PlantControl CX is the world’s first self-learning irrigation computer that intelligently evaluates the measurements from up to 60 wireless-linked soil moisture sensors. It not only calculates the correct time to water but also the plants’ actual water requirements and automatically adjusts run times according to their growth stages and seasonal temperature fluctuations.
HOW IT WORKS
A PlantControl CX computer irrigates completely automatically. The control system is based on PlantCare's own soil moisture sensor which has been developed and
patented worldwide. This totally maintenance-free sensor, which is already in successful use at renowned scientific institutes and companies, measures soil moisture content and soil
temperature at regular intervals and transmits these measurements wireless to the control centre.
Irrigation starts automatically as soon as the measured dryness level exceeds the pre-set value and the irrigation time window has been reached. After
irrigation, the PlantControl CX determines whether the pre-set target soil moisture level has been reached or not. If necessary, the run time is increased or reduced in order to hit the
target moisture in the next irrigation run (DRA-Technology, Dynamic Run-Time Adjustment). This worldwide unique technology ensures optimum water supply for the plants, prevents under- or
overwatering and protects precious water resources.
UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES
PlantCare AG’s unique communication concept means that the remote monitoring and control of an irrigation system is always guaranteed. DataViewer, PlantCare’s special evaluation software, also provides a fast and ideal visual overview as well as an analysis of the irrigation data. Corrections can be made remotely without the need for time-consuming, on-the-spot analyses.
AREA OF USE
Agriculture irrigation
Agriculture research
Residential, commercial,
sports fields irrigation
SMART & ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
Plants thrive thanks to their stress-free, sensor-controlled irrigation. They are less disease-prone and more pest-resistant.
Watering only takes place when the soil has reached a specific level of dryness, in other words neither too early nor too late. This ensures a sustainable approach to the use of water.
With PlantCare DRA-Technology (Dynamic Run-Time Adjustment) irrigation run times are adjusted continuously, thus preventing under- or overwatering. Manual adjustment of the run times due to seasonal temperature fluctuations is no longer necessary.
Any leaching of fertilizer or other chemicals into the groundwater is consistently prevented, since overwatering is avoided.
If any of the valves, etc. malfunction, an SMS alarm message is automatically sent to the relevant offices.
EASY CONFIGURATION WITH PLANTCARE COMMUNICATOR SW
PlantCare Communicator
The configuration of a PlantControl CX with the PlantCare Communicator software is easy and convenient. This software allows the definition of irrigation zones and placement of sensors, valves and pumps with one click. The area to be irrigated can be entered as a plan or picture. The configuration data can be downloaded onto a USB stick and then transferred to the PlantControl CX.
GENERAL FEATURES
Up to 32 stations
Speedily reaction to changes in moisture levels.
Value measured is unaffected by salt or fertilizer content.
Configure using the large LCD Display or via PlantCare Communicator Software.
A USB-interface allows to load the irrigation configuration planed on a PC and readout the irrigation data via a USB stick.
Various optional functions such as remote data retrieval, remote control as well as SMS-Alarm function are available
Language setting German/English
GENERAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Extendable up to 32 stations with 8-station valve modules ((24V AC or 9V impulse with solar cell)
Each station can be programmed individually
Up to 60 wireless sensors can be connected
Irrigation days freely selectable / up to 12 start times per day
Various irrigation modes can be selected per valve: sensor-controlled with constant run time / dynamic run time adjustment (PlantCare DRA-Technology) / timer watering
Selectable dry level for irrigation start and target moisture level after irrigation
Moisture measurement in: relative % or hPa (for hPa 6 standard soils to choose from)
Easy programming on a PC with PlantCare Communicator Software
Irrigation data analysis with PlantCare DataViewer Software
Signal range up to 200 meters, dependent on the type of terrain. Can be extended up to 30 kilometers using optional ange extenders.
Licence-free transmission frequency: 868 MHz or 915 MHz, interchangeable
Weatherproof IP67 housing
Frost resistant
Operating temperature: -20° C to +50° C
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS PLANTCONTROL CX
PlantControl CX smart irrigation controller
Large LCD-Display / USB interface
Up to 100.000 data sets can be recorded
Power supply: 8 AA rechargeable batteries (inclusive), in combination with mains (110/230V) or solar cell 12W
Dimensions: 29 x 23 x 15 cm
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR
Can be used in all soil types
Power supply: 2 AA 1.5 V batteries
Battery life span approx. 1 year depending on measuring cycle
Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 29 cm (shortest version)
AVAILIBLE LENGTHS FOR 20KM RANGE SENSORS
MEASUREMENT DATA
PlantCare DataViewer Software
Moisture display:
- In relative %-units or
- hPa suction pressure for 6 standard soils
Measuring range soil moisture (at a soil temperature between 2° C to +37° C*):
- Relative %-units: 0 - 100%
- hPa: 0 – 400 hPa high sensitivity / > 400 - 800 hPa lower sensitivity
Measuring range soil temperature: -20°C to +50° C
Measuring accuracy:
- Soil moisture: +/- 3%
- Soil temperature: +/- 0.3° C
Reading accuracy:
- Soil moisture in relative %: 1%
- Soil moisture in hPa: 1hPa
- Soil temperature: 0.1 °C
* Sensors for soil moisture measurements at soil temperature range between 2° C to +50° C on request
MEASURING METHOD
PlantCare’s worldwide patented sensor technology is based on the microthermic measurement of soil moisture. A specially developed felt material in moisture balance with the soil acts as the interface between the surrounding soil and the sensor. To measure the moisture level, the sensor is briefly heated and the cooling-down time, which varies depending on soil moisture, is determined. The sensor's cooling-down time thus provides a reliable statement of the soil's moisture content.
SCOPE OF SUPPLY
PlantControl CX irrigation controller incl. 8-Station 24V AC modul, GPRS Modem, internal transformer
ACCESSORIES
8-station 24V AC or or 9V impulse extension module extendable up to 32 stations
Multi-functional switching module (fertilizer control, facility management, floating contact)
PlantCare wireless soil moisture sensors incl. batteries in various length
Solar cell
Range extenders for increasing the radio range
External antenna for enhanced signal reception (for PlantControl CX or GPRS terminal)
PlantCare DataViewer software for the display and analysis of the irrigation data
PlantCare Communicator Software for easy programming on a PC
Replacement tip with felt for sensor
Frost alarm function incl. two wireless temperature sensors
Remote data retrieval function
Remote control function
SMS-Alarm function
Internet connection function
Sensor Types