At SALTEX last week Toro was demonstrating the latest in hi-tech irrigation products for municipal, landscaping and sport sites with the launch of TriComm – a brand new internet-based off-site control system – and the first public showing of its Turf Decoder Controller (TDC) unit, already finding success in its first installations.
TriComm is a new control system that brings the power and functionality of off-site central control within reach of smaller municipal and commercial applications. The system communicates using cellular data transmission from a Wireless Smart Terminal through the internet. This makes it more affordable and easier to operate than many comparable systems.
TriComm enables Toro TMC-424 irrigation controllers to be remotely programmed and monitored from a web-enabled PC, mobile phone or other handheld device, thus saving valuable time and site visits. The system is easy to install and operate and incorporates an alarm feature that notifies different mobile devices when activated. This way, users can reduce amounts of water that otherwise would be wasted.
It also updates to the TriComm web-based interface automatically, without disturbing controller programming or user access. The system requires no software updates or annual renewal fees, and no instalment purchases. TriComm is available to buy at Saltex.
Launched earlier this year, and making its public debut, Toro’s revolutionary new TDC system reduces installation and cable costs significantly, enables users to optimise their use of water and gives great flexibility of design and configuration. It is ideal for sports grounds, as well as large, intricate and commercial installations, long plantings, industrial parks or boulevards. In all these examples, TDC is a powerful and cost-effective, easy-to-install alternative to traditional multicore irrigation control systems.
The beauty of the new system is that it uses a single, 2-core x 2.5mm2 cable to communicate with buried decoders. This enables it to operate many more sprinkler stations – up to 200 per cable path, and with up to 20 stations operating simultaneously – from only one or two cable paths per site. It also eliminates the costs associated with traditional valve wire bundles. New TDC decoders can be installed as far away as 4,500m from the controller.
Toro turf machinery, irrigation and consumer turf products are distributed throughout mainland UK by Lely (UK) Limited, 1 Station Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire (tel: 01480 226800). Toro Commercial Products are distributed in Ireland by Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare (tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170).
Toro www.toro.com