SWITCH TO RAINBIRD IQ
As with all technology, when the new version comes along, the older versions become obsolete and eventually phased out.  That is apparently what is happening with Rainbird ET Manager . Since their new technology, IQ was released several years ago. We stopped promoting and selling ET Manager about a year ago when Rainbird IQ was introduced, which is a much better technology.  We had heard that the possibility of the technology being phased out might occur, which we are beginning to see that. 

In June 2016 Rain Bird dropped the ET Manager Cartridge used with the ESP-LXME controller. This action led to a decision by Rain Bird to discontinue subsidizing the cost to broadcast the Weather Reach Signal. Effective December 31, 2016 the "Free" Weather Reach Signal will no longer be available. Effective December 31, 2016 the "Free" Pager Signal will no longer be available.

Beginning in 2017, this previously free service will no longer be complimentary through Rainbird but instead be provided through a third party, Weather Reach .  The annual charge will be $88 per controller.

Cellular communication for IQ was always included an annual charge, which has been part of the resistance of some converting a and been part of the problem encouraging users to convert as there is a hardware cost to convert followed by an annual communication fee compared to free.  

WATER RATES ARE RISING


If you haven't already adopted some form of water conservation technology, you should again consider it. Water rates are rising throughout the Portland area annually 6-15%. 
This year Hillsboro Raises Rates 9%: http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsborowater
Tualatin Valley Water District Raises Rates 14.5%: https://www.tvwd.org/news
 
 
The BAD NEWS:   Water rates continue to rise by 5-10% per year.
The GOOD NEWS:   Weather Based Irrigation Control can help reduce this skyrocketing expense.  

RAINBIRD IQ IS THE NEW AND IMPROVED WATER MANAGEMENT TOOL

Rainbird IQ provides 2-way communication and remote access to controllers. This allows quicker and more cost-effective programming and monitoring. In addition, IQ allows for optional flow sensing, increasing its value in detecting problems on an irrigation system before plant health symptoms show up. 

THE NEW RAINBIRD IQ ALLOWS REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL 
With the new  Rainbird IQ , an irrigation controller can be accessed from any computer, smartphone or tablet. This allows us to manage system control from anywhere, adjust programming as needed based on site needs and upcoming events, and trouble shoot hardware and delivery system without going to the physical controller. This is accomplished with Wi-Fi and cellular communication.
 
RAINBIRD IQ ALLOWS FOR FUTURE ABILITY TO MONITOR FLOW
An additional new technological advancement is flow sensing and control. Even with a properly programmed weather based controller, all is lost if the delivery system has a malfunction. Stuck or inactive valves, as well as pipe and head breaks are difficult to detect as most systems operate at night.
 
Flow monitoring allows a system to self-evaluate and either shut down or send an alarm of a problem to help increase the timeliness of repair.
  • Add an extra level of security to your irrigation system.
  • Automatically closes the valve if break is detected.
  • Automatically diagnoses problem flows and sends email alerts.
  • Upload flow logs to track water use.
 
Rainbird IQ facilitates this flow monitoring and control but requires the installation of a Flow Meter and Master Valve. We will be evaluating sites that upgrade to Rainbird IQ and propose the installation and connection of Flow Meters and Master Valves as a part of future budgets.


Visit our website http://www.pacscape.com  
or the Rainbird IQ website at  http://www.rainbird.com

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