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In order to calculate run time, the controller must know
the expected precipitation rate for each zone. Use NEXT
and BACK buttons to move between zones. Use UP
and DOWN buttons to set zone to OFF or to
specify the precipitation rate.
Precipitation
rate can be
entered
two ways: by sprinkler type or by speci c precipitation rate. If
you do not know the speci c precipitation rate for the zone,
you can select the sprinkler type, or watering equipment used
on that zone: Spray, Rotor, Drip, or Bubbler irrigation. The
SmartLine® controller will apply a default precipitation rate for
the sprinkler type selected. If you know the speci c
precipitation rate expected for the zone, stated by the sprinkler manufacturer, you can use the UP
and DOWN buttons to scroll past the sprinkler types and select that number. For USA users, inches per hour
will be displayed (.2 to 3.0 inches per hour). Numeric precipitation rate resolution is 0.01 in/hr below the 2.0
in/hr setting. For international users, the controller will display precipitation numbers in centimeters
per hour. As a rule in SMART mode, the lower the precipitation rate entered, the longer the zone run time
will be to achieve required plant life needs. For zones selected to use set Zone Run Times rather than
SMART run times, select STD setting Sprinkler Type. Program features and operations are supported with
STD zones, including Run/Soak, and STD zones may run within SMART programs or separately.
4.2.2 Plant Type for Zones
This position is used to specify the type of plant material to
be watered by each zone as an important component of
determining the watering needs for each zone. Use the UP
and DOWN buttons to select plant type or percent for each
zone. Press NEXT and BACK buttons to access each zone.
Plant type selections are:
CTurf (cool turf like
bluegrass); WTurf (warm
turf like St. Augustine); Shrubs; Annuals ( oral beds); Trees; and Native
plants. The SmartLine® controller formula uses cool turf mowed at 4 to 6
inches tall as the base watering number (100%) or crop factor. The cool turf
default is 80% considering average mowing heights of 2 to 3 inches, which
result in less transpiration and lower water requirements. If you prefer
more speci c input, you can scroll past the plant types and use %
designations of 10 to 300%. For
example, a Native plant zone might be assigned 30% rather the default of
25%. As a rule in SMART mode, the higher the plant type percentage entered, the longer the zone run time
will be to achieve required plant life needs.
For maximum water savings, it is recommended that your sprinkler system be zoned with a separate valve
for each type of plant material. If you have mixed types of plants in a single zone, you will need to select
which type of plant to use in the determination of water requirements.