Low cost sprinkler control

Let me start by saying I have not yet set this up, but plans call for
getting it going by next spring. I have a client that has 4 separate
16 zone sprinkler system spread out over 14 acre’s of property.
The cost of replacing the existing controllers with 8 EZFlora is not
within the budget.

The current controllers run trough there zones at night, every other day.
So most time they are over watering. What I plan is to use an I/O Linc to
open the common lead to the control valves. The existing controllers will be
reprogramed to run every day. So each day the controller runs it program,
but only if the I/OLinc is on do the sprinklers actually water.

Now I can set up schedules based on time of year and amount of rain, that
controls each I/OLinc.

Each of the existing controllers also has an output for activating a buster pump. I
plan to use this with a 24 volt relay that will activate the sense input of the
I/O Linc as feedback to verify that the sprinklers did run.

Would like to hear from any one who tries this. Also any scripts that can integrate
the weather conditions into the operation.

I have attached a drawing of the hookup of the I/O Linc with the existing controllers.
Hope this is helpful to anyone on a budget.


Elwood