| |
| Publication Type:
| Trade |
|---|
| Author(s): | Boufford, Robert W. |
|---|
| Author Affiliation: | The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Wooster, OH |
|---|
| Title: | Water from computers |
|---|
| Source: | Green Industry Today. Vol. 2, No. 3, July 1991, p. 4-5. |
|---|
| Publishing Information: | Clarkston, MI: Mailings, etc. |
|---|
| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Computers; Software; Automatic irrigation; Computer techniques; Computer applications
|
|---|
| Abstract/Contents: | "Computers are multi-purpose tools that can be used for more than just writing letters and crunching numbers. Computer systems can be used to control equipment. Unlike most mechanical controllers, computers can monitor conditions involving the equipment and make adjustments as needed. In agriculture, computer technology has been in use for several years now to control irrigation systems. For most landscape irrigation systems, this involves dedicated computer systems known as 'microprocessor controlled systems or 'embedded systems'. There are some advantages to using a computer or microprocessor based irrigtion system. An electronic controller is more accurate and maintains accuracy better than a mechanical controller. Over time, the parts of a mechanical controller can wear down causing a change in timing or actuating valves. An electronic controller provides better 'programmability' than a mechanical controller. The down side to electronic controllers is susceptibility to electrical surges, particularly lightening strikes. Most major irrigation manufactureres now have PC controlled irrigation systems such as Toro's Network 8000 and Rainbird's Maxi series. These PC based controllers offer sophisticated irrigation system programming. PC based irrigation contrtollers are best for large landscapes and turf areas. A smaller landscaper irrigation system can be controlled with a personal computer if one is willing to put in the time and ingenuity to develop a system. Any PC in working order can be used as the controller. Keep in mind that computerizing an irrigation system will require some development work including programming. It will require some research. Check the local library and bookstores for information. Books on 'computerizing the home' are a good start. Past issues of Byte magazine are good source materials. Also, check the local computer club." |
|---|
| Language: | English |
|---|
| References: | 0 |
|---|
| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Boufford, R. W. 1991. Water from computers. Green Ind. Today. 2(3):p. 4-5. |
| Fastlink to access this record outside TGIF: https://tic.msu.edu/tgif/flink?recno=21425 |
| If there are problems with this record, send us feedback about record 21425. |
| Choices for finding the above item: |
|---|
| 
MSU catalog number: SB 472.535 .M5 G7 |
| Request through your local library's inter-library loan service (bring or send a copy of this TGIF record) |
