Method and means for reading the status of and controlling irrigation components

A device for reading the status of and controlling irrigation equipment, comprising:

• a single, hand held remote user interface, having at least:
• (a) wireless telemetry means for transmitting data between the remote user interface and the irrigation equipment;
• (b) means for displaying data received from the irrigation equipment as a plurality of GUIs that are shaped to identify the type of irrigation equipment and the operational characteristics of the irrigation equipment;
• and
• (c) means for directly controlling the irrigation equipment in accordance with commands received from a user.

The method of remotely determining the status of and controlling irrigation equipment, comprising the steps of:

• providing a single handheld RUI comprising a display and wireless telemetry means for receiving and transmitting data between the remote user interface and the irrigation equipment;
• displaying graphic user interfaces on said RUI to enable a user to determine the status of the irrigation equipment;
• and
• manipulating said graphic user interfaces to directly control the operation of the irrigation components and ancillary equipment.

A remote user interface for reading the status of and controlling irrigation equipment, comprising:

• a hand-held display;
• a processor;
• wireless telemetry means for transmitting signals and data between the remote user interface and the irrigation equipment;
• and
• software operable on said processor for:
• (a) displaying data received from the irrigation equipment as a plurality of GUIs that are configured to present said data as status information on said display and shaped to identify particular types of irrigation equipment;
• (b) receiving a user's commands to control the irrigation equipment, through said user's manipulation of said GUIs to change the appearance of said GUIs so that said GUIs portray specific operational characteristics of the irrigation equipment represented by said GUIs;
• and
• (c) transmitting signals to the irrigation equipment to control the irrigation equipment in accordance with said users commands.