CS3000 User’s Guide
Calsense 43
ET and Weather Sensors
The CS3000 irrigates based on real-time evapotranspiration (ET) allowing the controller to automatically
calculate each station’s run time before irrigation. Evapotranspiration is the process by which water
transpires from the leaves of a plant and evaporates from the soil. This process is also known as “plant
sweat” which is essential when understanding how much water is needed in each area. There are many
factors that influence ET such as temperature, wind, solar radiation, and humidity. This data changes
daily which is why irrigating based on ET ensures more accurate irrigation. ET data can come from an on-
site ET Gage (model ETG) or Calsense’s WEATHERSENSE feature on Command Center Online.
At the start of an irrigation day, 8:00 PM, the previous day’s ET value is stored for historical purposes.
The controller then uses the new daily ET value to calculate each station’s irrigation time based on the
total ET for all days since the last irrigation. Additionally, by using the site’s physical conditions such as
plant material, head type, and exposure, the controller automatically determines how long to run each
cycle and soak between cycles to minimize run-off.
Specifying Use of Real-Time Weather
Use ET, Rain, and Wind provides the ability to select which station group will use ET to calculate run
times, rain to offset irrigation, or wind to pause irrigation. Note: The wind column is only visible if there
an on-site Wind Gage (model WG-1) enabled.
To edit the Use of ET, Rain, and Wind screen (Figure 31):
1. From the Main Menu, navigate to Weather & Sensors and select Use of ET, Rain, and Wind. The
Use of ET, Rain, and Wind screen displays.
2. Navigate to desired Station Group and use +/- to specify which groups use real-time weather
conditions.
Note: If ET or rain is disabled for a Station Group, the controller generates an alert daily at midnight to
remind you that the group does not meet the EPA WaterSense standards.
Figure 31: Use of ET, Rain, and Wind Screen
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