New Wireless irriGuard Rain and Freeze Sensor Helps Homeowners
Save Money, Conserve Water

High-Tech Automated Home System Available in Time to Meet New Irrigation Laws

DALLAS - July 16, 2004 - irriGuard , the first wireless, research-grade rain and freeze sensor, is now available to homeowners and landscape contractors as the summer heats up and stringent irrigation laws go into effect. The irriGuard system, based on the same meteorological instruments used by the National Weather Service, offers consumers a rain and freeze sensor designed specifically for home irrigation systems.

As more cities across the country are cracking down on water waste, it is increasingly important for all property owners to install rain and freeze sensors on their sprinkler systems. In fact, more cities are requiring all homeowners to install rain and freeze sensors on automatic sprinkler systems. For example, the city of Dallas passed an ordinance requiring all sprinkler systems installed after January 2002 to have rain and freeze sensors. Dallas houses built prior to 2002 must have rain and freeze sensors installed by Jan. 1, 2005. Water conservation ordinances are in place in cities across the country and more cities are expected to pass similar ordinances.

"irriGuard was inspired by the accurate and reliable weather instrument technology originally pioneered by its parent company, Texas Electronics," said Jason Burson, managing partner of Texas Electronics and irriGuard. "Although there are other rain and freeze sensors on the market, irriGuard is the next-generation product in the category, offering wireless control and a research-grade design. Whether a homeowner is a weather enthusiast, meeting legal requirements for safety and water conservation, or simply desires a healthier lawn, the irriGuard system offers a convenient, practical solution."

How irriGuard Works
The wireless irriGuard system works with any existing sprinkler/irrigation system to shut off the system when watering is unnecessary. The system is composed of three separate units - the outdoor rain and temperature sensor, the sprinkler controller, and the wireless in-home display unit - all of which communicate wirelessly over radio frequency (RF) with the other components to monitor and control the sprinkler system remotely.

irriGuard Introduction

irriGuard's Key Features

• Wireless, in-home sprinkler control
• Ensures homeowners only water when necessary
• Overrides any standard sprinkler system during excessive rain, heat or cold
• Compatible with virtually all sprinkler timers or controllers
• Installs easily with no special tools
• Combined rain/freeze shutoff capability
• Wireless control has 300-foot range

Why irriGuard is Better
Unlike other rain sensors that are based on a piece of cork that swells when wet to trigger the system, irriGuard uses a durable, time-tested "tipping-bucket" made of high-grade PVC plastic (the same material that is used for underground pipes in sprinkler systems) to measure rainfall in precise amounts. irriGuard enables homeowners to program their sprinkler system to desired specifications. For example, irriGuard can be programmed to keep the sprinkler system off for one to 99 hours after a specified amount of rainfall, thus saving the homeowner money by avoiding needless watering; this irriGuard benefit can also help protect the homeowner's lawn and landscaping from problems brought on by over-watering. The irriGuard system also allows the homeowner to choose the specific temperature at which their sprinkler systems will shut down - either to avoid watering during near-freezing conditions, or to avoid watering at very high temperatures, which can result in the lawn being scorched.

Water Conservation and Awareness
It's not uncommon to drive through a neighborhood and see sprinkler systems on during heavy rain showers or even in freezing conditions. This example of water waste imposes extra strain on the city's water treatment facilities, the homeowner's water bill and the country's dwindling fresh water supplies. Water conservation has become an issue that every American must address and irriGuard helps everyone do their part by monitoring and regulating the inadvertent misuse of water.

Safety
Frozen roads, walkways and pipes have become more than a nuisance, they are also a risk and potential liability. irriGuard helps keep pathways clear of frozen water caused by irrigation and ensures that pipes will not rupture due to inappropriate irrigation during freezing weather conditions.

About irriGuard
A product developed and marketed by Pioneer Sales, Ltd., the irriGuard brand is a result of the partnership between Pioneer Sales and Texas Electronics, Inc., to bring research-grade weather monitoring products to consumers. Incorporated in 1957, Texas Electronics is a pioneer and innovator in the field of quality meteorological instrumentation. Pioneer Sales is inspired by Texas Electronics' commitment to excellence, striving to bring the same quality, value and usefulness to consumers and the home-automation market.

For more information about where to buy an irriGuard system, visit www.irriguard.com.

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