5
VSX OPERATING MANUAL
Field Controller Programs (FCPs) are the
Programs numbered 1 through 64, which you
can write from the keypad or the central com-
puter. You can change them in the field at any
time. They will run at the start times you
specify and do exactly what you tell each one
to do. They can also be remote-controlled from
the VSX Express central computer software, if
a central is installed.
Most of this manual is concerned with config-
uring and operating FCPs through the keypad.
System Programs
System Programs are calculated by the Sur-
veyor or Vista control software, and down-
loaded from the central computer to each field
controller. They are often based on automatic
calculation from local weather conditions (ET,
or evapo-transpiration), and they are almost
always Flow Optimized. You can view the
System Programs in each Field Controller, but
you may not edit them there. You can also
delete the System Program information from a
Field Controller, but you must replace it with
FCPs or the controller will not irrigate.
Detailed instructions on System Programs are
provided in the software manual for the central
software.
Why two different kinds of Programs?
Different superintendents manage their irriga-
tion in different ways, and irrigation systems go
through many different phases in their annual
cycle. The VSX Field Controller is equipped to
handle every phase of irrigation, including
grow-in, seasonal changes, overseeding, winter-
ization, and special applications like fertiliza-
tion, frost control, and dew wipe.
Field Controller Programs
Generally, FCPs are used as the primary
irrigation programs during grow-in (when there
may not be a central computer), and are used
later on for special purposes, after the central
computer has taken over the primary daily
irrigation. They can be used to germinate seed
in repair areas, or for other special cases where
the superintendent desires absolute control
over each irrigation event.
Computerized System Programs are designed
to operate the largest systems, more or less
automatically. The superintendent can modify
their general parameters at any time, but they
handle the details of irrigation events inter-
nally. Computerized System Programs do not
need to be micro-managed (station by station);
they only need to be adjusted in groups of
similar stations (All Greens, Hole 14 Tee, etc.).
