Abstract: An irrigation control system for land comprising: (a) at least one meter to measure one or more wheather conditions in a first area; (b) at least one monitor to (i) examine rainfall data derived from a radar scanning at least the first area according to predetermined criteria and (ii) to extract data which is representative of the scanned rainfall in a sub-area of the first area; (c) a store to store the extracted data; and (d) a controller connected directly or indirectly to the meter and the monitor and to the store, to calculate a moisture content value for the sub-area and a predetermined moisture content value for the sub-area, and to regulate the irrigation in a sub-area.

Abstract: A modular expandable irrigation controller has controls for manual entry or selection of a watering program and a memory for storing the watering program. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls one or more station modules each including a station module circuit for energizing at least one solenoid actuated valve in accordance with the watering program. The irrigation controller has a plurality of receptacles for each removably receiving a station module and for providing an operative connection to the processor. A manually movable locking member is grasped and moved between UNLOCKED and LOCKED positions to positively secure each station module in a corresponding receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Internet-enabled irrigation control. An irrigation controller is coupled to a wide area network, such as the Internet, via a wireless carrier network. The irrigation controller has a unique identifier which makes the irrigation controller addressable by an irrigation server located on the Internet. The irrigation controller is capable of stand-alone operation and may be programmed by a user communicating with the irrigation controller using the irrigation server and the wireless carrier. The user may also send immediate commands to the irrigation controller such as rain shutdown commands. In addition, the irrigation controller may transmit status messages back to the irrigation server such irrigation station faults and excessive flow alarms. The irrigation server saves the status messages in a database for later retrieval by the user. In addition, the irrigation server may also transmit status and alarm messages to the user via email or by telephone.

Abstract: A modular expandable irrigation controller has controls for manual entry or selection of a watering program and a memory for storing the watering program. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls one or more station modules each including a station module circuit for energizing at least one solenoid actuated valve in accordance with the watering program. The irrigation controller has a plurality of receptacles for each removably receiving a station module and for providing an operative connection to the processor. A manually movable locking member is grasped and moved between UNLOCKED and LOCKED positions to positively secure each station module in a corresponding receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for water conservation with irrigation controllers based upon the ambient temperature and extraterrestrial radiation of a particular geographical area. It receives a preliminary irrigation schedule from the operator and computes a water budget ratio by comparing current local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, then modifying the preliminary irrigation schedule based upon that ratio. The present invention utilizes fewer variables, is less complex, and is much easier to install and maintain than the current evapotranspiration-based controllers.

Abstract: An irrigation controller provides a current to operate an irrigation valve assembly and superimposes a data stream on the current. The current may be either alternating current or direct current. Preferably the current is transmitted over a two-wire link. The irrigation valve assembly includes a decoder, a solenoid and an irrigation valve. It is contemplated that the decoder will communicate bi-directionally with the irrigation controller. The data stream will be an encoded control signal that is sent at a rate greater than 1 byte per second. Additionally, the encoded control signal may be sent at a rate greater than or less than the rate of the current.

Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout a field that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by farm personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the field. Based on the results, farm personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded via email or FTP to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned via email or FTP to on-side farm personnel, who can load it into a controller on a spray rig that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.

Abstract: A technique for controlling an irrigation system is disclosed. The technique comprises receiving landscape information, receiving environmental information, deriving an irrigation schedule based on the landscape information and the environmental information, and sending the irrigation schedule to an irrigation control unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing current microclimate weather data and generating watering schedules according to present need. This method and apparatus further transmits these watering schedules to receivers within individual irrigation timers to adjust water application and saver water. Microclimate weather data is applied to each irrigation timer according to actual local watering need. Water supply flow and starting times are adjusted to distribute delivery loads on water pumping stations. Whereas each individual irrigation timer starts and stops independently in accord with the latest received schedules, immediate control is always available to the transmitting authority.

Abstract: An irrigation control device (12) with a controller (14), antenna (16), power supply (70) and battery charging device (72), such as a solar array, all contained within a housing, such as a rotor body (90). The controller (14) receives signals through the antenna (16). The controller (14) updates one or more watering schedules stored in a memory module (32), based on the received signals, and generates control signals to execute a watering schedule. The battery charging device (72) recharges the power supply (70) and the irrigation control device requires no external electrical connections for power or control. Control signals are generated in a central controller (18) remote from the rotor (12), and are preferably transmitted to the rotor antenna (16) through a commercial paging or other type of public broadcast network (20, 22, 24).

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a housing for enclosing a microprocessor that stores and executes at least one watering program. The microprocessor has a parallel output bus with a plurality of pin sets for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations. The connection between the controller and the irrigation stations is through a plurality of station modules that are removably coupled, in any desired number, to the various pin sets on the output bus. The number of stations controlled is adjusted by the number of modules connected to the output bus. The controller housing has a pocket for holding a user's manual, which is positioned between the controller housing and a mounting bracket when the controller housing is installed on the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A two-wire controlling and monitoring system for in particular irrigation of localized areas of soil according to a aspect of the invention comprises a water pipeline, a first plurality of controllable irrigation valves, a second plurality of field sensors measuring specific irrigation parameters, and a third plurality of localized irrigation control units. The third plurality of localized irrigation control units each comprises a sensor decoder connected to a specific field sensor of the second plurality of field sensors and/or a line decoder connected to a specific controllable irrigation valve of the first plurality of controllable irrigation valves. The two-wire controlling and monitoring system further comprises a controller and power supply unit having a set of schedules of instructions and supplying power by applying a first alternating DC voltage signal to a two-wire cable interconnecting the controller and power supply unit and the third plurality of localized irrigation control units.

Abstract: The present invention refers a decoder that can be programmed for an irrigation plant, a programming procedure for said decoder and a centralized irrigation plant comprising a plurality of said decoders. The decoder has the characteristic of comprising memorizing means and processing means, said memorizing means and processing means being directly connected to each other, in which said memorizing means can store an identity number and the operating parameters of the decoder itself.

Abstract: A GPS-based control system for irrigation systems includes a power supply, a nonvolatile memory for storing a first set of coordinates corresponding to a reference position for the irrigation system, circuitry for receiving GPS data and using the data to generate a second set of coordinates corresponding to a current position of the irrigation system, and a microprocessor for calculating the azimuth and the distance between the reference position and the current position using the first and second sets of coordinates. The control system communicates with a main controller of the irrigation system to control a function of the irrigation system, such as stopping, reversing, end gun operation, application rate, or other auxiliary output, at a selected distance or azimuth value of the current position relative to the reference position. The control system can be used with either a center pivot irrigation system or a linear move irrigation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which an irrigation management system reduces high peak water use values by utilizing a microprocessor (220) disposed in an irrigation controller (100) to receive peak water use information from a water supplier receive water use information at a consumer site and automatically derive a new irrigation schedule that is at least partly based on the information received. The new irrigation schedule, derived by the microprocessor (220), may include a modification in a default irrigation frequency, a modification in a default irrigation start time(s), a reduction in a default irrigation application duration, the use of a rolling-average in the determination of the new irrigation application duration and other changes or modifications to the default irrigation schedule that will provide for the reduction in high peak water use values.

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: The present invention provides a recording node (100) at a consummer site that is used for the receiving, storing, determining and/or sending of utility commodity information. The recording node (100) is an integral part of networks (370) or can access networks (370) for the receiving and transmitting of information. The recording node (100) is part of a network process control system (300) that includes other nodes, such as a controller (200), computer (320), monitor (330), display (340) and communication node (360). The recording node (100) receives data on utility commodity flow rates, commodity pressure and environmental factors; stores the data; performs determinations on the data; and sends utility commodity information over the network (370) to consumers (380) and/or third parties (381). The utility commodity may be water, electricity and/or gas.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a centralized control system that provides a plurality of transmittable commands to at least one connection interface. Said transmittable commands comprise a first command containing instructions for loading the contents of a third memory (NVM) in a first memory, a second command containing instructions for reading the contents of said first memory and transmitting it to said personal computer, a third command containing instructions for writing directly in said first memory, a fourth command containing instructions for reading directly the data contained in said first memory, a fifth command containing instructions for reading the data contained in a second memory; a sixth command containing instructions for selecting between a first (local) and second (remote) operative mode.

Abstract: An irrigation control system and method for controlling irrigation based on weather data. Weather data such as wind, temperature, solar radiation, humidity, and rainfall, may be collected at one or more weather stations for a region. The weather data may be compiled on a computer and transmitted to a paging broadcast service. The weather data may then be transmitted by the paging broadcast service to controller interfaces associated with irrigation systems throughout the region. The controller interfaces may adjust irrigation controllers associated with the irrigation systems based on the weather data such that the proper amount of water is applied. This allows the water to be used more efficiently and the health of the landscape to be improved.

Abstract: Remote diagnosis of an irrigation controller is made possible by encoding the settings of the controller into a numeric or alphanumeric code, displaying that code on the controller, transmitting the code to a remote interpretive computer, generating at that computer a chart derived from the code to show all of the settings of the controller, evaluating the significance of the settings to the functioning of the controller, and advising the operator of the controller on the basis of the chart.

Abstract: A simple single- or multi-station sprinkler controller is set to various run times and watering intervals by the repetitive operation of pushbuttons or combinations of pushbuttons. The chosen settings are communicated to the operator by illumination patterns of LEDs. The patterns may include groups of flashes, sequential scrolling of LEDs, multicolored illumination of an LED, and steady illumination or non-illumination of selected LEDs. If a short occurs in a station, the controller shuts itself off and flashes a pattern that signals a shorted condition and identifies the shorted station. On power-up, run times and intervals are automatically set to generally-usefll default values.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing current microclimate weather data and generating watering schedules according to present need. This method and apparatus further transmits these watering schedules to receivers within individual irrigation timers to adjust water application and saver water. Microclimate weather data is applied to each irrigation timer according to actual local watering need. Water supply flow and starting times are adjusted to distribute delivery loads on water pumping stations. Whereas each individual irrigation timer starts and stops independently in accord with the latest received schedules, immediate control is always available to the transmitting authority.

Abstract: An interactive irrigation system exchanges information between an irrigation controller and a distal computer and between the distal computer and a third party. The user can exchange information with the irrigation controller and the distal computer. The information is preferably exchanged over an Internet communication system. The exchanged information includes the following: irrigation scheduling; quantity of water applied to the irrigated area at the user location, which is compared to ET values; warnings to users when potential problems with their irrigation systems are detected; and other irrigation information that is useful to the user or a third party.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive multi-station sprinkler controller has three pushbuttons: the first selects one of a plurality of predetermined combinations of watering cycle durations and repetition rates; the second selects a starting time, and the third initiates a manual cycle. On power-up, the controller defaults to a predetermined operating cycle and start time. A short circuit at any station stops watering and initiates a fault indication that identifies the short-circuited station. All status information is conveyed by the scrolling, illumination, flashing and/or blinking of one or more of a small set of LEDs. In another embodiment, a fourth pushbutton is provided to allow setting separate combinations for different stations. In a third embodiment, these functions are performed in a single-station controller by just two buttons and one LED.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which a microprocessor (220) is programmed to calculate an accumulated watering need for an irrigation zone or station (400) and control irrigation to the zone or station (400) using an automatically varied cycle amount that falls between a user controllable maximum threshold and a user controllable minimum threshold. The cycle amount is preferably at least partly derived from ETo data. The minimum threshold may vary during a period of 12 consecutive months, may vary as a function of time of year, as a function of crop maturity or as a function of any other suitable factor where it would be advantageous to set a minimum threshold. The cycle amount may equal the accumulated ETo value(s) or may equal the maximum threshold value. Furthermore, the the irrigation to the zone or station (400) using an automatically varied day schedule.

Abstract: An safety control system especially useful for controlling the irrigation of crops. The system includes a transmitter having an extended range over two miles. A repeat cycle timer provides a repetitive time delayed input signal to the transmitter which transmits a signal while an irrigation system is operational. A receiver for receives the signal from the transmitter, and a time delay relay latches upon receipt of the signal by the receiver to close a circuit and provide power to a pump unit for a fixed amount of time. If the time delay relay times out without receiving a signal from the transmitter, the irrigation pump unit is shut off.

Abstract: An interactive irrigation system exchanges information between an irrigation controller and a host computer, between the irrigation controller and a user, between the user and the host computer, and between the host computer and a third party. The information is preferably exchanged over an Internet communication system. The exchanged information includes the following: irrigation scheduling; quantity of water applied to the irrigated area at the user location, which is compared to ET values; warnings to users when potential problems with their irrigation systems are detected; and other irrigation information that is useful to the user or a third party.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a distributed control network for irrigation management. The system incorporates several irrigation controllers wherein each of the controllers can transmit, receive and respond to commands initiated by any device or satellite controller on the network, a communication bus that is connected to the controllers, a central computer that is connected to the bus, several sensing devices that are connected to each controller, and several sprinkler valves that are connected to each controller. The controllers can be operated in local mode via a user interface and in a remote mode via a wireless connection. The controllers are capable of monitoring and acknowledging the commands that are transmitted on the bus.

Abstract: The present invention refers a decoder that can be programmed for an irrigation plant, a programming procedure for said decoder and a centralized irrigation plant comprising a plurality of said decoders. The decoder has the characteristic of comprising memorizing means and processing means, said memorizing means and processing means being directly connected to each other, in which said memorizing means can store an identity number and the operating parameters of the decoder itself.

Abstract: An irrigation control device (12) with a controller (14), antenna (16), power supply (70) and battery charging device (72), such as a solar array, all contained within a housing, such as a rotor body (90). The controller (14) receives signals through the antenna (16). The controller (14) updates one or more watering schedules stored in a memory module (32), based on the received signals, and generates control signals to execute a watering schedule. The battery charging device (72) recharges the power supply (70) and the irrigation control device requires no external electrical connections for power or control. Control signals are generated in a central controller (18) remote from the rotor (12), and are preferably transmitted to the rotor antenna (16) through a commercial paging or other type of public broadcast network (20, 22, 24).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which an irrigation controller uses a regression model to estimate an evapotranspiration rate (estimated ETo), and uses the estimated ETo to affect an irrigation schedule executed by the controller. The regression model is preferably based upon a comparison of historical ETo values against corresponding historical environmental values, with the data advantageously spanning a time period of at least one month, and more preferably at least two months. Data for multiple environmental factors may also be used. The environmental factor(s) utilized may advantageously comprise one or more of temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, humidity, barometric pressure, cloud cover and soil moisture.

Abstract: A fluid delivery and control system is provided for a fluid delivery line having elastic components. The system includes a pressure sensor, an electronically controlled valve, processing circuitry, and computer program code logic. The pressure sensor is operative to detect fluid pressure within a fluid delivery line. The electronically controlled valve includes an adjustable flow regulating aperture disposed in the line, interposed along a linear flow axis, and operative to regulate fluid flow through the line. The processing circuitry communicates with the pressure sensor and the electronically controlled valve. The computer program code logic is executed by the processing circuitry and is configured to generate an output signal. The output signal comprises an operating parameter of at least one of the pressure sensor and the electronically controlled valve to adjust flow capacity of the flow regulating aperture of the valve to dissipate pressure oscillations within the fluid delivery line.

Abstract: An irrigation timer (2) includes a controller (8) coupleable to a power source (16), user inputs (12) coupled to the controller, controller output terminals (18) coupleable to an irrigation valve actuator (20) and an internal day-of-week and time-of-day clock. The controller may be pre-programmed with a predetermined, known initialization day-of-week and start time-of-day setting so that upon actuation, the clock automatically begins running at that setting, such as Sunday, 6:00 PM. The user inputs may have a single, preset function so that no user input is a multifunction input to help make programming essentially intuitive.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a housing for enclosing a microprocessor that stores and executes at least one watering program. The microprocessor has a parallel output bus with a plurality of pin sets for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations. The connection between the controller and the irrigation stations is through a plurality of station modules that are removably coupled, in any desired number, to the various pin sets on the output bus. The number of stations controlled is adjusted by the number of modules connected to the output bus. The controller housing has a pocket for holding a user's manual, which is positioned between the controller housing and a mounting bracket when the controller housing is installed on the mounting bracket.

Abstract: An irrigation timer (2) includes a controller (8), including output signal terminals (18) coupleable to irrigation valve actuators (20) and an internal clock, and user inputs (12). Each irrigation valve actuator is coupleable to an irrigation valve for a watering zone with a watering period setting for each of the watering zones during a watering cycle (96). The controller divides the watering period for each watering zone by an integer n greater than 1 to obtain fractional watering periods (98). This permits each zone to be watered for its fractional watering period during a first fractional watering cycle (100) prior to beginning a second fractional watering cycle n of the fractional watering cycles constitute the watering cycle. The use of fractional watering periods help to spread out watering over a long period of time in each zone.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a housing for enclosing a microprocessor that stores and executes at least one watering program. The microprocessor has a parallel output bus with a plurality of pin sets for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations. The connection between the controller and the irrigation stations is through a plurality of station modules that are removably coupled, in any desired number, to the various pin sets on the output bus. The number of stations controlled is adjusted by the number of modules connected to the output bus. The controller housing has a pocket for holding a user's manual, which is positioned between the controller housing and a mounting bracket when the controller housing is installed on the mounting bracket.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of controlling an irrigation system that minimizes the use of irrigation water comprising defining a stop time for each watering event that is as late as possible to maximize the statistical contribution of predicted or actual rainfall to the proper watering of crops or turf. High rain probabilities cause deferral of the watering event. The present invention includes the embodiments of watering the largest water volume/water flow rate zone last, measuring the actual water applied and using mathematical curve-fitting techniques incorporating historical data from recent watering events to calculate actual plant/soil response to applied water for each irrigated zone.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A multi-technology repeater collects a long-range signal from a wireless communication device and re-transmits the signal to one or more of the irrigation components of a mechanized irrigation system. The repeater receives the long-range signal and re-transmits the signal using short-range spread spectrum to the devices in the field. The repeater may also act as a long-range repeater and would re-transmit the signal using VHF to another long-range destination device.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which a microprocessor, disposed in an irrigation controller, is programmed to adjust an irrigation schedule according to a condition of a plant being irrigated. The adjustment to the irrigation schedule may be to the entire irrigated site or only to a portion of the irrigated site. The irrigation schedule may be at least partly derived from ETo data and may be from current ETo data, estimated ETo data or historical ETo data. The condition may be plant establishment, plant maturity or plant health.

Abstract: An electronic control device for a bistable solenoid valve, particularly for watering systems. The control device includes a power supply battery and a logic control unit, and provides low battery protection. A capacitor is set in parallel to the battery and a switch is operated by the logic control unit to effect, in a first operating position, charging of the capacitor and, in second and third operating positions, the application of control voltages having opposite signs from the capacitor to the solenoid valve for closing and opening the solenoid valve. The logic control unit is programmed in such a way that each request for opening of the solenoid valve brings about first the setting of the switch in the first operating position for charging the capacitor, then the switch is activated in the second operating position for closing the solenoid valve after a first preset time has elapsed following any previous closing control of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptable controller for controlling environmental systems, and more particularly to an improved computer-controlled irrigation and lighting system. Scheduling is selected using a unique graphical user interface and is transmitted to the controller remotely. Sensing devices for water flow to determine leaks and calculate usage using venturi are provided which communicate with the controller to adjust output in real time based on the measurements.

Abstract: An irrigation management system comprises a microprocessor that determines a mathematical relationship between a calculated watering requirement and an applied irrigation amount; and an output device that provides a result of the mathematical relationship to at least one of an irrigation user and a third party. Preferably the calculated watering requirement is at least partly derived from ETo data. Additionally, the calculated watering requirement is at least partly derived from a crop coefficient value and an irrigation efficiency value. Preferably the applied irrigation amount is derived from data obtained from a flow meter and preferably from a utility meter that was initially installed at the irrigation site. Water pressure can also be measured and communicated to the irrigation user and/or third party.

Abstract: An irrigation controller collects daily high and low temperature data. The controller then processes this collected temperature data in accordance with the Hargreaves equation to determine a reference evapotranspiration value. The controller further adjusts the reference evapotranspiration value to account for the type of vegetation at the site and a localized Hargreaves equation deviation factor to generate an adjusted evapotranspiration value which represents an estimation of the current watering needs for the specific plants at that specific site. The controller then divides the locally adjusted evapotranspiration value by a sprinkler head average precipitation rate to determine a run time for irrigation. Irrigation for the site is then initiated lasting for the duration of the determined run time.

Abstract: An irrigation controller that is capable of making daily adjustment of irrigation duration based upon historical, environmental, and or received information. The irrigation controller can automatically skip days and make changes to account for daily and seasonal environmental changes. Such automatic determination is advantageous to minimize the need of the operator intervention to make seasonal change as well as providing irrigation savings, and ensures deep irrigation. The simplified user interface and control allows for a change made at any time of the year to effect the remainder of the year to provide the best balance of minimal or no user interface, irrigation conservation.

Abstract: An electronic interface associable to an electronic control unit for an automatic watering system for remote controlled management of the watering system is described. The electron unit has a plurality of output lines suitable to control a respective plurality of electro-valve lines of the watering system. The electronic interface includes a microprocessor, a connector for connecting the electronic interface with the watering system, a first interface with at least one communication channel having a remote controlled management apparatus, a second interface with a first plurality of input lines connectable with respective output lines of the control unit to control directly the electro-valves, and a first memory associated with the microprocessor in such a way that the microprocessor can detect the changes of state of the output lines of the control unit and store the changes of state in the first memory.

Abstract: Electronic control unit comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit and operating buttons to execute and to vary manually the programming of the processing unit and a display for the visualization of the programming stages. The programmable processing unit is organized to individuate a programming menu that is subdivided into a plurality of parts selectionable at will. Each part comprising at least one chapter. The chapter being formed of at least one setting page of at least one respective programming parameter, and in that each part of the menu is directly selectionable by pressure on at least one respective operating button.

Abstract: In an automated quarry operation an unmanned high pressure computer controlled liquid jet cutting system particularly adopted for cutting granite on-site with device for automatically and safely shutting off the operation upon encountering unforeseen, unusual or abnormal technical problems and circumstances such as unworkable hard spots, unusual water pressure etc. The system also includes automatic communication of the status of the system. The system includes a power unit, a balanced oscillator, a communication interface, a plurality of sensors and transducers, an optional mobile system, multiple intensifiers, one or more nozzles with diamond or sapphire orifice and a micro-controller with a control panel for programming and controlling rise and fall, indexer and oscillator system.

Abstract: A control unit for an irrigation system comprising a programmable electronic control unit having a plurality of output control lines for the control of actuators of the irrigation system and comprising a microprocessor for setting data that condition the operation of the control unit. The microprocessor is operable to allow a standard programming of the electronic control unit for setting data suitable for allowing the base operation of the control unit, and an advanced programming for setting further data suitable for customizing the base operation of the control unit.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for the control of automatic watering systems having plural lines comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit for the control of a plurality of different watering lines. A manually operated selector, preferably of the rotary type, is provided, that is settable in a plurality of selectionable positions, to each one of which a specific watering cycle for the lines corresponds. By acting on the selector and on a start button, it is possible to modify the programming of the processing unit in order to associate with each single line a respective watering cycle different from the ones otherwise selectable by means of the selector.