Smart adjustments

Rain Bird
WR2-48 Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor
To help Californians meet new restrictions on watering for 48 hours after a rainfall, Rain Bird is introducing the new WR2-48 Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor. This model automatically prevents irrigation for 48 hours after detecting at least ¼ inch of rain.

“We’ve taken the familiar and powerful design of our original WR2 Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor and re-engineered it specifically for California,” said Joe Porrazzo, product manager. 

It will help users save a minimum of 30 percent more water with no negative impact on their turf and plants. The display shows a blinking X when the 48-hour hold is active.

The WR2-48 still includes all the features that have made the original WR2. It will be available for purchase in early 2017.

LNK WiFi Module
The LNK WiFi Module is a small device that plugs into an accessory port on Rain Bird’s new ESP-Me and ESP-TM2 controllers. Contractors can also install the module with existing ESP-Me installations after swapping out the controller’s old front panel with the new WiFi-compatible version. This provides a straightforward, simple upgrade opportunity that doesn’t require replacing the controller.

The LNK WiFi Module provides complete irrigation system management via a free downloadable mobile app. The module receives weather information from the Internet, automatically adjusting system run times on a daily basis. It also provides users with notifications on their mobile devices that assist with troubleshooting, system diagnostics and operation while providing meaningful weather event alerts.

“Contractors can quickly group controllers by geography, subdivision, street or any other way they prefer,” said J. Elias Campos, senior product manager. “This improves technician efficiency and simplifies service calls.”
When the WR2 Wireless Rain Sensor is installed with the LNK WiFi and the ESP-Me controller, customers benefit from an EPA-WaterSense-certified solution.

Toro
SMRT Logic 
SMRT Logic works in harmony with the SMRTscape app to enable mobile wireless control of irrigation systems, outdoor lighting and more using a smart phone, tablet or PC.

It also works to control outdoor lighting, fountains and many other landscape systems. 

Ton install, plug in the SMRT Logic device and let it sync to the cloud-based SMRTscape app. This technology allows the device to operate at a range up to three times greater than other WiFi irrigation systems. It also means that SMRT Logic does not need to tap into a homeowner WiFi network.

SMRT Logic works with new or existing Toro EVOLUTION, TMC-424, TMC-212 and Custom Command Controllers, as well as Irritrol Kwik Dial, Rain Dial and Total Control.

A single account on SMRTscape can control up to 10 different locations with multiple irrigation and landscape control devices at each location.

“SMRT Logic is an exciting new addition to our irrigation technology platform,” says Orion Goe, marketing manager for Toro’s Irrigation Business. “It presents a big advantage to our customers because it can be used for multiple functions, across multiple brands, making it a very convenient mobile platform that they can build on well into the future.”

The SMRTscape companion app is available for Android and iOS devices free of charge.

For more of our coverage from the 2016 IA Show, click here.