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To automate an existing irrigation system you will require:

• A Controller -
• Solenoid valves
• A Low voltage cable system

Controller:

The irrigation controller enables you to operate the solenoid valves on a pre- programmed basis such as:
- -The time of day watering is to commence for each cycle.
- -The running time of each dripper/sprinkler line or station.
- -The days of the week or frequency of watering required.

N.B. Once a program cycle commences on the Controller, all the stations you have assigned to that program will commence watering in sequence for the number of minutes you allowed as a running time. The system will then turn itself off and wait for the next scheduled automatic staringt time.

Solenoid Valves:

These are usually attached to a tap, grouped together on a manifold or located on a dedicated irrigation main line. Water on its way to the irrigation passes through the solenoid valve and stops when the valve shuts down. Each solenoid valve controls its own group of sprinklers known as a zone or station. The solenoid is linked to the controller with low voltage cable.

The Low Voltage Cable System:

From a numbered terminal on the controller, a low voltage cable (24 volts) is connected to the solenoid valve. When the controller begins a cycle, a signal passes along the cable from the controller and activates the coil that is attached to the top of the solenoid valve. Once opened, the solenoid valve then allows water to flow to the sprinklers. The solenoid valve remains open until the running time on the controller has elapsed for that station or zone and power to the valve is terminated.

A Few Suggestions:

• If running a spray system, it is important to divide your irrigation system into separate watering zones so as to accommodate the right number of sprinklers on each line. This ensures correct spray performance on each line.
• If running a drip system, divide your irrigation system depending upon the required frequency and duration of watering for each garden area. For instance, lawns prefer to be watered for a longer period of time, but less often than garden areas. Also, potted plants would be watered for a shorter time period compared to garden areas.
• It is practical to test each zone before making your final decision on the number of stations you will require for the system.
• When planning out your station lines, consider factors such as the position of the area to be watered relative to sun and shade as gardens in full sun require special attention.
• When choosing a controller allow for future expansion of the system.

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