FAQ

Why was the Field Water Alarm® chosen as one of the 2008 World Ag Expo Top Ten New Products?

Because some members of the selection committee were farmers who flood irrigate and saw it as a valuable tool to save time, money and water. It is very portable and being self contained it does not require outside electricity or fixed phone lines. The Field Water Alarm® concept is not new, but by using wireless technology we were able to make it a reality.

What is the Field Water Alarm®?

The Field Water Alarm® units are wireless transmitters that use a 5 watt 2-way radio transmitter that sends a voice prompt alert to a 2-way radio receiver(s) or a cell phone transmitter that will call receiving cell phone(s) and / or land line phone(s) to alert the farmer when irrigation gates, distribution valves or pots in a flood irrigated field need to be changed or closed.

How does the Field Water Alarm Work®?

The units work like a light switch works. When the switch is activated by anything that closes the circuit, a signal is sent to a unit that transmits its alerts with either a voice prompt or its caller ID number and text message, "Alarm ON." The cell phone unit consists of a small case containing an internal controller with a key pad and LCD screen, a cell phone modem, a rechargeable 12 volt DC sealed lead acid battery and an external probe with a 15 foot cord that plug's into the unit. The 5 watt 2-way radio unit is also in a small case containing a radio transmitter a 12 volt battery and probe with a cord and sends a pre-recorded voice prompt of about 60 seconds to a 2-way hand held radio and / or base station.

Why Use the Field Water Alarm®?

Water flows into your field from the source and down the check or borders you want to monitor. The Field Water Alarm has been pre-set with its probe at the 'set point' where you want to be notified. When the water reaches the probe it passes the information to the alarms' internal controller translating and sending a message to a 2-way radio receiver(s) or a cell phone(s) and / or land line phone(s). On receiving the alert you can take action to change over to the next set of pots or pass the water to the next user. This saves labor by reducing the number of trips during irrigation to monitor the water.

How was the Concept for the Field Water Alarm® Developed?

"Bob, I don't mind irrigating, but I don't like standing in the hot sun for half an hour or more waiting for the water to be changed." This remark by my Mother-in-law became the idea for developing the Field Water Alarm®, which was selected as one of the 2008 Top Ten New Products at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California.

What Are the Advantages of Using the Field Water Alarm®?

As water becomes a valuable resource the Field Water Alarm® is a new tool to implement the concept of the, "best management practices" by minimizing fertilizer, pesticide and sediment runoff. (In California it may help farmers to remain in compliance with the requirements of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Resolution No. R5-2003-0105).

By monitoring when the water has reached the 'set point' regardless of head pressure, soil moisture content, or grass density, excess water runoff can be minimized. This saves water by accurately monitoring your flood irrigation water.

What Other Applications Can the Field Water Alarm® be used for?

For agriculture uses it can also monitor irrigation pumps, pipeline water pressure, and pivot sprinklers when a pivot arm stops. It is very portable and being self contained it does not require outside electricity or fixed phone lines and can be used as a silent alarm.

At the request of our local County Sheriff Ag Crime Division we are now offering the Field Water Alarm®, but without the probe, as the WyreLess Alert. Since the units are not tethered to outside electricity or fixed phone lines they will send an alert should the power be disconnected or cut. For industry it can notify maintenance employees or managers when operating machinery malfunctions or shuts down. It can also be used as a "silent" alarm for vehicles, around out-buildings or farm equipment when unauthorized people enter restricted areas.