Patent ID: 7069115
Filing Date: 2006-06-27
Classification: A01G,G05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A hybrid irrigation controller, comprising: means for entry or selection of a watering program; means for storing the watering program; means for providing a plurality of receptacles for removably receiving a plurality of modules; at least one station module configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line and including at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve; at least one encoder module configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and 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; and processor means for executing the stored watering program and controlling the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.