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Cyber Rain puts nature in charge of your sprinklers
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Courtesy of Cyber Rain Inc.
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More from BusinessIt's the equation used for muddy puddles and mushrooms on the lawn: A good rain shower plus overeager sprinkler systems.
Cyber Rain Inc. wants to change the equation so that when Mother Nature decides to rain down, the sprinkler system lets up.
The company, which launched its sprinkler system controllers in January, is headquartered in Agoura Hills. Its product uses online weather forecasts to plan its sprinkling. Hot and dry? Let the sprinklers go to work. Cold and rainy? No need.
And, because it uses free weather information coming through the user's computer, it doesn't carry the monthly bills that come with some similar weather-driven systems.
The system is wirelessly controlled, with one controller setting the watering for up to eight zones. Users can buy additional Cyber Rain controllers to handle all of their landscaped zones. Independent zones can be programmed based on plant type, soil type, even landscape slope to ensure the right amount of water and make sure water-thirsty plants get their fill without drowning the cacti — or wasting water.
Homeowners can adjust their watering schedules from their computers.
The controller was originally targeted to customers for their home systems and designed so it would be easy to install and swap out the old controller, said Greg Nagy, director of business operations.
But there are other opportunities as well, such as commercial landscapers and even homeowners associations to cut down on the amount of water used.
The company estimates a Cyber Rain-controlled system will save homeowners about 30 to 70 percent on their water bills each year.
Some new home builders also are adopting the technology, Nagy said.
"The buyer expects something new and techy but also very effective," he said. "It fills both of those needs."
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