Hybrid modular/decoder irrigation controller

摘要

A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.

主权项

1. A module for insertion into an irrigation controller, the module comprising:
a micro-controller for receiving communications commands from a processor of the irrigation controller; a plurality of push buttons operatively connected to the micro-controller for identifying and programming a plurality of decoder circuits connected to a multi-wire path; a display operatively connected to the micro-controller for enabling a user to identify and program the decoder circuits; and driver circuitry operatively connected to the micro-controller for sending encoded signals and an AC power signal along the multi-wire path, the module configured to insert into the irrigation controller connectable to the multi-wire path for sending the encoded signals and the AC power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path.