Rain Bird's latest ESP-ME3 irrigation controller for residential
and light commercial applications is claimed by the company to be its most
versatile yet.
Its key feature is its in-built flow monitoring terminal which
allows users to take advantage of the multiple benefits of flow monitoring.
The controller is also WiFi ready and upgradeable to a smart
controller by adding Rain Bird's proven LNK WiFi module. This allows users to
access, operate and monitor their irrigation system from anywhere at any time
via the App.
The built-in flow monitoring terminal is a feature not available
on many other similar types of controller. Compatibilty with multiple sizes and
makes of wired flow monitoring sensors will help users to save water by sending
data to the controller for precise monitoring of water flow and accurate flow
rates.
It can assist in monitoring system performance, the detection of
low/excess flow conditions, leaks and can shut down affected areas. This will
help to save water and prevent overwatering of plants or damage to the
landscape. Rain Bird's WR2 rain sensor can also be added to the configuration
of the controller.
By plugging in the separate LNK WiFi Module with its
accompanying App, users are given a complete,
easy to use irrigation solution. Built-in notifications provide troubleshooting
access, system diagnostics and operational information. The module receives
internet based weather information and can automatically adjust system run
times and irrigation schedules on a daily basis. Potential long term water savings are up to 30%.
This highly flexible ESP-ME3 controller is configurable from 4 to
22 stations, with an additional 3 or 6 station modules availble for to meet
future extra irrigation needs. Users can add these modules without removing or
even powering down the controller.
Simple operation is a major user benefit. The easy to grip, dirt
safe dial on the controller is easy to use. Large text colour coded dial
positions and symbols makes irrigation program selection easy whilst the large
screen is back-lit screen for clarity. This is ideal if the controller needs to
be positioned in shaded garden areas or inside a shed or garage.
Various manual settings can be made such as by-passing a rain
sensor for certain stations when consistent watering is needed in areas such as
under the eaves of a house, under decking or in a greenhouse. A seasonal adjust
feature is designed to save water by changing the seasonal adjust from 5% to
200% for corrected run times without changing scheduled irrigation times. A
one-touch watering facility is provided and users simply set the dial to the
auto position and press/ hold the right arrow button to start manually watering
the current program.
Alarm
notifications alert the user to any operational issues such as power supply,
programming or high flow rates when using the flow sensor. A red LED and
scrolling messages, as well as mobile device alerts when used with the LNK WiFi
App, are also provided.
The ESP-ME3 is designed with the installer as well as the end user
in mind. A contractor default saves a default program and if the original
watering schedule is overwritten in error, it can be easily restored remotely
or at the controller in just two steps.
Available with a three year trade warranty, the ESP-ME 3 has a
weather resistant housing and comes complete with a factory installed power
plug ready for indoor and outdoor use.
