Irrigation Innovations

The following are some of the products that were nominated for the 2017 Irrigation Show New Product Contest (Landscape Category).*

 

Hunter ACC2 (WINNER!)

The winner of the 2017 New Product Contest at the Irrigation Show and Education Conference in Orlando, in the landscape irrigation category, was the Hunter ACC2 controller (pictured above). The new ACC2 from Hunter Industries delivers advanced irrigation management capabilities to meet the demands of complex projects. The ACC2 can safely run up to 14 valves simultaneously, bringing maximum efficiency to large watering schedules. The controller can be configured from 12 to 54 stations, with up to six flow meter inputs, and up to six pump/master valve outputs. Its easy-to-read backlit display and unique reversible face panel make program setup and diagnostics fast and efficient. The controller has built-in intelligence, with the ability to maintain preset flows on up to six flow zones. It continually monitors the system for breaks, leaks, and electrical faults, providing station-level diagnostics when necessary. The ACC2 also offers extreme flexibility with 32 independent programs, 10 start times, and a variety of overlapping, stacking, and flow management configurations. Simply put, the controller provides the most irrigation in the least time at the safest velocity.

 

STREGA extreme range wireless emitter

The STREGA wireless smart-emitter has been designed to provide a seamless ultra-long-range wireless capability to most common irrigation and sprinklers valves. This wireless smart-emitter device connects directly to the DC latching solenoid of the valve while providing wireless connectivity up to 10-plus miles from the control room or the irrigation controller even through obstacles. The STREGA wireless smart-emitter is provided within an IP68 enclosure with 6 wires to connect to the valve and digital inputs. These wires pass through a sealing gland to ensure complete waterproofing. Two extra digital inputs can be associated to the control of the valve for flow monitoring or any alarm status. With its ultra-low-power consumption, the STREGA wireless smart-emitter operates on batteries for 5-plus years (calculation based on two irrigation periods/day) and through extreme long distances from the gateway/concentrator. LoRaWAN technology provides exceptional obstacle penetration even in urban or suburban areas.

 

Conserve by Sprinkl

Conserve by Sprinkl is a smart sensor that works with all sprinkler systems by adding smartphone control to the existing device while reducing the water bill by up to 30 percent. Conserve is simple to install and only takes 10 minutes to set up. Once it is up and running, you will immediately add the following functions to your sprinkler system, regardless of age, make, or model:

  • Turn off the sprinklers from your phone anywhere in the world.
  • Save money and water based on hyper-local weather conditions
  • Disables system based on current, forecast, and past rainfall;
  • Uses up to seven days of historic accumulation;
  • Disables system based on temperature so you don’t water when its freezing;
  • All settings are adjustable so you can tailor your system.
  • Set or change the schedule for the days that your system is allowed to water directly on your phone.
  • Optional setting forces your system to comply with local watering restrictions for participating areas.

 

Leemco L2 stainless-steel quick coupling valve and key

The Leemco L2 quick coupling valve is constructed of durable, non-corrosive stainless steel. Activating quick coupling valves can be very dangerous if not properly secured in the ground. Leemco has eliminated this problem by introducing its L2 quick coupling valve and key. With the L2 “Leemco-latch” safe technology, no turning, twisting or kicking of the valve key is required. The user simply pushes the key onto the spigot outlet of the valve body and turns the lever handle to the ON position. The check valve is activated, and water flow occurs. The user can increase or decrease the water flow by turning the lever handle clockwise or counter-clockwise. If the lever handle is turned to the OFF position, the check valve is de-activated and the key can be safely removed from the valve body. The L2 valve body is available in 1-inch FPT or ACME inlets. Leemco stainless-steel hose swivel elbows are available in 3/4-inch and 1-inch male hose thread sizes.

 

Leemco deep bell mechanical joint gate valve

The Leemco mechanical joint gate valve has an innovative deep bell design to accept more pipe into the bell end for a secure and tight connection. The valve’s oversized waterway reduces friction loss and expensive pumping costs. All valves have a ductile iron wedge that is totally encapsulated with high-grade EPDM rubber and have a unique dual-seal design to ensure a drip-tight shutoff. The top round shroud accepts a pipe sleeve to keep dirt and debris away from the 2-inch square operating nut. The operating nut will always be centered inside the pipe sleeve if field settling occurs. The valve body has two opposing holes that allow for easy mobilization without damaging the valve body. All bonnet bolts are stainless steel and include removable plastic caps that protect them from dirt and debris. The Leem-Guard fusion bonded epoxy coating is applied to both the interior and exterior surfaces of the valve.

 

 

Weld-On 905ECO

Weld-On’s 905ECO is the first “green” solvent cement in the industry. The patent-pending 905ECO formula is environmentally and eco-friendly. It has up to 15 percent less solvent emissions and reduced odorous fumes than the current solvent cements in the market. The significant reduction of fumes during usage makes for an improved workplace environment for pipe installers. 905ECO has a proprietary compound that significantly increases bond strength. This allows 905ECO to be formulated with greatly reduced amounts of aggressive solvents and yet perform equal to or better than the highest quality solvent cements currently available in the market. Weld-On 905ECO is a low-VOC, blue, medium-bodied PVC solvent cement that can be used on PVC piping systems up to 6 inches in diameter, and it is certified to NSF/ANSI 61-G.

 

Hunter WFS

Hunter’s revolutionary Wireless Flow Sensor (WFS) offers irrigation professionals a simple way to add advanced flow monitoring capabilities to an irrigation system, protecting even the largest landscapes from degradation and wasted water. The WFS monitors flow and instantly notifies the controller of broken pipes or leaks, immediately prompting the system to shut down. The WFS also provides station-level monitoring of high- or low-flow conditions. The WFS is compatible with Hunter’s I-Core, ACC, and ACC2 controllers, and can be easily installed as a retrofit to an existing Flow-Sync or as a convenient system upgrade. With an impressive range capability of 500 feet between the transmitter and receiver and a robust waterproof design, the WFS is ready to safeguard your landscape, even in the harshest environments. The WFS is a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution to protect your landscape from unforeseen damage and wasted water.

 

Hunter Pro-HC

Hunter Industries introduced the new WiFi-based Pro-HC controller, built to work with Hunter’s innovative Hydrawise web-based software, and designed with the needs of irrigation contractors and homeowners in mind. The sturdy Pro-HC controller offers contractors a rugged enclosure and Internet accessibility, allowing them to efficiently manage all of their sites from anywhere, anytime. The Pro-HC is offered in 6-, 12- or 24-station fixed indoor and outdoor units. It also has a dedicated master valve to help prevent water loss and supports Hunter’s pump start relay. The Pro-HC comes with large terminal strips for easy installation of solenoid wiring. Among the Pro-HC’s many attractive features is Hydrawise Predictive Watering, which adjusts schedules based on forecast temperature, rainfall probability, wind and humidity. The Pro-HC allows users to select a local weather station and set watering triggers for predictive watering adjustments.

 

Antelco Potstream adjustable flow

The Antelco Potstream is a side-mounted watering solution for potted plants and containers. The adjustable gentle stream pattern minimizes soil erosion and the variable flow rate and pattern radius allows for use in various pot sizes.

Features:

  • Variable flow rate and pattern size suits 8- to 24-inch-diameter pots.
  • Suits pot wall thickness up to 1.57 inches.
  • Side-mounted installation for clean and tidy location of supply tube.
  • Low application rate and gentle stream pattern.
  • Easily adjustable knob for varying spray patterns.
  • Smooth inner face for sliding down edge of pot.
  • Angular water-saving ramp.
  • Gentle four-stream watering pattern.
  • Slimline profile stake for easy penetration into potting mix.

 

Toro Precision Check Valve

The Toro Precision Check Valve saves water and eliminates runoff by immediately sealing the spray head at its connection point at the end of the irrigation cycle, thereby preventing the draining of lateral lines through the lowest-lying heads.

  • Hold-back strength of up to 15 feet: Capable of compensating for elevation changes in a zone of up to 15 feet, the Precision Check Valve (PCV) eliminates issues with low head drainage and the resulting water waste.
  • Spring-actuated design: Spring actuation ensures an immediate check when the irrigation cycle ends.
  • Low profile: With an overall profile of just under 1-1/4 cubic inches, the PCV-500 adds less than 3/8-inch of height to retrofitted spray heads, and can be retrofit to side inlet spray heads with minimal digging. The low-profile design makes the PCV-500 ideal for turf or slope applications.
  • A universal fit: Featuring 1/2-inch NPT threads, the PCV fits all major manufacturers’ spray bodies and fittings.

 

Netafim Techlock fittings

Netafim Techlock fittings work with the following Techline driplines: HCVXR, HVCXR-RW, HCVXR-RWP, CV, DL, RW, RWP and also blank Polyethylene tubing. These high-quality, reliable and durable fittings have an abundance of new features and benefits:

  • Ergonomic design enables quick field installation and reuse while reducing physical strain on installation crews
  • An industry-leading maximum pressure rating (100 psi) and pullout resistance (67 ft-lbs.) means maximum performance and durability
  • The 10-year warranty for subsurface and 5 years for surface installations ensures peace of mind
  • An outside diameter range from 16mm to 17mm simplifies the job for designers and contractors
  • Dark brown color blends well with both the dripline and surrounding landscapes

 

GreenIQ third generation smart sprinkler controller

By unveiling the next generation of its Smart Garden Hub (Gen 3) GreenIQ creates a line of Hubs to control any small to large gardens depending on the number of irrigation zones and other different needs. With a new sleek design and even more features, GreenIQ allow users to manage their garden from any smart device they own and from anywhere around the globe. Using intelligent, Cloud-based software, GreenIQ analyzes recent and upcoming weather and humidity levels. With this information, as well as personal soil types and lawn conditions, GreenIQ adapts to each individual yard, saving users water and money while making sure their garden will flourish. With the addition of Gen 3 to the line, end users can now control as many as 16 sprinkler zones, two lighting channels and fertilization scheduling. GreenIQ offers 2 models: 3G-enabled Hub and Wi-Fi Hub.

 

Root Flow by Root Flow Irrigation

Industry-leading manufactures sold millions of subsurface tree irrigation and aeration tubes over the past decade. Those products are rightfully credited for improving the health and establishment of newly planted trees while conserving a significant amount of landscape water. Root Flow is a feature-rich, economical model that installs in seconds. Patent-pending design features direct connect to bubblers, emitters, 1/2- and 1/4-inch drip lines. Additional enhancements include direct-to-root water pattern, clog-resistant body design, and all-natural bio-nutrient tablets that improve water and nutrient uptake. There are models sized for trees, shrubs, plants, and planters. Uniquely Root Flow can be inserted directly into the root ball of nursery trees, ensuring uprooted trees staged in nursery yards will remain irrigated and healthy, while waiting to be transplanted into urban landscapes. Root Flow is the whole package.

 

Underhill TurboTrim

TurboTrim, a new ratcheting tool that efficiently trims turf around golf sprinkler heads, is now available from Underhill International. Designed for time-saving operation, TurboTrim is the only hand trimmer with both right and left drive ratcheting mechanisms. It precisely cuts around sprinkler heads and improves irrigation coverage and overall course appearance. TurboTrim is 36 inches tall and features 7- and 8-inch replaceable cutting blades that produce a clean trim around Toro, Rain Bird or Hunter golf sprinklers. With comfortable rubber grip handles and heavy-duty steel construction, TurboTrim is designed for easy use and lasting durability. It has a black powder coat finish.

 

 

 

Rain Bird LNK WiFi Module

Rain Bird has made remote access and control available for residential and light-commercial irrigation systems with its new LNK WiFi Module. The LNK WiFi Module is a small device that plugs into an accessory port on Rain Bird’s 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 contractors with 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.

 

Rain Bird ESP-TM2 controller

Available in 4-, 6-, 8- and 12-station models, Rain Bird’s ESP-TM2 controller is suitable for indoor or outdoor installations. By plugging in the LNK WiFi Module (sold separately), users can access, operate and monitor their irrigation systems from anywhere using a free mobile app. Three available programs offer up to 4 start times per program, or choose simple, one-touch manual watering. With the WiFi module, the ESP-TM2 can also access internet-based weather information to adjust the irrigation schedule daily, saving up to 30 percent in water. On site, the ESP-TM2’s large back-lit LCD display offers improved visibility in low-light and direct-sunlight conditions.

 

 

Rain Bird XFS-CV dripline

In 2010, Rain Bird introduced its award-winning XFS subsurface dripline with patented Copper Shield technology to prevent damage from root intrusion. Now, Rain Bird launched a new version of the XFS that can be used in virtually any drip irrigation application — XFS-CV Dripline. XFS-CV Dripline combines the benefits of XFS and its Copper Shield protection with a heavy-duty, 4.0-psi check valve. This check valve keeps the dripline charged with water in elevation changes of up to nine feet. XFS-CV can be used on sloped areas, level areas, above ground and below. Because XFS-CV Dripline remains charged with water, it more uniformly irrigates all plants in the drip zone. The check valve also prevents water from draining out of the dripline at the zone’s lowest points, preventing plants in those areas from being overwatered and avoiding wasteful puddling.

 

* The following products were also nominated for the Irrigation Show New Product Contest (Landscape Category), but are not profiled here:

  • Rain Bird ESP-9V Battery Operated Irrigation Controllers
  • Baseline Irrigation Systems SubStation
  • Hydro-Rain B-hyve institutional controller
  • Hydro-Rain B-hyve smart hose faucet controller
  • NDS Heavy Duty Drip
  • K-Rain BL-KR Gen 2
  • King Innovation SnapTap Pro
  • Rain Master DX3 Central Control Satellite