Existing Hunter sprinkler system

[JimS]

so are most all independent sprinkler controllers function this way... ie. no override?

 
Your question reminded me that there IS an override shutoff input on most sprinkler controllers for a rain sensor input.  If that was wired to the omnipro with another relay you could shut off the Hunter.  Not sure if most controllers will shut down immediately or wait until the end of the current cycle - I would think it would be immediate but something to check.
 
My plan is to go with something like opensprinkler but I would like to have a local control panel so it can be run like a conventional controller if desired - easier for other members of the house.  Maybe something like opensprinkler on a raspberry pi combined with lcdproc - it supports an LCD and keypad.

 

[pete_c]

Wow!
 
Just found an Opensprinkler "kit" which runs the opensprinkler software and has the solenoid switches built in.  That said as I am currently running mcsSprinklers on an Arm CPU anyways; it would be probably not to difficult to move it over to the same box plus an expansion module for my 10 zones.  It would fit better in the rainbird box than both of the Rain8nets and the seagate dockstar.  I currently have a touchscreen right above the Rainbird box.  I was also thinking of just integrating a small 4.5" Android (today) quad processor capacitance touchscreen.  I would though probably replace the android OS though with linux and make it sort of propietary.
 
The pieces would be:
 
1 - Opensprinkler 8 zone box
2 - Opensprinkler 8 zone expansion box
3 - generic 4.5" thin quad core android touch mini tablet - modded some taking the USB to the back for network/power
 
http://rayshobby.net/cart/index.php?route=product/product&path=24&product_id=50
 
The touch display is OK right now at an 8" 4:3 touchscreen but I would have to redo it for a smaller 16:9 4.5" display mounted on the rainbird box.
 
I attached an overview of the transition of the Rainbird sprinkler system over the years.
 
Going slow with this endeavor and have been playing with some Intel base small footprint tabletop touch screens  These are actually all over the house lately (a bit low waf lately).  That said I have these running Linux, Android or XP.  I also have a few apart in little pieces all over my workbench.  I might start by purchasing another rainbird box and fitting the tablet on the cover  Its only a bit over 1" in depth.
 

 

[Anthony A.]

Wow thats a pretty sweet setup .... you're tempting me with all those touchpanels you have

 

[lupinglade]

You could probably override the hunter controller by one of:

- a relay that breaks up one of the power connections to all valves if it's a shared connection

- a relay that just kills power to the hunter

- a relay that triggers the rain sensor input on the hunter


Then you can write a basic automation rule to trigger this relay for you when you manually turn on a zone from your OmniPro.

 

[pete_c]

That is actually the fourth generation of touchscreen above the rainbird box. You can today basically do whatever you want with this stuff; as the costs are relatively reasonable.

 

[Anthony A.]

Now that winter is here, i'm back at looking into options. I would like to go wireless for starters in case of lightning. How would this be accomplished with the OP2 relay outputs?

 

[pete_c]

How would this be accomplished with the OP2 relay outputs?

 
If you into a DIY you can do something custom.  You can do just about anything with the OP2 relay outputs.
 
Here I am looking to do some custom LV switching for my outdoor landscaping lighting that I have moved to LEDs (many zones) using wireless.
 
I currently utilize one UPB switch for some 8-10 lighting zones.  I want to get a bit more granular and move the entire setup to solar / batteries.
 
Many folks on the forum are using direct connects to their OPII panels and or Elk panels.  Others utilize whatever automation (powerline, hybrid or wireless).
 
Its up to you as engineering a wireless combo solenoid thing is inexpensive these days. 
 
You can purchase a multiple solenoid wireless board for next to nothing these days.