The Switch-Hitter is installed in-line between the valve

Since the Checkmate II has a sufficient internal power supply,

it can activate a properly working solenoid. By connecting the

test leads to the solenoid you can determine if the solenoid is

or is not working, if it's mechanically malfunctioning, if the

coil is burned out, or if it's drawing too much power. You can

also perform these tests at the controller. You can test the

wires from the OEM brass bibcock Manufacturers valve to the controller. By connecting the

Checkmate II at the valve and activating the valve station at

the controller you can find out if the valve is receiving

current from the controller. You can also test the individual

station at the controller to determine if the controller is

activating the station in question. There are no switches or

dials to adjust on the Checkmate II. All you have to do is

connect the test leads to the appropriate connections at the

valve, solenoid, or controller and let the unit do its thing.

Another clever device made by NIS is the "Switch-Hitter". This

unit is an auxiliary controller. It allows you to turn a valve

station into a multiple valve station without having to run more

wires from the controller to the valve box. Available in either

two or four station models it allows you to upgrade a system

simply and efficiently as well as bypass broken wires, thus

avoiding the problem of replacing hundreds of feet of wire

running under sidewalks or other obstacles.

A good example would be a typical irrigation situation. You

have all encountered the problem of of an irrigated zone

encompassing several lawn areas with varying water requirements.

One half of the lawn needs ten minutes of water and the other

half needs five minutes. The result is either a swampy area

that makes mowing or maintenance difficult or a desert area

which is unsightly. The Switch-Hitter allows you to install

another valve to be run off the same station controller. One

valve would be for the high water requirement area and the other

for the low water need area. The Switch-Hitter is installed

in-line between the valve and the controller. The controller is

set to water for fifteen minutes. Switch-Hitter station A is

set for five minutes and station B is set for ten minutes. And

there you have it! Each lawn area receives the proper amount of

water. Your garden and landscaping will appreciate it.

NIS also makes a universal solenoid called "Super Max". This

product allows you to replace nearly any solenoid. It comes

with a threaded adapter, different length plungers, and

different dimension "O" rings.

So, there you have it. This is by no means a complete review of

the many time, money, and labor saving devices available for

irrigation specialists and others in the Green Industry, but it

should give you a pretty good idea of the kinds of things you

can do to run a more efficient operation.

About the Author:

Jack Stone is a Contributing Editor for ProGardenBiz Magazine,

an online magazine for professional gardeners and landscape

contractors. Visit ProGardenBiz to find out how you can get a

free subscription, start-up guidance, business ideas and

inspiration at http://progardenbiz.