Automatic watering timers.

[Jow]

Hi All,

I am lookinbg at building some redundancy or insurance into my watering system when i am away for a few days. Usually i get a friend to water once or twice a day but should they forget a day in the heat of summer we all know this could achieve some bad results. I want to build a basic automatic watering system to water on top of the watering done by the elected waterer. This way if either one fails the other should take up the slack.

I am looking at using some form of automatic timer and was wondering if anyone had any experiences good or bad with any styles or types of timers that might help me decide what product to choose. I will only be doing a small area and it will probably run from a garden tap if that helps.

Are there any timers out there that are no good or any that are excellent for that matter? Any style to use over another? thoughts?

Joe.

[Mojo Moyogi]

PM sent

[shibui]

All the small, screw on to a tap type timers I have tried have let me down, mostly in less than a year.

Because I did not have mains power at some of my growing locations I purchased a battery powered 'Galcon' timer and it has not missed a beat in about 10 years. They are hard to find and a bit more expensive to purchase and set up (needs latching coil solenoids) but it will water even if the power is off. Uses 2x 9v dry cells each year to run and has the capacity to water up to 6 areas up to 4 times each day.

Most of the electronic controllers available should be reliable.

[Jow]

All the small, screw on to a tap type timers I have tried have let me down, mostly in less than a year.

Because I did not have mains power at some of my growing locations I purchased a battery powered 'Galcon' timer and it has not missed a beat in about 10 years. They are hard to find and a bit more expensive to purchase and set up (needs latching coil solenoids) but it will water even if the power is off. Uses 2x 9v dry cells each year to run and has the capacity to water up to 6 areas up to 4 times each day.

Most of the electronic controllers available should be reliable.

Thanks Neil, this is really helpful information. Are latching coil solenoids hard to come by? would my local mega hardware store be likely to stock them? I am guessing that they are fairly easy to wire up?

Joe.

[Jow]

Is this the model you use Neil?

http://www.wetearth.com.au/galcon-tap-timer

[Jow]

Or is it the seccond model on this page? I am thinking this is the one you use?

http://www.irrigationwarehouse.com.au/category116_1.htm

[Chris H]

There is a less complicated version of the Galcon which is sold at Bunnings now.
I recently purchased one to do my place it runs on a 9V wherea all the other brands have failed within a month or two its still going strong.

I change the batteries once every two months because I'm paranoid.

Until I build the new house and then Im going to go hi tech like Ken!

[Chris H]

Is this the model you use Neil?

http://www.wetearth.com.au/galcon-tap-timer

Thats the one I got from big green shed.

[Jow]

Is this the model you use Neil?

http://www.wetearth.com.au/galcon-tap-timer

Thats the one I got from big green shed.

Thanks for the feedback Chris. It all helps.

[Damian Bee]

Hi there. Give Waterpros in hoppers crossing a call. 83696200 They stock a single station rainbird controller. I use them on most small scale irrigation jobs for residential. Let them know how much you need to water and they will give the right advice. the rainbird is much easier to work with than the others and much more robust.

[paddles]

I have an old mains wired garden watering unit, hooked to only one solonoid (from same system) it can be programed for various programs (if need be, it can come on 4 times in a 24hr period) I've seen them in garage sales. I also use overhead misters on the timers, i found the drippers in-effective

[Jow]

Thanks Damian, i will give them a ring and see what they reccomend.

Joe.

[kcpoole]

Hi Jow
Check out this thread where i described my system
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=9991&hilit=+timer

been using for 4 years so far and all good

Ken

[Jow]

Thanks Ken, That looks like a nice setup. I am not sure if i will be able to use mains power as we are in a rental and powerpoints are not near by the bonsai.

I have an old mains wired garden watering unit, hooked to only one solonoid (from same system) it can be programed for various programs (if need be, it can come on 4 times in a 24hr period) I've seen them in garage sales. I also use overhead misters on the timers, i found the drippers in-effective

Thanks for that Paddles, I have heard that misters/sprays seem to work better than drippers. I think i will use Misters/sprayers for my setup.

[dennismc]

Hi Jow

I have been using the full automated type for many years. In fact i am on about my third controller. They can be reliable just don't use the cheapies that are sold in hardware stores they often fail fairly quickly. You need a full irrigation system. These are obtained from stores specializing in irrigation setups. You may have to find them in your local area.

I have found my local one extremely helpful. They will usually help you to decide what system works for you and give advice on how to lay the system out.

Surprisingly such a system is not that expensive and generally you can install it yourself.

Dennis Mc