Elk + irrigation: how?

[LaurentR]

I am looking into the various options to get my sprinklers controlled by the M1G. I am not sure what people use for that.

I can see doing it directly using Elk relays and a 24V brick. But what's the requirement on the 24V brick (is it AC or DC anyway?)? I know that sprinkler controllers ar epretty resilient to shorting outputs. What does that mean for the 24V transformer?

The other option is to control a RS232 Rain8, but I am not sure ow to do that. Can one just plug the Rain8 to an M1XSP and send/read messages using Whenever statements (i.e. use virtual outputs and have whenever statements that turn the outputs into Rain8 messages)? Anyone is doing that? This seems "safer" since Rain8 has obviously figured out the electrical part of it, but...

The last option is to use CQC or ML to control a Rain8 directly. But I'd prefer the Elk route (not to mention that I don't use CQC or ML yet).

Thanks in advance.

Laurent

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showto...mp;hl=sprinkler

Especially look at my Post #24 in that thread.

You could also use an Elk relay expansion module instead of the individual relays.

IF you are going to use individual relay, let me know as there is one type that works better with the Elk's on board outputs (more sensitive, believe it's the board with two actual relays on it instead of just the one). People were reporting problems using the single sensitive relay.

Also this How-To has good general info on sprinkler control:

http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showto...mp;hl=sprinkler

Don't use a PC based method for controlling sprinklers as PC's are not NEAR as reliable as hardware controllers such as the Elk and Ocelot. Anyone that says differently just doesn't know what they are talking about!

The RAIN-8 WGL Designs product line is also nice as they have an internal cutoff timer that will prevent any 'run-away' valves from staying open.

IF you do decide on a computer based system to control your valves, make darn sure you do so via a unit such as the Rain-8 (again refer to my mention of the cut-off timers, or Elk/Ocelot (via rules for cut-off timing) so you don't come home to a flooded yard one day! ;0

 

[Spanky]

The M1XOVR Relay expander and/or the M1RB can provide relay outputs to control sprinkler solenoids. You would write Rules to cycle the various zones. Use a rain sensor to bypass watering when it has rained.