New sprinkler stuff

Well, time flies again. It's mid February already, and there's more rain predicted for tonight. We're still behind a little as far as rainfall goes.

We've had some cooler than usual weather this winter that's typical in a drier year when we have less in the way of cloud cover. Still a slim chance of snow... at least on the higher foothills and mountains that border the valley.

I've discovered a new brand of sprinkler controller and valves put out by a guy who has been in the industry a while. You can buy Irrigation Direct products as a homeowner, but the catch is that you have to buy typical contractor quantities or case lots (maybe get together in with your friends and neighbors to get a better price)

(Update August 08: I've installed nearly dozen of their controllers with very few problems.)

The DMC controllers are compatible with the Hunter SRR remotes that you can find on my website, www.sprinklersplus.com by clicking on the links to Controllers and Accessories. The 3 station expansion modules should work with some older Hunter Pro-C controllers too.

Irrigation Direct also puts out a decent 1" inline valve that adapts a proven "reverse flow" design.

Irrigation Direct sells only online. You won't find them at irrigation supply houses or Home Depot either. they "cut out the middleman" and pass on the savings. My experience with their customer service has been good.

Meanwhile, the Weathermatic Smartline is still going strong.

No free hat, but a helluva lot of nice features. The weather monitor seems accurate enough, and I like checking the temp. data (last 5 days), the accumulated water deficit, etc. I like this controller for it's advanced features. If you're a homeowner you might like it for its ability to adapt to your microclimate. The one I'm testing expands to 16 zones.

Good for most suburban landscapes and small to medium commercial and multiple residence sites too: shopping centers, medical office complexes, condos and apartments. There are larger 24 and 48 zone versions too. Check it out: http://www.smartline.com/