In the past many of you have probably already noticed the maintenance department using hand held radios to run irrigation on the course. What you probably didn't know was that the two way radios, base station and central computer were functioning on a broad band signal. According to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) broad band signals are illegal to use for the purpose of irrigation at the end of the year. Instead, a narrow band signal must be used. This came at a good time for the course because the old system was outdated and obsolete. That being said ownership could have made the decision to limp through with the old system for another year. They also could have made the attempt to operate illegally for years to come. They could have decided that the new maintenance crew would have to learn the old system only to turn around and learn a new system shortly after........They didn't. They took a proactive approach and I believe that the decision will pay off in course conditions. Here are a couple pictures of the new system.
The new central computer with two monitors. The monitor on the left is to be used for programing and the one on the right contains the mapping feature for easier identification of the key components of the irrigation system.
Two way radio with touch tone keypad to use codes to turn sprinkler heads on and off in a variety of different ways.
With this new system we will also have the capability to operate our irrigation from any computer. The operator doesn't have to be on site. It can also be operated from a smart phone or tablet on site or off. These features will prove helpful in a variety of ways.
