Controller: Also are referred to as Timer, Clock or Control Panel.

Valves: Also referred to as Shut-off Device, Control Valve or Solenoid Valve.

Sprinklers: Also are referred to as Rotors, Spray Heads, Oscillators, Impacts, Emitters, Drippers, Misters, Shrub Heads and Bubblers.

The Controller is what enables you to efficiently manage your sprinkler system from one central point. It is the device that tells your valves to open and close at a certain day of the week, at a certain time and for a pre-determined amount of time. The valves are connected to your main source of water; they are connected to your sprinklers using pipe or tubing. When the valve is told to open by the controller water is allowed to flow through the piping and be disbursed by your sprinklers. Each valve controls a certain group of sprinklers; these groups are usually created to allow for different types of landscape material (lawn, shrubs, garden etc), different types of sprinklers and weather conditions (shade, sun and wind). Each valve receives its open and close signal and power from the controller using a control wire, this wire is connected to the terminal strip inside of your controller and then buried in the ground and ultimately connected to the solenoid on your valve. The solenoid is a small electrical coil with two wires which allow your valve to be opened and closed electrically. Each valve is assigned a number and is connected to the corresponding number on the terminal strip; this is called a “Station Number” and is the main reference used when programming your controller.