The user can configure intermittent sprinkler timing via two dashboard dials labeled TimeON and TimeOFF, each accepting values from 0 to 240 minutes. These values are transmitted from Home Assistant to AR1 via MQTT topics home/peripheral1/TimeON and home/peripheral1/TimeOFF. AR1 stores them both in RAM variables for immediate use and in EEPROM for persistence across power cycles, ensuring that manually configured timing survives Arduino reboots without requiring re-entry. AR1 then forwards these values to AR3 via RS-485 configuration frames in the format CFG:INT|ON_MIN:n|OFF_MIN:m, allowing AR3 to potentially use them, though in practice AR3's autonomous mode ignores these settings and uses its own built-in timing tables.
AR1 implements the intermittent cycling locally for remote/manual mode operation, providing two distinct driver modes that the operator can select. In recirculation mode, when the operator enables peripheral1 (sprinkler system), AR1 first ensures the pump is running, then begins cycling P1 according to the configured timing. Each cycle consists of TimeON milliseconds with relay energized (pass-through, water to sprinklers) followed by TimeOFF milliseconds with relay de-energized (recirculation, water to tank). The pump remains continuously on throughout this cycling.
In pump mode, AR1 takes a different approach: when the user enables peripheral1, AR1 sets P1 to pass-through (energized) and leaves it there continuously. Instead of cycling the valve, AR1 cycles the pump itself, turning it on for TimeON milliseconds and off for TimeOFF milliseconds. This mode reduces total pump runtime and can be more efficient for very long off times because the diesel engine cools between cycles and the battery has opportunity to recover some charge.
However, pump mode carries risks that recirculation mode avoids. Each pump start consumes significant battery power through the diesel starter motor, potentially 200 amperes for several seconds. If battery capacity is marginal, the pump might fail to restart after an off cycle. Additionally, frequent pump starting causes wear on the diesel starter motor and the engine itself, potentially shortening service life. For these reasons, AR1 implements safety gates that must be satisfied before pump mode is allowed.
<< Manual Remote Control Features | | Manual Remote Control Features cont >> |Table of Contents>