A common means by which the Cluster Control Unit (CCU) of a Maxicom Central Control Irrigation System communicates with irrigation controllers and sensors on-site is through a 2-wire path. This path goes to and from the CCU to all of the other Maxicom devices, underground. The total length of the wire run could be a few hundred feet in length to over a mile depending of how expansive the irrigation system is. The 2-wire path will likely have at least one, if not several, splices where two ends of the wire run are connected together since the wire itself is usually not long enough to cover the entire distance needed in one, unbroken run of wire. It is likely that over the lifetime of a Maxicom system, which should be well over a decade, that some part of the 2-wire path is compromised and the communication path is partially lost. In fact it is even possible that all of the communication to/from the CCU to the rest of the Maxicom devices is lost completely. Now a compromised communication path does not mean that the entire wire path is bad. Instead it is likely a single point on the 2-wire path is causing the problem.
One such point could be one of the splices. These wire splices are sealed in water proof gel since they will get wet from irrigation water and/or rainfall. If this water proof connection is somehow breached, then the 2-wire run may stop carrying the Maxicom signal. It is an all too common occurrence that such splices are done poorly and not to manufacturer's specification. Another possibility is the 2-wire path has been physically damaged. One way this could happen is if a new street sign is installed or if some kind of digging (for utilities or landscaping) takes place along the wire run. This kind of issue can ofter be found by a visual inspection on the site. If a visual inspection does not reveal the problem spot along the wire path, then it is possible to use a wire finder. This tool is made to track the path of a wire located underground using sound signals and consists of a base unit and a tracking unit. The base unit is attached to one end of the wire and sends an electronic signal along the wire run. Then the person tracking the wire run places a set of headphones on their ears and holds a wand-like device that is attached to the headphones. These parts constitute the tracking unit.
The user then points the wand along the suspected wire path and follows the actual path based on particular sounds in the headphones. These sounds could be beeps, buzzes or tones depending on the particular model. Eventually, the user follows the wire run until the sound received signals that the wire path loses its continuity altogether. Where this happens is where the likely break is located.
One other way the Maxicom 2-wire path can be compromised is from a piece of equipment in the Maxicom network. This commonly occurs in a Maxicom irrigation controller. Here there is a computer board into which the 2-wire path plugs into. Amazingly is not uncommon for slugs (yes, slugs) or other critters to be attracted to these boards and ZAP! - the board's electronics are shorted. This short will affect communication just with that irrigation controller. However, it may also impact the entire Maxicom 2-wire path.
Another place where the 2-wire path may be compromised in a Maxicom system is the CCU itself. The CCU is the heart and brains of a Maxicom system and the 2-wire path is the means by which the CCU controls the irrigation controllers on site and receives data about run times and flow readings. It is possible that a CCU malfunctions in such a manner that it no longer sends or receives commands and data, which affects the entire Maxicom system.
No matter the particular location or cause of a compromised 2-wire path in a Maxicom system, a savvy, knowledgable water manager is indispensible in troubleshooting these kinds of issues quickly and correctly.
Irrigation Management Systems (IMS) has saved water and money for its clients since the late 1980s, long before green was fashionable. Using the right combination of technology and management practices, IMS has long worked on keeping that delicate balance of saving water while keeping shrubs, turf and flowers sufficiently watered. Get to know us a little better at http://www.irrigationmanagementsystems.com/ and you can also get some free tips to saving water.
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