Irrigation Timer Software

Looking for an inexpensive solution for an automatic watering system!

Now we have timing software that offers more benefits and features than traditional timers.
* Save on water and power bills. Be able to fine tune the exact amount of time a solenoid or relay turns on or off saving you valuable water and power.
* Save money with unbreakable software compared to expensive timer controllers. Connect an old computer with a relay card, a few solenoids and a printer cable to end the frustration of timers.
* Controls in real time via computer with ON, OFF and Auto modes.
* 24 channels/zones available. Access to 39 channels (24 outputs and 15 inputs)
* User friendly software.
* Easier to program than traditional controllers and timers
* 24 hour cyclic timing range with day scheduling using 1 second to 12 hour switching for ON times.

When water management and conservation play a big part in the homeowner's life, more people are turning to software to control sprinklers, sprayers, hydroponics and lights from the computer.

These programs enable the PC to connect to the outside world by using the printer, parallel or serial port. Hardware can then be connected to the computer to control home automation using solenoids, relays and sensors. Hot Time Software has five trial downloads available to cater for the needs of domestic, commercial and industrial applications. This software puts the user in a powerful position of operating devices set by time and day, with On, Off or Auto modes.

The unregistered version has limited functions. The registered version allows the user to control up to 24 channels via 3 printer ports. Timer version 5, can take control of ventilation, pumps, heating and cooling, and light cycles (e.g. 16-18 hrs light, 6-8 hrs dark) depending on your needs. A click of the mouse and sprinklers can be watering, turn a light on, the options are endless.Hot Time Software has five programs available, Timer version 5, Timer (Pulses in seconds), Timer (Pulses in minutes),

Timer (Multiple Switching's) and Serial Timer.

This is a list of items needed for a “doing it yourself” automatic watering system.

1. Solenoids. You will need the same voltage as the power supply, usually 24 volts AC. Depends on the location. Most times you can purchase solenoids from the same place as the fittings, poly pipe etc. There is a different size of flow rate for solenoids and the size of the piping will determine the size of the solenoid.

2. Power Supply. Usually a plug pack will do the job or you can make your own power supply. Check to make sure your power supply is the same voltage as the solenoids or relays that are to be switched. Some type of inline fuse is needed on the low voltage side of the power supply, however some DC or AC power supplies have an inbuilt overload.

3. Relay Boards. There are different types of relay boards available that will work with the parallel and serial port software. Here are few. For pictures of these boards go to the gallery.

Parallel port:
KT-5165A PC Printer Port Relay In Box Board Assembled, KT-5074 PC Printer Port Relay Board, KT-5074A PC Printer Port Relay Board Assembled, Kit74, KV 3590. Also works with CK1601, CK1601a, 74V2, kit-165, kit93, CPA74, CPS74 & 80-740. Timer version 5, Timer (Pulses in seconds), Timer (Pulses in minutes), Timer (Multiple Switching's) operate via the parallel port.

Serial Port:
KT-5108, KT-5108, KT-5108A , KT-5108M, KT-5108MA, k108, 108 and k108 multi drop relay boards via serial connection. Also works with the CK1610 relay board. Serial Timer operates via the serial port.

A Parallel Port Relay Board assembled or in kit form can be purchased at :

Electronics123 Kit

Electronics123 USA assembled , Carl's Electronics USA , Ozitronics Located in Australia , Qkits Canadian ,

Quasar Electronics Located in the UK

Assembled or in kit form these will need a power supply and a printer cable.

4. Printer cable. If using the parallel port software a parallel port or printer cable is needed. CAB-001 D25 1.8 meter Male to Female Cable from ocean controls or similar cables can be purchased from computer shops. You will need a RS232 cable 25 pin female to 25 pin male. For pictures of a printer cable go to the gallery.

5. Computer. If you are lucky you may have an old computer lying around. A parallel port is needed to operate the parallel port software or a serial port if using Serial Timer. Laptops have been used however some laptops do not have a parallel port.

Find a picture of a relay board connected to a power supply and solenoid, at the gallery.

Connecting it all together:

Installing the software on your target computer is the first step needed. Be sure the program operates without any errors and contact us if there are any problems. See the F.A.Q.S first. Disable any unused programs, screensavers, virus detectors that will interfere with the operation of the timer software. After all, if this is a stand alone computer, not connected to the www then they won’t be needed.
Make the computer operate the Timer software as soon as it reboots. See the F.A.Q.S about this. This is to ensure that if the power goes off and on, the program restarts.
Connect the relay board with the RS232 cable and test with the software to make sure the relays are operating correctly. If using Serial Timer a serial cable is needed.
Wire the power supply and solenoids to the relay board as per the manufactures instructions, temporary to make sure they are working.
Now it is time to connect in permanent. Find a suitable location for the computer, relay board and power supply. Remember this computer will be on all the time. The monitor only needs to be on during adjustment to the program times. The whole three can fit in a fireproof switchboard, separate room or shed. Depends on your resources.
Install the cables and solenoids and wire in to the relay board.
Power up you system, adjust the times, days for each channel, and sit back and relax.
Purchase the software.

Email us if you want to about the system you have installed, your location, and what you think of the Timer software for our Testimonials section.

Use this matrix to compare all timing programs available.

Program	Channels/Zones	Connection	Switching's on channels 1 to 8	Ports	Pulses
Timer version 5	24, 8 on each port	Parallel	1,1,1,2,2,1,1,10	Lpt1,2,3	seconds and minutes
Timer (Pulses in seconds)	8	Parallel	1,1,1,2,2,1,1,10	Lpt1	Seconds on all channels
Timer (Pulses in minutes)	8	Parallel	1,1,1,2,2,1,1,10	Lpt1	Minutes on all channels
Timer (Multiple Switching's)	8	Parallel	10 on all channels	Lpt1	Minutes on all channels
Serial Timer	8	Serial, USB	1,1,1,2,2,1,1,10	Serial	Minutes on all channels
Timer (Multiple Switchings's_3 Ports)	24, 8 on each port	Parallel	10 on all channels	Lpt1,2,3	Minutes on all channels
Serial Timer USB	8	USB, Serial	1,1,1,2,2,1,1,10	USB, Serial	Minutes on all channels