Patent ID: 6782310
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: A01G

Abstract:
A method for controlling a wireless irrigation control system having at least one wireless irrigation control device including a controller contained in a substantially sealed controller housing, and an antenna coupled to the controller and capable of receiving radio-frequency (RF) signals, and a rechargeable battery power supply contained in the housing to supply power to the controller and a water flow control device, the method comprising:initializing the controller by means of a proximity switch contained within the housing; recharging, as needed, the battery power supply using a battery charging generator; broadcasting signals for reception by the initialized controller through the antenna; decoding the broadcast signals received by the initialized controller and confirming that they apply to the particular irrigation control device associated with the initialized controller; based on signals received through the antenna from time to time, and decoded in the preceding step, storing and updating at least one watering schedule in a memory module; and based on the stored watering schedule, generating signals to control a water flow control device in accordance with the watering schedule.