Re: a stupid X10 sprinkler question

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

<hawk007@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1151276950.215026.182000@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> i'm a complete neophite who just learned about the X10 and the garden
> sprinkling capabilities thereof.

Most of us were in that catagory at one time.

> Having browsed a number of threads discussing products like Rain8 and
> X10 in general, i'm beginning to get some idea; however, all of the X10
> discussions and all of the product descriptions i've seen focus on the
> digital end of it, and none address the water/pipe end of it.  While
> the latter may be trivial for seasoned auto-irrigators, I am at a
> complete loss about what to buy/do beyond the device such as Rain8.
>
> Q1:  Do I simply connect my multiple (electric) valves to Rain8 and
> then assign X10 addresses to the corresponding controls in Rain8?
> (Valves such as http://www.rainbird.com/diy/products/valves/cp.htm ,
> for example). If so, is there a compatibility issue? Are the required
> valves toggled off/on by means of X10-protocol signal or by
> presence/absence of current? If by the latter, does something like
> Rain8 supply the 24V to the valves ... i realize, I may be completely
> off here.  Are there any sophisticated valves that, in the manner of a
> rheostat, open up to various pressure levels, as specified (water flow
> diminuation, equivalent to dimming of lights)?

Our Rain8 has four 24VAC switches controllable by X10.  It receives 24VAC
from a transformer, and then switches that power to one irrigation valve at
a time.  This one has two programable cycles that can be initiated by a X10
command, and also allows individual ON/OFF control of each valve by X10
commands.  The Rain8 controls the standard $10 irrigation valves available
at your local building supply warehouse.

> Q2:  Regarding the 2-way communication involving "confirmation signals"
> mentioned here -- http://www.smarthome.com/3125c.html : is the
> confirmation signal a standard part of the X10 protocol, or is it a
> feature exclusive to this gadget? Furthermore, is it possible to query
> an X10 device to receive data?  In other words, can something like an
> X10 rain gauge (is there such a thing?) respond to a query by sending
> back rain data?  Can devices send back their current state, on request
> (whether they are on or off)?

Most X10 devices are listen only, but there are some specialized devices
that provide acknowledgement or data in return.  I don't know about an X10
rain gauge, but there are X10 thermostats.  For our irrigation I do open
loop control based on time of year and outside temperature.  And then I have
a Leviton 16400 to kick in an extra cycle whenever things look a little dry.
Our back yard has about 3 inches of topsoil over lava, so it drys out VERY
quickly.  The garden drip irrigation must run several times a day during hot
weather to keep the plants from wilting.

> Q3: at this point I am thinking I'd need to install a water pipe
> manifold, attach the multiple valves to it, and connect each valve's
> electrical cable to the Rain8  (the cable happens to at least *look
> like* the 1/8th" audio plug). Am I way off?

Sounds like you are on the right path.  The valves have that plug, and the
manifold should provide the means of connection between those plugs and the
underground multiconductor cable coming from your Rain8.

> Thanks in advance, and apologies for the newbism -- I can't find a
> comprehensive A-Z schematic that lists *all* the components involved
> and how they interface.   (My needs are to water a few zones in an
> average home.)

The Rain8 works great for us, and should for you too.

Jeff