Pre-Visit Preparation
Prior to the site visit, collect the following information, verifying this information upon arrival:
Organization Name
Farm Name
Farm Address and/or farm coordinates (note entrance address if different)
Access Info
Gate codes
Special instructions (4x4 required, etc.)
Any available block maps or irrigation design plans
Power and Connectivity
Is there power at the site?
Is there 120/110v power?
If yes, is there an available standard electrical outlet?
If yes, is the outlet functional?
If there is power on site, but there isn’t 120/110v power, what voltage exists (typically 240v or 480v)?
In this case, the best solution will be to have an electrician add a 120v transformer and standard electrical outlet.
Is the available power within line of sight of the nearest valve?
If not, we will need to determine if relays will be sufficient for mesh connectivity, or if we need a solar-powered solution for base unit
Do any of the valve locations have accessible 120/110v hard power?
If yes, it may be preferable to use a 12v power supply (stocked by Lumo) instead of solar panels
Is there cell service at the base unit location?
If yes, determine whether Verizon or T-Mobile provides the strongest signal
Run a speed test on each network using cell phones or mobile hotspot(s) with dual SIM cards. Note upload and download speeds for each
Record coordinates using a mapping software like Google Earth and take photos of power location
Irrigation Infrastructure
Is there a pump or is the system solely gravity-fed?
Is the pump electric, propane, or diesel?
If gravity-fed, where is the holding tank in relation to the valves (hilltop, adjacent on flat ground, etc.)?
Is the manifold pressure at the nearest intended valve location greater than or equal to 15 psi?
If pressure is less than 15 psi, the system may not be viable for Lumo without increasing the pressure
What is the capacity and recharge rate of the holding tank?
Determines the maximum irrigation duration the user can schedule
Is the system under constant pressure (i.e. is the pump always on, or is the pump manually turned on and off for irrigations)?
Is there a VFD?
This information tells us whether we’ll need to operationally sync Lumo scheduling with manual pump control
Does the irrigation plumbing traverse significant topographic variability (i.e. is the site hilly with significant and/or sudden elevation changes)?
Significant elevation changes can create pressure issues, such as vacuums, in the lines that affect the functionality of diaphragm valves, especially when not properly ventilated. These complications will be new if you’ve never had diaphragm valves installed before.
What is the main water source (irrigation pond, groundwater, stream/spring, etc.)?
Information supports holistic understanding of the irrigation system and its constraints.
Valve Locations
Record coordinates of each valve location using a mapping software like Google Earth
Take photos of each manifold
Note how many valves will be installed at each coordinate location
Note block/valve names for each, if possible
Note where on the manifold Lumo valve(s) should be positioned
Note any modifications required to install Lumo on the manifold
Note diameter of pipes where valves will be installed
Note where solar panels may be mounted or if posts/stakes will need to be installed
Valve locations recorded during a site visit
Relay Locations
Relay(s) may be required if hills, geologic features, buildings/structures, and/or trees/shrubbery prevent line of sight from the base to a valve or from one valve to another
If the above conditions apply:
Evaluate the site for optimal relay placement
Record coordinates of each relay location
Take photos of each relay location
Note name/description for each relay location
View this article for information on relay placement and installation