All very good pro and con comments concerning the Ocelot and Rain8net! I would just like to add some comments.
One is the Rain8net requires a computer to send it the commands via a software package such as Homeseer. I don't leave critical tasks to be run from a PC based command system (and in Las Vegas, sprinklers are deemed "critical").
Also, mcsSprinklers seems like a great program, but it is a little to expensive for what I need, plus I can always add a moisture sensor to my SECU16I (may need an external voltage comparator, but that wouldn't be a problem).
The Ocelot is a bullet proof controller, but it requires and external device such as the SECU16 or RLY8-XA modules for sprinkler control. I would suggest if you go this route to stay away from the SECU16! Even IF you are under the current capability of its relay contacts, it may or may not be useable depending on the inductance of the load you are switching. I have had nothing but problems with mine and sent it back to get a RLY8-XA unit (I already had an SECU16I unit, so I didn't need additional inputs). If you do go with the RLY8-XA you may want to also purchase an SECU16I so you have some inputs as well.
This is very expensive setup if you are purchasing this system for "just" sprinkler control.
You can get additional info on expansion modules for the Ocelot
HERE.
Here is what I recently did to control my sprinkler system.
I came upon the brand new
Relay8 unit from WGL Design. This unit is a lot like the X-10 controlled Rain8 except is has eight single pole double throw relays (controlled by X-10). An internal timer can be set for the maximum time the relay is ON once it is triggered by an X-10 ON command (good backup in case the "OFF" signal is never received).
So, since I already had my Ocelot, and finally got a reliable X-10 system (got all my signal sucks blocked) I used this Relay8 to control my sprinkler valves and use the Ocelot to send the X-10 commands at the time intervals for my watering cycles. I had a 24 VAC wall wart from the old sprinkler timer I was using so I just connected this to all of the relay "commons" or "swingers" and also used an in-line fuse as well.
Since this unit has "two-way" communication, I look to see if a channel is "ON" three seconds after I send an on command. If it is not ON, I send the command again. (I also do the same for the OFF commands).
All of this programming is accomplished via the CMax code in the Ocelot.
I then have Homeseer/Main Lobby "log" when the sprinklers are turned on and off. I can look at this file to make sure everything is running as it should.
I plan on adding a "wind detector" and hooking it up to one of my SECU16I inputs so I don't water if the wind is to strong.
Also, I have an appliance module (with status) control the 24 VAC wall wart which supplies the valves so I can "disable" the sprinklers if I would like. This is controlled and monitor via a Main Lobby scene. You can also manually turn the sprinklers on via the Main Lobby scene, or via a Palm Pad remote (great for trouble shooting or testing the system).
You can view the Main Lobby scene (as well as all my other scenes)
HERE. If there is enough interest I can do a "How-To" on this showing the CMax code as well as the Main Lobby/Homeseer interfaces & scripts.
Again, not saying this is the perfect way to accomplish this task, just the way I decided to do this!
Regards,
BSR