Acclima - RS500 Soil Moisture Controller

The RS500 works with your existing sprinkler timer, incorporating cutting edge moisture sensing technology to prevent over watering. A timer or clock has traditionally governed automated sprinkler control systems. Day in and day out, rain or shine, these clocks faithfully water our landscapes. Because they water according to time, and not according to the level of moisture in the soil, they waste a tremendous amount of water.

The RS500 overcomes the problem of chronic over watering through use of the Acclima Digital TDT Moisture Sensor. The sensor constantly measures soil moisture and will only allow a water cycle when the moisture drops below a "turn on" threshold that you have set. During the hottest part of the year, soil moisture is depleted more rapidly and the system will water more frequently. Then when the temperature cools, or you get a big rainstorm, the system will inhibit watering until the moisture level in the ground falls below the threshold.

The RS500 Installs in just 3 easy steps

Step 1

Bury the sensor in the turf's root zone and connect to a nearby valve box.

NOTE: the sensor uses the wires already inside the valve box to communicate with the controller.

Step 2

Connect the RS500 to your existing standard controller. Set your timer to water everyday or as frequently as possible.

Step 3

Determine your unique moisture threshold (follow in instructions in the installation manual) and program it into the RS500.

Before the timer waters the RS500 takes a soil moisture reading from the sensor. If the moisture level in the soil is above your threshold the RS500 suspends watering. If the moisture level is below your threshold the RS500 will allow the timer to water.