Today, a simple irrigation controller can be connected to the WiFi network to receive alerts via email directly to your phone in case of anomalies or information about your system's water consumption.
This controller is called Solem model SMART-IS and is available in 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12-zone versions. It can replace any existing controller, provided it is 230/24 volt AC.
The controller does not have a display because it operates via an App downloadable for free from the Apple Store or Play Store. It communicates first via Bluetooth (for settings or local management) and once connected to the local WiFi (which can also be a router with a SIM card), it can be controlled remotely, including receiving notifications even if you are on the other side of the world.
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A WATER METER IS REQUIRED to utilize its features 100%.
To complete the water consumption reading cycle, you need to connect the water meter (with pulse output reader) to the water supply before the manifold of the solenoid valves, and then connect the signal cable to the controller.
The controller has a dedicated input that can be used either as an input for the rain sensor or for the water meter. This needs to be set up via the app in the settings section at the top right of the app; once you configure the meter with its relevant data, you're all set!
At this point, one might say... but then I lose the rain sensor... not at all! Because if we tap into the common wire of the solenoid valves, the 2 wires of the rain sensor can be connected there, thus allowing both the sensor function and the meter function to be used.
In this case, however, I will only be able to adjust the activation delay or the sensitivity of the sensor from the sensor itself and no longer from the controller. But we believe this is a more than acceptable compromise.
The controller can be associated with multiple users and can, for security, enable a security code to maximize privacy.
For local convenience, a dedicated smartphone (new or recycled) can be paired with the controller, running only the Solem app and utilizing its built-in router capability by inserting the SIM card directly into it to simplify connections.
