All About Watering Timers

People who have their own summer cottages and run a farm are interested in the topic of new technologies in this area. We will answer one of the exciting questions and tell you all about watering timers.

The watering timer is a special device that looks like a water meter. It is possible to pre-load the desired program that regulates the irrigation schedule into the device's operation plan, and then monitor the process remotely. A strong and waterproof outer layer is produced for the device.

Almost all water timer models are mobile, that is, there is no need for access to electricity. Therefore, you can work with them anywhere.

The principle of operation of the timer for watering is as follows: the device is connected to the water supply, and a hose is attached to the opposite end of the device through which watering takes place.

Different types of devices differ in many ways. For a particular job, an individual model is required. Next, let's figure out which main groups are distinguished, and what they are.

Used in business:

• mechanical;

• electronic with manual control - they are automatic;

• electronic with programmed control - they are also digital.

The first option is the simplest. The shutdown time can be specified, but you will have to turn it on yourself.

The timer does not need access to electricity - it runs on batteries.

The minimum time that can be specified is 1 minute, the longest is 2 hours. The water supply is regulated by a ball valve.

A mechanical watering timer is the most affordable option. The costs are small, but it will serve you for a long time and faithfully.

Electronic timers are more functional and modernized devices. If we are talking about automatic models, then all stages of work are automated here. And it turns on and off on its own, that is, automatic watering and automatic water supply are possible. A person only clogs in the necessary data and adjusts the irrigation system. The device is powered by batteries. The minimum running time is 1 minute, the maximum is 2 hours.

The advantages include a very reasonable price and ease of programming. But in this case, it also remains impossible to connect other devices to the timer.

Programmable electronic timers are the winners on this list. They also work on batteries, they fully monitor the entire irrigation process. The presence of a person nearby is not necessary. Up to 16 tasks can be added to the working database at the same time!

The advantages, of course, are obvious - a wide variety of functions, high manufacturability, in this case you can already connect other equipment.

It is clear that for such a treasure, you will have to pay a rather large sum. And also, in order to use all the capabilities of the equipment, it is advisable to study the instructions well and understand this issue.

All of the above devices work with a specific mechanism. There are 2 types of them:

• solenoid valve;

• ball valve.

Watering timers with valves operate up to 0.2 atmospheres. Their use is possible if there is a central water supply.

Devices with multiple valves allow multiple irrigation systems to be run at the same time. An electronic network connection is required for operation. An example is a two-channel timer, where 2 lines can work both for one task, and for different ones.

Some models can have a long-term work program. If you need just such a device, then you should consult with the seller - which one is better to take.

Electronic timers with a ball valve are used at lower pressures - from 0 to 6 atmospheres. They are suitable for performing tasks in gravity systems.

An interesting feature of many watering timers is the rain sensor. This device is able to inform the control system of the equipment about the precipitation level.

In order for the device to really show itself in full force in business, and there were no problems with operation during work, it is worth taking into account all the nuances and subtleties in advance. A the main thing is that the equipment should meet the expectations of the person and the amount spent on the purchase.

So, it all depends on what scale, and on what frequency of work you are looking for such an assistant.

If you just need to optimize the watering time, then choosing a timer with a spring is the best solution. It will turn out to be very good to save money on it, and he will cope with his work with a bang. The timer is very easy to program. It does not need electrical power. A person should only enter data into the device at the right time.

The electronic version with mechanical control is suitable for those who visit their countryside every few weeks. Equipment for greenhouses, garden irrigation will work well if you want to make uniform irrigation of the territory in the same mode.

A device with software is the cherished dream of everyone who deals with their summer cottage. Wide functionality, absolute automatic control - that's what attracts it so much. Well, the price for it, in general, is not funny, although all this will pay off in one season, if you take into account the savings on gasoline and constant travel.

Let's answer the question: which timer should be used for gravity systems. First you need to figure out which systems are gravity. The concept of "drift" is more often used in everyday life. It means no permanent water pumps. In these systems, the pump supplies water only to the reservoir, which is raised from the ground to a certain height. And then, due to the difference in the heights of the upper water level and the place of its exit, pressure arises, which sets the water flow in motion.

In most cases, watering timers are used precisely in gravity systems, because this pressure is optimal for them. With high rates, most often they will not be able to work.

Electronic devices are most often used, less often mechanical ones. In the first case, the devices are controlled using an electromagnetic or ball valve.

Here are the instructions for setting up and using the watering timer. Let's figure out how to connect the device.

Let's start with mechanical programming electronic timers. To select the required operating mode and install it, it is worthwhile to perform a number of actions.

1. First you need to unscrew the plastic cover at the very top. It is completely transparent. Everything must be done carefully so as not to lose the sealing gasket.

2. Further, using the left toggle switch, it is worth setting the frequency of the system switching on. The maximum period is 72 hours.

3. And with the right toggle switch, we set the duration of watering. The maximum possible value is 2 hours.

The set with the timer itself provides a complete set for connecting hoses and pipes of various diameters.Use AAA 1.5V batteries to charge these electronic devices.

Next, we will focus on electronic equipment with software. These are more modernized devices, therefore, the variety of functions performed is wider.

Let's analyze the procedure for setting up the timer.

1. First you need to remove the plastic cover. Manufacturers twist it quite tightly, so considerable effort should be made.

2. Press the Time button. Further, on the appeared board, indicate the real date and time. We confirm our actions with the Set button.

3. We pass in order to each next day, we hammer the time and duration of watering into the system.

4. If desired, it is allowed to score 16 different programs into the system. To do this, press the Prog button, enter all the necessary data. We confirm our actions by pressing the Set button.

In order for the timer to work efficiently, the following nuances must be taken into account:

• dividing the irrigated area into separate blocks, taking into account the crops grown;

• hydraulic calculation for the maximum use of water;

• features of tracing the laying of irrigation systems.

To repair or assemble the mechanism, the following parts are required:

• irrigation strip;

• pipes for supplying water to the tapes;

• clamps and clamps for pipes;

• valves;

• swivel knees;

• units for connection;

• seals.

All these items can be purchased as a whole set or separately. You can do the repair yourself, but under any conditions, it is better to entrust the repair of the watering timer to a professional.

All about watering timers, see the video below.