Frequently Asked Questions |
Please select a topic for answers to frequently asked questions about your WeatherTRAK® smart irrigation solution.
Activating your WeatherTRAK Controller
| Q Once my controller is installed how do I activate it? |
Once your WeatherTRAK controller is programmed in accordance with the included program worksheet, simply call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774 to activate your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere™ service.
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| Q Why do I need to activate the controller? |
Activation of your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service enables us to transmit the critical evapotranspiration (ET) information updates that your WeatherTRAK system needs in order to adjust itself based on local weather conditions.
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| Q Why is the controller beeping? |
WeatherTRAK controllers beep to alert you to certain system issues. The most common issue is that the controller has not been activated. To stop the beeping, simply call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774 to activate your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service.
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| Q How can I tell if my service is active? |
Simply turn the largest knob to the "ET" setting. If you see a date and time below the ET value, your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service is active. If there is no date or time or if you see a series of zeroes, call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774 to activate your service.
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Programming Your WeatherTRAK Controller
| Q How does my controller adjust irrigation as the weather changes? |
Your WeatherTRAK controller leverages evapotranspiration (ET) information from your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere™ service to automatically increase irrigation during periods of hot, dry weather and decrease irrigation during period of cool, humid weather.
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| Q Can I program my existing controller to manage additional landscape areas? |
If your existing WeatherTRAK controller has available stations, your landscape professional can simply connect additional valve wires and program the available stations. If all of your stations are already in use, you can upgrade to a WeatherTRAK solution with a larger station count by contacting WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774.
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| Q When programming my controller, how do I determine the appropriate settings for the plant and soil types in my landscape? |
The Plant and Soil Resources section below provides useful information on the attributes of various common plant and soil types. If you cannot find your plant or soil types in these documents, please email WeatherTRAK Customer Service at support@hydropoint.com.
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| Q How do I switch my WeatherTRAK controller to Fully Automated program mode? |
After your plants are established, switch to Fully Automated program mode by taking the following steps:
- Turn the center knob to PROGRAM.
- Turn the Upper Line knob one click to the right (clockwise).
- The top line of the screen will display “SET PROGRAM MODE STA 01”.
- If the screen displays any USER mode, turn the Lower Line knob to the right until “Fully Automated” displays.
- Turn the Upper Line to the left one click (counter clockwise).
- The top line of the screen will display “SET STA TO PROGRAM”.
- Turn the Lower Line knob to the right one click (clockwise) to advance to the next station of your landscape.
- Repeat steps 1 through 5 above until all stations of your landscape are being watered in Fully Automated mode.
For additional information, please see the Quick Reference card inside your controller's door or call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774.
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| Q How do I adjust my schedule to comply with my water agency's watering restrictions? |
First, check with your local water agency to see if you are exempt from watering restrictions because you have a smart controller.
To modify the allowable water days on your WeatherTRAK ET plus or WeatherTRAK-enabled Toro Intelli-Sense or Irritrol Smart Dial controller:
- Turn the Function knob to SCHEDULE.
- Turn the Upper Line knob to the right (clockwise) until the SELECT WATER DAYS screen appears.
- Turn the Lower Line knob to select the option appropriate for your water day restriction:
- Odd/Even (watering on odd or even days of the month only)
- Interval (watering every other day, every 2 days, every 3 days, etc.)
- Days of the week (watering on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for example)
- Turn the Upper Line knob to the right (clockwise) to see the choices based on your restriction
- Turn the Lower Line knob to select the value appropriate for your water day restriction:
- Odd or Even
- Interval Days (for example, every 3 days)
- Days of the week (by month) - Use the Upper Line to select the month(s) for which the restrictions apply.
- Use the Upper Line to put the cursor under the day(s) you are NOT allowed to water, and use the Lower Line to switch the value to a dash "-".
- Repeat for each month affected by the restrictions
NOTE: By limiting the allowable water days, you may trigger a "Day Alert" indicating that the controller wants to irrigate on a day that is not allowed. You may ignore this alert as your WeatherTRAK smart controller will apply needed water on the next available water day.
Need help? Call WeatherTRAK Customer Service at 1-800-362-8774.
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Adjusting Your WeatherTRAK® Controller
| Q Can I manually control my WeatherTRAK controller? |
Yes. Simply switch to Manual or User Program mode to override the automated settings of your WeatherTRAK controller. To resume using the automated settings, simply return to Fully Automated mode.
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| Q What if I discover broken sprinklers and/or valves? |
Please contact your landscape professional to repair or replace broken sprinklers and valves. If you do not currently work with a landscape professional, referrals are available by contacting WeatherTRAK Customer Service at 1-800-362-8774.
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| Q What if my controller is beeping? |
WeatherTRAK controllers beep to alert you to certain system issues. The most common issue is that the controller has not been activated. To stop the beeping, simply call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774 to activate your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere™ service.
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| Q How do I adjust watering if a zone is too wet or too dry? |
You can fine tune irrigation levels using the Adjust feature by taking the following steps:
- Turn the center knob to ADJUST.
- Turn the Upper Line knob one click to the right (clockwise).
- Turn the Lower Line knob to increase or decrease irrigation levels.
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| Q How do I turn off my irrigation? |
To turn your WeatherTRAK controller off for an extended period of time, simply turn the center knob to OFF. To turn your WeatherTRAK controller off temporarily, simply select the Rain Pause mode and enter the desired number of off days. Your controller will automatically resume watering once this period is over. If you have any questions, please call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774.
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Seasonal Features of Your WeatherTRAK Controller
| Q What is the Rain Pause feature? |
The Rain Pause feature of your WeatherTRAK solution saves water and money by suspending scheduled irrigation after periods of heavy rain. If rainfall in your area exceeds one-eighth of an inch in a 24-hour period, your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere™ service automatically signals your controllers to suspend irrigation the following day. Each day, the WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service will evaluate your local weather conditions to determine if irrigation should resume. When your WeatherTRAK controller is in Rain Pause mode, "Rain Pause" will be displayed on the LED monitor.
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| Q Why does my irrigation sometimes come on when it is raining? |
The WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service leverages
rainfall data from Doppler Radar, the most accurate provider
of rainfall data. Rainfall levels may change in between transmissions
from the Doppler Radar service and your controller may irrigate
according to its normal schedule until the next weather service
transmission is received.
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| Q How do I adjust watering if a zone is too wet or too dry? |
You can fine tune irrigation levels using the Adjust feature by taking the following steps:
- Turn the center knob to ADJUST.
- Turn the Upper Line knob one click to the right (clockwise).
- Turn the Lower Line knob to increase or decrease irrigation levels.
For additional information, please see the Quick Reference card inside your controller's door or call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774.
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| Q How do I adjust watering for frost on my lawn? |
There is no need to adjust your irrigation schedule when frost is present on your lawn. Frost insulates your lawn and generally serves as an indication that plant growth has slowed for the winter.
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Additional Information for Contractors
| Q How do I get my client started with a WeatherTRAK® solution? |
You should begin by collecting the information required on the program worksheet included with each WeatherTRAK solution. Once a controller is programmed in accordance with its worksheet, simply call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774 to activate the WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere™ service.
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| Q When programming the controller, how do I determine the appropriate settings for the plant and soil types in my landscape? |
The Plant and Soil Resources section below provides useful information on the attributes of various common plant and soil types. If you cannot find the appropriate plant or soil types in these documents, please email WeatherTRAK Customer Service at support@hydropoint.com.
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| Q Q. How often does the WeatherTRAK controller get new ET readings? |
The WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service provides evapotranspiration (ET) information updates on a daily basis.
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| Q Can I connect WeatherTRAK solutions to existing irrigation systems? |
Yes. The WeatherTRAK controller will simply replace the existing irrigation clock. The wiring is similar to an ordinary timer. No additional wiring should be necessary.
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| Q Can I manually control the WeatherTRAK controller? |
Yes. Simply switch to Manual or User Program mode to override the automated settings of the WeatherTRAK controller. To resume using the automated settings, simply return to Fully Automated mode.
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| Q How do I adjust watering if a zone is too wet or too dry? |
You can fine tune irrigation levels using the Adjust feature by taking the following steps:
- Turn the center knob to ADJUST.
- Turn the Upper Line knob one click to the right (clockwise).
- Turn the Lower Line knob to increase or decrease irrigation levels.
For additional information, please see the Quick Reference card inside the controller’s door or call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1- 800-362-8774 .
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| Q How do WeatherTRAK solutions determine evapotranspiration (ET) levels? |
WeatherTRAK solutions determine evapotranspiration (ET) levels by analyzing local weather conditions, including solar radiation, temperature, wind and relative humidity, and calculating the amount of irrigation needed to replace the water lost by plants and soil due to these conditions. WeatherTRAK solutions leverage the Penman-Monteith equation, the worldwide standard for estimating plant water use established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
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| Q How do I switch the WeatherTRAK controller to Fully Automated program mode? |
After plants are established, switch to Fully Automated program mode by taking the following steps:
- Turn the center knob to PROGRAM.
- Turn the Upper Line knob one click to the right (clockwise).
- The top line of the screen will display "SET PROGRAM
MODE STA 01".
- If the screen displays any USER mode, turn the Lower
Line knob to the right until ""Fully Automated"
displays.
- Turn the Upper Line to the left one click (counter clockwise).
- The top line of the screen will display "SET STA
TO PROGRAM".
- Turn the Lower Line knob to the right one click (clockwise) to advance to the next station of your landscape.
- Repeat steps 1 through 5 above until all stations of the landscape are being watered in Fully Automated mode.
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Additional Information for Homeowners
| Q How do I get started with my WeatherTRAK® solution? |
WeatherTRAK solutions connect to your irrigation station valve wires just like any other controller. We recommend that you contract with a certified WeatherTRAK solution installer to set up your system. If you do not currently work with a landscape professional, referrals are available by contacting WeatherTRAK Customer Service at 1-800-362-8774.
Your existing landscape professional can also become a certified
WeatherTRAK solution installer by completing the WeatherTRAK
Authorized Contractor Education (ACE) program. This program
is available online and requires approximately 30 minutes to
complete. Additional information on certification and training
is available by calling WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free
at 1-800-362-8774.
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| Q Why are WeatherTRAK solutions good for my landscape? |
Ordinary irrigation systems cannot adjust to changing weather conditions. They generally overwater your landscape, leaving you with high water bills and expensive property damage. WeatherTRAK smart irrigation systems help you save water, money and time by eliminating overwatering. Enjoy luscious landscapes and tremendous savings while protecting the environment and your property investment.
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| Q How often does the WeatherTRAK controller get new ET readings? |
The WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere™ service provides evapotranspiration (ET) information updates on a daily basis.
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| Q How do I adjust watering if a zone is too wet or too dry? |
You can fine tune irrigation levels using the Adjust feature by taking the following steps:
- Turn the center knob to ADJUST.
- Turn the Upper Line knob one click to the right (clockwise).
- Turn the Lower Line knob to increase or decrease irrigation levels.
For additional information, please see the Quick Reference card inside the controller’s door or call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1- 800-362-8774 .
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| Q Can I connect WeatherTRAK solutions to existing irrigation systems? |
Yes. The WeatherTRAK controller will simply replace the existing irrigation clock. The wiring is similar to an ordinary timer. No additional wiring should be necessary.
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| Q Can I manually control my WeatherTRAK controller? |
Yes. Simply switch to Manual or User Program mode to override the automated settings of your WeatherTRAK controller. To resume using the automated settings, simply return to Fully Automated mode.
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| Q How much water will I save? |
While your savings will depend on the size of your landscape and current irrigation practices, WeatherTRAK solutions are proven to reduce water use by up to 59% and irrigation runoff and pollution by up to 71% in both commercial and residential properties. For specific examples, we invite you to read these testimonials from our customers.
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| Q How can I maximize my water savings? |
To maximize your savings, be sure that your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service is activated and your WeatherTRAK controller is operating in the Fully Automated program mode. If you are unsure about the status of your service or controller, please call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774.
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| Q How can I tell if my service is active? |
Simply turn the largest knob to the "ET" setting. If you see a date and time below the ET value, your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service is active. If there is no date or time or if you see a series of zeroes, call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774 to activate your service.
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| Q How much does the service cost? |
WeatherTRAK solutions offer superior ROI compared with other water-saving devices, typically paying for themselves in a matter of months. Your cost will depend on the WeatherTRAK solution you choose, the length of your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service subscription and the rebates available in your area. Volume discounts are available. See our product comparison table for additional information.
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| Q What if my controller is beeping? |
WeatherTRAK controllers beep to alert you to certain system issues. The most common issue is that the controller has not been activated. To stop the beeping, simply call WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774 to activate your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service.
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| Q How do I renew my service? |
You can renew your WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service online or by calling WeatherTRAK Customer Service toll free at 1-800-362-8774.
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Plant and Soil Resources
The documents below provide useful information on the attributes of various common plant and soil types:
If you cannot find your plant or soil types in these documents, please email WeatherTRAK® Customer Service at support@hydropoint.com.
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Glossary
| Q What is the WeatherTRAK® Scheduling Engine? |
The WeatherTRAK Scheduling Engine refers to the software and user interface built into each WeatherTRAK controller. The WeatherTRAK Scheduling Engine walks you through six simple questions about your landscape, then automatically calculates the appropriate irrigation schedule and adjusts the schedule based on changing local weather conditions.
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| Q What is ET? |
Evapotranspiration (ET) is the amount of water used (transpired) by a particular plant species combined with the amount of water lost (evaporated) from the surface of the soil under measured weather conditions. Evapotranspiration is generally expressed as the amount of rainfall needed to replace the amount of water transpired and evaporated over a given period of time, typically days or weeks. WeatherTRAK controllers use the real-time ET data provided daily through the WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere™ service to automatically optimize irrigation schedules.
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| Q What is the difference between Real-Time ET and Historical ET? |
Real-time evapotranspiration (ET), such as that provided by the WeatherTRAK ET Everywhere service, is calculated using actual daily weather data from the local area. Historical ET is based on historic averages of weather conditions across a large region. Analysis has shown that Historical ET can diverge from Real-time ET by as much as 225% on any given day.
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| Q Why is Real-Time ET data so important? |
According to the American Water Works Association and East Bay Municipal Utilities District, most landscapes are overwatered by 30% to 300%, accounting for 80% of all landscape damage. Each year billions of dollars are spent repairing damage from overwatering, including soil erosion, foundation damage, mold and stucco rot, and premature death of mature trees. Real-time ET data enables your irrigation system to adjust to changing local weather conditions, ensuring that your landscape gets just the right amount of water in the right place at the right time. The result is higher property values, lower water bills and a healthier environment.
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Customer Success Stories
