Wireless Extension to an Irrigation Control System and Related Methods

Abstract

Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 458,535 filed Jul. 19, 2006, entitled WIRELESS EXTENSION TO AN IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 701,436, filed Jul. 19, 2005, entitled IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS VALVE LINK, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to irrigation systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wireless irrigation control system including a wireless valve link. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0005] Irrigation systems traditionally are used in many different applications, including, for example, commercial applications, residential applications, and on golf courses. Traditionally, when the irrigation system is installed, trenches are dug for the water piping. The same trenches are used for the wi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In another embodiment, the invention may be characterized as a method of controlling an irrigation system, the irrigation system comprising an irrigation solenoid valve electrically coupled to a wireless receiver and an irrigation controller electrically coupled to a wireless adapter, the method comprising: transmitting a control signal from the wireless adapter, the control signal being representative of a signal received from the irrigation controller indicating that the irrigation solenoid valve should be activated; receiving the control signal at the wireless transmitter; in response to receiving the control signal, activating the irrigation solenoid valve; and de-activating the irrigation solenoid valve if the control signal is not again received during a predetermined time interval after a prior reception of the control signal, thereby reducing a likelihood of the irrigation solenoid valve over-watering.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, connecting the power line from the valve for the new zone to the controller can be a very burdensome task.

Additionally, a number of other problems are created by installation and use of wires coupling an irrigation controller to remotely located valves.

Additionally, in-ground wiring is subject to induced lightning surges that can damage the irrigation controller or the valve solenoid.

Further, wires deteriorate over time and can be exposed to damage during landscaping.

Deteriorated or broken wires will cause the irrigation system to fail to properly control the actuation of valves.

All of these can be very costly and undesirable.

Finally, irrigation wires, once buried are difficult to locate.

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