help setting up basic irrigation settings with module

[binaryman]

so I just got the weatherbug and irrigation modules, and an ezflora .92... I know some people go crazy on here with evapotranspiration formulas, etc., but I want to just set something basic up, but not too basic that I use the irrigation and weather bug modules efficiently.. to that end have a few questions:

 

In the climate tab, what is "water applied per irrigation cycle"? Is this how much water I want to be applied, or how much is? Because wouldn't this depend on run times, and isn't the irrigation module supposed to control and adjust run times?

 

What is a recommended value or starting value for "water applied per irrigation cycle" if it's to be entered, as well as "allowable depletion"?

 

I'm using the "Auto Irrigation v2" program from the wiki. How would I incorporate into this the irrigation module\weatherbug settings? Anyone have at least a rough example?

 

I'm very quick and catching on and loving this ISY, so is someone could just help just a bit to get me going down the road would be much appreciated

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello binaryman,

 

Comments below.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

so I just got the weatherbug and irrigation modules, and an ezflora .92... I know some people go crazy on here with evapotranspiration formulas, etc., but I want to just set something basic up, but not too basic that I use the irrigation and weather bug modules efficiently.. to that end have a few questions:

 

In the climate tab, what is "water applied per irrigation cycle"?

Is this how much water I want to be applied, or how much is? Because wouldn't this depend on run times, and isn't the irrigation module supposed to control and adjust run times?

This is the water that is applied in each cycle. ISY would really have a hard time figuring out how much water is applied in each cycle without you providing it.

 

What is a recommended value or starting value for "water applied per irrigation cycle" if it's to be entered, as well as "allowable depletion"?

Allowable depletion is automatically calculated by ISY based on the water applied per irrigation cycle and soil type. So, you either enter one or the other.

 

I'm using the "Auto Irrigation v2" program from the wiki. How would I incorporate into this the irrigation module\weatherbug settings? Anyone have at least a rough example?

That program is used in lieu of the Irrigation Module and not in combination with.

 

I'm very quick and catching on and loving this ISY, so is someone could just help just a bit to get me going down the road would be much appreciated

Thank you! Have you looked at this article:

http://www.universal-devices.com/mwiki/ ... ion_Module

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[binaryman]

ok, I think i get it now... I guess I'll play with it a bit once it warms up see what I get.

 

So the water defecit, lists how much was lost the day before from evapotranspiration?

 

and irrigation requirements lists how much is needed to even that out?

 

and I can use allowable depletion to turn on programs if irrigation requirement is off by more than that amount?

 

Sorry, just a little fuzzy on what all these do, but think I'm getting it..

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi binaryman,

 

Let me see if I can help:

1. First, adjust your soil type ... this is very important

2. Then, adjust how much water do you apply per cycle (normally or historically) ... you do not have to worry about the exact number but whatever you have done before. The module figures out when the next cycle should be automatically

3. Then, use the Irrigation Requirement variable in the condition in your program, let the sprinklers run for as many minutes necessary to be close to #2 (above) and then complete the cycle by Cycle Complete in the Then section

 

 

In short, the things you have to provide to ISY are:

1. Soil type

2. How much water are you currently applying when you turn your sprinklers on? So, for instance, if you currently have 2 minutes and the sprinkler(s) distributes 0.2 inches per minute, then you would put 0.2" for Water Applied per Irrigation Cycle

3. The rest is automatic

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[binaryman]

Ok, makes more sense. So water applied per irrigation cycle is water applied per minute?

 

What if this amount is different per zone?

 

Is there an easy way to run the sprinklers long enough each time to make up the irrigation requirement versus just saying 'if it's greater than x run the sprinklers 10 minutes'?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi again!

 

Ok, makes more sense. So water applied per irrigation cycle is water applied per minute?

No, it's the total water applied. Please remember that it's totally up to you to deliver that amount of power in programs. i.e.:

Set 'Front Yard' On
Wait  10 minutes
Set 'Back Yard' On
Wait  5 minutes
Set 'Back Yard' Off
Irrigation - Cycle Complete

 

What if this amount is different per zone?

ISY currently only supports one zone.

 

Is there an easy way to run the sprinklers long enough each time to make up the irrigation requirement versus just saying 'if it's greater than x run the sprinklers 10 minutes'?

Although it has not been tested, you should be able to use Repeat and then ISY will stop when the requirement is met (you can make Water applied smaller):

 

Repeat 10 times
   Set 'Front Yard' On
   Wait  10 minutes
   Set 'Back Yard' On
   Wait  5 minutes
   Set 'Back Yard' Off
   Irrigation - Cycle Complete

 

 

With kind regards,

Michel