Rain Bird released the ESP-LXIVM Series, two new controllers for two-wire irrigation systems that provide large, challenging sites with advanced water management tools, diagnostics and a host of new features.
The ESP-LXIVM standard model can support up to 60 stations, while the “Pro” model can manage larger sites with up to 240 stations. Both feature Rain Bird’s new Integrated Valve Module (IVM), a “smart valve” that maintains constant communication with the controller.
“The IVM technology not only eliminates the need for decoders, and with it, 50 percent of splices,” Amar Thiraviam, senior product manager for Rain Bird’s commercial controllers, said. “The powerful microcontroller in the IVM ‘smart valve’ also takes two-wire system reliability and diagnostics to a whole new level.”
The LXIVM’s advanced diagnostics include a self-healing feature that automatically detects fixes to wire path and splice issues and restarts irrigation without manual intervention. A two-wire mapping feature maps integrated devices to corresponding wire paths to quickly find and resolve issues. Supported field devices include the IVM-SOL for controlling stations or master valves, the IVM-OUT to manage third-party valves or devices, the IVM-SEN for controlling weather or flow sensors, and the IVM-SD for surge protection on the two-wire path.
LXIVM’s advanced flow management tools include FloWatch, which alerts to high- and low-flow conditions, and FloManager, which manages hydraulic demand, which can simultaneously activate multiple stations. Optional weather sensors are programmable by station to prevent or pause watering. Additional water management features include cycle and soak, seasonal adjust (by program or month), station delay and rain delay, among others.
The ESP-LXIVM boasts an extra-large, easy-to-read backlit LCD display. Users can select from six available languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese. The ESP-LXIVM features up to 10 independent programs, while the ESP-LXIVM Pro can manage up to 40. All programs can have up to eight start times, and users can also start stations or programs manually as needed.
“Users will enjoy the easy user interface, powerful diagnostics and the ability to seamlessly integrate with our new IQ4 central control platform,” Barbara Booth, Rain Bird’s specification sales and marketing manager, said.