Abstract: A water pressure sensing system for self-propelled irrigation systems has a waterline pressure sensing device mounted at the outermost sprinkler in wireless communications with a master control unit (MCU) mounted elsewhere on the irrigation system. The waterline pressure sensing device includes a water pressure sensor and a processor to detect changes in waterline pressure, in addition to a short-range radio for wireless communication with the MCU. The MCU includes a short-range radio for wireless communication with the water pressure sensing device, a processor for processing the received waterline pressure status data, and a long-range transmitter for relaying this data to a remote internet-connected central computer. The remote central computer alerts mobile operator devices to inform the operator of the waterline pressure status.

Abstract: A universal remote monitoring system for irrigation systems having a self-contained remote terminal unit mounted at an outer portion of the irrigation system that is independent of the irrigation system's electrical control and power circuitry. The unit includes a programmable, three-axis accelerometer to detect lateral movement of the pivot arm in either direction. The unit can also include a global positioning system for producing coordinate data, a computer for processing the accelerometer movement data and GPS coordinate data into operational data, and a transmitter for delivering the operational data to a communications satellite or terrestrial communications tower. The satellite or terrestrial communications tower relays the operational data through a communications network into a remote internet-connected service computer that generates information messages to mobile operator devices informing the operator of movement status, water delivery status, position status and other operational information.