Abstract:
A method automatically adjusts the amount of water supplied by a water timer having a user interface and a controller programmed to provide control signals for controlling water flow control devices. The time of day on a base day is chosen, and a base ambient temperature and a base ambient humidity are sensed. Base ambient temperature and humidity signals are provided to the controller. The current ambient temperature and humidity are subsequently sensed and corresponding signals are provided to the controller on at least one day following the base day at a time corresponding to the chosen time of day. Control signals are modified, thereby modifying watering amounts, according to the base and current ambient temperature and humidity signals.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/752,779, entitled Water Timer and Method, filed 23 May 2007; which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/325,746, entitled Water Timer and Method, filed 5 Jan. 2006; which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 60/664,561, entitled Water Timer And Method, filed 23 Mar. 2005. 

   This patent application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/652,128, entitled Ambient Environment Sensor for Watering Timer, filed 11 Feb. 2005. This patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/325,994, filed 5 Jan. 2006, entitled Water Timer with Watering Plan and Method. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to water timers used to control the operation of flow control devices, typically solenoid-actuated valves and pump relays, for watering systems using one or more of sprinkler devices, drip irrigation devices and other watering devices. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Conventional water timers typically require that they be programmed by the user using hardware inputs, for example toggle switches, sliding switches and rotatable knobs, or a combination of hardware inputs and touch screen inputs. The screens are used to display both operational functions and programming values. The user enters commands into the water timer, such as for setting the current time and date and programming the water timer, by pressing keys and/or pressing at appropriate positions on a touch screen display. In many cases an abbreviated set of instructions explaining the steps that must be taken to operate the water timer is printed on a door or cover of the water timer; complete instructions are typically separately documented so that programming such a water timer can be quite confusing and tedious. Also, programming conventional water timers using screen displays is typically accomplished only after selecting a series of different screens on the display. In addition, information relating to the status of the water timer is often accessible only by reviewing different screens on the display. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a method for automatically adjusting the amount of water supplied by a water timer. The water timer is of the type comprising a user interface and a controller coupled to the user interface and programmed to provide control signals for controlling a plurality of flow control devices. Each flow control device is capable of controlling the passage of water from a water source to a watering zone. The method is carried out at follows. The time of day on a base day is chosen. A base ambient temperature is sensed at the chosen time of day on the base day and a base ambient temperature signal is provided to the controller. The base ambient humidity is sensed at the chosen time of day and a base ambient humidity signal is provided to the controller. A current ambient temperature is subsequently sensed and a current ambient temperature signal is provided to the controller. A current ambient humidity is subsequently sensed and a current ambient humidity signal is provided to the controller. The subsequently sensing steps are carried out on at least one day following the base day at a time corresponding to the chosen time of day. Control signals are modified, thereby modifying watering amounts, according to the base and current ambient temperature signals and the base and current ambient humidity signals. In some examples the choosing step is carried out by a user actuating a base-setting input of said interface at the chosen time of day on the base day. 
   Various features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a water timer made according to the invention connected flow control devices, the flow control devices coupled to watering lines and a watering source; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the user interface of the water timer of  FIG. 1 , the user interface including a user input region, the user input region including a touch screen, hardware keys and status lights; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the touch screen of  FIG. 2  with all of the display areas, input areas and icons being visible for identification purposes; 
       FIG. 4  is an overall view of the rain sensor of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the rain collection head of the rain sensor of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic circuit diagram of the rain sensor of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ; and 
       FIG. 7  is a simplified, generic version of self-testing circuitry suitable for use with the water timer of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following description of the invention will typically be with reference to specific structural embodiments and methods. It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specifically disclosed embodiments but that the invention may be practiced using other features, elements, methods and embodiments. 
   A watering timer made according to embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. All of the display areas and input areas may be single-function areas. A graphical representation of the watering duration for each watering zone may be provided. This provides the user with an instantaneous, visual graphic (as well as a numeric) indication of the watering duration for each zone for a watering cycle. The controller may be programmed to modify the control signals to the flow control devices according to, for example, the ambient temperature and humidity so that the amount of watering can be adjusted manually or automatically (such as using an automatic system discussed below as the Water Logic system) accordingly. The controller may also be programmed to a permit a user to select input settings for a watering cycle, such as selecting the zone, watering duration, start time and the day or days of the week, in any order and all on the same screen. As used in this application, all on the same screen means that everything needed for setting a watering plan is simultaneously visible; this is possible when all of the display areas and input areas are single-function areas. This flexibility in setting a watering plan can greatly simplify how the user creates a watering plan, the watering plan including one or more watering cycles. 
     FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a water timer  10 , comprising a housing  11 , connected to a number of flow control devices  12 , a temperature sensor  14 , a humidity sensor  16  and a rain sensor  18 . Flow control devices  12  may include, for example, solenoid valves, pump relays or a combination thereof. Water timer  10  includes a user interface  20  coupled to a controller  22 . Rainfall signals are provided to controller  22  through a line  23 . In one preferred embodiment temperature sensor  14  and humidity sensor  16  are located within housing  11  with the expectation that water timer  10  will be used outside or within a sheltered area, such as within a garage, but not an area that is heated or cooled. However, if desired one or both of temperature sensor  14  and humidity sensor  16  may be positioned remote from water timer  10 , such as in the vicinity of rain sensor  18 . 
   User interface  20  includes a user input region  24 . A water source  26 , such as a municipal water supply, is also connected to flow control devices  12 . Flow control devices  12  control the flow of water from water source  26  to watering lines  28  based upon signals from water timer  10  through signal lines  30 . A master valve  29  is open whenever any of the flow control devices  12  are open. While master valve  29  may not be necessary, it reduces water usage if there are leaks. Without the master valve, there is always pressure to flow control devices  12 . So if there are leaks at any of flow control devices  12 , and/or if one or more of flow control devices  12  are not shutting the water completely off, water will be dribbling out when there is no watering. Also, master valve  29  can be replaced by, for example, a pump solenoid when a pump is used to deliver water along watering lines  28 , typically from a water well; in this case the pump solenoid is typically actuated about one second before any flow control device  12  is actuated. 
   While each flow control device  12  in  FIG. 1  is shown to control the flow of water through a single watering line  28 , one or more of flow control devices  12  may be used to control the flow of water through more than one watering line  28 . Watering lines  28  may be a variety of watering lines used for variety of watering purposes. For example, watering lines  28  may have one or more sprinkler heads  31 , or may be used for above ground or below ground drip irrigation using drip irrigation lines  33 . Also, one or more of lines  23 ,  30  connecting sensor  18  and flow control devices  12  to water timer  10  may be replaced by radiofrequency or other non-hardwired connections. 
   The various features and components of water timer  10  and rain sensor  18  will be discussed first, followed by a discussion of the operation of the water timer. 
   Structural Details 
     FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a water timer  10  made according to the invention. User input region  24  includes broadly a touch screen  32 , hardware keys  34  and status lights  36 . User input region  24  provides, as will be discussed in more detail below, a plurality of display areas for display of water timer status information and a plurality of input areas for user input of water timer inputs. One feature of the invention is that all of the display areas and input areas are preferably single-function areas and are simultaneously visible to and accessible by user. This helps to greatly simplify use of water timer  10  by simultaneously providing all information for a particular watering cycle (a watering cycle starting on a designated day(s) and time(s)) to the user without the need for scrolling, moving between different screens, or other conventional operations common with devices in which the display areas and/or input areas are multiple function display and/or input areas used for displaying and/or inputting multiple data entries for the same or different categories of information. A watering plan may include one or more watering cycles. 
   Many of the areas on touch screen  32  are touch-sensitive areas used to input information. Other areas on touch screen  32  are display areas used to display information, such as time, temperature, status, etc.; some of the areas do both, that is are touch-sensitive input areas and also are information display areas. 
   Touch screen  32  includes numbered zone input areas  38  which are selected by the user pressing on the appropriate zone number which causes the particular zone input area to indicate selection by being surrounded by a line, called being boxed, as illustrated with zones  1 - 3  and  6 - 8  in  FIG. 2 . Zones  1 - 3  and  6 - 8  in  FIG. 2  are scheduled to be watered beginning with zone  1  at the next start time, discussed below. Each zone input area  38  corresponds to a watering zone  39  watered by a flow control device  12 . Aligned with each zone input area  38  is a watering duration area  40  which provides the user with a quick, graphical visual indication of the watering duration for the particular watering cycle being displayed. A more accurate indication of a particular watering duration (such as 12 minutes) can be accessed in a manner to be discussed below. Below zones input areas  38  are increase and decrease arrow input areas  42 ,  44  on either side of a date/time display area  46 . Below areas  42 ,  44 ,  46  are start time input areas  48  with a corresponding start time display area  50  directly beneath each start time input area  48 . The next start time will typically flash when water timer  10  is unlocked (discussed below). Increase and decrease arrow input areas  42 ,  44  are used for a number of purposes including selecting watering duration, initially setting the time for display area  46  and selecting or changing start times for a watering cycle. 
   Select day input areas  52  are used to select the day or days for a watering cycle for the watering plan. As shown in  FIG. 3 , input areas  52  include Sunday through Saturday select day input areas  54  and other select day input areas  56 , specifically even days, odd days, second day, third day and 14th day input areas. The even and odd day input areas are possible because controller  22  includes a calendar; this permits the user to automatically comply with even or odd day watering restrictions. The current day, Tuesday in  FIG. 2 , is boxed. 
   To remove a start time, deselect the start time by setting it to off; this is done using arrows  42 ,  44  to scroll the time at area  46  to between 11:59 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. causing the start time to be deselected and the word “off” to be displayed at area  46  and at area  50 . To deselect a day, touch the previously-selected input area  52  and it will be deselected as indicated by removal of the box. To remove a zone from a multiple zone watering plan, set the watering zone duration to off (such as through the watering duration area  40  for the selected zone) or by touching target zone input area  38  for the selected zone. To remove a plan, set zone(s) duration to off, or the start times to off and/or deselect all the day(s). 
   The next portion of touch screen  32  relates to the use of temperature, humidity and rain sensors  14 ,  16  and  18 . Water timer  10  is typically programmed so that after a sufficient rainfall, sensed by rain sensor  18 , watering will be suspended, typically for 24 hours. Water timer  10  may also be programmed to provide an automatic adjustment of the amount of watering in each watering cycle according to how much the ambient temperature and humidity differs from a reference temperature and from a reference humidity. This automatic adjustment factor may be referred to as the Water Logic feature or system. As is discussed more in more detail below, if the humidity goes up and/or the temperature goes down from a reference humidity and/or temperature, the amount of watering will be decreased. Conversely, if the humidity goes down and/or the temperature goes up from a reference humidity and/or temperature, the amount of watering will be increased. This portion of touch screen  32  includes an ambient temperature display area  58 , an ambient humidity display area  60 , an ambient environment adjustment icon/input area  61 , also called Water Logic icon/input area  61 , and an adjustment factor display area  62  (which displays the watering adjustment+/−%, also called the delta factor, based upon the ambient temperature and humidity). The automatic ambient environment adjustment feature is activated by pressing on icon/input area  61 . The operation of the Water Logic feature is described below. 
   Recognizing that windy days cause things to dry out more quickly, a wind sensor could also be used as a part of the Water Logic feature to permit the watering to be adjusted according to wind speeds. A simply constructed ambient environment sensor that reflects the effect of wind is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/652,128, entitled Ambient Environment Sensor for Watering Timer, filed 11 Feb. 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
   Touch screen  32  includes a number of status icons  64 , see  FIG. 3 , used to provide information regarding the status or operation of water timer  10 . A battery check icon  66  indicates when the internal battery within water timer  10  should be changed; batteries can be used to back up memory in case of AC power loss and for off wall programming. The run/suspend icon  68  will appear when the unit is on (active) but will blink (also called flash) when touched and all watering cycles will be suspended. A 24VAC icon  70  is visible when the AC adapter voltage is available and blinks (flashes) if missing; 24VAC typically must be available to run the valves  12 . In addition, the 24VAC led  96  (see  FIG. 2 ) is on when 24VAC is available. 
   A rain suspend icon  72  will appear when operation of water timer  10  has been suspended due to rain based upon either a signal from rain sensor  18  or a manual rain suspend input, discussed below with regard to hardware keys  34 . The suspension of operation will typically be for 12 hours, 24 hours, until the start of the next day, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the suspension of operation will be 24 hours. A check mode icon  74  is visible when the user has placed water timer  10  in a check mode, discussed in more detail below, during which each flow control device  12  is operated for a set, typically short, period, such as two minutes, to permit watering in the various watering zones  39  to be checked. A watering can icon  76  is visible whenever water timer  10  signals a flow control device  12  to water its respective watering zone  39 . A lock/unlock icon  78  shows if water timer  10  is in a locked or unlocked state. 
   Hardware keys  34 , see  FIG. 2 , include a run/suspend key  80 . Pressing key  80  suspends the operation of water timer  10  and causes run/suspend icon  68  to blink; pressing key  80  again allows water timer  10  to resume its normal watering functions and causes run/suspend icon  68  to stay on. Touching icon  68  can also be used for run/suspend instead of run/suspend key  80 . Note that status icons  64  are both display areas and are touch-sensitive areas. However, because some of the status icons  64  are typically visible only when the respective task/status is current/active, they will often only be used to deactivate the particular state/task represented by keys  34 . Pressing rain suspend key  82  halts all watering for a set period, such as 12 or 24 hours, after which water timer  10  again resumes its normal watering functions; timer  10  does not go back to pick up any missed watering cycles. Rain suspend icon  72  is visible while watering is suspended (touching rain suspend icon  72  can also be used to halt all watering for a set period). 
   Check mode key  84  is typically pressed when the user wants to check the operation of the various watering lines  28 ; during a check mode watering cycle each flow control device is actuated for a set, typically two-minute, time period to permit the user to do so. Check mode icon  74  is visible during a check mode watering cycle. Touching check mode icon  74  can also be used for the same purpose as check mode key  84 . The check mode water cycle may be started if water timer  10  is in its run or suspend states. When the check mode key  84  is pushed, all other functions are overridden during the check mode cycle. At the end of the check mode cycle, the timer goes back to previous auto watering mode—run or suspend. When in the check mode, touching check mode key  84  again shuts off the check mode cycle. 
   Single watering cycle key  86 , also called the + water hardware key  86 , is pressed to allow the user to put in a single cycle watering plan for extra watering. Touching + water icon  76  can also be used for this purpose. If another watering plan is running, the single watering plan will run and when finished water timer  10  will go back to such watering plan and finish it from that time. Once the user has entered a single cycle watering plan, touching the single watering cycle key  86 , or in some embodiments touching the + water icon  76 , activates the single watering cycle and the single watering plan runs just once. A previously-entered single watering plan remains in memory and can be used or changed at any time. 
   Lock/unlock key  88  is used to lock and unlock water timer  10 . Pressing lock/unlock key  88  to place water timer  10  in an unlocked state, indicated by lock/unlock icon  78  in an unlocked configuration, permits full operational access to the touch sensitive areas and hardware keys for setting watering plans. After the watering plan has been entered into water timer  10 , pressing lock/unlock key  88  or lock/unlock icon  78  will lock the settings. Alternatively, the user can wait for 60 seconds and the system will automatically lock in the last settings. 
   Valve check buttons  90 , also called the wire check buttons  90 , one for each zone, directly operate flow control devices  12  to permit the user to check the watering system in the chosen zone. Pressing and holding a button  90  opens the associated flow control device  12 , thus causing watering to begin; releasing the button turns off the water in that zone. 
   Valve check buttons  90  allow the user to bypass timer  10  to check the operation of flow control devices  12 . When the user is first wiring the system, buttons  90  are a convenient way to test each device  12 . Once the system has been running, and a flow control device  12  quits operating, the user does not know if water timer  10  is malfunctioning or the flow control device, typically a solenoid valve, is malfunctioning. Wiring check buttons  90  allow the user to make that determination before the user returns water timer  10  as defective. 
   Water timer  10  has two rows of status lights  36 , that is connection status lights  92  and watering status lights  94 , with a status light for each flow control device  12  in each row. Connection status lights  92  remain illuminated so long as the wiring for the associated zone is correct; if the wiring for any zone is not correct, the associated connection status lights  92  is not illuminated. Watering status lights  94  are illuminated whenever a valve check button  90  is pressed or controller  22  has provided a watering-on control signal to the associated flow control device  12  to place it in a watering state, and is therefore typically watering, and is not illuminated otherwise. 
   Watering can icon  76  is generally visible whenever the system is watering, that is during a watering cycle of the watering plan, during a check mode watering cycle, and during a single watering cycle. It is not visible when valve check button  90  is pressed. 
   A 24VAC status light  96  will come on when the adapter power is properly connected and the internal power breaker is set. If the AC 24V adapter, typically used with water timer  10 , is not connected, status light  96  will not be lighted. All programming functions on the unit can be used on batteries without the AC 24V adapter connected. The 24VAC adapter must be connected, in a preferred embodiment, to operate the sprinkler valves. 
   During a watering cycle, only the watering duration area  40  for the active zone will count down; all others will show their set durations. Watering status light  94  will be illuminated to show that the watering is active for that zone. Only one watering status light  94  would be ON at any one time, plus any pump LED (not shown), which may be used when a pump is used with the system. 
     FIGS. 4-6  illustrate a simplified version of rain sensor  18 . Rain sensor  18  includes a mounting bracket  102  to which a support arm  104  is secured at a pivot joint  106 . A rain collection head  108  is mounted to the distal end of support arm  108  at a second pivot joint  110 . Head  108  includes a body  112  covered by a debris filter  114 . Two electrically insulated wire leads  116  extend from an electrical connector  118  and terminate at electrically uninsulated detect points  120 . Detect points  120  are positioned at the upper end  119  of an adjustment screw  121  extending upwardly from the bottom  122  of body  112 . As indicated in  FIG. 6 , a cable  124  connects one of the wire leads  116  to a voltage source  126  through a high resistance resistor  128  and the other wire lead  116  to ground  130 . 
   When the water level has reached detect points  120 , controller  22  detects a change in current passing between detect points  120  and is therefore is provided an indication that it is raining Weep holes  132  are formed body  112  to permit water above the level of weep holes  132  to slowly drain from rain collection head  108 . Therefore, after it has stopped raining, or if it is raining very slowly, water level above weep holes  132  will slowly drop to once again expose detect points  120  thus providing controller  22  with an indication that it has stopped raining. 
   Adjustment screw  121  permits the location of detect points  120  to be adjusted relative to weep holes  132 . Adjusting screw  121  so that detect points  120  are above the level of weep holes  132  causes controller  22  sense rain once the water level within body  112  has reached detect points  120 . After the water level has reached detect points  120 , so long as the amount of rain entering body  112  exceeds the amount of rain passing through weep holes  132 , controller  22  will continue to sense rain. The higher the level of detect points  120 , the greater the amount of rain that must be collected before controller  22  senses that it is raining. 
   In some situations it may be desired to position detect points  120  below the level of weep holes  132 . After a rain has caused detect points  120  to be immersed in water, the detect points and will remain immersed until the water level has dropped due to, for example, evaporation or manual extraction. If desired, weep holes  132  may be provided at different levels. Also, some or all of the weep holes may be variable restriction weep holes or the user may be provided the option of adding or removing weep holes. 
   If water timer  10  is in a run mode, so that run/suspend icon  68  is not blinking, and rain is detected, the timer will go to a suspend mode and the rain suspend icon  72  will come on. When there is no longer rain detected for, in one embodiment, 12 hours, water timer  10  will go back to a run mode, so that the rain suspend icon  72  is off, and continue the watering plans from that point. If rain is again detected during the 12 hours, the rain suspend cycle is restarted. If the blinking rain suspend icon  72  is pushed during the 12 hours following the point in time at which rain is no longer detected, water timer  10  will continue with the watering plans and rain detector  18  will again be enabled after about 1 minute. If rain suspend icon  72  is on, touching rain suspend icon  72  or rain suspend button  82  will stop the rain suspend function until rain is again detected. 
   Water timer  10  may be designed to go into a suspend state, during which all watering is terminated, at and below, for example, 40° F. (5° C.). Also, an internal heater may be used to protect touch screen  32  when the temperature goes below, for example, 20° F. (−7° C.). 
     FIG. 7  is a simplified, generic version of test circuitry that can be used with water timer  10 . The basic concept is to disconnect the load(s) (such as flow control solenoids  12 ) from a controller, such as controller  22 . This is typically accomplished by first opening or removing the back plate containing the test circuitry. Two simple tests, discussed below, are accomplished to determine if a perceived problem is a problem with the controller or with the load. The first step uses wiring test circuitry  138 , including a current-limiting resistor  140 , an LED  142  and a diode  144  for each load, and a wiring test button  146 . Closing wiring test button  146  causes each LED  142  connected to its associated load to illuminate only if the load is properly connected to power source  148 . If an LED  142  does not illuminate, there is a problem with the connection of power source  148  to its associated load. Therefore, this test shows that the load is getting power from power source  148 . (The current-limiting resistor  146  sufficiently large to limit the amount of current supplied to the load to prevent actuation of the load during this first test.) Assuming the load is getting power from power source  148 , the user proceeds to the second test. The second test is accomplished by actuating the function test switch/button  150 ,  152  of a second, test function circuit  154  to “turn on” the load by connecting the load to power source  148 ; if the load does not operate as expected (for example, the flow control device  12  does not operate to allow water to flow through the associated watering line  28 ), the problem is with the load, not controller  22 , because the load is properly connected to power source  148 . If the load does operate as expected, then the perceived problem is with controller  22 . This test circuitry can be particularly useful for troubleshooting a perceived problem with controller  22  during a telephone service call. Actuating a test switch/button  150 ,  152  is similar to pressing a valve check button  90 . 
   Operational Details 
   A basic goal of the invention is to strive to have the ability to set the watering plan any way the user wishes. This gives the user maximum flexibility. The system strives to be seamless, i.e. a user should be able to set the watering plan as user believes appropriate, not as a particular protocol demands. Having all the necessary information and controls on a single touch screen helps to achieve this goal. 
   One aspect of the invention is the recognition that there are four basic selection that must be made for a single watering plan: day, start time, zone and watering duration. In a preferred embodiment the user can select these in any order. In other embodiments there may be some restriction on the order of selection. For example, in one embodiment a start time must be selected before the zone and duration are selected, while the day can be selected at any time; also, in this embodiment either (1) the zone is first selected, by touching the appropriate zone input area  38 , and then the duration for the selected zone is selected using either input areas  42 ,  44  or watering duration areas  40 , or (2) the zone is automatically and simultaneously selected by touching the appropriate watering duration area  40  for that zone. 
   With the present invention the user can choose to use different types of watering plans. Two examples of watering plans are called the zone based watering plan and the start time based watering plan. Briefly, in a zone based watering plan the user selects the watering duration for each zone, the watering select start time(s), and what days are to be watered. With a start time based watering plan each start time can have different zone durations and different days. The objective is to be able to water a zone with different durations in, for example, the morning and evening, i.e. one duration per zone per start time, for maximum versatility. The following, based upon one embodiment of the invention, summarizes procedures followed with two types of watering plans. Other embodiments may result in somewhat different procedures. 
   Watering Plans—Basic Procedure 
   Press lock/unlock button  88  or lock/unlock icon  78  to unlock water timer  10  to permit the watering plan to be entered. Start time input area  48  for start time  1 , also called the first start time, flashes. (If a different start time is desired, such as input area  48  for start time  3 , the appropriate input area  48  is pressed and will flash.) The start time is set by pressing on arrows  42 ,  44 , such as by using a stylus (not shown), to advance and roll back the time in display area  46  until the start time is displayed. Touch a zone number at zone input areas  38  to select a zone; the selected zone is boxed and flashes. The duration for the selected zone is then set by either touching the appropriate position along the water duration area  40  for the selected zone or by using increase arrow  42 , and decrease arrow  44  if necessary. In either event, the watering duration will be illustrated graphically along area  40  in a manner similar to a bar graph and by a numeric indication at date/time display area  46 . Select and set the desired day or days for the selected start time by pressing one, some or all of the day input areas  54  or by pressing one of the other selected day input areas  56 . The appropriate area(s)  54 ,  56  will be boxed and blink. 
   In the disclosed embodiment if a start time for the selected start time input and display areas  48 ,  50  has not been previously entered, a start time must be entered for such selected start time input and display areas  48 ,  50  before the duration for any zone for that selected start time can be entered. Except for this minor limitation with some embodiments (which will typically occur only when water timer  10  is first used), a user can input original information for a watering plan or changes to a watering plan (zones, days, start times, durations) in any order. Also, each start time has the same day(s) selection from input areas  54 ,  56  for any and all zones. In the disclosed embodiment water timer  10  has been programmed so that only a single flow control device  12  will be operational at any one time. Therefore, when multiple zones are selected for the same start time, or if there is an overlap of start times, the zones will be watered one at a time in numerical order. Other embodiments may permit two or more flow control devices to be a simultaneously operational so that there may be watering overlap for this reason as well. 
   Zone Based Watering Plan 
   Following the Basic Procedure above, a user can store the watering plan for the selected zone by touching the next desired zone. The blinking zones  38 , start times  50  and days  52  will all go off. A different zone can then be selected and a new watering plan can be entered for that zone. Note that the user can touch each zone input area  38  to open it, to initially set, review or change information relating to that zone. Touching zone input area  38  again stores that zone&#39;s watering plan. When finished, lock/unlock key  88  is pressed to lock water timer  10  and returned to the run mode. 
   Zone/Start Time Based Watering Plan 
   Following the Basic Procedure described above, a user can proceed by selecting and setting a new start time. The Basic Procedure is then repeated for the new start time. This procedure can be repeated for other start times up to, in the disclosed embodiment, 5 start times. To apply (store) each zone&#39;s watering plan, touch the next desired zone. Each start time can have different durations and days for each zone. Each zone can have different durations for each start time. When finished, lock/unlock key  88  is pressed to lock water timer  10  and returned to the run mode. 
   Water Logic (Ambient Environment System) 
   When the water logic icon/input area  61  is touched, in one preferred embodiment for 3 seconds, the present readings of humidity at humidity display area  60  and temperature at temperature display area  58  will be set as the 0% reference, i.e. the starting point. These starting points are also referred to as the base ambient temperature and the base ambient humidity. The following percentage increases and decreases in watering time are exemplary for one preferred embodiment. 
   If humidity goes up, the watering will be decreased by the same percentage. (+1%=−1%) If humidity goes down, the watering will increase by the same percentage. (−1%=+1%) The % increase or decrease in the watering time is called the delta. When temperature goes up, the watering will increase by, for example, 4% per degree F. Example, 70F to 95F=+25F, at 4% per degree F., the delta will go from 0% to +100%. (+1F=+4%) When temperature goes down, the watering will decrease −4% per degree −F. Example, 70F to 45F is −25F, at −4% per degree F., the delta will go from 0% to −100%. (−1F=−4%) Other % per degree F. may be used, preferably between 1% to 10% per degree F. In the disclosed embodiment the temperature and humidity deltas are fixed in controller  22 ; other embodiments may be constructed to permit the user to adjust the temperature and humidity deltas. 
   Using international units, when the temperature goes up, the watering will increase by, for example, 7.2% per degree C. Example, 21° C. to 35° C.=+14° C., at 7.2% per degree C., the delta will go from 0% to +100%. (+1C=+7.2%) When temperature goes down, the watering will decrease −7.2% per degree C. Example, 21° C. to 7.2° C. is −13.8° C., at −7.2% per degree C., the delta will go from 0% to −100%. (−1F=−7.2%) Other % per degree C. may be used, preferably between 1.8% to 18% per degree C. 
   Because the temperature and humidity vary considerably in different parts of the country, and across seasons, is preferred if the user can easily set and/or reset a starting point. Initially, when the user touches water logic icon  61 , the starting point (0% change) is whatever the temperature and humidity are at that time of day, for example 2:00 p.m., sometimes referred to as the chosen time of day. The initially sensed ambient temperature and humidity are sometimes referred to as the base ambient temperature and the base ambient humidity. Until the user initially touches water logic input area  61 , the water logic feature will not activate. The delta change for the next watering cycle will be dependent on the base temperature and the base humidity. The base temperature and base humidity, in this embodiment, stays the same but is compared against the current temperature and humidity each day at, in this example, 2:00 PM as long as the water logic feature is on. The base temperature and the base humidity are set and do not change so long as the water logic feature is active. In other embodiments the base temperature and the base humidity may change every day, or every other day, or every week, etc. In either event delta changes, in the preferred embodiment, will be effective for the next 24 hours. The temperature and humidity measured for purposes of computing the delta changes are measured each day at the chosen time of day, again in this example 2:00 PM. To shut off the water logic function, the user touches icon  61  again and it toggles off. 
   EXAMPLE 
   At 2 p.m. (the chosen time of day) the user touches water logic input area  61  and the water logic function becomes operational. The present temperature is reading 70F (the base ambient temperature) and present humidity reading is 40% (the base ambient humidity) so these values will define the starting point (0% delta). 
   Some days later the weather changed, three examples: 
   1. The temperature went from 70° F. to 90° F. (21° C. to 32° C.) and the humidity stayed at 40% at 2 p.m.; the watering would be increased by 80% (+4% change per degree +F.) (+7.2% change per degree +C.) so that the display area  62  would display a delta of +80%. 
   2. The temperature stayed at 70° F. (21° C.) and the humidity went from 40% to 80% at 2 p.m.; the watering would be decreased by 40% (−1% change per +1% humidity). 
   3. The temperature went from 70° F. to 90° F. (21° C. to 32° C.) and the humidity went from 40% to 80% at 2 p.m.; the watering would be increased by 40% (+80% temperature delta −40% humidity delta). 
   The delta (adjustment) factor is on screen display area  62  only when the water logic function is on. This permits the user to watch the delta factor at display area  62 , learn how it works and determine if and when the user wants to use the water logic function. Using the water logic function the user can accurately determine and change the starting point when needed by watching the temperature, humidity, and delta factor all at the same time, anytime. 
   In the disclosed embodiment the base temperature and base humidity are the sensed ambient temperature and humidity. In some embodiments it may be desired to allow the user, or the manufacturer, to input a base temperature and base humidity against which the current base ambient temperature and base ambient humidity are compared. 
   The watering adjustments are typically discussed with regard to changing the length of time of watering. However, the amount of water discharged in a watering cycle can also be adjusted by changing the rate of water discharge, such as by changing the water pressure applied to watering lines  28 , or by both changing the watering time and the rate of discharge. 
   Other modification and variation can be made to the above disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject of the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, the number of zones, the number of start times, and the 12- or 24-hour rain delay may be changed from those discussed above. The system may be designed to operate on battery power only. Valves  12 , or other flow control devices, may be of types that operate on other than 24 VAC, such as DC and other AC voltages. 
   Any and all patents, patent applications, and printed publications referred to above are incorporated by reference.