EPA
AA/aterSense
Draft User Interface Features Definitions
Non-Volatile Memory
The controller shall include a storage device or mechanism to preserve the contents of the
irrigation program and settings when the power source is lost and no back-up battery is
available.
High Performing Stand Alone Irrigation Controller
If the controller loses the real-time weather input or signal, the controller shall default to a high
performing conservation controller with the features outlined below.
1. Multiple programming capabilities - The controller should be capable of storing a
minimum of three different programs to allow for separate schedules for zones with
differing landscape needs.
2. Multiple start times (cycling, cycle/soak, stackable start times) - The controller
should be capable of a minimum of three different start times to allow for multiple
irrigation cycles on the same zone for areas prone to run off.
3. Variable run times - The controller should be capable of varying run times, for example
one minute to a minimum of one hour.
4. Variable scheduling - The controller should be capable of interval scheduling (up to a
minimum of 14 days) to allow for watering on even day scheduling, odd day scheduling,
calendar day scheduling, and interval scheduling.
5. Diagnostic circuitry - The controller should have some mechanism for informing the
user when the signal is lost and the controller is operating in stand alone mode.
6. Percent adjust (water budget) feature - The controller shall include a 'Percent
Up/Down Adjust' feature (or 'Water Budget' feature) such as a button or dial that permits
the user to increase or decrease the run-times or application rates for each zone by a
prescribed percentage, by means of one adjustment without modifying the settings for
that individual zone.
Zone by Zone Control
The controller shall have the capability to implement run times specific for each zone (station) at
a minimum using the following attributes:
Plant type, crop coefficient values, and/or depth of root zone
Soil type
Slope
Sprinkler type and/or precipitation rate
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EPA
AA/aterSense
• Cycle/Soak (either manually programmed into the controller or through automatic
calculations)
Ability to Comply with Potential Utility Drought Restrictions
When operating in ET mode, the controller shall have the following capabilities in order to
comply with potential utility drought restrictions:
1. Assigned day of week scheduling - Ability to operate on any prescribed day of the
week schedule (for example, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, or Tuesday-Thursday-
Saturday, or Tuesday-Friday, etc.).
2. Skip day interval scheduling - Ability to operate on an every-other day or every-third
day schedule. Alternatively, the controller could operate on a skip interval between 0 and
30 days.
3. Even/odd scheduling accommodating a day exclusion - This feature allows the
exclusion of a mow day or if a jurisdiction prohibits a specific day for all users.
4. Minimum of three start times per program within a 24 hour period.
5. Ability to set irrigation runtimes to avoid a prohibited time of day - for example,
irrigation will not occur between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
6. Complete shut off capability for total elimination of outdoor irrigation.
7. Percent adjust (water budget) feature - The controller shall include a 'Percent
Up/Down Adjust' feature (or 'Water Budget' feature) such as a button or dial that permits
the user to increase or decrease the run-times or application rates for each zone by a
prescribed percentage, by means of one adjustment without modifying the settings for
that individual zone.
Rain Management
The controllers shall be equipped to interface with a "rain device." For the purpose of this
specification, the "rain device" is assumed to be a simple dry/wet, on/off (mini-click) type device.
• The controller shall provide an appropriate "simple" terminal connection to allow a rain
device to be connected during or after initial installation of the controller; i.e., retrofittable.
• The controller shall recognize a rain device once it is connected.
• The controller shall have the capability to stop and or prevent an irrigation cycle from
occurring when a "wet" signal is received from the rain device.
• The controller shall prevent an irrigation cycle from occurring until the rain device
provides a "dry" signal.
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EPA
AA/aterSense
The controller shall provide some form of visual display to indicate when the rain device
has suspended irrigation.
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