Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up zone properties correctly ensures accurate evapotranspiration (ET) calculations when using weather-based watering. These settings apply to both BaseStation 1000 and BaseStation 3200 controllers and can also improve soil moisture sensor-based irrigation programming.
Accessing Zone Properties
1. Click on the Devices tab in BaseManager.
2. Choose Zones from the menu.
3. Select the zone you want to configure from the list.
4. Click on Additional Zone Properties.
5. Click Edit to begin modifying the zone settings.
Configuring Irrigation Information
The irrigation information section defines the sprinkler characteristics for the zone, including application rate and distribution uniformity.
1. Select a sprinkler type from the dropdown menu. Several preset options are available, each with pre-assigned application rate and distribution uniformity values.
2. Alternatively, select Custom to manually enter your own application rate and distribution uniformity rate.
Information buttons are available next to each field. Click these buttons to view helpful dialogue boxes that explain what the field represents and what settings are available.
Setting Up Basic Plant Information
The plant information section allows you to define landscape characteristics using either basic or detailed settings. The basic option provides simplified configuration for common scenarios.
1. Select Basic Plant Information as your configuration method.
2. Set the Root Depth for the plants in the zone.
3. Choose a crop coefficient option:
- Cool Season Turf
- Warm Season Turf
- Custom – allows you to set your own crop coefficient value
4. Set the Sun Exposure for the zone.
Setting Up Detailed Plant Information
For more precise control over zone characteristics, the detailed plant information option provides additional parameters that affect ET calculations.
1. Select Detailed Plant Information as your configuration method.
2. Set the Root Depth for the plants in the zone.
3. Set the Species Factor for the plants.
4. Configure the Density factor for the zone.
5. Configure the Microclimate factor for the zone.
6. Optionally, select Monthly Values to set different density and microclimate factors for each month. This allows you to modify the shape of the ET curve to match specific plant types, such as adjusting for trees versus turf.
Configuring Soil Information
1. Select the Soil Type from the dropdown menu.
2. Set the Allowable Depletion value for the soil.
3. Enter the Slope percentage for the zone.
Reviewing Suggested Irrigation Settings
At the bottom of the additional zone properties section, the system displays a suggested irrigation cycle and soak time. These values are calculated automatically based on all the zone settings you have configured, including irrigation information, plant characteristics, and soil properties.
These suggested values are not applied automatically to your programming. However, an option is available to use these settings if you choose to do so.
Adding Notes and Saving
1. If desired, add any notes about the zone in the Notes field.
2. Click Save to apply all changes to the zone properties.
Video Walkthrough
If you have questions, here are 3 ways to get answers:
1. Search within this HydroPoint knowledgebase
2. Visit the HydroPoint support page
3. Call 800-362-8774 or email support@hydropoint.com, hours are Mon-Fri 3:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT and Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT.