Abstract: A modular expandable irrigation controller has a predetermined number of receptacles for removably receiving a maximum number of station modules. Each station module includes a station module circuit including at least one switching device for energizing a corresponding solenoid actuated valve. A processor executes a stored watering program to control the available station module circuits in accordance therewith. At least one standard station module is removably received in a single one of the receptacles. At least one enhanced station module is removably received in, and spans a, predetermined plurality of the remaining receptacles. The station module circuit of the enhanced station module includes more switching devices than the total number of switching devices included in the station module circuits of the total number of standard station modules that could otherwise be removably received in the predetermined plurality of receptacles spanned by the enhanced module.

Abstract: An irrigation control system including an irrigation controller, a portable data shuttle, and a personal computer. The user creates a watering program comprising watering schedules by using a graphical user-friendly interface of the personal computer. The watering program is then downloaded into the portable data shuttle. The portable data shuttle is coupled to an irrigation controller and a first watering schedule is downloaded from the portable data shuttle into the irrigation controller in a matter of seconds. At a later time, the data shuttle automatically downloads a second watering schedule replacing the first schedule, thereby updating the irrigation programming. For example, a new watering schedule may be automatically downloaded at preselected intervals to accommodate the changing seasons. The portable data shuttle includes voltage regulation circuits so that it can receive power from either the personal computer or the irrigation controller.

Abstract: A cleaning cycle generator for an irrigation system having a programmable irrigation controller. When the irrigation controller terminates an on cycle, the cleaning cycle generator of the present invention will initiate a time delay after which it will turn the sprinklers completely on for a timed period. The sprinklers will then be turned off to complete the remainder of the off cycle. The present invention is particularly advantageous in pressure regulated irrigation valves where particles in the water can become trapped between valve seat surfaces that are in close proximity due to the pressure regulation. Leaking throughout the lengthy off cycle of the irrigation system is prevented by flushing out particles while the valve is in the completely open, unregulated state.

Abstract: An improved irrigation controller is provided for selectively turning ON and OFF each of a plurality of sprinkler valve stations around a lawn or garden. The controller permits direct entry on a station-by-station level of the run time, number of cycles, and frequency of operation. The controller then permits both start time and no water days to be entered globally.