[Brad Breer]

I just completed my installation of opensprinkler using solar power so I thought I would post this for future reference so others won’t have as steep a learning curve as I did.

My setup:
Opensprinkler: DC latch 3.0
Valves: Galcon sprinkler vale with the S1602 DC latching solenoid
Battery: 12v 12Ah LiFePO4 (4S2P)
Solar charge controller: Huinetul 10A IP68

Points to consider:
The solar controller must match the battery type (lead acid, lithium ion, lifepo4, etc.)
It’s very convenient if the solar controller has a load connection to connect the opensprinkler to.
Make sure to size the enclosure to comfortably fit the solar controller, opensprinkler and battery.
Be sure the solar panel will generate enough power, based on your load, to properly recharge the battery.
The valve solenoids to be controlled by opensprinkler have fairly short wires so:
they will need to be located pretty close to the enclosure or
you’ll need to wire nut in wire to span the distance
Solar panels typically have clamps on the end of the wires to connect to the battery:
These usually need to be cut off to connect it to a solar controller terminals so:
on the solar panel wires mark/note which wire is +/- for future reference in case you need to disconnect and then reconnect.
The opensprinkler power connector is a 2.1mmx5.5mm barrel connector so I found these handy (thanks Ray):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AGQVYQQ/
Ensure the opensprinkler can connect to your wifi network:
Distance is critical and having it in an enclosure will inhibit the signal a little so consider ordering the model with an external antenna connector if you think you’ll need it.

Good luck!

[Brad Breer]

Thanks Ray.

I’m assuming I don’t need the adapter itself and a DC power pigtail like the following would work:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R1XZ09K/

[Brad Breer]

So I bought the OpenSprinkler (Latch) to control the three Galcon YLZ 3/4″ sprinkler valves with S1602 DC latching solenoid. The OpenSprinkler will be solar powered by a 20w solar panel charging a 12v LiFePO4 battery. A couple questions.

1. Will the 12v LiFePO4 (12Ah) battery be sufficient (assuming it’s charged) to properly power the 24v valves?

2. For powering the OpenSprinkler I was planning on connecting it to the DC load connections on the solar charge controller but I don’t know how to connect the adapter power connector on the OpenSprinkler to the DC load connections on the solar charge controller. The DC load connections on the solar charge controller are the same wire to screw type like the zone connections on the OpenSprinkler.

Thanks

[Brad Breer]

After some more googling I’m leaning towards the OS3 Latch even though the valve’s are more expensive. I’ve included a diagram of how I plan to lay it out. Any input/advice is appreciated before I start spending $$. Thanks.

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   solar_irrigation_control.png
   

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