ultrajones
Active Member
I would like to control my 5 zone sprinklers using my Elk M1 Gold. Is this possible? If so, are there any wiring diagrams available?
Regards,
Ultrajones
Regards,
Ultrajones
Elk M1 and 5 Zone Sprinkler System
- Thread starter ultrajones
- Start date
Ultrajones,
I believe that you will use the outputs, through relays to control the zones. You would then create tasks/rules to have them come on and off during the times that you define in the system.
Group:
Please correct me if I am wrong, as I also am about to do the same thing, and want to know if Im getting this right.
Thanks
I believe that you will use the outputs, through relays to control the zones. You would then create tasks/rules to have them come on and off during the times that you define in the system.
Group:
Please correct me if I am wrong, as I also am about to do the same thing, and want to know if Im getting this right.
Thanks
mustangcoupe
Senior Member
You are correct... Use relays on one of the leads for the power supply to each zone valve, and connect them to outputs on the elk. I also hooked my rain sensor into a zone input on my M1 to turn the wattering off it not needed look around I know it has been discussed many times
I believe that several on this board have used the M1 either alone or in conjunction with PC automation software (via your plugin or other methods) for basic sprinkler control. I believe there are code examples on this site and also on the Elk website where the sample programs are listed.
The relay output expander works quite well for this and makes a nice installation.I purchased a small Rain Bird 24v power supply from Lowes (I think it was less than $20.00) and used it to power the sprinkler zone valves via the Elk relay output expander. Some use a master valve ahead of the zone valves to reduce the chance of a stuck valve, relay, or whatever from causing excessive water usage. I went with this approach since I am using a well with limited capacity.
Brian
Here is the post that I followed...works great. I have 8 zones, automated to run at 5am and have had no problems. Can also use your keypads to turn individual zones on/off or run a task to water everything.
http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=7980
Eric
http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=7980
Eric
ultrajones
Active Member
Thank you everyone that replied! It looks like I have several options available ...
So, it sounds like I can use the ELK-M1XOVR (M1 16 Output Expander, 8 Voltage & 8 Relays) to control my sprinklers. I assume I would also need a 24 v power supply? Are there any wiring diagrams to show this type of hookup?
Regards,
Ultrajones
So, it sounds like I can use the ELK-M1XOVR (M1 16 Output Expander, 8 Voltage & 8 Relays) to control my sprinklers. I assume I would also need a 24 v power supply? Are there any wiring diagrams to show this type of hookup?
Regards,
Ultrajones
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Ultrajones:
I did THIS schematic for Vaughn a while back. Although it shows how to hook individual relays using the Elk's main board digital outputs you can use the "left side" of the schematic/relays for wiring into a relay expansion board (they should show "NC", "C", and "NO" connections on their relay outputs I believe).
Also, yes, you will need to purchase a 24 volt AC wall wart to control your valves. I would also wire in an in-line fuse (as shown in the schematic) very close to the wall wart (no polarity as it's AC so place on either wire of the wall wart).
Radio Shack sells these in-line fuse holders and matching fuses. I believe a one amp fuse will do (maybe read that post referenced above or the Poor Man's Watering System How-To for more details.
If you need any help, please let us know.
Regards,
BSR
murphy
Member
There are several ways.
You can use a relais/output expander (I think the best solution).
You can use an interface for controlling X10-Universal modules.
And sure other ways (UPB, Ethernet-switches ...) are possible.
My solution for 11 zones are X10-based.
And I think, the first possibility with relays is most reliable as economical.
So I'll change my solution next month.
The wiring is an easy thing. But let me know:
Are the sprinkler operated at the same time? That doesn't change the wiring, if you are operating all together, you need a stronger 24V transformer. Each sprinkler-solenoid takes ca 170 mA (?). Are the sprinkler solenoids all wired to one place? Or are they far away, so several output-expanders make sense?
The wiring is extremly simple. BTW the programming of the ELK-System too.
Attachments
tmbrown97
Senior Member
I did mine about a month ago, entirely within the Elk. I ordered one of the Elk 24VAV transformers (was like $10), and an M1XOVR and an M1RB. I have a 10-zone system, and knew I wanted garage-door control and also pool fill, plus I'm going to run my exterior strobe off that panel - so that's 14 out of 16 outputs used.
Knowing I would do this, I ran a Cat5 out to the garage where my sprinkler controls are when wiring the alarm - that way I could extend the databus when I was ready... so I used the 14" can that came with my Elk system (I used a 28" instead) and mounted it in the garage and ran everything through that.
The solenoids are very simple - when you're applying power, the water flows - when you take power away, the water flow stops. So, Tied together all the commons as you normally would, then at the box, I ran the common to the common of the transformer. Then ran each zone to the Common terminals of the relay boards... Then looped the Hot off the transformer through each of the NC contacts using little jumper wires.
All said and done, it was a simple project. Attached is a pic... Wiring isn't completely clean yet because I have to replace the deteriorated wire to the rear zones (already replaced front)... and still need to add the other zone. In the box, you'll see the Power Distribution too - that lets me split the 12V out to other things, like the strobe soon to be added and the garage door interface that goes with my car alarm.
Knowing I would do this, I ran a Cat5 out to the garage where my sprinkler controls are when wiring the alarm - that way I could extend the databus when I was ready... so I used the 14" can that came with my Elk system (I used a 28" instead) and mounted it in the garage and ran everything through that.
The solenoids are very simple - when you're applying power, the water flows - when you take power away, the water flow stops. So, Tied together all the commons as you normally would, then at the box, I ran the common to the common of the transformer. Then ran each zone to the Common terminals of the relay boards... Then looped the Hot off the transformer through each of the NC contacts using little jumper wires.
All said and done, it was a simple project. Attached is a pic... Wiring isn't completely clean yet because I have to replace the deteriorated wire to the rear zones (already replaced front)... and still need to add the other zone. In the box, you'll see the Power Distribution too - that lets me split the 12V out to other things, like the strobe soon to be added and the garage door interface that goes with my car alarm.
