Conventionally wired controllers have been around for decades. We know them, how they work and how they fail. There is comfort in using the same product time and time again as we are creatures of habit!
Have you ever wondered what a two wire decoder system is and why you should use one? Well this blog is for you!
Scenarios suitable for decoders
Let’s say you have 32 valves on a site and you are using traditional wiring, this would mean that you need three runs of 13 core adding up to a whooping 39 strands of wire to keep track of! And what if your customer decides to add a station in an area where you have run out of cable? Well, you need to run a new strand all the way back to the controller… or take the easy way out and install a battery operated timer… easy for the installation… however, what a nightmare to maintain over time!
Or, maybe you are starting a new project and your customer is ready to bury some pipe but you have no idea where valves or areas are going to be installed?
Well this is where a Two Wire Decoder System comes into its own, You can have one controller capable of operating up to 240 stations (depending on the brand & model) and you simply run two cables around your site. When you decide you want to add a station… Ssmply cut into your two wire path and add a valve, job done!
Benefits of using a Two Wire Decoder System
- Less cable overall – as per the above, rather than running 39 cable to run 32 zones you can simply run 2 cables to do the same job
- Run cable 3km+ from your controller in any one direction
- Run up to 16 stations at once
- Add a zone anywhere in your system simply by cutting in to your two wire path
- Add flow sensors, sensors or pump starts wherever you require
When to consider using a decoder system
- When you hit roughly 30 valves
- Are unsure of the landscape layout when you are installing your mainline and two wire path
- Know there will be landscape changes/additions in the future but unsure of exact plans
- If you require more than 54 zones (max you will get on a conventionally wired controller)
How decide on a brand model to suit my needs?
The Hunter HCC/ICC2 & HPC/PRO-C with EZ decoder module are a great entry level, easy to use option when installing your first decoder system.
Rain Bird have also recently bought out their budge two wire system, the ESP-2WIRE. Both the Hunter & Rain Bird budget options offer the key advantages of a two wire system without the frills.
If you are after the best in the business, the Rain Bird LX-IVM is the most capable commercial two wire decoder controller on the market offering advanced diagnostics and powerful features. Both of these units can be run using the manufacturers cloud software options.
To view the full range available on our website click here.
Want to know more or would you like some help designing/selecting your first two wire systems?
Get in touch with us here at Sunshower Online or check out the webinar on Decoding Two Wire Irrigation Control
Happy Irrigating!
Simon Bando
