New Rain Bird® ESP-9V Battery-Operated Controller Provides Reliable Irrigation Control without AC Power

TUCSON, AZ (November 8, 2017) – Over the years, battery-operated irrigation controllers have proven themselves as solid alternatives at sites where AC power simply isn't a viable option. However, because these devices are installed inside valve boxes, they're subject to dirt, flooding and extreme temperatures that can threaten their reliability. Now, Rain Bird is introducing a new, more durable battery-operated controller that can even tolerate the harshest conditions – the new ESP-9V.

"We wanted to provide contractors with a tougher, longer-lasting and easier-to-use battery-operated controller than the models currently on the market," said James Harris, Rain Bird's product manager for contractor controllers. "We feel we've achieved that with the ESP-9V."

The ESP-9V features a large, easy-to-read LCD screen that's 85 percent bigger than the most popular competitive model. Contractors and end users can create common irrigation schedules in just three easy steps. One-touch manual watering allows contractors to start a full irrigation cycle with the touch of a button. Six start times and four watering day options are available per zone (custom days, cyclic, odd and even.)

Automatic zone-stacking ensures that only one valve irrigates at a time. And, while the ESP-9V can operate for more than two years on two nine-volt batteries, its non-volatile memory keeps schedules safe in the event the controller should happen to lose power.
To test the ESP-9V's durability against its competition, Rain Bird simulated the worst possible environment for a controller – inside a flooded valve box under extreme temperatures. With its dual-sealed battery chamber preventing harmful water intrusion, the ESP-9V lasted 70 percent longer than the competition in testing.

"When you consider its durability, long-lasting battery power and scheduling features, the ESP-9V truly outshines the competition," Harris added. "With the ESP-9V, sites without access to AC power can now enjoy more reliable, convenient and efficient automatic irrigation control than ever before." 

The ESP-9V is available in one-, two-, four- and six-zone units. Multi-zone units feature a dedicated Master Valve output. For more information about the ESP-9V, visit www.rainbird.com/ESP9V, contact your local Rain Bird distributor or call 1-800-RAIN BIRD.  

ABOUT RAIN BIRD:
Based in Azusa, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services.  Since its beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird has offered the industry's broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes in more than 130 countries around the globe.  Rain Bird has been awarded more than 450 patents worldwide, including the first in 1935 for the impact sprinkler.  Rain Bird and The Intelligent Use of Water™ are about using water wisely.  Its commitment extends beyond products to education, training and services for the industry and the community.  Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing assembly facilities in the United States, China and Mexico.  www.rainbird.com.

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