New irrigation tech graces big show

<p>CYCLONE PREFILTER: Recognized as the best new product from the Irrigation Show is the CPH Sand and Silt Separator by Ephiphene. Using a series of cyclones in the system, the company claims solids can be removed down to 5 microns, allowing higher flow rates. With this prefiltration, the system can extend service time for standard bag, cartridge or media filtration. The system can operate at very low pressure, reducing energy requirements. Learn more at <a href="http://epiphene.com" target="_blank">epiphene.com</a>.</p>

<p>GRAVITY AT WORK: N-Drip is a new gravity-powered micro-irrigation solution for large-scale fields. The system is designed so water flows smoothly through all parts, from source to crop. The company claims it is a pump-free irrigation system that also doesn’t require filtration. The model shown here offers a look at the system. Essentially, you get water into N-Drip, and it does the rest. Learn more at <a href="http://ndrip.com" target="_blank">ndrip.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>1 AND DONE: Tires on irrigation pivots are a constant challenge, but Mud Commander may be the answer. This steel pivot wheel has a unique design, with no moving parts and a self-cleaning approach to rubber tire replacement. The wheel is made from ⅜-inch steel and heavy wall pipe. It features a powder-coat finish and includes a steel-hub reinforcing ring. This wheel will fit on any pivot using an eight-bolt wheel pattern. Learn more at <a href="http://mudcommander.com" target="_blank">mudcommander.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>NO-AIR WHEEL: The new Irri-Gator NPT-R system from Irrigation Components is a segmented, non-pneumatic tire with an easy-to-clean design. You can configure segments with a directional or a nondirectional pattern. Segments are solid and bolted directly to the rim. There’s a lower segment profile to handle greater loads and provide a wider footprint. The segments can be replaced. Learn more at <a href="http://irricomp.com" target="_blank">irricomp.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>RECYLCING DRIP TAPE: Drip tape brings a lot of plastic. Toro is now offering a recycling service for its Aqua-Traxx and FlowControl drip tape brands. The guaranteed recycling program includes on-farm pickup of the tape for qualifying purchase quantities. For farmers who replace tape regularly, this is an interesting option. Learn more at <a href="http://toro.com/recycling" target="_blank">toro.com/recycling</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>EASY SENSOR INSTALL: The new Sentek Drill and Drop Bluetooth probe offers farmers an easy solution for placing soil moisture tools in the field. The tapered design allows for easy install, and the probe has a long-life battery. You access information from the probe using Bluetooth from the sensor, and an app later loads it to the cloud for use in other software. The system measure moisture in the soil profile, and users can see soil moisture charts in IrriMax Live through a web browser. Learn more at <a href="http://sentekusa.com" target="_blank">sentekusa.com</a>.</p>

<p>REMOTE PUMP MONITOR: Cornell Pump Co. has come up with the Co-Pilot, an internet of things pump monitor that tracks temperature, vibration and location for a pump. Using web apps, you can track pump data over time. The system also allows connection of up to five sensor inputs to monitor such issues as pressure, flow and start-stop operations. Learn more about the remote pump monitor at <a href="http://cornellpump.com" target="_blank">cornellpump.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>NEW COUPLER: Irrigation Components International offers a new Universal Driveline Coupler and Puck that allows quick, properly aligned driveshaft connection for most square and round drive shaft sizes used in the industry. You can use one product for most machines, and it’s designed to prevent failure in gearboxes and other hardware in challenging field conditions. Learn more at <a href="http://irricomp.com" target="_blank">irricomp.com</a>.</p>

<p>STRAIGHT FLOW, BETTER METERING: The FS200 Flow Straightener from McCrometer is designed to reduce flow turbulence and improve metering accuracy. The unit is compatible with McCrometer's propeller meters. It installs in the same pipe cutout as the flowmeter, preventing leaking at the installation site. Turbulence can cause flowmeters to produce inaccurate readings, which is a problem for farmers who must accurately measure water use. The flow straightener helps boost that accuracy. Learn more at <a href="http://mccrometer.com" target="_blank">mccrometer.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>TOWABLE GEARBOX: The new ICI Towable Gearbox comes in two designs: 50:1 Short Shaft Towable Gearbox and 52:1 Long Shaft Towable Gearbox. The unit is specifically designed to allow for towing of linear- and lateral-move irrigation systems. The system uses oversized and tapered bearings on input shafts to handle extreme loads. The unit comes with a three-year warranty. Learn more at <a href="http://iciigears.com" target="_blank">iciigears.com</a>.</p>

<p>WEATHER HUB: Ranch Systems offers the new Weather Hub Pro, which can be the heart of an on-farm weather system. The design allows flexible placement of weather station sensors, and each station sensor attaches to its own dedicated hub port. There is a range of available sensors from Ranch Systems, including barometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity, rain gauge, wind speed and direction, and leaf wetness. The system also supports sensors from other manufacturers, so users can select the systems that work for them. With the right hardware and firmware version, this unit is compatible with all Ranch Systems telemetry units. Learn more at <a href="http://ranchsystems.com" target="_blank">ranchsystems.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>SAVE YOUR SOLES: The Sole Saver is a stainless steel tool that straps to your boot and allows you to have a “hammer on your boot” when using a shovel, or perhaps when placing fence poles. It reinforces the sole of your shoe or boot. Learn more at <a href="http://solesaver.ca" target="_blank">solesaver.ca</a>.</p>

<p>MULTISENSOR PROBE: Sensoterra has entered the market with an easy-to-place soil moisture probe. The company is launching a multisensor probe (note the sensor locations along the probe’s length) that offers similar simple application. Once placed, the system offers several years of operating life. Information from Sensoterra sensors is delivered to an app for irrigation and crop decision making. Learn more at <a href="http://sensoterra.com" target="_blank">sensoterra.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>SIMPLE RAIN SENSOR: Airmar Technology Corp. has launched its WeatherStation Multisensor system with an acoustic approach for measuring rainfall and wind. The 150WXRS Multisensor offers real-time information about rain intensity, accumulation and duration. An acoustic sensor measures the impact energy of individual raindrops on the patented “umbrella” sensor at the top of the unit. The company claims the rain sensor is virtually maintenance-free because it has no moving parts, so it can’t get clogged with debris. Learn more at <a href="http://weatherstationwx.com" target="_blank">weatherstationwx.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>BETTER WI-FI: Davis Instruments is offering the new WeatherLink Live system, which allows the sending weather information to the WeatherLink cloud without the need for a computer to be connected to the weather station. The Wi-Fi-based system can transmit up to 1,000 feet. To save historical data, you need an annual subscription. Learn more at <a href="http://davisinstruments.com" target="_blank">davisinstruments.com</a><em>.</em></p>