Abstract: A controller for a valve turning machine includes a handheld unit having a keypad and a first transmitter for transmitting instructions to the machine. The machine itself has a receiver for receiving instructions, and one or more detectors for detecting the status of functions of the machine. A second transmitter on the machine transmits information from the detectors as feedback to the handheld unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a municipal water system employs a master computer having a memory which retains information regarding all the valves in the system. One assigned to exercise certain valves in the system obtains a print out of current information regarding the valves to be exercised from the computer. A valve turning machine which is controlled by a hand held computer is provided to the operator and after the operation exercises the assigned valves, information stored in the hand held computer is down loaded into the memory of the master computer to thereby update the municipal recorder.