Patent ID: 7844369
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: A01G,G05B,G05D

Abstract:
1. A modular irrigation controller comprising: a housing: a control unit within the housing, the control unit including a first microcontroller for executing stored irrigation programs; a plurality of expansion module mounting locations within the housing adapted to removably receive expansion modules, each expansion mounting location electrically coupled to the first microcontroller; an expansion module removably mounted to a first expansion module mounting location and electrically coupled to the first microcontroller, the expansion module including a second microcontroller, the second microcontroller adapted to operate with the first microcontroller; wherein the first microcontroller is adapted: to transmit an authentication request to the expansion module; receive a response to the authentication request from the expansion module; and determine, based on the response, that the expansion module is authorized as originating from an approved manufacturer to operate with the first microcontroller.