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