I ran across a microprocessor controlled garden sprinkler recently - the Gardena "AquaContour" large area sprinkler. A video is available at: Gardena Aqua Contor - YouTube.
Though it is clever, I found myself disappointed with this device. Here are some features that seem to be missing:- Ability to skip over no-water areas and irrigate areas beyond them
- Programmable for multiple zones, some of which are remote from the sprinkler
- Even water distribution (I could find no such claim, and the video makes it doubtful)
It seems like a single nozzle under Arduino control should be able to cover the missing features. I am thinking of a nozzle with precise rotary control, and fairly nimble azimuth control. The combination would determine where the single stream of water strikes the ground at any given moment. It would be programmed to strike all target points with duration a function of distance, to assure even coverage. It would move across non-target points at maximum speed. (A little water would fall on non-target points with this scheme.)
There is nothing to prevent me putting in standard pop-up sprinklers in my own yard, which I plan to tear up anyway. Thus, my motivation to do this project is not very high. I just thought I would toss out the idea in case somebody wants to pursue it.