Patent ID: 8868246

Claim:
A method for use in irrigation control comprising: operationally powering a controller and a wireless receiver of a battery powered receiver unit using a battery, the receiver unit configured to control operation of a latching solenoid configured to control an irrigation valve; charging a capacitor to a first voltage level using a capacitor charging circuit and the battery, wherein the battery has a voltage rating at a second voltage level that is less than the first voltage level, wherein the capacitor charging circuit comprises: an inductor coupling the battery to the capacitor; and a switch coupled to the inductor and operated by the controller and which controls a flow of current through the inductor; receiving a wireless irrigation control signal at the wireless receiver; and causing, responsive to the wireless irrigation control signal, the capacitor to discharge to provide a pulse to the latching solenoid sufficient to actuate the latching solenoid to control the irrigation valve.