Remote programming and diagnostic of decoder irrigation system

An apparatus for remotely exchanging diagnostic information with a decoder circuit adapted for use in a decoder irrigation system, comprising:

• a hand-held programmer including a first transceiver and means for entering at least one query;
• the first transceiver having sufficient range for sending signals representing the query to a second transceiver in a decoder circuit configured to be connected to a multi-wire path that carries encoded signals and power to the decoder circuit that is connectable to at least one valve in an irrigation system having an irrigation controller connected to the decoder circuit by the multi-wire path;
• and
• the query prompting the decoder circuit to respond by transmitting diagnostic information via the second transceiver to the first transceiver for receipt by the hand-held programmer.

A hand-held decoder programmer for remotely programming a decoder circuit adapted for use in a decoder irrigation system, comprising:

• a micro-controller;
• a plurality of push buttons connected to the micro-controller for entering an identity command;
• a battery connected for powering the hand-held programmer;
• a wireless transmitter circuit connected to the micro-controller;
• a first antenna connected to the wireless transmitter circuit;
• the wireless transmitter circuit having sufficient range for sending signals via the first antenna representing the identity command to a receiver connected to a second antenna in a decoder circuit configured to be connected to a multi-wire path that carries encoded signals and power to the decoder circuit that is connectable to at least one valve in an irrigation system having an irrigation controller;
• and
• the identity command establishing a unique identity for the decoder circuit so that the decoder circuit will respond to ON/OFF commands from the irrigation controller carried to the decoder circuit through the multi-wire path.

A bi-directional hand-held decoder programmer for remotely exchanging diagnostic information with a decoder circuit adapted for use in a decoder irrigation system, comprising:

• a micro-controller;
• a plurality of push buttons connected to the micro-controller for entering a query;
• a battery connected for powering the hand-held programmer;
• a first wireless transceiver circuit connected to the micro-controller;
• a first antenna connected to the first wireless transceiver circuit;
• the first transceiver circuit having sufficient range for sending signals via the first antenna representing the query to a second transceiver circuit connected to a second antenna in a decoder circuit configured to be connected to a multi-wire path that carries encoded signals and power to the decoder circuit that is connectable to at least one valve in an irrigation system having an irrigation controller connected to the decoder circuit by the multi-wire path;
• and
• the query prompting the decoder circuit to respond by transmitting diagnostic information via the second transceiver circuit and the second antenna to the first transceiver circuit for receipt by the hand-held programmer.

An irrigation system, comprising:

• a plurality of solenoid actuated valves each connected to a decoder circuit;
• an irrigation controller for generating and sending encoded ON/OFF signals and a power signal along a multi-wire path for turning the valves ON and OFF via the decoder circuits in accordance with a watering program;
• and
• a hand-held programmer for remotely programming the decoder circuits including a wireless transmitter connected to a first antenna and means for entering identity commands, the transmitter having sufficient range for sending signals via the first antenna representing the identity commands to a receiver connected to a second antenna in the decoder circuit connected to a selected one of the valves, the identity commands establishing a unique identity for the decoder circuit of the selected valve so that the decoder circuit of the selected valve will respond to encoded ON/OFF signals from the irrigation controller carried to the decoder circuit of the selected valve through the multi-wire path.

An irrigation system, comprising:

• a plurality of solenoid actuated valves each connected to a decoder circuit;
• an irrigation controller for generating and sending encoded ON/OFF signals and a power signal along a multi-wire path for turning the valves ON and OFF via the decoder circuits in accordance with a watering program;
• and
• a hand-held programmer for remotely exchanging diagnostic information with the decoder circuit connected to a selected valve including a first wireless transceiver connected to a first antenna and means for entering at least one query, the first transceiver having sufficient range for sending signals via the first antenna representing the query to a second transceiver connected to a second antenna in the decoder circuit of the selected valve, the query prompting the decoder circuit of the selected valve to respond by transmitting diagnostic information via the second transceiver and the second antenna to the first transceiver for receipt by the hand-held programmer.