Watering timer — an overview of modern species. The principle of operation of the timer, photos, instructions for proper installation.

A large number of devices are used in the suburban area, which facilitate the process of caring for the garden and lawns. We are talking about irrigation systems. Sprinklers of various types can be installed on the site, but their work must be monitored.

Timers have been developed to minimize human efforts in this direction. They make it possible to ensure the best mode of introducing moisture into the soil in different climatic conditions.

Summary of the article:

People engaged in gardening and gardening do not always have enough time to constantly monitor the quality and completeness of hydration. After all, the duration of this process can be quite long. Therefore, timers for automatic watering are in considerable demand.

Thanks to their use, you do not need to use hoses or control the on/off of the irrigation complex. And the amount of moisture that enters the ground will be sufficient.

The use of this approach provides summer residents with the following advantages:

more efficient use of water for horticultural needs;
automation of the spraying process;
optimization of soil moisture parameters, prevention of shortage or excess of moisture;
the possibility of selecting the most suitable irrigation regime;
reliability and durability of the network.

The principle of operation

The functioning of automatic irrigation structures is based on hydrodynamic laws. This provides for the presence of gravity collectors. The water tank is placed at a height of 3-5 m. Pumping devices can be used to fill it.

The water supply to the channel from the tank is carried out without the action of pumps under the action of a small pressure. It is enough to supply moisture to the beds. Timers for gravity systems allow you to ensure a rational water use regime, adjust the time and volume of the supplied liquid.

This device is connected by threaded connections to a gravity collector and irrigation circuit. The design of a particular model affects the principle of operation. But its mechanism itself opens with a certain interval/closes the ball valve or press the valve at the solenoid. The water will be sent to the bed with a given frequency.

If you have a more complex multi-circuit execution procedure, then installing a tank for gravity water transfer will not be sufficient. You will need to buy and install a pump.

Mechanical control device

This type of device for regulating irrigation belongs to the budget class, but is quite reliable. There is no need to have a constant power supply. The valve is actuated by a special spring.

However, to turn on the mechanism, manual human intervention is required. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in combination with battery-operated electromagnetic valves or electric control units.

This mechanism is suitable for semi-automatic irrigation systems. After a person has turned on the device, it can turn off on its own after a specified period of time – up to 72 hours.

This scheme can be applied in cases when the owner himself is on the site and can control the entire process of water intake. At a given moment, the mechanism is triggered, which leads to the closure of the crane. You need to wind up the spring manually.

Electronic devices with a mechanical mechanism

Often the allotment is located far from home. Therefore, the owner does not always have the opportunity to visit him regularly and set the watering mode manually.

In such cases, an electromechanical device will be useful to you. It has the ability to be configured for a long period – up to 7 days. The maximum duration of work is 120 minutes. At the specified moment, the mechanism is triggered and watering is carried out according to a planned scenario.

The timer for drip irrigation of this variety has the following advantages:

ensuring the automatic principle of operation of the entire system;
easy to set modes;
reliability and efficiency.

At the same time, it will not be possible to connect additional monitoring sensors to such a device, which makes it impossible to regulate the flow of liquid.

To select the operation parameters, you need:

Open the lid.
Use the left lever to indicate the launch frequency. The maximum limit is 72 hours. The initial countdown is performed according to the activation time of the device.
Use the right lever to set the duration of one-time spraying with a maximum step of 2 hours.

This option is suitable for processing large areas that are remote from the cottager's house. Effective for installation in the fields.

Intelligent control systems

Software control allows you to fully automate the watering process by setting additional parameters. It is possible to fix the regime for a long period of time, which is important for creating optimal conditions for the growth of plants in the garden or vegetable garden.

The number of possible software options can reach 16 units. The mode is selected for each type of culture. However, the high cost limits the use of a programmable device in open fields without reliable protection.

You can additionally connect the following options to the device:

Rain sensor. It is effective when installed in an open space, since it takes into account the parameters of precipitation in the range of 3-25 mm. The signal is sent to the control unit, and the irrigation process stops. Humidification will not be performed during this period.

A sensor for tracking the fullness of the volume in the tank. Lowering the level to a critical level is the basis for automatically connecting the diaphragm pump to pump the required amount of liquid.

Soil moisture monitoring sensor – allows you to optimize the microclimate in the ground. Excessive soil moisture or dryness is monitored. With this in mind, irrigation is becoming more frequent or limited.

Despite the fact that the kit includes special fittings and hoses, the problem of use is not the connection. Setting a timer for watering plants is difficult from the point of view of software configuration. To do this, you need:

activate the power button, for example Time;
after the mode selection parameters appear, use the Set button to set the current time data;
set work parameters for each day of the future period;
use the program selection item to specify additional options.

Each model has its own programming mode features. Therefore, you need to study the setup instructions beforehand.

Connection Features

Each type has its own specifics of configuration and connection. Initially, you need to decide on the type of irrigation and assess the possibility of access to your site.

Water supply mechanism

When controlling electronic devices, the method of mechanical control of the supply of moisture is important. For these purposes, an electromagnetic valve or a ball timer with a tap can be used.

The solenoid valve operates as follows. Power is supplied to the coil. In this case, an electromagnetic field is formed, which causes the core to move inside the solenoid, blocking the movement of water. When the power is turned off, the core moves in the opposite direction, opening a gap for fluid movement.

But another, opposite principle of action is also possible. If there is no magnetic field, the spring will force the valve to close. The appearance of the power supply includes a feeding system.

The action of the ball valve is based on the opening or closing of the gearbox. Its operation is set by an electric charge. When activated, the system starts. This can be determined by the characteristic noise of the engine together with the gearbox.

What should be taken into account?

In the photo of the timer for watering, you can see a wide variety of its types and models. Connecting them is quite simple. However, two features should be taken into account:

Be sure to observe the correct connection in the direction of water movement. To do this, look at the input/output arrows on the timer.

The durability of the work depends on the quality of the water being passed. To avoid clogging with debris or large particles, it is necessary to install cleaning filters.

The use of these devices is most effective in single-channel gravity-type circuits. Nozzles are connected to the highway, from which spraying is carried out along a given radius within the irrigation sector. The timer helps to control this process.

On large plots, a multi-channel principle is used with the connection of several network lines. Separate nozzles can be connected to each one or special devices for drip spraying can be installed. But it is advisable in this case to use a pump.

The use of timers in irrigation networks can significantly improve the quality of care for beds. Improving the microclimate in the soil contributes to the growth of yields. Also, the owners of dachas save resources, they do not require excessive physical effort to maintain their land plots.