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Operation Information
The WaterSwitch is adjustable from 10 to 85 centibars and has a BYPASS position for temporarily
overriding the sensors.
The adjustment dial gives you from very WET
(Position#1) to very DRY
(Position#9)
.
Positions #1 to #4 (approximately 10 centibars to 25 centibars): This is the normal range for most
water sensitive turf or plant material.
Positions #5 to #8 (approximately 35 centibars to 70 centibars): This is the intermediate to drier
soil moisture and is useful for most shrubs and ground cover.
Position
#9
(
approximately 85 centibars): This is the very dry end of the soil moisture range and
should be used with caution. Some deep-rooted, drought tolerant plant material may be able to
tolerate this level of dryness.
Keep in mind that the Soil Moisture Sensor only serves to override your irrigation controller/time clock
to prevent excessive or unnecessary irrigation
and must be watered by the last valve in
sequence.
The irrigation controller is still “in control” and determines “when” irrigation can occur
and “how long” a given valve can run. Thus, the key to successful use of this entire system
depends on properly programming your irrigation controller.
The correct programming procedure is as follows: Allow the controller to come on as often as possible
(except maybe the night before, or morning of, the mowing day). This means the controller is
frequently “asking” the moisture sensor if irrigation is needed. It will operate ONLY when the
sensor say it is necessary. Set the valve cycle timer (duration/run time) for short cycles. This
prevents the runoff you often see with longer cycles. The soil can absorb the water only so fast, and
long cycles usually don’t permit all the water to penetrate the soil where it is needed. With the short
cycles, you’ll need to have several repeat cycles, or start times, each day. You may want to seek
the advice of a professional irrigation consultant to help you set up a program of this type to meet peak
consumptive use based on your specific system and plant material.
Since this program can be used year-round (except in freezing climates) with your moisture
sensor control, you will eliminate the need for seasonal program adjustments. The sensor will
automatically adjust the irrigation to whatever is needed, regardless of the weather. Monitor your
system and plant material to fine tune your moisture settings for proper balance and correct plant
response.
You can fine tune by:
Adjusting the moisture setting for a wetter or dryer control.
Changing the programmed cycle duration to prevent excessive runoff.
Changing the repeat cycles, or start times, to increase or decrease total irrigation “potential” to meet the
peak consumptive use of the turf or plants.
Once you have established a balanced program, further adjustments become less necessary. All you
need to do is monitor the results, thus eliminating the constant programming of the Controller for
seasonal needs.
A free software program is available to assist you in creating the optimum schedule for your landscape.
You can download our WaterPerfect program by visiting our website at www.IRROMETER.com, go to
“downloads”, select “WaterPerfect”. When prompted, use the word “conserve” for both the user name
and password. If you perform an irrigation audit on your landscape, you will have all the data necessary
to input into the program, which will then generate a recommended schedule to be programmed into
the controller.
After you have mounted the Water Switch module n
ear
the irrigation controller, attach the
switch wires to the sensor connections on the controller (may be labeled rain sensor) (Figure 2).
Blue & White = closed switch to irrigate,
Brown & White = open switch to irrigate.
NOTE: The Water Switch, a rain switch and a freeze switch can all be wired in series to the
sensor connections.
The Water Switch is powered by a 9-volt battery that should be changed when indicated.
To
replace battery, r
emove the rubber plug in the bottom to access the 9-volt battery.
Be sure the clip is tight on the
new
battery terminals. Insert the battery into the
rubber plug. Insert the plug into the housing by placing the battery bottom end in
first, then working the rest of the plug in. A final ‘burp’ of air
should
be released from the
opposite end when fully in place. Inserting a narrow screwdriver, or other smooth small
diameter object, in the gap at the terminal end when inserting the plug will help to fully seat it
in place
. T
hen pull out the
tool
once fully inserted.
Figure 2
