thought, to run 2 programs at The same time

 

[Wet_Boots]

Valves are a variety pack. Some old Buckner, newer Hunters a few RB

Yes that’s my original thought, to run 2 programs at The same time

If 24 pairs of zones running simultaneously can get the job done, then nothing else would need modification, with the possible exception of the pump start relay, as detailed earlier. There are some solenoids (thinking Toro here, as one known example) with extremely low current draws that would get around controller restrictions, but I doubt that there are any universal versions of them.

 

[ArTurf]

If 24 pairs of zones running simultaneously can get the job done, then nothing else would need modification, with the possible exception of the pump start relay, as detailed earlier. There are some solenoids (thinking Toro here, as one known example) with extremely low current draws that would get around controller restrictions, but I doubt that there are any universal versions of them.

Yes. Other than programming which I would do if this ever came to fruit would be the only issue. Not all stations have 3 valves on them, some 2, some 1.

 

[FLwater]

Anyone know off the top (or bottom) of their head a commercial controller that will run 3 valves(on one station-one wire in series) + a PSR at the same time. Would need to be 20-25 stations.

Don't say a golf controller. I know that would fit the bill. The problem is the bill would be too much $$$

I have a crazy/stupid idea. Some commercial controllers can run 2 programs with multiple valves at the same time. What if I wired 2 station terminals to the one zone wire (which runs 3 valves) at programmed them on separate programs to run at the same time? Should work in theory right?

Ok, so 2 wires in zone 1 , a jumper wire to zone 2 and the third wire in zone 2. Is that the idea ?

I’ll be around an ACC tomorrow, want me to try that ?

 

[sjwater]

Boots, if 2 zones run at the same time and each zone has 2 solenoids, then isn't that 4 solenoids loading the clock and transformer again!?

 

[Wet_Boots]

Boots, if 2 zones run at the same time and each zone has 2 solenoids, then isn't that 4 solenoids loading the clock and transformer again!?

If none of the existing zones has 4 valves, how does splitting a zone create a 4th valve?

 

[ArTurf]

Ok, so 2 wires in zone 1 , a jumper wire to zone 2 and the third wire in zone 2. Is that the idea ?

I’ll be around an ACC tomorrow, want me to try that ?

Not really, no jumper wires.
More like wire from any 2 zones/terminals tied to a single zone wire that has 3 valves connected to it. The controller would be programmed to run the 2 zones (on different programs) to run at the same time.
I've no doubt it would work, but you can try it if you want to

 

[ArTurf]

Ok, so 2 wires in zone 1 , a jumper wire to zone 2 and the third wire in zone 2. Is that the idea ?

I’ll be around an ACC tomorrow, want me to try that ?

After thinking more about it I suppose your idea would could work

 

[Wet_Boots]

Are these multiple zone valves wired from controller to zone valve(s) with no field splices? If you only had a few of them, or even more than a few, you could duplicate the pump start workaround for each 3-valve zone. Because of home automation controls, relays that plug into sockets with screw terminals are available for cheap. From a cost standpoint, a bank of workaround relays added to a 22-zone Rainbird ESP-Me might get you home for under $500 (but spend the extra benjamin or two for something a bit more robust.

Available in 10-packs at a unit price of less than $5.00

 

[FLwater]

After thinking more about it I suppose your idea would could work

From my Hunter rep

 

[ArTurf]

View attachment 511532

From my Hunter rep

I talked to Hunter also, although a while ago. Rod our Lawnsite Buddy
He said it "might" be doable if the solenoids were low draw and wiring and connections were perfect. Otherwise maybe not. No room for maybe, need to be sure nuff

 

[ArTurf]

View attachment 511532

From my Hunter rep

These would be long runs also

 

[Wet_Boots]

Have you measured any of the current draws with an ammeter yet?

 

[FLwater]

These would be long runs also

ok, so we know pretty much any controller will run 2 zones on a single terminal. In the 3 valve situations , why not just run an Add-A-Zone. Wire 2 valves together, and wire to one side and run the third valve on the other zone. This will add 1 zone to the controller for each 3 zone manifolds.

 

[RhettMan]

Ok, so 2 wires in zone 1 , a jumper wire to zone 2 and the third wire in zone 2. Is that the idea ?

I’ll be around an ACC tomorrow, want me to try that ?

After thinking more about it I suppose your idea would could work

This just makes them all one big zone (electric conductor), no?

in order words, it will draw the same amperage, from the same source, just as if they were all in the same terminal? wouldnt it?

what am i missing, curious to learn.

 

[ArTurf]

Are these multiple zone valves wired from controller to zone valve(s) with no field splices? If you only had a few of them, or even more than a few, you could duplicate the pump start workaround for each 3-valve zone. Because of home automation controls, relays that plug into sockets with screw terminals are available for cheap. From a cost standpoint, a bank of workaround relays added to a 22-zone Rainbird ESP-Me might get you home for under $500 (but spend the extra benjamin or two for something a bit more robust.

Available in 10-packs at a unit price of less than $5.00

There is one wire running from the controller. in the field there are 3 valves wired in series. So if I understand these devices right they would not work in this scenario.