Sprinkler controller which computes sprinkler cycles based on inputted

Abstract

A sprinkler system including a controller having a manual data entry device, a processor and a sprinkler controller. Data is entered through the data entry means relating to conditions in each of a number of zones in which sprinkling is to occur with respect to the amount of water needed to be applied to that zone and the soil water infiltration rate. Upon receiving this information, the processor determines for each zone the number of cycles and the length of time in each cycle that water is to be applied not only so that the amount of water applied during each cycle does not exceed the amount of water the soil can absorb during that cycle, but also so that the total amount of water needed by that zone is applied. The processor employs the number of cycles and the length of on time per cycle to organize the cycles for all of the zones, creating an application program. The application program is employed by the sprinkler controller to generate control signals for executing the application program on an automatic basis. An operator provides data concerning which days an application is desired, the type of soil in the area to be irrigated, the type of sprinkler for each zone, the water need of the vegetation in each zone and the desired start time. Then, the controller calculates the number of cycles for each zone per application and the length of time in each cycle the sprinkler is to be on.