I wanted to share a fun and practical use case for my Z-Wave irrigation system. My wife recently developed the habit of smoking on the front steps, which I find both annoying and concerning. The steps are between two flower patches that were previously irrigated by an old Rainbird dial controller. Here’s how I turned this into a smart solution:
Products Needed:
- Z-Wave 120 VAC 15-Amp Duplex Wall Outlet
- Door sensor
Installed Apps:
- Countdown timer
- Wunderground Weather Plugin
- IPhone Detector Plugin
- MultiSwitch
- Program Logic Event Generator (PLC)
Setup:
I removed the AC adaptor from the sprinkler controller panel and wired it directly into the valves. The adaptor is now plugged into the Z-Wave outlet. This allows me to control the sprinklers via the outlet.
Scheduling:
Using the weather plugin, I set up a watering schedule that activates once a week unless it’s raining or expected to rain. I also programmed it to water on days when the temperature is around 80°F.
Randomized Delay:
I noticed that my wife takes about 20 seconds to settle on the steps. I randomized the delay between 30 seconds and 2 minutes to avoid her making the connection between opening the door and the sprinklers activating.
Safeguards:
To ensure I don’t get wet, I added two safeguards. First, I use a Z-Wave light switch near the front door to discreetly turn the sprinklers on and off. Second, I set the countdown timer to reset after 10 minutes to prevent accidental reactivation.
Conclusion:
This setup has been surprisingly effective! It’s a fun way to encourage my wife to smoke elsewhere while keeping the lawn hydrated. Plus, it’s a great example of how smart home technology can solve everyday problems in creative ways. 