CHOOSING THE RIGHT IRRIGATION CONTROLLER

CONTROLLER GLITCHES
Yes, hi-tech has hit the irrigation controller industry, too. No more simple dials and slides; now controllers have computer chips, sixteen thousand functions and complicated-looking keypads. But of course, the introduction of computer technology into irrigation clocks means good news for the commercial users with easier, more flexible, less expensive irrigation managemenL With the need to manage irrigation water becoming ever more critical, a commercial property manager will find the idea of upgrading the irrigation controller very appealing. Even if your maintenance professionals take care of the clock settings and operation, it is advantageous to know the latest that technology has to offer. It is likely that there will be a state-of-the-art controller in your future. Here is a description of popular features on today's controllers.

If your irrigation controller malfunctions, it may lock up, flash unintelligible messages on the screen, or turn on the water at unexpected times. This could be caused by anything from thunderstorms to PG&E workers in the neighborhood. Call O’Connell and we will re-program the controller, as it's memory has probably been erased by a power outage.
If this does not correct the problem, the controller needs repair. O’Connell will remove the controller free of charge and replace it with a loaner. We will send it in to the manufacturer (for example, Irritrol). When it is fixed, we will re-install it and you are back in business. Your only costs will be the actual r epairs and shipping. This is another example of O’Connell Landscape's commitment to customer service.

Replaceable modules. With a replaceable module, you can easily slip out a twelve-station module, for example, and replace it with an eighteen station module or larger, if you are enhancing or expanding your landscape design. if you see growth in your future, a replaceable module might be a really good investment.

Multiple programs and start times. Multiple programs is what allows you to control the water usage in each of the stations you have created with the module. For instance, with a three-station clock, you can divide into three stations: one for the flowers, one for the shrubs, and one for the lawn.With multiple programming, you can program your controller to water the flowers every day the shrubs once a week, and the ground cover every two weeks. Here in California, multiple programming is especially useful for odd day/even day watering and time-of-day rationing during droughts. You can program what time of day, what day of the week, and on some controllers, what day of the month you want your plants watered.

Run times. Drip irrigation--so important to us here in the North Bay--requires the irrigation system to run for several hours at a time. if you have drip, you must also have a controller with one or two stations that will run as long as you need them to. Being able to install drip irrigation on a large scale is one of the most important reasons for purchasing a new controller.

Percent scaling or water budgeting. With everyone m California so concerned about water conservation, percent scaling can be a real advantage. Percent scaling allows you to cut back normal water usage by a percentage that you determine. if your water district asks you to cut back 10% on your water usage, you would simply set your controller to 90% of your usual usage, and the controller would automatically use 10% less water than usual.

Rain shutoff. Some controllers are compatible with special moisture sensors that shut off the irrigation system automatically when a pre-determined amount of rain has fallen. Note that these devices are purchased separately and attached to the controller. if the landscaped area is large 'enough, more than one moisture sensor may be needed.

CONTROLLER GLITCHES

If your irrigation controller malfunctions, it may lock up, flash unintelligible messages on the screen, or turn on the water at unexpected times. This could be caused by anything from thunderstorms to PG&E workers in the neighborhood. If you are one of our maintenance customers call or E Mail O’Connell Landscape and we will re-program the controller, as it's memory has probably been erased by a power outage.
If this does not correct the problem, the controller needs repair. O’Connell will remove the controller free of charge and replace it with a loaner. We will send it in to the manufacturer (for example, Irritrol). When it is fixed, we will re-install it and you are back in business. Your only costs will be the actual repairs and shipping. This is another example of O’Connell Landscape's commitment to customer service.