4.0 Programming for Smart Watering Mode
> 4.1 Set ZIP Code or Latitude
> 4.2 Enter Smart Data for Zones
> 4.2.1 Sprinkler Type
> 4.2.2 Plant Type for Zones
> 4.2.3 Soil Type for Zones
> 4.2.4 More/Less (optional)
> 4.2.5 Activating the SLW Series On-Site Weather Sensor
> 4.2.6 WATERING MODE Button
Weathermatic’s patented SMART mode overrides user-assigned zone run times and calculates zone run times based on the location of the site, inputs by zone, and weather readings from the SLW Series On-Site Weather Sensor. SMART mode is designed to help you protect your landscaping, reduce wasteful run-off, and minimize your water costs.
Warning: Smart mode positions on the dial can only be selected when an optional SLW Series On-Site Weather Sensor accessory is installed. Additionally, Basic Program Function must be set up completely before setting up SMART mode. SMART Mode replaces the Zone Run Times with a calculated value using the SMART settings.
4.1 Set ZIP Code or Latitude
SMART operation first requires that the SmartLine® Controller know “where in the world” it is located. Users in the USA can set location by ZIP Code. Users outside of the USA can set location by latitude. Use UP and DOWN buttons to select ZIP Code (USA) or LATITUDE. To find your latitude, see World Latitudes in the Reference section.
If you are setting a ZIP Code, push NEXT. Display will show 5 numerical positions for ZIP Code settings. Use UP and DOWN buttons to set the flashing number. Then push NEXT to flash the next number. Use UP and DOWN buttons to set second number. Continue process until all 5 numbers of your ZIP Code are set.
If you are outside the USA, you will enter LATITUDE. You can use the UP and DOWN buttons to choose any latitude between 60 degrees south and 60 degrees north. 0 degrees setting is marked as EQUATOR.
4.2 Enter Smart Data for Zones
Enter SMART data for zones: Sprinkler Type, Plant Type, Soil Type, and MORE/LESS. The SmartLine® controller cannot calculate run times without SMART data for each zone and without Zone Run Times assigned to each operational zone, which serve to back up SMART mode.
4.2.1 Sprinkler Type
In order to calculate run time, the controller must know the expected precipitation rate for each zone. Use NEXT and BACK buttons to move between zones. Use UP and DOWN buttons to set zone to OFF or to
specify the precipitation rate.
Precipitation rate can be entered two ways: by sprinkler type or by specific precipitation rate. If you do not know the specific precipitation rate for the zone, you can select the sprinkler type, or watering equipment used on that zone: Spray, Rotor, Drip, or Bubbler irrigation. The SmartLine® controller will apply a default precipitation rate for the sprinkler type selected. If you know the specific precipitation rate expected for the zone, stated by the sprinkler manufacturer, you can use the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll past the sprinkler types and select that number. For USA users, inches per hour will be displayed (.2 to 3.0 inches per hour). Numeric precipitation rate resolution is 0.01 in/hr below the 2.0 in/hr setting. For international users, the controller will display precipitation numbers in centimeters per hour. As a rule in SMART mode, the lower the precipitation rate entered, the longer the zone run time will be to achieve required plant life needs. For zones selected to use set Zone Run Times rather than SMART run times, select STD setting Sprinkler Type. Program features and operations are supported with STD zones,
including Run/Soak, and STD zones may run within SMART programs or separately.
4.2.2 Plant Type for Zones
This position is used to specify the type of plant material to be watered by each zone as an important component of determining the watering needs for each zone. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to select plant type or percent for each zone. Press NEXT and BACK buttons to access each zone.
Plant type selections are: CTurf (cool turf like bluegrass); WTurf (warm turf like St. Augustine); Shrubs; Annuals (floral beds); Trees; and Native plants. The SmartLine® controller formula uses cool turf mowed at 4 to 6 inches tall as the base watering number (100%) or crop factor. The cool turf default is 80% considering average mowing heights of 2 to 3 inches, which result in less transpiration and lower water requirements. If you prefer more specific input, you can scroll past the plant types and use % designations of 10 to 300%. For
example, a Native plant zone might be assigned 30% rather the default of 25%. As a rule in SMART mode, the higher the plant type percentage entered, the longer the zone run time will be to achieve required plant life needs.
For maximum water savings, it is recommended that your sprinkler system be zoned with a separate valve for each type of plant material. If you have mixed types of plants in a single zone, you will need to select which type of plant to use in the determination of water requirements.
4.2.3 Soil Type for Zones
Soil settings for soil type and degree of slope are used to enable your SmartLine® controller to automatically calculate the maximum length of a zone run time before pausing watering for a calculated period to allow the water to soak into the soil. These Run/Soak (also called Cycle/Soak) periods based on industry BASIC formulas reduce wasteful runoff caused by watering more than the soil can absorb. The Run/Soak feature included in Advanced Menu can be manually entered for use with the BASIC mode. However, in the SMART mode, the SmartLine® controller will automatically calculate Run/Soak times with soil inputs made at the soil type position on the dial. Run/Soak settings made in Advanced Menu are not active when controller is in SMART soak schedules can be viewed by selecting Advanced Menu, Review and Run/Soak.
Use the UP and DOWN buttons to select Clay, Loam or Sandy soil type for each zone. After you have selected a soil type for a zone, push NEXT button to advance to the next zone. Slope for each zone can also be set in the Soil Type menu. From the Soil Type menu, use the UP and DOWN buttons to select Slope. Using the NEXT button select the degrees of slope (elevation change) for each zone. Set each zone for 0 to 25 degrees of slope based on the chart provided.
Use NEXT button to move between zones.
Note: Factory default settings are clay soil and zero slope.
4.2.4 More/Less (optional)
Note: Run/Soak period can reduce the need to set multiple start times for purpose of preventing
runoff. Using the combination of multiple start times and Run/Soak cycles can lead to extended watering windows since Run/Soak cycles are applied to each start time.
When your SmartLine® controller is set in SMART mode, the Seasonal % Adjust in the BASIC mode is inactivated since the automatic adjustments are made daily rather than monthly. You can use MORE/LESS to fine tune the run time calculation by zone in the SmartLine® controller by –50 to +25%.
Use UP and DOWN buttons to select % adjustment. Use NEXT and BACK buttons to move between zones.
This feature can be useful to reduce run time adjustments for shady and partially shaded zones. The table provided may be used for general shade guidelines. Other factors may result in needing to use MORE/LESS for fine tune adjustments including sprinkler efficiency, zone efficiency, and wind. Sprinkler efficiency varies between types of sprinklers and the manufacturer’s design. Zone efficiency varies based on the design layout of sprinklers in a zone, sometimes overlapping or sometimes not. High winds can
serve to dry out plant and soil to increase the need for water. For optimum results considering the many unique variables in each zone, users should periodically monitor plant life health and water usage, especially after initial controller setup, so proper adjustments can be made.
THIS COMPLETES PROGRAMMING FOR SMART WATERING. RETURN THE DIAL TO THE RUN POSITION.
4.2.5 Activating the SLW Series On-Site Weather Sensor
SLW5 wireless and SLW1 wired weather stations both communicate with the controller via an SLHUB transceiver. Install the SLHUB by inserting the pins of the HUB into the connector located at the top right of the controller cabinet. On the
SLW Weather Sensor, press and hold down the Rain Sense test tab in the center of the rain sensor for 15 seconds.
4.2.6 WATERING MODE Button
Press the WATERING MODE button on the control panel to place the SmartLine® controller in the SMART mode. A GREEN LED on the SMART position will confirm that you have communicated with the SLW Weather Sensor. If there is no SLW Weather Sensor installed or ZIP Code or Latitude or time/date setting and at least one zone with a sprinkler type set, pressing the WATERING MODE button will flash the SMART LED to RED and then return to the BASIC mode. When this occurs, you can press the MODE button to see a scrolling message indicating the reason SMART mode is not available.