RAIN BIRD® DEVELOPS NEW ET MANAGER CARTRIDGE
FOR THE ESP-LX MODULAR CONTROLLER
Easily upgrades the ESP-LX to a weather-based system
AZUSA, Calif., (January 8, 2009)-- Irrigation controllers that make automatic schedule adjustments based on changing weather conditions can ensure that water is applied to landscapes only when it's needed. Long a leader in this area, Rain Bird is now building on this success by introducing a simple, fast and cost-effective way to upgrade its popular ESP-LX Modular Controller to an evapotranspiration (ET)/weather-based smart controller with the ET Manager Cartridge.
The ET Manager Cartridge easily upgrades new or existing ESP-LX Modular Controllers to utilize professional grade smart weather technology. The cartridge receives hourly weather information from a local Weather Reach Signal Provider (WRSP). Using temperature, wind, solar radiation, humidity and rainfall information along with any site-specific settings, the ET Manager Cartridge automatically adjusts irrigation schedules accordingly. The ET Manager Cartridge also gives the ESP-LX Modular Controller the ability to display real-time weather conditions and log all system activity, including the amount of water applied and the number of days watered.
The ET Manager Cartridge offers a variety of other outstanding benefits. Its ET technology eliminates the need for irrigation contractors to travel to controller sites to make weather-based adjustments or programming changes. Using the ET Manager Cartridge with the ESP-LX Modular Controller can also translate to 30-50% water savings by eliminating watering in wet or windy conditions. Four separate moisture balance settings efficiently water various plant types, keeping them healthy by not over-watering and by properly watering to promote deep root growth.
Because of the ESP-LX Modular Controller's unmatched flexibility, installation takes only a few minutes. Simply open the controller's outer door, mount the included ET Manager Receiver (antenna), snap the ET cartridge into the back of the controller and connect a couple of wires (it's not even necessary to power down the controller.) An easy-to-use set-up wizard walks users through all key parameter settings.
"The ESP-LX Modular Controller has always been a flexible, reliable and user-friendly choice for residential and commercial applications," said Jeremy Schalk, marketing group manager for Rain Bird. "The new ET Manager Cartridge upgrade takes the ESP-LX Modular's water efficiency to a new level, saving installers time, and property owners money by eliminating water waste and improving landscape health."
For more information about the Rain Bird ESP-LX Modular Controller, the ET Manager Cartridge or any of Rain Bird's other irrigation products, visit www.rainbird.com or call 1-800-RAINBIRD.
ABOUT RAIN BIRD:
Based in Azusa, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. Since its beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird has offered the industry's broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes in more than 130 countries around the globe. Rain Bird has been awarded more than 130 patents, including the first in 1935 for the impact sprinkler. Rain Bird and The Intelligent Use of WaterTM are about using water wisely. Its commitment extends beyond products to education, training and services for the industry and the community. Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing assembly facilities in the United States, France, Sweden and Mexico. www.rainbird.com.
###
For More Information Contact:
Lynette Von Minden
(402) 437-6457
lynettev@swansonrussell.com
