The GARDENA Water Control Select (Art. 1891) is an automatic watering system designed for private use in domestic and hobby gardens, exclusively for outdoor use. It controls sprinklers and watering systems, and can be used for automatic watering during holidays.
Function Description:
The Water Control Select allows users to set up to three independent watering schedules (P1, P2, P3). Each schedule can be configured with a specific start time, run time, and frequency (weekdays). The current weekday is underlined on the display. Schedules can be activated or deactivated individually by pressing the On/Off button. The device features a rotary knob for changing settings and navigating through menus. Pressing the knob confirms the input, and holding it for a minimum of 3 seconds locks or unlocks the display.
An optional Soil Moisture Sensor (Art. 1188) can be connected to the Water Control. When connected, the word "Sensor" will be displayed. This sensor allows the system to detect soil moisture levels, and watering will not be carried out if the soil is sufficiently wet, as determined by the switching point controller on the sensor. This feature helps conserve water by preventing unnecessary irrigation. Active (manual) watering is not affected by the soil moisture sensor.
Manual watering can be initiated or stopped at any time by pressing the dedicated button. Users can select a duration for manual watering between 1 minute and 59 minutes. The device also displays battery condition and soil moisture level (0 drops = dry, 3 drops = wet/no irrigation).
Important Technical Specifications:
- Min./max. operating pressure: 0.5 bar / 12 bar
- Operating temperature range: 5 °C to 50 °C
- Flow medium: Clear fresh water
- Max. liquid temperature: 40 °C
- Program-controlled watering sequences per day: 3
- Program-controlled watering sequences per week: max. 21
- Watering duration: 3 x 1 min. – 7 hrs 59 min.
- Battery required: 1 x 9V alkaline manganese battery, Type IEC 6LR61
- Operating time of the battery: approx. 1 year
- Minimum water output for correct function: 20 – 30 l/h (e.g., at least 10 x 2-litre Drip Heads for Micro-Drip-System)
- Connection: 26.5 mm G3/4" + Ø 33.3mm G1"
Usage Features:
- Setting Time and Day: The device allows setting the current time (hours and minutes) and day of the week (Mon – Sun).
- Programming Schedules: Users can choose from three time plans (P1, P2, P3) and set their start time, run time, and specific weekdays for irrigation.
- Display Lock: The display can be locked/unlocked by pressing the rotary knob for 3 seconds to prevent accidental changes.
- Battery Indicator: The display shows the battery condition, indicating when replacement is needed (flashing symbol).
- Soil Moisture Sensor Integration: Compatible with GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor (Art. 1188) for water-saving, demand-based irrigation.
- Manual Watering: Instant start/stop of watering with adjustable duration.
- Vertical Setup: The Water Control must be set up vertically with the sleeve nut to the top to prevent water from penetrating the battery compartment.
- High Temperature Behavior: At temperatures over 70 °C, the LCD display may extinguish but the program continues to run. The display illuminates again when the computer cools down.
Maintenance Features:
- Battery Replacement: To ensure safe operation, only a 9V alkaline manganese battery (alkaline) type IEC 6LR61 must be used. The battery should be replaced when the battery symbol flashes, especially before long periods of absence, to prevent system failure.
- Storage: For storage, the product should be kept away from children. The battery should be removed (as shown in Fig. B). The controller and valve unit should be stored in a dry, enclosed, and frost-free place.
- Disposal: The product must not be disposed of with normal household waste but in line with local environmental regulations (in accordance with RL2012/19/EC). Flat batteries should be returned to a GARDENA dealer or disposed of at a recycling centre when discharged.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as no display, manual watering not possible, watering program not running, and the Water Control not closing. Remedies include checking battery insertion/charge, turning on the tap, mounting the controller correctly, ensuring minimum pressure, avoiding program overlaps, checking soil moisture/rain sensor settings, connecting more drip heads, and flushing a soiled valve.
- Service and Warranty: For malfunctions, contact the GARDENA service department. Repairs must only be done by GARDENA service departments or approved specialist dealers. The product comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty for original GARDENA new products, provided they are used for their intended purpose, not opened or repaired by unauthorized parties, and only original GARDENA parts are used. Damage from incorrectly installed or leaking batteries, or frost, is not covered by the warranty.
- Children under 16 and individuals unfamiliar with the operating instructions should not use the product. Persons with reduced physical or mental abilities may use it only under supervision or instruction. Children must be supervised to ensure they do not play with the product.
- Never operate the product when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medicine.
- The Water Control must not be used for industrial purposes or in conjunction with chemicals, foodstuffs, easily flammable, and explosive materials.
- Avoid tensile strain; do not pull the hose connected to the Water Control.
- If the control section is removed while the valve is open, the valve remains open until the control section is reattached.
- The product generates an electromagnetic field during operation, which may interfere with active or passive medical implants. Individuals with such implants should consult their physician and implant manufacturer before operating the product.
- Small parts can be swallowed, posing a risk of suffocation. Keep toddlers away during assembly.