The electrical option for Anderson system can be as simple as a battery charged with a 12V Solar cell. It is needed for control, among other things, if there is a need for a periodic auto adustment for PH (either based on change in input of based on change of crop).
Electrical power or pnuematic is a requirement to regulate control of the amendment drip pulse. Pnuematic is the preferred system for me as it prevents the need to deal with the waste chemical that is a product of using the electrical control system to control chemical drip. I'm assured it isn't as big a deal as I imagined it could be. Small compressed gas (CO2 or?) tank will last a long time.
If you don't want:
1 . real time control via an RS232 interface and their software running a your computer or
2. a locally hard_programmed microprosser,
and if you opt for pnuematic option, electrical power isn't needed.
So far, until I talk to the Calif field reps and unless they can explain something more than I learned from the home office, Im leaning toward goingi with the pnuematic option.
I still haven't had a chance to talk to the Smith Pump people.
The Anderson folks are helpful. They are down to earth, real people that understand and are happy to answer anything I've thrown at them. I am told this is the kind free lifetime support you can expect from Anderson and more. (Your lifetime, not the systems)...I'm quite sure the system will outlive me.
Bob
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