초록 ▼

An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering zones of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs, a display for displaying information relating to watering programs, and an EEP

An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering zones of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs, a display for displaying information relating to watering programs, and an EEPROM for retaining information relating to watering programs and an on/off status variable even during extended periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a multiplicity of watering start times can be selected. The irrigation controller may employ an analog precision rectifier for detecting how many valves are operational in a given watering zone, and the irrigation controller may also automatically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to how many valves are operational in a given watering zone. The irrigation controller may incorporate a power supply, and it may measure current draw from the power supply with an analog-to-digital converter and compare it to a maximum current capability of the power supply. A winterize mode may be provided, which allows simultaneous activation of multiple watering zones. A main controller may include a communication port comprising a four-wire interface that enables a transmittal of diagnostic information to a remote control device and enables remote operation of the valves of the irrigation system. Valve status may be indicated with a bi-color status LED.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An irrigation controller for controlling watering programs in an irrigation system that comprises a plurality of watering zones with a plurality of valves, the irrigation controller comprising:a means for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs; a means for receiving comma

1. An irrigation controller for controlling watering programs in an irrigation system that comprises a plurality of watering zones with a plurality of valves, the irrigation controller comprising:a means for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs; a means for receiving commands relating to watering programs; a means for processing commands relating to watering programs; a means for controlling the plurality of watering zones according to the commands; a means for retaining information relating to watering programs; and a means for displaying information relating to watering programs; wherein the means for enabling an inputting of commands, the means for receiving commands, the means for processing commands, the means for controlling the plurality of watering zones, and to means for retaining information in combination comprise a means for allowing a user to establish watering programs wherein each watering program comprises at least one selecting start time and at least one selected watering length; and wherein the means for allowing a user to establish watering programs further enables a user to input a Review command to cause the irrigation controller to enter a review mode wherein the means for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs is disabled whereby a user can review a given watering program without risk of accidentally altering the watering program.