Patent Publication Number: US-11395416-B2

Title: Control box

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/568,113, filed Sep. 11, 2019, and entitled “CONTROL BOX.” The entire contents of the above application is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this specification. Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR § 1.57. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to control boxes. Applications for use of the control box include as an irrigation control box, a lighting control box, or other landscape control box. 
     DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Landscape control boxes used for irrigation can control sprinklers, valves, and other irrigation devices in an irrigation system. Landscape control boxes used for lighting can control spot lights, path lights, switches, and other lighting devices in a lighting system. 
     Depending on the intended use, the boxes can include many components such as a facepack, a microcontroller, various operator inputs devices such as knobs, switches and buttons, a display, output terminals to connect to irrigation valves or relays, light switches to connect to lights, input terminals to connect to external sensors such as moisture, rainfall, time, or ambient light, and electronic circuitry to connect each of the components to their appropriate other component(s). 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect is directed to a landscape control box that comprises a base portion having a plurality of side walls and a back wall forming an interior, and a facepack supported by the base portion. The facepack comprises a printed circuit board supporting a rotary shaft extending along an axis in a first direction, a cover supporting the printed circuit board so that the printed circuit board is disposed between the cover and the base portion at least when the facepack is supported by the base portion, the cover having a hole aligned with the rotary shaft, and a knob disposed at least partially in the hole and having a receptacle and one or more posts, the receptacle engaging with the rotary shaft so as to transfer rotational motion of the knob to the rotary shaft, the one or more posts engaging with the cover so as to inhibit movement of the knob along the axis in the first direction. 
     Another aspect is directed to a landscape control box that comprises a base portion having a plurality of side walls and a back wall forming an interior and a facepack supported by the base portion. The facepack comprises a component supporting a rotary shaft extending along an axis in a first direction, a cover supporting the component so that the component is disposed between the cover and the base portion at least when the facepack is supported by the base portion, the cover having an interacting structure, and a knob disposed on the cover and having a receptacle and an interacting structure, the receptacle being configured to operably couple to the rotary shaft, the interacting structure of the knob engaging with the interacting structure of the cover so as to inhibit movement of the knob along the axis in the first direction. 
     Another aspect is directed to a landscape control box that comprises a base portion having a plurality of side walls and a back wall forming an interior and a facepack supported by the base portion. The facepack comprises a rotary shaft extending along an axis in a first direction, a cover supporting the rotary shaft so that at least a portion of the rotary shaft is disposed between the cover and the base portion at least when the facepack is supported by the base portion, the cover having a first interacting structure, and a knob disposed on the cover and having a hub and a second interacting structure, the hub being configured to operably couple to the rotary shaft, the first interacting structure engaging with the second interacting structure so as to inhibit movement of the knob along the axis in the first direction. 
     Another aspect is directed to an irrigation system comprising a control box; a facepack supported by the control box and configured to enable a user to enter and/or select a first watering schedule, the facepack comprising a first memory configured to store an operational program that implements the first watering schedule and a first processor configured to execute the first operational program by having stations turned off or on; and at least one module engageable with the facepack, the at least one module comprising a second memory configured to store a second operational program that implements a second watering schedule and a second processor configured to send instructions to the first processor to execute the second operational program, wherein the first processor is configured to execute the second operational program based on the instructions received from the second processor. 
     A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the instructions supersede, override, or replace the first operational program. 
     Another variation of the aspect above is, wherein the module comprises a wireless communication module configured to receive the second watering schedule. 
     Another aspect is directed to a method to turn on and off stations in an irrigation site, the method comprising accepting inputs on a facepack from a user that enable the user to enter and/or select a first watering schedule; storing the first watering schedule in a first memory that is operatively connected to a first processor configured to execute the first watering schedule; receiving a second watering schedule from a module removably engaged with the facepack; and executing the second watering schedule by the first processor to turn on and off stations in the irrigation site. 
     A variation of the aspect above further comprises superseding, overriding, or replacing the first watering schedule with the second watering schedule. 
     Another variation of the aspect above further comprises wirelessly receiving the second watering schedule at the module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present inventions are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters reference like elements, and wherein. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a control box with an outer cover in a closed position secured to a base portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is similar to  FIG. 1  except the outer cover is in an open position revealing a facepack within the control box. A slot is shown in a side of the facepack for receiving one or more modules. 
         FIG. 2A  is similar to  FIG. 2  except one of the one or more modules is aligned with the slot prior to the module being inserted into the slot and engaging with the facepack. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the control box of  FIG. 1 , with the outer cover and the facepack removed from the base portion. The facepack is further shown dissembled into a housing and a terminal cover. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the housing from  FIG. 3  showing a printed circuit board and a knob disassembled from a back side and a front side of a cover of the housing, respectively. A rotary shaft extends from the printed circuit board towards a hole in the cover and is positioned to allow the knob to engage the rotary shaft along an axis when the printed circuit board is secured to the back side of the cover. Interacting structure mounts the knob to the cover to inhibit the knob from disengaging from the rotary shaft. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the knob from  FIG. 4  showing a ridge on a front side of the knob for a user to selectively rotate the rotary shaft of the printed circuit board when the knob is engaged with the rotary shaft. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the knob from  FIG. 4  showing a hub and a first portion of the interacting structure configured for engagement with the rotary shaft and a second portion of the interacting structure on the cover, respectively. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the housing of the facepack with the knob partially installed on the cover. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7  showing the knob partially installed on the rotary shaft. 
         FIG. 9  is a close-up partial view from  FIG. 8  showing the hub of the knob partially installed on the rotary shaft and the one or more posts aligned with the hole but not engaged with the lip of the cover. 
         FIG. 10  is similar to  FIG. 7  except the knob has been pushed further towards the cover engaging the one or more posts with the lip of the cover so as to inhibit removal of the knob from the rotary shaft. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view taken along lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing the knob installed on the rotary shaft. 
         FIG. 12  is a close-up partial view from  FIG. 11  showing the hub of the knob installed on the rotary shaft and the one or more posts engaged with the lip on the cover inhibiting removal of the knob from the rotary shaft. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the module from  FIG. 2A  showing a groove on an edge of the module which engages with a guide on the printed circuit board to maintain alignment of connector on the module with the one or more contacts as the module is being inserted into the slot. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the module from  FIG. 2A  showing the connector which engages with the one or more contacts on the facepack when the module is fully inserted into the slot. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the module from  FIG. 2A  showing a printed circuit board supporting one or more electronic components within the module. 
         FIG. 16  is a front, left, bottom perspective view showing the base portion comprising one or more openings for connections to the control box. The power cord is shown extending through the one or more openings. 
         FIG. 17  is similar to  FIG. 16  except the control box is configured to be hardwired to the power grid as an alternative to employing the power cord in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front, right, top perspective view of an embodiment of a base portion. 
         FIG. 19  is a front plan view of the base portion of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a back plan view of the base portion of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a left-side plan view of the base portion of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 22  is a right-side plan view of the base portion of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 23  is a top plan view of the base portion of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 24  is a bottom plan view of the base portion of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Landscape systems often include control boxes having facepacks or other user interface portions which allow a user of the landscape system to set various controls. The control boxes are often mounted on walls, posts, in sheds, in electrical boxes, or in other fixed positions. Control boxes are often placed outside and thus experience significant swings in ambient temperature. Such swings or thermal cycling can, for example, expand or contract components within the control box adversely impacting durability of the components. It is desirable to provide control boxes and facepacks that have controls that are intuitive to the user and have improved durability in adverse weather conditions. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a control box  10  with an outer cover  14  in a closed position secured to a base portion  12  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The control box  10  can be employed to control different sets of features in a landscape system including sets of features related to irrigation, lighting, and/or other aspects of landscape systems. In an embodiment, the control box  10  comprises an irrigation controller configured to control irrigation valves. In another embodiment, the control box  10  comprises a lighting controller configured to control lighting fixtures. In a further embodiment, the control box  10  comprises a landscape controller configured to control sprinkler valves and lighting fixtures. 
       FIG. 2  is similar to  FIG. 1  except the outer cover  14  is in an opened position revealing an inner cover or facepack  30  within the control box  10 . In certain embodiments, the control box  10  provides the user intuitive controls having improved durability in adverse weather conditions. In certain embodiments, the control box  10  is further configured for the user to easily install or remove one or more modules  128 . 
     In certain embodiments, the facepack  30  can have a back portion. In such an embodiment that includes the back portion, the user can disengage or remove the facepack  30  from a base portion  12  of the control box  10 . The user can then reengage or couple the facepack  30  to the base portion  12 . 
     In certain embodiments that have the back portion, one or more of the features described as being a component of the facepack  30  can instead be a component of the base portion  12 . For example, outputs, such as one or more terminals  68  can be mounted to the interior of the base portion  12  and not to the facepack  30 . In such an embodiment for example, the facepack  30  may still comprise the printed circuit board  86 , at least one housing, and/or one or more buttons  36 , knobs  40 , switches, or other user input structures. 
     As illustrated, the control box  10  can include the base portion  12 . The outer cover  14  can be connected to the base portion  12 . As illustrated, the outer cover  14  can be connected to the base portion  12  via a hinge  16 . The outer cover  14  can be configured to rotate about the hinge  16  between the closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and the opened position ( FIG. 2 ). In the closed position, the outer cover  14  can engage at a latch  18  on the base portion  12 . The latch  18  can include an aperture  20 , protrusion, indentation, ridge, detent, or other structure configured to releasably couple with a portion of the outer cover  14 . In certain embodiments, the outer cover  14  includes a recess  22  configured to releasably couple to the aperture  20  of the latch  18 . In certain embodiments, the control box  10  does not include the outer cover  14 . In such embodiments, the facepack  30  itself provides protection from the weather or it is configured to be positioned indoors, or in a place protected from the weather. 
     In some embodiments, the base portion  12  and the outer cover  14  each include a loop  24 ,  26  ( FIG. 4 ). The loop  24 ,  26  can receive, for example, a padlock. The padlock provides the user the ability to limit third party access to the facepack  30  and its settings. In other embodiments, the base portion  12  and the outer cover  14  include a lock (not shown). The lock can be, for example, a rotating or translating lock supported by the outer cover  14  and configured to selectively interface with the base portion  12  (e.g., via rotation of a key, knob, or other user input structure connected to the lock). 
     In certain embodiments, the control box  10  includes a power cord  28 . The power cord  28  is configured to conduct electricity from the power grid to the control box  10 . Alternatively to employing the power cord  28 , the control box  10  can be hardwired to the power grid. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the control box  10  can include the inner cover or facepack  30 . In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the facepack  30  is disposed between the base portion  12  and the outer cover  14  at least when the outer cover  14  is in the closed position. The facepack  30  can be connected to the base portion  12 . In certain embodiments, the facepack  30  is connected to the base portion  12  via one or more fasteners  62  (see  FIG. 3 ). In certain embodiments, the facepack  30  is connected to the base portion  12  via a hinge or other mechanical system (not shown). 
     The facepack  30  can include one or more buttons  36 , knobs  40 , switches, or other user input structures. In some embodiments, the facepack  30  includes one or more screens  34  (e.g., touch screens and/or displays) on a front side  32  of the facepack  30 . In this way, the facepack  30  can function as the user control interface for, for example, an irrigation system and/or a lighting system. For example when configured as an irrigation controller, the user or technician can use the facepack  30  to modify irrigation schedules, flow rates, and many other features or parameters. In certain embodiments, the facepack  30  enables the user to enter and/or select a watering schedule. In certain embodiments, the facepack  30  comprises a memory configured to store an operational program that implements the watering schedule and a processor configured to execute the operational program. 
     In certain embodiments, the control box  10  is further configured for the user to easily install or remove the one or more modules  128  customizing the sets of features provided by the control box  10 . For example, the control box  10  can include a slot  42  (most clearly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A ) in a first side  44  of the facepack  30 . The slot  42  is sized and shaped to allow the one or more modules  128  to pass through the first side  44  of the facepack  30  and engage within an interior of the control box  10 . In certain embodiments, a removable door  98  (most clearly shown in  FIG. 3 ) is disposed over the slot  42  to minimize dirt and other foreign contaminants from entering the control box  10  through the slot  42  when the one or more modules  128  are not installed and filling the slot  42 . 
     In some embodiments the one or more modules  128  may be a feature module such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,953,517; 8,977,400; and 9,678,485 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The feature module can have various designs to meet particular needs. Certain embodiments of the feature module modify and/or add features to the control box  10 . The added features can customize the existing control box  10  for a particular site. 
     In certain embodiments, the added features allow the control box  10  to meet the changing watering needs of the particular irrigation site by allowing the control box  10  to be upgraded. In certain embodiments, the feature module allows the control box  10  to be easily and economically configured and/or upgraded by the user to meet the specific needs of the associated irrigation site. This is accomplished by installing at least one feature module that communicates with a processor of the control box  10  and alters the operational program, changes a functionality of an operational program executed by the processor, and/or provides additional memory capacity. The term “landscape control box” as used herein refers to a device, which can function as an irrigation controller, and optionally perform additional functions on a site besides watering, such as the control of landscape lights and water features, or which can function as a controller that controls any combination of or any one of the functions of a lighting controller and a water feature controller. 
     The feature module allows the homeowner or professional to purchase a base control box  10  with only the features needed for the particular irrigation site. Features can easily be added at a later date to the installed control box  10 . In an aspect, the feature module augments the functionality of the control box  10  by permitting access to programming stored within the control box  10 , providing memory within the feature module and accessible by the processor of the control box  10 , or providing programming stored within the memory of the feature module and accessible by the processor of the control box  10 . The feature module can provide the control panel of the control box  10  with additional functionality that can be utilized by the user at the control panel. 
     The feature module can have various designs to meet particular needs. One form of the feature module is a simple electronic key that enables and/or disables features already programmed into the existing memory of the control box  10 . Another form of the feature module provides additional memory, thereby allowing the control box  10  to handle more complex tasks not otherwise capable of being performed by the base control box  10 , such as a memory intensive data logging feature. The feature module may contain new programs that are downloaded into the control box  10  and change the functionality of the operational program executed by the control box  10 , thereby enhancing, adding to and/or otherwise changing the functional irrigation features available to the user, such as providing the capability of modifying watering schedules based on ET data, or optimizing the flow of water through the irrigation pipes. 
     Another embodiment of the feature module takes the form of a standard secure digital memory card, also known as an SD card that interfaces with the control box  10  and allows the control box  10  to read and write data files to the SD card. 
     In some embodiments the one or more modules  128  are configured as an alternative control module. In contrast to the feature module described above, in certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  takes over control of the control box  10  by superseding or overriding station programming stored by the control box  10  or input by the user, such as manual input by the user via the one or more buttons  36 , knobs  40 , switches, or other user input structures at the facepack  30 , with its own programming. In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  inhibits any station programming from the controller or microcontroller of the control box  10 . In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  takes over all station programming. In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  manages the entire irrigation programming functions then sends a signal to the control box  10  to turn a given station on or off when required. In certain embodiments, the microcontroller in the control box  10  switches the outputs on or off, but only when instructed to do so by the alternative control module  128 . This is very different from the augmentation provided by the feature module described above. The feature modules work in conjunction with the processor of the control box  10  whereas the alternative control module  128  supersedes, overrides, or replaces the programming executed by the processor of the control box  10 . An exemplary alternative control module  128  is illustrated in  FIG. 2A  and further described with respect to  FIGS. 13-15 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the control box  10  of  FIG. 1 , with the outer cover  14  and the facepack  30  removed from the base portion  12 . The facepack  30  is further shown dissembled into a housing  76  and a terminal cover  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the base portion  12  can have a generally rectangular prism shape. Other shapes are also possible (e.g., triangular or other polygonal prisms, cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, or other shapes). 
     In the illustrated example, the base portion  12  includes a first wall  46  (e.g., a top wall), a second wall  48  (e.g., a bottom wall) opposite the first wall  46 , a third wall  50  (e.g., a hinge wall) connected to and extending between the first and second walls  46 ,  48 , and a fourth wall  52  (e.g., a latch wall) opposite the third wall  50  and connected to and extending between the first and second walls  46 ,  48 . The base portion  12  can include a fifth wall  54  (e.g., a back wall or mounting wall) connected to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth walls  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 . 
     The base portion  12  can include a mounting structure configured to facilitate mounting the base portion  12  to a wall, pole, tabletop, fence, or other mounting site. The mounting structure can be, for example, one or more apertures for fasteners, one or more brackets, and/or other structures. The mounting structure(s) can be positioned on a rear surface (not shown) of the fifth wall  54 . In some embodiments, one or more mounting structures are positioned on surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth walls  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 . 
     The facepack  30  can have a second side  56  opposite the first side  44 . The facepack  30  can further include a top side  58  and a bottom side  60 . The bottom side  60  of the facepack  30  in the illustrated embodiment is also a surface of the terminal cover  38 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the terminal cover  38  disengaged from the housing  76  exposing one or more terminals  68  of the housing  76 . In certain embodiments, removal of the terminal cover  38  accesses a reset button  70  of the housing  76 . In certain embodiments, the user or technician activates the reset button  70  to set the set of features for the control box  10  to factory or other pre-established default values. 
     In certain embodiments, the housing  76  includes an engagement structure, such as one or more channels  72 . The one or more channels  72  are positioned on the housing  76  to engage with an engagement structure on the terminal cover  38 , such as one or more protrusions  74 . In certain embodiments, the engagement between the one or more channels  72  and the one or more protrusions  74  facilitates the user or technician removing and re-installing the terminal cover  38  relative to the housing  76 . In certain embodiments, the terminal cover  38  is disposed so as to prevent the user or technician from accessing the one or more terminals  68  when in a closed or first position and allow the user or technician to access the one or more terminals  68  when in a opened or second position. 
     The facepack  30  can have a back side  66 . The back side  66  of the facepack  30  can include a mounting structure for connecting to the base portion  12 . In certain embodiments, the back side  66  of the facepack  30  comprises one or more receptacles  64 . The one or more receptacles  64  are configured to receive the one or more fasteners  62  so as to connect the facepack  30  to the base portion  12 . In certain embodiments, once the one or more fasteners  62  are disengaged from the one or more receptacles  64 , the facepack  30  can be lifted off of the base portion  12 . 
     In certain alternate embodiments, the second side  56  of the facepack  30  includes one or more latching features such as a hinge or other mechanical system. The hinge can be configured to facilitate coupling between the second side  56  of the facepack  30  and the base portion  12 . In such an embodiments, the facepack  30  can be swung open relative to the base portion  12 . 
     In certain embodiments, the interior of the base portion  12  comprises electronics, for example, a power supply  78 , microcontroller, memory, and/or other electrical components known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the control box  10  implements station programming stored in the memory of the control box  10 . In certain embodiments, the control box  10  implements station programming input by the user, such as through manual input via the one or more buttons  36 , knobs  40 , switches, or other user input structures at the facepack  30 . In certain embodiments, the control box  10  manages the entire irrigation programming functions by sending signals, for example, to irrigation valves that turn a given station on or off. In certain embodiments, the microcontroller in the control box  10  switches the outputs on or off. 
     In certain embodiments, the power supply  78  is sized and shaped to be at least partially disposed in the interior of the base portion  12 . One or more of the electronic components electrically connects to the facepack  30  via one or more cables or wires. In certain embodiments, the one or more electronic components disposed within the interior of the base portion  12  electrically connects to the facepack  30  via a ribbon cable. 
     In certain embodiments, the interior of the base portion  12  comprises a strain relief post  80  and a clamp  82 . In certain embodiments, the strain relief post  80  is sized and shaped to allow the power chord  28  to wrap at least partially around the strain relief post  80 . In certain embodiments, the clamp  82  attaches to the base portion  12  to secure the power chord  28  in place after the power cord  28  is wrapped at least partially around the strain relief post  28 . 
     In certain embodiments, the rotary shaft  88  extends from one side of a multi position rotary selector switch  122 . In certain embodiments, the multi position rotary selector switch  122  is coupled to a component of the housing  86 . In certain embodiments, the component is the printed circuit board  86 . For example, in certain embodiments, a portion of the rotary shaft  88  extends from the rotary selector switch  122  which is mounted to a first side of the circuit board  86  through the circuit board  86  towards the housing  76 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the housing  76  from  FIG. 3  showing the printed circuit board  86  and the knob  40  disassembled from a back side and a front side of a cover  84  of the housing  76 , respectively. In  FIG. 4 , the rotary shaft  88  extends from the printed circuit board  86  towards a hole  90  in the cover  84 . In certain embodiments the rotary shaft  88  is positioned to allow the knob  40  to engage the rotary shaft  88  along the axis  120  when the printed circuit board  86  is secured to the back side of the cover  84 . 
     In certain embodiments, the printed circuit board  86  includes the one or more terminals  68 . The one or more terminals  68  allow the user or technician to connect one or more wires coming from devices in the landscaping to the control box  10 . 
     In certain embodiments, the user or technician slides at least a portion of the one or more modules  128  through the slot  42  in the facepack  30  and then into a guide  94  or recess. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide  94  or recess is disposed in the printed circuit board  86 . In other embodiments, the guide  94  is disposed in a structure separate from the printed circuit board  86 . In certain embodiments, the guide  94  in combination with the slot  42  facilitates the user or the technician aligning a distal end of the one or more modules  128  with one or more contacts  96  on the printed circuit board  86 . 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more contacts  96  are grouped into a plurality of subgroups with each subgroup being configured to couple to a single module. In this way, the housing  76  is able to couple to the one or more modules  128  at the same time if desired. 
     In certain embodiments, the guide  94  has a rectangular shape. Of course the guide  94  can have other shapes depending on the shape of the one or more modules  128 . In certain embodiments, the guide  94  is sized to receive the one or more modules  128 . In certain embodiments, the slot  42  is sized to receive the one or more modules  128 . For example, in certain embodiments, the slot  42  is a double long slot sized to accept two modules  128  arrange side-by-side. In certain embodiments, the facepack  30  includes a second slot  42  to accept a second module. 
     The knob  40  and the cover  84  desirably include interacting structure to couple the knob  40  to the cover  84 . As will be clear from the disclosure below, the interacting structure mounts the knob  40  to the cover  84 . In certain embodiments, a portion of the interacting structure desirable is formed on the knob  40  and another portion of the interacting structure is formed on the cover  84 . The term “mount,” when used with reference to the relation between the knob  40  and the cover  84 , does not imply that the knob  40  is immobilized or fixed. Rather, this term is meant to describe the condition in which the interacting structure inhibits movement of the knob  40  relative to the cover  84  in at least one degree of freedom (e.g., forward/backward or parallel to axis  120 , up/down, left/right, yaw, pitch, or roll). In certain embodiments, inhibiting movement does not mean the knob  40  cannot be removed from the cover  84  if significant tension is applied to the knob  40 . The user or technician would not be expected to apply tension, let alone significant tension, during normal operation of the knob  40 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, as well as in those later described, the interacting structure inhibits forward movement of the knob  40  along the axis  120  in a direction away from the cover  84 . In the illustrated embodiment, the interacting structure permits roll or rotational movement of the knob  40 . 
     In certain embodiments, the interacting structure on the cover  84  is a lip  92  positioned to engage the knob  40  and inhibit the knob  40  from disengaging from the rotary shaft  88 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lip  92  is disposed in the hole  90  in the cover  84 . In other embodiments, the lip  92  is not disposed in the hole  90 . In certain embodiments, the lip  92  is spaced from a center of the hole  90  a distance that is not greater than a radius of the knob  40 . In this way, the knob  40  can engage both the rotary shaft  88  and the lip  92  at the same time. 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the knob  40  from  FIG. 4  showing a ridge  114  on a front side  110  of the knob  40  for a user to selectively rotate the rotary shaft  88  of the printed circuit board  86  when the knob  40  is engaged with the rotary shaft  88 . Of course the front side  110  of the knob  40  could have other projecting structures such as, for example, levers or posts to facilitate manual manipulation by the user or the technician. In other embodiment, the knob  40  does not include structures projecting from the front side  110 . 
       FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the knob  40  from  FIG. 4  showing a hub  102  and a first portion of the interacting structure configured for engagement with the rotary shaft  88  and a second portion of the interacting structure on the cover  84 , respectively. In certain embodiments, the hub  102  includes an opening/receptacle  100  sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the rotary shaft  88  when the facepack  30  is coupled to the base portion  12 . The shape and size of the opening/receptacle  100  is selected to prevent free rotation of the rotary shaft  88  relative to the opening/receptacle  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the opening/receptacle  100  and the rotary shaft  88  have generally semicircle cross-sectional shapes. 
     In certain embodiments, a cross-section of the opening/receptacle  100  matches a cross-section of the rotary shaft  88 . Of course the cross-section of the opening/receptacle  100  need not match the cross-section of the rotary shaft  88  to prevent free rotation of the rotary shaft  88  relative to the opening/receptacle  100 . In certain embodiments, the opening/receptacle  100  forms a light press fit with the rotary shaft  88 . In certain embodiments, the opening/receptacle  100  forms a net fit with the rotary shaft  88 . In certain embodiments, the opening/receptacle  100  forms a slip fit over the rotary shaft  88 . In certain embodiments, the opening/receptacle  100  and the rotary shaft  88  are both circular in cross-section and rely on friction for the rotary shaft  88  to rotate in concert with the knob  40 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 6 , a portion of the interacting structure on the knob  40  comprises one or more posts  104 . In certain embodiments, the one or more posts  104  extend upwardly from a back side  112  of the knob  40 . The knob  40  desirably includes a pair of posts  104 . The knob  40  can also include additional posts to suit a specific application. For example, where the knob  40  is relatively large, the knob  40  can include four posts  104  annularly arranged for greater stability. In certain embodiments, the at least one post  104  is a single post  104  that has a tubular shape surrounding the hub  102 . 
     In certain embodiments, each post  104  includes a shaft or shank  106 , attached to and extending upwardly from the knob  40 . The posts  104  can have a variety of lengths and a variety of distances between them, depending upon the particular application and the particular cover  84  with which they are to interact to mount the knob  40 . In certain embodiment, the posts  104  are spaced a common distance or radius from a rotational center of the knob  40 . 
     In certain embodiments, each post  104  has a length of about 0.25 inches to 1.0 inch, and more particularly a length of about 0.5 inches; however, longer or shorter lengths also are possible. In certain embodiments, the posts  104  are laterally spaced wide enough apart to accommodate the hub  102 . In certain embodiments, the posts  104  are spaced apart by a distance between ½ inch and 2 inches, and more particularly by a distance equal to about ⅗ inch. The shank  106  of each post  104  has a cross-section sufficient to perform its structural function, as described in more detail below, and depends upon the material chosen for the knob  40  and shank  106 . In certain embodiments, the shank  106  is configured to flex or deflect in a direction towards the axis  120  to allow the protrusion  108  to pass through the hole  90 . In certain embodiments, contact caused by dimensional interference between the protrusion  108  and the hole  90  causes the shank  106  to flex or deflect towards the axis  120 . Once through the hole  90 , the shank  106  at least partially moves back towards its original position and the protrusion  108  wraps around and contacts the lip  92 . The illustrated posts  104  comprise a plastic material. 
     In certain embodiments, the posts  104  have a circular cross-sectional shape. Of course the cross-sectional shape of the posts  104  is not limited to circular and can have any other shape or combinations of shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the posts  104  have a generally tapering rectangular cross-sectional shape from the back side  112  of the knob  40  to a tip or distal end of the posts  104  outside of a protrusion  108  region of the shank  106 . 
     In certain embodiments, at least a portion of a surface of the post  104  has an arcuate shape and is positioned to slide against a portion of the hole  90  in the cover  84  when the knob  40  is rotated relative to the cover  84 . In this way, the arcuate shape of the post  104  increases a size of a contact area with the cover  84  facilitating ease of knob  40  rotation. 
     In certain embodiments, at least one protrusion  108  extends outwardly from the shank  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  108  comprises an enlarged portion of the shank  106  at a location between the back side  112  of the knob  40  and the tip, distal end or head of the shank  106 . In certain embodiments, the protrusion  108  is disposed at the tip at the end distal from the back side  112  of the knob  40 . 
     At least a portion of the protrusion  108  of each post  104  is larger than the shank  106 . In certain embodiments, the protrusion  108  has a maximum width of 1.2 to 2.5 times the width of the shank  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  108  has a generally arcuate shape along a length of the shank  106 . It will be understood, however, that the protrusion  108  can take a variety of other shapes, such as for example, solid or hollow conical, arrowheads, barbs, spheres, mushroom heads, and other types of outwardly or radially projecting structures from the shank  106 . 
     In certain embodiments, the knob  40  is disposed at least partially in the hole  90  when assembled to the cover  84 . In certain embodiments, the hub  102  engages with the rotary shaft  88  so as to transfer rotational motion of the knob  40  to the rotary shaft  88 . In certain embodiments, the one or more posts  104  engage with the cover  84  so as to inhibit movement of the knob  40  away from the cover  84 . 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the housing  76  of the facepack  30  with the knob  40  partially installed on the cover  84 .  FIG. 8  is a cross-section view taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7  showing the knob  40  partially installed on the rotary shaft  88 .  FIG. 9  is a close-up partial view from  FIG. 8  showing the hub  102  of the knob  40  partially installed on the rotary shaft  88  and the one or more posts  104  aligned with the hole  90  but not engaged with the lip  92  of the cover  84 . 
     As explained above, an embodiment of the interacting structure for coupling or mounting the knob  40  to the cover  84  is the one or more posts  104  of the knob  40  and the lip  92  of the cover  84 . In certain embodiments, a portion of the interacting structure desirably is formed on the knob  40  and another portion of the interacting structure is formed on the cover  84 . As also explained above, when engaged, the interacting structure inhibits movement of the knob  40  relative to the cover  84  in at least one degree of freedom (e.g., forward/backward or parallel to axis  120 , up/down, left/right, yaw, pitch, or roll). In the illustrated embodiment, the interacting structure inhibits at least forward movement of the knob  40  along the axis  120  in a direction away from the cover  84 . In the illustrated embodiment, the interacting structure permits roll or rotational movement of the knob  40 . 
     In certain embodiments, the interacting structure inhibits up/down and left/right movements of the knob  40  relative to the cover  84 . In certain embodiments, the interacting structure inhibits excessive yaw and pitch movements of the knob  40  relative to the cover  84 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the tip or distal portion of the shank  106  of the post  104  is disposed in the hole  90  in the cover  84 . In certain embodiments where the shank  106  tapers in a direction away from the back side  112  of the knob  40 , the tapering shape facilitates alignment and initial insertion of the one or more posts  104  into the hole  90 . As is also shown in  FIG. 9 , the protrusion  108  on the shank  106  has yet to pass through the hole  90  to contact the lip  92  on the cover  84 . 
     In certain embodiments, the knob  40  comprises a contact surface  116  (most clearly shown in  FIG. 6 ). In certain embodiments, the contact surface  116  is configured to abut or closely abut a surface on the cover  84  and inhibit at least backward movement of the knob  40  along the axis  120  in a direction towards the base portion  12  when the knob  40  is fully installed on the cover  84 . For example, in certain embodiments, the cover  120  comprises an abutment surface  118 . As is illustrated in  FIG. 9 , at least a portion of the abutment surface  118  faces at least a portion of the contact surface  116 . In  FIG. 9 , since the knob  40  is not fully installed on the cover  84 , the abutment surface  118  is yet to be in contact with the contact surface  116  of the knob  40 . 
     In certain embodiments, the contact surface  116  and the abutment surface  118  have complementary annular shapes. In certain embodiments, the annular shapes allow contact to occur between the knob  40  and the cover  84  independent of the rotational position of the knob  40  relative to the cover  84 . In this way, the annular shapes facilitate the user rotating the knob  40 . In certain embodiments, one or both of the contact surface  116  and the abutment surface  118  does not have a continuous annular shape. In certain embodiments, the contact surface  116  and/or the abutment surface  118  span less than 360 degrees about the axis  120 . 
     In certain embodiments, a rotary bearing or other friction reducing structure is employed to facilitate rotation of the knob  40 . In certain embodiments, the rotary bearing is disposed about the rotary shaft  88 . In certain embodiments, the rotary bearing is disposed between the contact surface  116  and the abutment surface  118 . 
       FIG. 10  is similar to  FIG. 7  except the knob  40  has been pushed further towards the cover  84  engaging the one or more posts  104  with the lip  92  of the cover  84  so as to inhibit removal of the knob  40  from the rotary shaft  88 .  FIG. 11  is a cross-section view taken along lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing the knob  40  installed on the rotary shaft  88 .  FIG. 12  is a close-up partial view from  FIG. 11  showing the hub  102  of the knob  40  installed on the rotary shaft  88  and the one or more posts  104  engaged with the lip  92  on the cover  84  inhibiting removal of the knob  40  from the rotary shaft  88 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the interacting structure inhibits movement of the knob  40  relative to the cover  84  in at least one degree of freedom (e.g., forward/backward or parallel to axis  120 , up/down, left/right, yaw, pitch, or roll). In the illustrated embodiment, the interacting structure inhibits at least forward movement of the knob  40  along the axis  120  in a direction away from the cover  84 . In the illustrated embodiment, the interacting structure permits roll or rotational movement of the knob  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the tip or distal portion of the shank  106  and the protrusion  108  have passed through the hole  90  in the cover  84 . In certain embodiments where the shank  106  tapers in a direction away from the back side  112  of the knob  40 , the tapering shape facilitates the protrusion  108  on the shank  106  passing through the hole  90  to contact the lip  92  on the cover  84 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the contact surface  116  is abutting or closely abutting the abutment surface  118  on the cover  84  and inhibits at least backward movement of the knob  40  along the axis  120  in the direction towards the base portion  12 . In  FIG. 12 , since the knob  40  is fully installed on the cover  84 , the abutment surface  118  is in contact with or in close proximity to the contact surface  116  of the knob  40 . 
     In some embodiments the housing  76  can comprise a first annular wall  124  and a second annular wall  126  extending outward of the contact surface  116 . As best seen in  FIG. 12 , the abutment surface  118  sits between the first and second annular walls  124  and  126  when the knob  40  is installed to the housing  76 . This arrangement may create a tortuous path that can prevent water from entering the interior of the facepack  30  and contacting the circuit board  86 . 
     In certain embodiments, the interacting structure which couples or mounts the knob  40  to the cover  84  not only inhibits removal of the knob  40  from the cover  84  but also indirectly maintains engagement between the rotary shaft  88  and the knob  40  when the facepack  30  is coupled to the base portion  12 . In this way in certain embodiments, friction is not needed between the rotary shaft  88  and the opening/receptacle  100  to inhibit the user or technician from accidently removing the knob  40  from the rotary shaft  88  or the knob  40  falling off of the rotary shaft  88  due to, for example, prolonged thermal cycling. Instead, the interacting structure inhibits removal or dislodgment of the knob  40  from the cover  84 . 
     Without a significant friction fit between the rotary shaft  88  and the opening/receptacle  100 , temperature changes or other environment factors experienced by the control box  10  that, for example, expand or contract components within the control box  10  are less likely to cause tension on the rotary shaft  88 . For example, when changing temperatures cause the cover  84  and the printed circuit board  86  to slightly separate or move apart, the separation can apply tension to the rotary shaft  88  until the knob  40  overcomes static friction and slides slightly away from the printed circuit board  86  relieving at least some of the tension. Without the interacting structure, over time this thermal cycling can create a slow procession of the knob  40  moving away from the cover  84  until either the hub  102  disengages from the rotary shaft  88  rendering the knob  40  ineffective to control the control box  10  or the knob  40  falls entirely off the rotary shaft  88 . In addition, tension applied to the rotary shaft  88  due to friction may be detrimental to the printed circuit board  86  and operation of the control box  10  over time. 
     In certain embodiments the level of friction between the rotary shaft  88  and the hub  102  is low enough to allow the hub  102  to slide along the rotary shaft  88  before detrimental tension is created between the hub  102  and the rotary shaft  88 . In such an embodiment, the interacting structure, not the friction between the rotary shaft  88  and the hub  102 , inhibits removal of the knob  40  from the rotary shaft  88 . 
     In certain embodiments, even though the interacting structure is not between the hub  102  and the rotary shaft  88 , the interacting structure indirectly maintains the hub  102  in an operable position relative to the rotary shaft  88  via the cover  84 . 
       FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the module  128  from  FIG. 2A  when the module  128  is configured as the alternative control module  128 .  FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the alternative control module  128 . In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  includes a groove  130  on an edge of the alternative control module  128 . The groove  130  is configured to engage with the guide  94  on the printed circuit board  86  to maintain alignment between a connector  132  on the alternative control module  128  and the one or more contacts  96  as the alternative control module  128  is being inserted into the slot  42 . In certain embodiments, the connector  132  engages with the one or more contacts  96  on the facepack  30  when the alternative control module  128  is fully inserted into the slot  42 . 
     In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  can facilitate expanded communications, e.g. wireless communications. In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  receives sensor information data and/or weather information data. This information may include, but is not limited to, flow rate, rain event, temperature, weather information, predicted future weather patterns, solar radiation, wind speed, relative humidity, motion, voltage, current, and soil moisture. 
     In certain embodiments, the sensor information data and/or weather information data is received by an Internet of Things (IoT) cloud server in communication with the alternative control module  128 . In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server determines or changes the station programming based on the sensor information data and/or weather information data and then send signals to the alternative control module  128 . In certain embodiments, a user enters a preferred irrigation schedule that is stored in the alternative control module  128  through the IoT cloud server. In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server determines a schedule percentage modifier value based on the sensor information data and/or weather information data and then sends the schedule percentage modifier value to the alternative control module  128 . In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  can calculate a new irrigation schedule based on the original irrigation schedule and the schedule percentage modifier value. In this way, the alternative control module  128  need not receive the sensor information data and/or weather information data. 
     In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  communicates with an external rain sensor, a local area network (LAN) or mobile carrier&#39;s network, a soil moisture sensor, or a weather station. For example, the alternative control module  128  can utilize RF, infrared or other wireless circuitry (receiver or transmitter, or transceiver) to communicate with a remote device. 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the alternative control module  128  from  FIG. 2A . In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  comprises a housing  134  and a cover  136  securable to the housing  134 . In certain embodiments, the housing  134  and the cover  136  define an interior space for one or more electronics  140 . Of course the alternative control module  128  could comprises a single monolithic shell formed around the one or more electronics  140 . 
     In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the cover  136  is located outside the facepack  30  while the housing  134  is located within the facepack  30  when the alternative control module  128  is fully inserted into the slot  42 . In certain embodiments, the cover  136  can comprises a solid outer surface to minimize dirt and other foreign contaminants from entering the alternative control module  128  when the cover  136  is extending outside the slot  42 . In certain embodiments, the cover  136  can comprises a solid outer surface to facilitate manipulation of the alternative control module  128  by the user. The housing  124  or at least the portion of the alternative control module  128  disposed in the facepack  30  can include vents or other openings in its outer surface to facilitate thermal management of the one or more electronics  140 . 
     In certain embodiments, the cover  136  secures to the housing  134  via one or more complementary engagement structures including, for example, adhesives, fasteners, detents, projections, recesses, or other known securement structures. In certain embodiments, a portion of the cover  136  is press fit into the housing  134  securing the cover  136  to the housing  134 . 
     In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  comprises a printed circuit board (PCB)  138  supporting the one or more electronics  140 . Exemplary electronics include a microcontroller  142 , a memory  143 , a wireless communication module  144 , a switch  146 , a processor and/or other electronic components known in the art. In certain embodiments, the wireless communication module  144  is implemented as a WiFi module and/or a cellular module. In certain embodiments, the wireless communication module  144  comprises an antenna  145 . In certain embodiments, the microcontroller  142  and the memory  143  manage all station programming. 
     In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  comprises a damper  148 . In certain embodiments, the damper  148  attenuates vibrations experienced by the PCB  138  and the one or more electronics  140 . In certain embodiments, the damper  148  is disposed within the alternative control module  128  and in simultaneous contact with the cover  136  and the PCB  138 . 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more electronics  140  comprises the wireless communication module  144  such as, for example, the Wi-Fi module and/or the cellular module. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication module  144  is on the same printed circuit board  138  as other electronics and located within the alternative control module  128 . In an embodiment, power for the alternative control module  128  is derived from the control box  10  via the connector  132 . 
     In certain embodiments, the Wi-Fi module connects the alternative control module  128  to the LAN via a Wi-Fi connection. In certain embodiments, multiple control boxes  10  with multiple alternative control modules  128  connect to a single LAN. In a further embodiment, multiple control boxes  10  may be serviced by a single alternative control module  128 . 
     In certain embodiments, the wireless communication module  144  comprises the cellular module. In certain embodiments, the cellular module communicates to the Internet via a mobile carrier&#39;s network. Depending on the location and carrier, various standards, such as GPRS, GSM, and CDMA, and the like may apply. 
     The wireless communication module  144  optionally comprises a sensor input capability, and thereby allow the one or more electronics  140  to receive sensor information when controlling the control box  10 . This information may include, but is not limited to, flow rate, rain event, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, relative humidity, motion, voltage, current, and soil moisture. 
     In certain embodiments, the user controls the alternative control module  128  from an Internet enabled user device via its web browser, custom software, or a dedicated application. Internet enabled user devices include tablets, smart phones, computers, laptops, tablets, and the like. 
     In certain embodiments, the user sends commands to a webpage provided by the alternative control module  128 . In certain embodiments, the user interacts with an application running on their Internet enabled user device. In certain embodiments, the application is written for various platforms, such as iPhone, Android, or the like. The application then communicates with the alternative control module  128 . 
     In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  communicates with an IoT cloud server on the Internet. In certain embodiments, a user accesses the IoT cloud server via, for example, a router that is connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The IoT cloud server hosts an application that provides the user with control and monitoring capability of the control box  10  via the alternative control module  128 . In this way, the alternative control module  128  works in harmony with the IoT cloud server to allow the user to enter and monitor all irrigation functions through the IoT cloud server via their Internet enabled user device. In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server is a HydraWise server (https://www.hunterindustries.com/irrigation-product/hydrawise-cloud-software). 
     In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128 , via the IoT cloud server, turns the control box  10  into a smart controller. In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server receives sensor information data and/or weather information data. This information may include, but is not limited to, flow rate, rain event, temperature, weather information, predicted future weather patterns, solar radiation, wind speed, relative humidity, motion, voltage, current, and soil moisture. With this data in certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server fine tunes its control of the irrigation system to water only when necessary. In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server utilizes predicted future weather patterns to modify the irrigation as required based on weather information data and/or other sensor information data. 
     In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server employs an automated watering schedule that uses information about environmental conditions to ensure the user&#39;s plants get the optimum amount of water. In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server, via the alternative control module  128 , will vary the watering frequency based on actual evaporation and rainfall in the user&#39;s area on a day-to-day basis. In certain embodiments, the IoT cloud server can adjust the length of watering without adjusting frequency based on weather information data. For example, the IoT cloud server can select the most accurate weather information available to fine tune its control of the irrigation system. 
     In certain embodiments, with the alternative control module  128  installed into the control box  10 , the control box  10  is operated by the IoT cloud server. In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  manages the entire irrigation programming functions then sends a signal to the microcontroller in the control box  10  to turn a given station on or off when required. In certain embodiments, the microcontroller in the control box  10  switches the outputs on or off, but only when instructed to do so by the alternative control module  128 . In certain embodiments the microcontroller  142  can supersede, override, or replace the programming executed by the processor of the control box  10 . In certain embodiments, the alternative control module can inhibit the functions of one or more of the operator inputs  36  and  40  on the facepack  30 . 
     In certain embodiments, the switch  146  is configured to receive one or more control signals from the user. In certain embodiments, the control signal received by the switch  146  is an on-signal and/or an off-signal. For example, the user can send a control signal via the switch  146  to the alternative control module  128  that instructs the microcontroller  142  to begin a provisioning mode that allows the processes necessary to identify the alternative control module  128  with a user account on the IoT server. 
     In certain embodiments, repetitive activations of the switch  146  provide different instructions to the microcontroller  142 . In this way in certain embodiments, a single activation provides a first instruction and two repetitive activations provide a second instruction. In certain embodiments, a visual and or audible acknowledgement for receipt of the control signal is provided by the alternative control module  128 . In certain embodiments, the alternative control module  128  comprises one or more visual indicators and/or audible indicators. 
     In certain embodiments, the user need not directly contact the switch  146 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover  136  comprises a button  150  positioned over the switch  146 . In certain embodiments, the user presses an outer surface of the button  150  to activate the switch  146 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover  136  comprises one or more slits defining in part the button  150 . Of course the cover  136  need not comprise slits to define the button  150 . To minimize dirt and other foreign contaminants from entering the slits around the button  150 , certain embodiments comprise a shield  152 . In certain embodiments, the shield  152  comprises a flexible material that allows the user to press both the shield  152  and the button  150  at the same time. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the shield  152  is transparent. The transparent portion may allow the user to observe the visual indicator acknowledging receipt of the user&#39;s control signal entered via the button  150 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , and also considering  FIGS. 16 and 17 , it is seen that the second wall  48  (e.g., the bottom wall) of the base portion  12  defines one or more openings  154 .  FIG. 16  is a front, left, bottom perspective view showing the base portion  12  comprising the one or more openings  154  for connections to the control box  10 . The power cord  28  is shown extending through the one or more openings  154 .  FIG. 17  is similar to  FIG. 16  except the control box  10  is configured to be hardwired to the power grid as an alternative to employing the power cord  28  in  FIG. 16 . 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are disposed in the second wall  48  of the base portion  12 . In certain embodiments, an amount of overlap of the base portion  12  by the outer cover  14  provides both unobstructed access to the one or more openings  154  and a barrier to dirt and other foreign contaminants from entering the control box  10 . In certain embodiments, a relief or cut-out is provided in the outer cover  14  that aligns with the one or more openings  154  when the outer cover  14  is in the closed position. In certain embodiments, the relief or cut-out provided in the outer cover  14  aligns with the one or more openings  154  when the outer cover  14  is in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer cover  14  comprises a cut-out in the proximity of an extended fitting  164 . In certain embodiments, the relief or cut-out in the outer cover  14  may increase a size of the partially covered second wall  48  for connecting to a pipe or conduit. 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are disposed in other walls of the base portion  12  or in more than one wall of the base portion  12 . For example, in certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  can be disposed in either, or both, the first wall  46  and the third wall  50 . Other walls and combinations of walls of the base portion  12  are also within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In certain embodiments, specific openings within the one or more openings  154  are sized and/or located in the base portion  12  for specific cords, cables, and/or wires. Cords, cables, and wires can be employed for transmission of power, station signals, sensor information data, and/or weather information data. In certain embodiments, the power cord  28 , the cables, and/or wires each pass through different openings of the one or more openings  154 . For example, in certain embodiments, power is provided to the control box  10  via a first opening, station signals are provided via cables and/or wires through a second opening, and sensor information signals are provided via cables and/or wires through a third opening. Such an arrangement may mitigate electrical interference between cables and wires that conduct signals from power cords. 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are sized and shaped to facilitate, for example, the power cord  28  and/or one or more cables or wires passing through the base portion  12 . In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are sized and shaped to facilitate, for example, attachment of different sizes of pipes and conduits to the base portion  12 . For example, the one or more openings  154  can be sized and shaped to connect to a plurality of pipes or conduits having different sizes or geometry. In this way, the user or technician has options for connecting different pipes or conduits to the same control box  10 . In certain embodiment, the one or more openings  154  comprises at least two different sized/shaped openings. In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are configured to connect to one or more ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, and/or 1¼ inch pipes or conduits. In certain embodiments, the pipes or conduits have a thickness of schedule  40 . 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are aligned with the power cord  28  and/or the one or more terminals  68  of the housing  76  to simplify cable management through the base portion  12  and out of the control box  10 . 
     Certain embodiments of the control box  10  can be designed for use with metal (i.e., conductive) pipes and conduits (brass or aluminum, for example), while other embodiments are designed for use with nonconductive polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes or conduits. Certain embodiments of the control box  10  may be designed to satisfy local requirements as to conduit size or materials. 
     In certain embodiments, an opening  156  of the one or more openings  154  is configured to engage with a conduit adapter provided by the user or technician. In certain embodiments, the opening  156  is sized to accommodate the conduit adapter and/or one or more bushings, locknuts, and/or spacers. In certain embodiments, the opening  156  provides the user or technician with a connection for attaching a size or type of pipe or conduit that is not provided by the control box  10 . For example, in certain embodiments, the opening  156  comprises internal threads to engage with the external threads on the conduit adapter. In certain embodiments, the opening  156  comprises an internal wall configured to provide a slip or glue fit with the conduit adapter. In certain embodiments, the opening  156  is sized and shaped to engage with a conduit adapter that is a reducer or adapter to a desired size pipe or conduit. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more of the one or more openings  154  comprises a knockout  158  covering the one or more openings  154 . In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  156  comprises the knockout  158 . The user or technician may leave the knockout  158  in place covering the opening  156  or remove the knockout  158  to utilize the opening  158 . 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  comprise one or more recessed bores  160  and/or one or more extended bores/bosses  164 . For example, in certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are configured as the recessed bore  160  to receive an end of the pipe or conduit within the second wall  48 . In certain embodiments where the one or more openings  154  are configured as the recessed bore  160 , the one or more openings  154  include a tubular passage, which defines a substantially straight bore portion into the second wall  48  leading to a circumferential detent  162 . The detent  162  defines a shoulder for the bore portion. The shoulder limits the maximum insertion depth for the end of the pipe or conduit into the second wall  48 . 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more openings  154  are configured as the extended bore  164  to receive an end of the pipe or conduit. When connecting to the extended bore  164  in certain embodiments, the end of the pipe or conduit need not pass through the second wall  48  and instead merely abuts the second wall  48 . For example in certain embodiments, the end of the pipe or conduit can be secured solely within the extended bore  164 . In this way, the extended bore  164  provides adequate stability to the connected pipe or conduit. By including an extended bore  164 , the second wall  48  can accommodate pipes and conduits that have a greater range of diameters than with only recessed bores  160 . In certain embodiments, the extended bore  164  allows the user or technician to attach a pipe or conduit that has a diameter that exceeds a width of the second wall  48 . For example, an extended bore  164  can provide the control box  10  with an opening that has a greater diameter than offered by the recessed bore  160 . In certain embodiments, the extended bore  164  allows the control box  10  to maintain a low profile while also accommodating connections to pipes and conduits that are too large for connecting to the recessed bore  160 . 
     In certain embodiments that have an extended bore  164 , the one or more openings  154  include a tubular body, which at an upper end defines a substantially straight inner bore portion leading to a circumferential detent  166 . The detent  166  defines a shoulder for the bore portion when the one or more openings  154  are configured as an extended bore  164 . 
     In certain embodiments that have an extended boss  164 , the one or more openings  154  include a tubular body, which at an upper end defines an outer circumference for receiving the end of the pipe or conduit. In certain embodiments, the pipe or conduit is slid along the outer circumference until the end of the pipe or conduit abuts the second wall  48 . In certain embodiments, a fin or projection on the outer circumference prevents the end of the pipe or conduit from abutting the second wall  48 . 
     In certain embodiments, the end of the pipe or conduit is secured by one or both of the second wall  48  and/or the extended bore/boss  164 . In certain embodiment, the one or more openings  154  are configured for a threaded fit, a slip fit, an adhesive fit, or any other engagement structure known by a person having ordinary skill in the art for connecting the one or more openings  154  to a pipe or conduit. 
       FIGS. 18-24  illustrate an embodiment of the base portion and facepack. Various attributes of the base portion and the facepack are shown in broken lines to illustrate that they may or may not be present and that their position, orientation, shape, style, number, etc. can be different according to the different embodiments. The broken lines form no part of the design. For example,  FIGS. 18-24  show the base portion and facepack with all or most of the side walls and back side in broken lines. The side walls and back side are shown in broken lines to indicate that the side walls and back side can comprise various components, shapes, thicknesses, cavities, protrusions, according to different embodiments. Thus, the features illustrated in broken lines may or may not be present and the position, orientation, depth, shape, etc. of those features may differ according to different embodiments. Dot-dot-dash lines are used to illustrate boundary lines and also form no part of the claimed designs. 
     For expository purposes, the term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the floor of the area in which the system being described is used or the method being described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term “floor” can be interchanged with the term “ground.” The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms such as “above,” “below,” “bottom,” “top,” “side,” “higher,” “lower,” “upper,” “over,” and “under,” are defined with respect to the horizontal plane. 
     As used herein, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “mated,” and other such relational terms should be construed, unless otherwise noted, to include removable, moveable, fixed, adjustable, and/or releasable connections or attachments. The connections/attachments can include direct connections and/or connections having intermediate structure between the two components discussed. 
     The terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated amount. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the present inventions should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, while certain advantages of the inventions have been described herein, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.