turning device on/off

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Sorry, looks like I missed the first sentence. I jumped to another paragraph to quickly.
 
Yes, a simple timer might work for this.

 

[ano]

While a simple X-10 module might look like a good solution, its not very smart.  X-10 is not ultra reliable and if their turns on by mistake, or doesn't turn off correctly, you could be using a whole lot more water than you expected.  Commercial X-10 irrigation controllers like the Rain8 have a timer which shuts off the water should it not shut off otherwise. 

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

While a simple X-10 module might look like a good solution, its not very smart.  X-10 is not ultra reliable and if their turns on by mistake, or doesn't turn off correctly, you could be using a whole lot more water than you expected.  Commercial X-10 irrigation controllers like the Rain8 have a timer which shuts off the water should it not shut off otherwise. 

Yes, good points, which is why some of the options in post #15 were brought up.
 
FYI, one could always make their own fail/safe easily with a one shot circuit or incorporate an Elk-960 timer as well.
 
Of course, the costs would exceed the $20 of the timer I suggested, which should be pretty fail safe as that is the industry standard valve switching methodology.

 

[drozwood90]

I did something similar to BSR's link...but you'd need a custom RF module, Z-wave and UPB.  I combined them all to get high reliability.
 
I have a write-up on it if anyone is interested.  PAWS.  Portable Automated Watering System.  It is nearly complete.  I only need to get time to finish making the rolling cart for it (I have the wheels, need to get the lumber), as well as solder up some DB25 connectors so the PC can control it properly.
 
--Dan