All --

What are the Pros and Cons to using a regular Output Relay controller (such as the Smartenit EZIO40 INSTEON 4 Output Relay Load Controller) instead of using a dedicated sprinkler controller (such as the Smartenit INSTEON 8-Zone Sprinkler Controller)

Either can turn On/Off individual valves. The EZFlora has a pump control function that turns on a pump when any of the other 7 zones is turned on. The EZFlora has max run times for each zone that automatically turns off a zone if the defined max run time for the zone is exceeded. Also, the EZFlora supports a rain sensor that will prevent watering when it is raining..

I have not confirmed this directly but one other advantage of the EZFlora can be the triac switching outputs turning on at zero cross and off at zero current. The Relay module would most likely not do this.

I have not confirmed this directly but one other advantage of the EZFlora can be the triac switching outputs turning on at zero cross and off at zero current. The Relay module would most likely not do this.

 

That is interesting but I thought that the actual controller functionality is the same "under the hood"?

Not the same internally. The EZIO4O uses Relays that can switch AC or DC. The EZFlora is designed as an irrigation controller, thus the additional features specific to an irrigation application. Also the EZFlora uses Triacs to switch the 24v AC that drives the valves..

markgam

 

What is the thinking behind the question? Do you want to use an EZIO4O to control irrigation valves or use the EZFlora to control 8 different loads?

 

Another difference is the EZFlora runs only 1 valve at a time. Turn On zone 4 and any other zone that was On is turned off by the EZFlora. The EZIO4O can of course control each relay independently. One relay On, two relays On, all relays On.

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markgam

 

What is the thinking behind the question? Do you want to use an EZIO4O to control irrigation valves or use the EZFlora to control 8 different loads?

 

Another difference is the EZFlora runs only 1 valve at a time. Turn On zone 4 and any other zone that was On is turned off by the EZFlora. The EZIO4O can of course control each relay independently. One relay On, two relays On, all relays On.

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I have been doing some reading on the issues that some poeple were having with the EZFlora and the ISY. My thinking is to see what other options are available.

Rather than ask a generic question about differences and then question the answers, why don't you address the concerns over what you have read about? What have you read about that concerns you?

 

LeeG's comments on the advantages of the EZflora are significant and make the programming of the Ezflora easier.

Rather than ask a generic question about differences and then question the answers, why don't you address the concerns over what you have read about? What have you read about that concerns you?

 

LeeG's comments on the advantages of the EZflora are significant and make the programming of the Ezflora easier.

 

I didn't ask a general question, my question was actually very specific.