Irrigation Controllers & Automation Flashcards
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What is the primary function of an irrigation controller?
Answer: To automatically open and close valves according to a programmed schedule
An irrigation controller (timer) operates solenoid valves on a preset schedule, automating the opening and closing of irrigation zones without manual intervention.
A rain sensor on an irrigation controller is designed to:
Answer: Interrupt or delay scheduled irrigation when sufficient rainfall occurs
Rain sensors interrupt or postpone irrigation when rainfall exceeds a set threshold, preventing unnecessary watering and saving water.
A two-wire decoder irrigation system differs from a conventional controller system because:
Answer: It runs all field wiring from the controller through a single pair of wires to decoder modules at each valve
Two-wire decoder systems replace multi-conductor cables with a single two-wire path carrying both power and communication signals to individual decoder modules at each valve.
Which controller feature allows a user to temporarily increase or decrease all run times by a percentage without reprogramming each zone?
Answer: Seasonal adjust (water budget) percentage
The seasonal adjust or water budget feature multiplies all station run times by a set percentage, allowing quick seasonal changes without editing each station individually.
A master valve (MV) in an irrigation system is installed:
Answer: On the mainline upstream of all zone valves, and opens only when a station is active
The master valve is a normally-closed valve on the mainline that the controller opens whenever a station runs; it prevents water waste from valve leaks when the system is off.
What type of sensor can be wired to a controller's sensor input to automatically suspend irrigation when the soil has sufficient moisture?
Answer: Soil moisture sensor (tensiometer or capacitance probe)
Soil moisture sensors measure water content or soil water tension and can interrupt scheduled irrigation when the soil is already adequately moist.
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