HydroPoint, Toro Launch Web Training for WeatherTrak Controllers

PETALUMA, Calif. – HydroPoint Data Systems recently announced the launch of a free, self-guided online training program for WeatherTRAK®-enabled irrigation controllers from The Toro Co., Irritrol Systems (manufactured by Toro's irrigation division) and HydroPoint. Now available through the training section of HydroPoint's Web site, the program's 20-minute introductory module prepares contractors to install and operate WeatherTRAK-enabled controllers.

Toro, Irritrol and HydroPoint are the exclusive manufacturers of WeatherTRAK-enabled product lines. All WeatherTRAK-enabled irrigation controllers include Scheduling Engine irrigation software, innovative ET Everywhere daily weather service and proactive customer support. Rather than wait for a training seminar to come to a nearby location, WeatherTRAK’s online training is an on-demand program to help orient contractors to these features of the systems. The training also demonstrates WeatherTRAK's ability to improve plant health, reduce time spent adjusting irrigation and increase customer satisfaction.

The first module in the online training series highlights the HydroPoint WeatherTRAK ET plus controller. Dedicated modules for the WeatherTRAK-enabled Toro® Intelli-Sense and Irritrol® Smart Dial controllers, as well as a Spanish-language version are scheduled for future release. After completing any one of the modules, contractors qualify for free membership in the WeatherTRAK authorized contractor program. Program benefits include customer referrals from the manufacturer's Web site and additional marketing services and tools.

"Some contractors are under the misimpression that ET controllers are hard to use,” said Steve Grob, irrigation specialist for Petaluma City Schools. “But installing WeatherTRAK is like installing any other controller, and the automated irrigation adjustments actually make my job easier.”

HydroPoint says customer demand for WeatherTRAK-enabled controllers has increased significantly skyrocketed over the past several years in response to growing awareness water-saving appliances. Independent research has shown the systems to reduce water use up to 59 percent and runoff pollution up to 71 percent. Water agencies are encouraging adoption of these systems with rebate programs, similar to those offered for water-efficient clothes washers and low-flow toilets. Additionally, leading builders and property management companies are implementing WeatherTRAK-enabled controllers in communities around the country and WeatherTRAK has also been selected for several high-profile projects including the Sunset Magazine Green-built Idea House, the Department of Energy's Zero Energy Home and popular home makeover programs on ABC and FOX television networks.

"We're committed to supporting contractors in seizing the business opportunity afforded to them by proven weather-based irrigation management,” said Chris Spain, president and CEO of HydroPoint. “Our 24-hour online training means a contractor can train on a Sunday evening and be ready to install WeatherTRAK on Monday morning."

To learn more and register for online training, visit www.hydropoint.com/training.