FAQ

Smart irrigation system: frequently asked questions

The most common questions on automatic irrigation, AI decisions, batteries, range, compatibility and installation. If your answer is not here, write to us.

What is a smart irrigation system?

A system that waters by the site's real need. Instead of a fixed calendar it looks at the weather forecast, soil moisture and plant condition. In ESTRON the AI makes that decision and sends it over LoRaWAN to battery-powered valve controllers. Details: smart irrigation system.

Does it work with my existing irrigation system?

Yes. The battery valve controller fits your existing solenoid valve. It is compatible with all standard solenoids. Pipes, sprinklers and valves stay unchanged.

Does it work with drip and sprinkler irrigation?

Yes. The controller opens and closes the solenoid valve; the irrigation method does not matter. Drip is common on narrow medians, sprinklers on wide lawns. Both are managed in the same panel as separate lines.

Can it be used with treated or rainwater?

Yes. The controller controls the valve; it does not depend on the water source. It works the same with treated wastewater, a rainwater tank or well water. The flow sensor measures any source. Türkiye's xeriscape decree gives priority to treated water for irrigation; see the xeriscape decree.

Do I need to pull cables?

No. The unit runs on 2 × 9 V batteries. No mains supply and no data cable. No digging and no cable ducts.

How long do the batteries last?

Battery life depends on reporting frequency. With infrequent reporting it lasts for years. The panel and the mobile app warn when the battery runs low, so it is replaced before it runs out. Details: low battery consumption.

How is the battery replaced?

When the battery runs low, the panel and the mobile app warn you. On site the cover is opened and the 2 × 9 V batteries are replaced; it takes minutes. The schedule stays in the controller's memory; no reload is needed. See changing the battery.

What is the LoRaWAN range?

Up to 2 km in the city and up to 10 km in open terrain. Buildings and trees shorten the range. The gateway is placed at a high, open point. Details: LoRa range.

How many gateways do I need?

One gateway is enough for most parks and estates. The ATL413LW supports up to 25,000 devices. On very large or obstructed sites a second gateway extends coverage. We decide together during the site survey. Gateway details: system components.

Does irrigation stop when the internet is down?

No. The program is stored in the unit's internal memory. Without a connection the last program keeps running. When the connection returns, the records are uploaded to the panel. Details: irrigation continues even when the internet is down.

What does the AI base its decision on?

Satellite data (NDVI and soil moisture), hourly weather forecast, water demand calculated with FAO-56, and irrigation history. If rain is expected or soil moisture is sufficient, it does not water that day. The reason for every decision is logged. Details: AI irrigation.

At what time is watering done?

Before dawn or right after sunset. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's xeriscape guidance recommends the same hours; daytime watering loses more to evaporation and wind. In ESTRON you set the watering window per line. The AI decides in the morning; watering runs inside the window.

What does the system do in winter?

At season end the schedule is stopped from the panel. The controller stays in the valve box; the battery stays in. Draining the lines is part of the existing irrigation infrastructure. On days with frost expected the AI postpones watering anyway. Step by step: how to winterize an irrigation system.

Can I override the AI decision?

Yes. You write rules in your own words and the AI follows them. You can switch to manual mode or a fixed schedule at any time. Safety limits always apply.

How much water does it save?

Compared with fixed-schedule irrigation, up to 40% less water is used. The savings come from postponing or shortening irrigation on rainy and cool days. Details: how water is saved.

How are water leaks detected?

The flow sensor measures water use. Flow while the valve is closed raises a leak alarm. Low flow points to a blockage; high flow points to a broken pipe. The alarm goes to the panel, the app, e-mail and SMS. Details: leak detection.

Which phones does the mobile app run on?

iOS 14 and later, and Android 7 and later. On site it connects over Bluetooth within 10 m of the valve; no internet is needed. Details: landscape irrigation software.

What happens if a device is stolen?

The unit is password protected. A stolen device cannot be used in another account. Details: secure connection.

How does installation start?

With a site survey. We assess the site together and decide the valve count and gateway location. Large sites start with a pilot zone. Because the infrastructure does not change, installation is quick. Steps: how is it installed?

Can a municipality host it on its own server?

Yes. The software can run on the organisation's own server. Integration with existing SCADA systems is possible. Details: for municipalities.

Can I manage several sites from one panel?

Yes. There is a company → area → irrigation line hierarchy. Each client or site is kept separate. Permissions are role based. Details: for landscaping companies.

What does a smart irrigation system cost?

It depends on the site. Valve count, gateway count, version (BLE or BLE-LoRa) and sensors set the price. Existing pipes, sprinklers and valves stay, so there is no infrastructure cost. Details: smart irrigation system cost.

Do I need cables for central irrigation control?

No. A battery controller fits each valve and connects to the cloud over LoRaWAN. All valves are managed remotely from one panel. Details: central irrigation control system.

Which languages is the software available in?

Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, French and Italian. Details: landscape irrigation software.