Hi,

I am in the process of installing a fairly complex drip irrigation system that uses standard soleniod valves. I have 10 valves total 4 of which are for lawn areas and 6 for drip systems. I'm pretty sure each drip zone will have it's own unique watering requirements. From this we can see that a minimum of 7 programs will be required.

I have done an extensive survey of controllers and it's apparent that controllers that have an independent program for each valve (besides ET based controllers) are virtually non-existent. The only mainstream one I found is DIG and this is a very basic controller in other respects. I was very surprised by this but I suppose it's because most controllers are targeted for the residential lawn environment which have fairly homegeneous water requirements.

Anyhow, besides the DIG does anyone know of any program per valve controllers?

I'm not against a computer(PC) controlled unit but the X10 stuff seems a little too hobbyist and I think even it only supports a few programs. The Warebrothers stuff seems to be excellent but at $400 for the residential unit it would be the last resort for me.

I looked at ET based systems most of which seem to have independent programs for each valve but from what I can tell ET is best for lawns or simple gardens in full sun. I don't know much about the ET theory but from what I have read the actual ET levels are based almost entirely on radiation intensity. Perhaps they have adjustment factors for zones which receive part sun but I found no mention of this. I'm also very reluctant to purchase equipment which is essentially enabled remotely by the manufacturer.

Thanks