Suggestions for my sprinkler system...

[chachp]

I am looking for some help on a non-appliance related matter and I figured someone in this group might know of something.

I am doing some work on my sprinkler system. I find myself needing to rewire some valves that are probably less than 300’ or so from the controller but are under sidewalks, a driveway and an awful lot of pavers that we have as sidewalks.

So, I started a search of the internet for a wireless solution and what I am looking for doesn’t quite exist just yet from what I can tell.

These valves are controlled by a 24 volt AC solenoid. The solenoid has two wires that come out and these get wired (underground) back to a controller that I have in my sunroom. I’d like to find a battery operated wireless transmitter with these two wires that I can install at the valve and a receiver with two wires that I can wire into the controller. The result would be a controller that would control some wired valves (those easily accessible to the controller) and some wireless ones that are not so accessible. From what I can tell I can find systems that do one or the other but not both. If I could find this transmitter/receiver combo I could control everything from the one controller.

The wireless valve controllers I’ve seen on line are programmed independently by some type of remote control device. Each has their own clock/timer and controls and I don't need all of that plus they are about $150 each. I’d really like one I can wire into my existing controller and use as part of the master program I have to irrigate my entire yard.

I think the tough part might be that the transmitter will need to be battery operated and able to be used outside and withstand the elements. I can protect it somewhat from the rain, etc. but not from the humidity and other elements. The type of valves I am using are not burried in the ground. But are outside and stand about 6 inches or so out of the ground.

I’ve seen some of the great things you guys have come up with and thought I would throw this out there to see what you guys come up with.

 

[sudsmaster]

Have you considered using a water jet type of drill to get under the sidewalks?

You can even make your own with a piece of 1/2" PVC water pipe and a hose fitting.

I would think the wireless remote might be fraught with difficulties.

Alternatively, you might be able to install stand alone battery operated valves. They are commonly used on hose faucets, but I don't see why they wouldn't work at the end of a sprinkler run, as long as there is water pressure and room for the controller to sit. I use a number of these battery operated controllers to water the vegetable garden and ornamental plantings (lots of container citrus as well), and also for the above ground lawn sprinklers. The lawn is very small (about 20' x 30') so the sprinklers work fairly well. I have plans to install an underground sprinkler system with wired controller valves, and re-sod the lawn at the same time, but so far haven't gotten round to it.

 

[chachp]

They make a tool to get under sidewalks, etc and that I could probably do but I have a triple wide driveway and I don't know how I would do that. I am sure I would have to hire someone to do that. It's just frustrating because with all the great wireless gadgets we have today I can't beleive there isn't one for this application.

I have also used the inline timers and they work well on the hoses but I don't see how I would use them to control the valves.

They actually make battery operated valve controllers that I may have to use but I was trying not to go that route because each is programmed separately and don't provide the ability to make them part of the entire program for the yard. And, they are about $150 per zone/valve and I have many to do.

Let's have a chat before you start your project. I will share with you a wealth of mistakes and lessons I've learned. It's been fun but definitely one of those projects that require many trips to Home Depot. Hopefully I can save you a few of those trips. )!

 

[sudsmaster]

I agree that the battery operated controllers can be a pain to administer if you have many of them. And you have to keep on top of them to replace the batteries as they die - I've had controller stick in open position due to dead battery or controller failure. But if one replaces all the batteries once a year that should avoid dead battery failures.

You wouldn't use one of the faucet connecting hose controllers to control a valve. The controller contains the valve already. You'd just glue in a male 3/4" hose thread adapter to the sprinkler water line and then a 3/4" female hose thread adapter to the sprinkler head or line.

Don't worry about my sprinkler project. At this rate it will be another 10 years before I get around to it