Rain Bird releases modular central control system
18 Mar, 2011 LDB SolutionsIQ v2.0 allows users to select the irrigation features they need and add more in the future.
Landscape contractors are facing more challenges than ever before — from water restrictions and liability concerns to time and budgetary constraints. A central control system can help efficiently manage those challenges from the convenience of a personal computer. However, some central control systems may include features that some irrigation sites don’t need or can’t afford. Rain Bird’s new modular IQ v2.0 Central Control System makes it possible for end users to create their own customized solution.
“Because IQ v2.0 makes it easy to control, adjust and monitor irrigation for numerous sites from one computer, it’s an ideal solution for water managers, university campuses, city parks and recreation departments, corporate campuses and transportation departments,” says Doug Callison, Rain Bird senior product manager for new product development. “Users can select only the hardware and functionality that they need right now rather than paying for features that they won’t use. The system can be easily modified or expanded later on as needs and budgets permit.”
The IQ v2.0 Central Control System is comprised of four basic components: the central computer, IQ v2.0 software, one or more on-site controllers and a network communications cartridge. Depending on the site’s specific needs, the central control system can be configured using Direct Satellites, Server Satellite and Client Satellites. Each system can use one satellite type or a combination of satellite types. Built-in control is available for up to five satellites; however, the central control system’s capacity can be expanded in five-satellite increments to meet larger system requirements. IQ v2.0 is designed to work with either of Rain Bird’s newest modular controllers: the traditionally wired ESP-LXME or the two-wire, decoder-based ESP-LXD.
After installation, the IQ v2.0 NCC Network Communications Cartridge lets the central computer “talk” to the system’s on-site irrigation controllers. This cartridge enables a variety of communication options for Direct and Server Satellite configurations, including direct connect cable, radio, phone, GPRS/cellular, Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
IQ v2.0 users can choose from one or a combination of four distinct feature packs: Advanced Communication, Advanced ET, Advanced Programming or Advanced Flow Sensing. The Advanced Communication Feature Pack makes it possible to create, share and monitor information from the central control system, including alarm/warning and station run-time log reports. When users combine the Advanced ET Feature Pack with a weather data source, they can maximize water efficiency through real-time, weather-based adjustments to the irrigation programs. The Advanced Programming Feature Pack adds a higher level of security and control to the IQ v2.0 Central Control System. By combining the Advanced Flow Sensing Pack with a Flow Smart Module and Flow Sensor, users can monitor and automatically react to pipe breaks.
“Central control is no longer an option for just a select few,” Callison says. “By allowing central control users to select what they need from a full range of features and options, IQ v2.0 is making the convenience, security and water-efficiency of central control available to a much broader audience.”
For more information, visit Rain Bird.
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