Peterphrastus

Zones->Timers

This dialog is used to assign the functionality of the eight Phidget output channels. Having decided how many different irrigation zones are to be supported, they are assigned here. It is recommended to use a contiguous set of zones for irrigation as this will make it easier to view reports, assign parameters and so on in other dialogs. If, for example, four irrigation zones are to be assigned and two lighting timers, it is recommended to assign zones 1-4 as irrigation and zones 7 and 8 as lighting (assuming no heater/dehumidifier use). This would leave a spare zone for future irrigation or other timed device.

The ”Timers” tab applies to all zones whereas the “Blackouts” tab applies only to zones assigned to irrigation.

After selecting a ”Zone” it can be given a name. It can be ”Disabled” by checking the box. If multiple zones are scheduled for irrigation at the same time, the priority can be changed by checking the ”High priority” box. If several zones with the same priority are scheduled at the same time, processing is on a first come first serve basis. The ”Private” checkbox is described later.

”Cycle control” is where the basic function of the timer for the zone is assigned.

• ”Intermittent” - the zone will be turned on and off according to the “On/Off Times” settings within the time period set in ”Interval”. If a limit to the total amount of on time is required, set this limit in ”Terminate after”. The repeat frequency of the entire schedule can be set in ”Cycle (days)”. If the zone must be on only when all other zones are off, check the ”Private” box.
• ”Continuous” - is used to turn a zone on for the time period specified in ”Interval”. Only one other parameter is available to continuous timers. ”Cycle (days) can be used to set the repeat frequency.
• ”Irrigation” - enables the ”Irrigation control” area. There are three modes for irrigation control.
• ”Timed”is the simplest form of irrigation. This mode will utilize the schedule set up in the “Cycle control” and “Interval” areas.
• ”Schedule”is the fully automatic mode based on weather data and landscape specifications.
• ”Coverage”is a semi-automatic mode. For coverage to be used, the depth of irrigation for the garden must be specified as well as the total estimated flow rate to the garden. This mode is generally used when weather information is available but no water meter is provided.

The ”Blackouts” tab is provided mostly for urban applications. Often, there are watering restrictions established by municipal utilities. These can be set up in the ”Blackout days” area. In rural homes, water treatment systems are often required. These systems periodically recharge by backwashing during a set time interval. In order to be sure the flow through the water meter is not improperly assigned to irrigation during these recharges, irrigation can be disabled for the recharge time period. Enter the recharge time period(s) in the ”Daily blackout times” area.