Irrigation timer for gravity systems - review, connection, operation!

What is he?

This device is somewhat reminiscent of a water meter. It can be controlled remotely, enabling watering of the area at the required time according to a given schedule. It is made with a strong and waterproof body.

Most of these products are mobile and powered by batteries, making it possible to transport them to a field where there is no electricity.

But among the models of timers for drip irrigation, there are options powered by electricity.

The principle of operation of the mechanism

All work happens thanks to the shut-off valve. The device itself is attached to the water supply from which water comes. On the other side, a hose is put on through which watering will pass.

At the moment the program is triggered, the valve opens and the liquid flows into the garden. And when the programmed supply cycle is completed, the hole closes and no more water is supplied.

Watering timer Universal Aqua Planet

AQUA PLANET timer tap for drip irrigation and lawn watering

Drip irrigation systems are used not only for strict control over the amount of water. Drip irrigation is used in arid regions of the Earth where agricultural activities are at risk.

But drip irrigation not only helps save water, it has proven to be an excellent way to increase crop yields. In fields equipped with such systems, the yield increases by an average of 20-25%. It is thanks to these properties of drip irrigation that it began to be widely implemented in countries with excellent ancient agricultural traditions: Spain, Germany, Holland, Turkey.

Description of the Aqua Planet drip irrigation system

Such a system can operate not only from the water supply, but also from the saotec, i.e. from a container raised above the ground. The tap is connected through a tee to hoses with droppers. The dropper is a dispenser in the form of a peg with a comb. Each dropper is installed directly in the root zone of the plant. The drop reaches the root of the plant through the process of slow seepage of water inside the comb. The timer tap controls the frequency of water supply and the duration of watering. It can not only regulate the frequency of drops, but also automatically open the water supply to fill the container from which the hoses extend.

Purpose of the Aqua Planet faucet timer

When connected to a water supply system, the AQUA-PLANET Faucet-Timer system waters with cold water; when connected to a barrel, watering is carried out with warm water heated in the sun.

Using the Aqua Planet timer

Before starting work, the timer faucet must be equipped with two pinky batteries. After this, it goes into test mode and the ball valve of the valve closes.

To start working, the tap must be connected to a tee to distribute water across the beds.

Characteristics of Aqua Planet irrigation timer

The timer is used for irrigating lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees or drip irrigation of plants in greenhouses and open ground. No water pressure required (can be installed both to the water supply and to the barrel. Reliable ball valve. The timer is compatible with any irrigation systems.

The duration of action (irrigation) is set manually. It can range from 1 to 120 minutes.
The frequency of watering can range from once an hour to once every seven days.
Watering will begin 10 seconds after setting the watering mode.
Watering is accompanied by a flashing indicator light.
To regulate watering manually, you need to turn the “Irrigation duration” sensor switch to the “Off” position on the timer tap.

The weight of the timer with box is 335 g.

What is worth clarifying

Some models can be programmed for a long period of time. If you require one, it is recommended to check this point with the seller.

Mechanical

The simplest devices that are quite suitable for small home areas. It is desirable that it be possible to adjust its operation on a daily basis.

The clock mechanism here is almost identical to a mechanical watch. Its operation is possible thanks to a spring that operates precisely at the required moment.

Any change must be adjusted manually. Such devices do not have a display and there is no way to set a long-term program.

Electronic timers

In such proposals it is possible to program this equipment. It is convenient to use it in a large area or in a field, somewhere far from residential areas.

The timer can be controlled either mechanically or via the display. Options with mechanical settings can be configured for a week of work, while the duration of irrigation can reach 120 minutes, and other devices can have up to 16 customized programs.

Also, more advanced models allow you to set up watering of different crops from the same device.

Types of watering timers

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All water timers are divided into 2 large groups - mechanical and electronic. What are their differences and unique features:

Photo of watering timer Palisad 66191

A mechanical watering timer is the simplest option. It is often purchased for watering small garden areas, when it is possible to regulate it at least every day. The clockwork here is the same as in a mechanical watch. It operates on a spring and provides constant watering for the set time. All changes are made manually. It does not have a display or long-term programming capabilities.
The electronic watering timer has a programming function. It is convenient for large areas, use in fields, dachas, remote from home. The electronic watering timer comes with mechanical and software control. In the first case, the gardener programs the device for a week, and the maximum watering time per day is 2 hours. In the second case, we are talking about a fairly powerful device with up to 16 programs! You can set different actions on it and, moreover, you can water different plants from one timer, setting a certain irrigation time for each crop.

Interesting!

Watering timers are designed in such a way that even when changing the battery, the set programs are saved. So you don’t have to set them up again every time!

Benefits of using a timer

It doesn’t matter what the source of water is (barrel or tap), it will be wasted significantly less.
A lot of time is saved, which should be occupied with more important things.
Some devices allow you to water several different plants from one source.
They are used both in the field and in the greenhouse.
The device will pay for itself quickly and will last a long time.
You can water with fertilizers that dissolve and do not settle.

Tips for use

More specific tips can be found by reading the instructions. But the general ones will be as follows:

Battery-powered devices should be equipped with high-quality batteries, because cheap ones will run out quickly. Voltage requirements can be found in the instructions.

It is necessary to use clean water without impurities, sand, etc. Otherwise, the device will fail prematurely. And if it is equipped with a filter, it will clog quickly, which will reduce the pressure.

Permissible water heating up to +40.

By winter, the device must be dismantled, cleaned and stored in a dry and warm place.

You can program the modes before setting the timer for watering the plants or when the tap is turned off and no water is supplied.

Electronic timers with mechanical control (toggle switch type)

Very easy to operate, reliable and durable devices. To select operating modes of the irrigation system, you need to perform the following steps:

Unscrew the top transparent plastic cover. You need to work carefully, do not lose the sealing gasket, it may fall out;
Use the left toggle switch to set the frequency of turning on the system, the maximum period is 72 hours;
Use the right toggle switch to set a specific watering duration, maximum 120 minutes.

Important. The initial countdown time of the electronic device begins from the time the timer is turned on. This means that if, for example, you want the watering to turn on periodically at five o’clock in the morning, then the first timer setting must be done at the same time. In the future, the time when the irrigation system is turned on will not change.

Manufacturers, complete with a timer, sell a full set of fittings for connecting plastic pipes or flexible hoses of various diameters. The timer is powered by two AAA 1.5 V batteries.

Watering timer - photo

Green Helper GA-021

Where is the ideal electronic

Models with mechanical settings are suitable for a vegetable garden or garden plot. It is ideal for them to irrigate a bed with one or more plants that have approximately the same requirements.

Devices with program control are more advanced systems that are suitable for a field or cottage where several crops need to be watered.

You will have to pay a lot for it, but if you are professionally engaged in growing food, then it can easily pay for itself. Some products can monitor the humidity in the greenhouse.

Additional Timer Features

Electronic watering timers using sensors can perform several additional functions, which further simplifies the process of growing crops in greenhouses or outdoors.

Rain sensor. Such equipment is used during the installation of irrigation in open areas. The rain sensor sends a signal to the electronic device about the presence of natural precipitation. The timer responds to these signals and skips one watering that coincides with the rain period. The sensor is adjustable in the precipitation range from 3 mm to 25 mm. Such a wide range allows you to more accurately regulate watering rates taking into account weather conditions. The presence of an accelerated recall function allows you to stop watering in the shortest possible time after the rain starts; the devices do not require additional maintenance. Depending on the adjustments of the ventilation ring, a delay in returning the dacha to standby mode is set. The time to return to the starting position is directly dependent on the humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. This allows for significant water savings.
Diaphragm pump. It can be mounted together with a timer or in a separate housing; it monitors the water level in storage tanks. When the amount of water decreases below a critical level, the pump automatically turns on to replenish supplies. After filling the tanks, the pump turns off.
Radio channel soil moisture sensor. The most modern device makes caring for plants much easier. Installed in several places on the beds, it blocks the timer command for watering in case of high soil moisture. The most modern devices increase crop yields by at least 10%.
Water purification filter. Performs high-quality water purification and significantly increases the operating time of the timer.

Additional monitoring and control devices can be purchased complete with an irrigation timer or separately.

Electronic watering timer Green Helper GA-319

Watering timer GA-324

Watering kit

Video - Irrigation timers for gravity systems

Where does the ball fit?

This type is intended for gravity-flow systems. This means that water is taken from some container - barrel, tank, etc. It is best to purchase it for drip irrigation in a greenhouse or small garden. Little liquid is consumed. Working pressure from 0 to 6 atmospheres.

Some more tips

It is recommended to see a photo of the watering timer in order to understand in advance how to install it. There are various models with different designs on the shelves.

There are models that are equipped with a filter (for drip irrigation) or a sensor that stops watering when it starts to rain. This allows you to save a lot of water.

The ability to set a watering program is very convenient for a plot of any size. But convenience will only be provided by a high-quality device that will last a long time and without interruption.

Watering timer functions and operating principle

A timer is a device that provides automatic irrigation of beds or flower beds on a site at a set time. The design resembles a water meter in appearance. Each manufacturer produces its own line of models, which have a specific program installed that allows you to set the time and duration of watering for a week.

More complex systems make it possible to program a separate mode for each day of the week. In this case, not only the time of water procedures for plants is set, but also the duration.

Timers operate from mains power or batteries, which is convenient when there is a power outage or when it is impossible to use this type of energy source. The location where the batteries are installed is sealed, so there is no need to worry about damage to the system after heavy rains.