WeatherTRAK controllers provide 4 options for pausing irrigation in the event of rain. Read on to learn more about choosing the method that best fits your needs.
Option One: WeatherTRAK Rain Pause
How it works
The WeatherTRAK Rain Pause calculates a pause duration based on rainfall amounts within your microzone. This is based on the precipitation gathered at local weather stations. In the event of rain, a message is sent to the WeatherTRAK controller to pause your system. Messages to pause your system are sent daily to the controller.
Pros
The WeatherTRAK Rain Pause is not dependent on a sensor, and data is updated based on precipitation and ET. The WeatherTRAK Rain Pause is a maintenance-free solution to handling rainfall and irrigation adjustments.
Cons
Irrigation may occur in the interim between a storm and a message being sent to the controller. The WeatherTRAK Rain Pause may not catch highly localized rain events such as microbursts.
How do I get it and use it?
WeatherTRAK Rain Pause is automatically enabled and included with your WeatherTRAK subscription. You do not need to do anything to make it work.
To Enable or Disable WeatherTRAK Rain Pause, visit the Manage Controller page on WeatherTRAK Central. It is found under Advanced Options.
Learn more: Removing a WeatherTRAK Rain Pause
Option Two: Rain Sensor
How it works
A compatible "click style" rain sensor is installed on your site. When it rains, the sensor shuts off irrigation immediately.
Pros
Immediate shut-off stops irrigation during a rain event. Good for micro storms.
Cons
Rain sensors have a shelf life and will need to be replaced. Sensors can sometimes cause irrigation to resume early.
How do I get it and use it?
You will need to purchase and install a compatible rain sensor. A compatible rain sensor is any normally closed rain sensor.
Option Three: User Rain Pause
How it works
User Rain Pause is user-defined. You decide when you want to suspend irrigation and when you want to resume irrigation in the event of rain.
Pros
Ability to pause based on the forecast, and pause immediately if you see rain. Can be done from the controller, from WeatherTRAK Central, or from your mobile device.
Cons
If the WeatherTRAK rain pause feature is disabled, Irrigation will still occur during a rain event unless the user takes action to pause the controller.
How do I get it and use it?
User Rain Pause is a built-in feature of your controller.
To set a user rain pause read: Creating, Canceling & Viewing a Rain Pause
Option Four: Rain Share
How it works
RainShare enables one rain sensor to be shared with multiple controllers on a site.
Pros
Only one rain sensor is needed, cutting down on purchase and maintenance costs.
Cons
Other controllers on a site may stay paused if the WeatherTRAK rain pause feature on that specific controller is not disabled.
How do I get it and use it?
RainShare is available on controllers with firmware versions 7.8.1 or higher and is enabled through weathertrak.net.
Learn more: What is RainShare?