Irrigation System Configurations

Direct Connect (NET) Configuration

The direct connect architecture provides the highest reliability and lowest acquisition cost.  This configuration, however imposes a requirement that a wired connection (3-wire RS232) exist between the computer and the location where the valve control hardware is installed.

The valve control hardware consists of stackable modules. Each module has the capability to control eight valves and/or pumps per module. Note now only Rain8Net PRO models accept one discrete input as a counter or as a switch.  Included is a 24VAC 20VA transformer, two 9-pin RS232 adapters,  6ft flat RS232 cable, and RS-485 interconnect cables between each Rain8Net+ module.

The software consists of mcsSprinklers in the Basic, Standard, or Professional version which provides capability to run on a single computer and remote access via internet or LAN access.

Direct Connect Configuration

WiFi Configuration

The WiFi connect architecture provides high reliability and installation convenience.  Rain8Net+ modules are used for valve control and an 802.11b WiFi to RS232 access point is used to provide the connection to the PC.  The PC or router on the LAN is assumed to support 802.11b communications. 

The valve control hardware consists of stackable modules. Each module has the capability to control eight valves and/or pumps per module. Note now only Rain8Net PRO models accept one discrete input as a counter or as a switch.  Included is a 24VAC 20VA transformer, 802.11b WiFi to RS232 access point, 9-pin RS232 adapters,  6ft flat RS232 cable, and RS-485 interconnect cables between each Rain8Net+ module.

The software consists of mcsSprinklers in the Basic, Standard, or Professional version which provides capability to run on a single computer and remote access via internet or LAN access.

 Powerline (UPB) Configuration

Powerline (X10) Configuration

The powerline architecture using X10 provides the lowest installation effort and modest acquisition cost.  The powerline is used as the physical connection between the valve control electronics and the control software running in the computer.  X10 adapters are used to make the electrical connection with the powerline on both the computer side and the valve control electronics side.

The valve control hardware consists of stackable modules. Each module has the capability to control eight valves and/or pumps per module.  Included is a 24VAC 20VA transformer, CM11-A powerline adapter, one PCS05 powerline adapter per two Rain8X10-2 modules and splitter for each pair of Rain8X10-2 modules.

The software consists of mcsSprinklers in the Basic, Standard, or Professional version which provides capability to run on a single computer and remote access via internet or LAN access.

Powerline (X10) Configuration

Wireless (RF) Configuration

The wireless architecture provides through-wall wireless connectivity for close proximity connections between the valve control electronics and computer.  The RF communications is one-way so no assurance that commands are received or the current status of the valves.  Timeouts within the Rain8Wireless modules prevent excessive ON time.

The valve control hardware consists of stackable modules. Each module has the capability to control eight valves and/or pumps per module as well as accept one discrete input as a counter or as a switch.  Included is a 24VAC 20VA transformer, CM17A PC to RF adapter, RF antenna and mounting bracket, coax cable, and module interconnect cable with each additional Rain8Wireless module.

The software consists of mcsSprinklers in the Basic, Standard, or Professional version which provides capability to run on a single computer and remote access via internet or LAN access.

Standard Options

Standard options that apply to most configurations can be added to enhance the irrigation control. 

Some computers have insufficient RS232 ports, yet have USB ports.  A USB to RS232 adapter can be used to gain the necessary RS232 interface

USB to RS232 Adapter

The ability to "walk the yard" and control the valves from a handheld device is a great convenience.  This can be done with a PDA and a WiFi connection or it can be done with RF using X10/NEC RF communication.  The RF receiver is a model W800RF32 and the handheld RF transmitter is an X10 palmpad.

Handheld Remote Transmitter and RF Receiver

When an internet connection or local weather station is not available then a rain sensor can be used to inhibit irrigation during and shortly after rain has fallen.  The sensor provides dry contact that can be sensed as an input or used in series with the 24VAC to inhibit.

Rain Sensor

When an internet connection or local weather station is not available then a rain sensor can be used to inhibit irrigation during and shortly after rain has fallen.  The sensor provides dry contact that can be sensed as an input or used in series with the 24VAC to inhibit.

Aluminum Mounting Rack for up to 3 Modules

The volume of water used for irrigation can be tracked with the counter input of certain Rain8 modules.  A water meter such as the DLJ series with a pulse output from watermeters.com can be used to provide the meter while mcsSprinklers performs the utilization accounting and water leak notification.

Water Meter

A weather station provides the microclimate of a site and thus will usually provide a better measure of the rainfall and the weather conditions that determine the needs for irrigation.  Many stations are available that have a computer real time interface.  An industrial grade station can be obtained from Weatherhawk.com.  Consumer grade stations are available from various sources.  For the consumer grade stations mcsSprinklers will accept a csv data file input.

Weather Station

Surge suppression protects electronic equipment from lightning strikes.  Lightning looks for a path to ground and the wiring from the valve back to the control module and from the control module back to the PC in the case of the Rain8Net+ provide a low resistance path through the electronics.  The surge suppression circuit will provide a more direct route to ground and significantly reduce the change that the grounding path will be through the control electronics or computer.  T Manufacturing Services provide compatible surge suppression. 

Surge Suppression

A fertigation unit provides a means to dispense liquid fertilizer through the irrigation system.  The liquid is dispensed from a central location with volume controlled on a zone by zone basis.  Modulation of the flow is managed by mcsSprinklers using one of the Rain8 outputs.  More information and purchase contacts can be found at EZ-FLO.

Fertigation