Rain Bird’s new Wi-Fi ready ESP-TM2 irrigation controller is simple to use, offers highly flexible watering schedules and water saving features. End users and contractors can select exactly the right controller to tailor irrigation to the varying needs of different areas, zones and plant types within a landscape.
The ESP-TM2 is attractive to both users and contractors alike. Filling a gap between Rain Bird’s proven ESP-RZX 4/6/8 zone controller and the ESP-ME controller with up to 22 stations, the new ESP-TM2 models are available with four, six, eight and twelve stations. There are three individual programms for each controller and up to four independent start times for each program in order to offer users highly flexible irrigation scheduling.
Good visibility
The controller’s large back-lit LCD display gives good visibility in low light or bright sun. Quick programming can be undertaken in just three steps for ease of set-up. The turn dial is easy to navigate and simple to set for automatic and manual irrigation, date/time, run times and seasonal adjustment which allows easy reduction or increase of watering.
Advanced programming features include Permanent Days Off to postpone watering schedules when maintenance is planned or alternatively this facility can be used to set odd/even or cyclical irrigation schedules. Watering can be delayed up to 14 days and automatically resumed after the set delay has elapsed. Furthermore, a Contractor Default™ setting allows the user to save and restore a custom irrigation schedule easily.
Rain sensor
There is an option to add a Rain Bird WR2 or RSD-BEX rain sensor to shut off irrigation in the event of rainfall, but a by-pass is also available for any station, giving the user or contractor the ability to customise which stations react to the sensor. There is also a one-touch manual watering facility.
For off-site management and programming, real-time alerts and the use of other advanced water management tools, ESP-TM2 controllers can be enabled for Wi-Fi remote control by iOS and Android mobile devices. This is achieved by simply plugging in Rain Bird’s separate LNK WiFi module into the controller’s accessory port. The readily available Rain Bird App can then be used for all remote programming and irrigation scheduling – particularly useful for contractors who manage installations and can save significantly on site visits.
Internet-based weather information can also be used, allowing daily adjustments to be made to the irrigation schedule in accordance with forecasts, potentially offering 30% water savings.
The ESP-TM2 controller can be installed indoors or outside and operates at 230 VAC @ 50/60 Hz. Operating temperature is up to 65°C.