An improved irrigation control system of the type having a number of irrigation stations to be actuated sequentially, in which selected stations can be actuated for a relatively long time and the others for a relatively short time. In one embodiment, an additional capacitor is automatically connected in parallel with an existing timing capacitor at a time when shrub-watering stations requiring long-term irrigation have been scheduled for operation, when the system is positioned at a shrub-watering station, and when a switch is positioned to select long-term irrigation. In another embodiment, an additional capacitor is automatically connected in parallel with the existing timing capacitor when any one of a selected group of stations is actuated. The additional capacitor in this latter embodiment is switched in by means of a relay which is energized through a triac connected in series therewith, the triac being triggered by a gating signal derived from an actuating voltage applied to a valve solenoid associated with any of the selected group of stations.
A basic controller concept is disclosed for a sequencing distributing valve having a series of multiple outlets and a control timer to direct a like series of timed output signals thereto which allows the sequencing distributing valve to be rapidly pressure cycled to a desired outlet with synchronization between the sequencing distributing valve and control timer being established by a first pressure sensor for sensing cycling pressure and a second pressure sensor for sensing a pressure from a selected outlet of the sequencing valve. Continuing synchronization during cycling is provided by the valve housing pressure sensor which can advance the control timer each time the housing pressure of the sequencing distributing valve indicates that the sequencing distributing valve has cycled.
An automatic irrigation sprinkler controller (10) for controlling a plurality of sprinkler stations is provided. A processor (50) is provided for storing irrigation information and for generating control signals (96, 98) applied to the plurality of sprinkler stations. A function selector switch (18) is provided for allowing the operator to select a function and automatically input selected irrigation information associated with the selected function to the processor (50). Switches (20, 22) are provided for allowing the operator to select irrigation information for the function selected by the function selector switch (18).
