There are two types of irrigation systems available. One is the traditional system and the other, a 2-wired system also called as a decoder system.
Both of them employ different technologies. The following helps you to understand the differences between the two and why people are inclined towards the newer 2-wired technology.
In a traditional system, the controller sends the voltage in a wired path. This opens up the valve and enables water movement easily. The water reaches the sprinkler heads and is used for irrigation.
The traditional system is made up of a wire for each valve and a common wire connecting all valves. When the number of zones of use is less than 30 the traditional system of irrigation is cost-effective.
It is also simple to use the traditional system. This does not require high expertise for installation and so can be easily done by any irrigation contractor.
A 2 wire irrigation system operates on 2-wired paths for all the sprinklers. Over the years this has found its use in Golf courts.
Since the technology is not as simple as the traditional one, contractors who handle this is also limited. So this makes it necessary to choose from the limited available contractors.
It is used where more than 30 zones are used for irrigation as it is less expensive in such situations.
This 2 wired decoder system sends voltage down the 2 wired paths to reach the components of the irrigation system.
There is also a decoder between the wires and the respective device. With each decoder having a unique address, the controller dials the specific decoder with that number.
This opens the particular valve by sending voltage to the solenoid.
Recently the use of this system has found many takers with knowledge of technology spreading.
The cost of copper wire and the reduced cost of application of decoder technology is said to be some reasons for use of a 2-wired system in irrigation.
In a traditional system, the controller just sends voltage along the wire.
On the other hand, it is communication that is sent in a 2-wire system. This shows there is an increase in the diagnostic ability of this system.
The controller can check the health of the system and can send warning signals in case of any damages to the solenoid, valve, or wire.
The 2-wire technology is able to operate hundreds of sprinklers at the same time in the ground.
Another important difference is that the decoder system has self troubleshooting properties and locates the problem exactly.
The 2-wire systems are laid in such a way that no controller is sticking out of the ground. They are laid inside the ground and any water logging does not affect the wires.
With advancements in technology, more features are added to the 2-wired system making it a more suitable irrigation system.