Hybrid Modular/Decoder Irrigation Controller
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Abstract
A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.
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Citations
44 Claims
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1-24. -24. (canceled)
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25. A module for insertion into an irrigation controller connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path, the module comprising:
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a micro-controller for receiving communications commands from a processor of the irrigation controller; a plurality of push buttons operatively connected to the micro-controller for identifying and programming a plurality of decoder circuits connected to the multi-wire path; a display operatively connected to the micro-controller for enabling a user to identify and program the decoder circuits; and driver circuitry operatively connected to the micro-controller for sending encoded signals and an AC power signal along the two-wire path. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method of controlling a plurality of valves in an irrigation system, comprising the steps of:
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providing an irrigation controller having a processor capable of selectively energizing a plurality of solenoid actuated valves in accordance with a watering program when the valves are each connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of dedicated field valve lines which are connected to at least one station module inserted and operatively connected in the irrigation controller; inserting and operatively connecting an encoder module into the irrigation controller instead of inserting the station module, the encoder module having a micro-controller that can receive communications commands from the processor of the irrigation controller to enable the processor to control the plurality of valves through driver circuitry in the encoder module when the valves are connected along a common multi-wire path via corresponding decoder circuits; and programming the decoder circuits through the micro-controller of the encoder module with a plurality of corresponding identities so that the processor of the irrigation controller can turn the valves connected along the common multi-wire path ON and OFF through the micro-controller of the encoder module in accordance with the watering program. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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Specification