How Sensors Are Integrated in PKYDrip Irrigation Systems

This guide explains how flow, pressure, soil moisture, weather, and water-level sensors are integrated into PKYDrip systems, and how they improve reliability, verification, and automation.

Introduction

Sensors are not just “extra accessories” in an irrigation project.

In real projects, sensors help answer the most important questions:

  • Is the system actually delivering water?
  • Is pressure safe and stable?
  • Should irrigation start now or wait?
  • Is water level sufficient for pumping?
  • Can the system run unattended with confidence?

This guide explains how sensors are integrated in PKYDrip modular irrigation systems.

System Context

PKYDrip systems are modular. Sensors can be integrated in two common ways:

  1. Directly into controllers (for control logic and automation)
  2. Through a data acquisition terminal (for periodic reporting and monitoring)

Related pages:

What Types of Sensors Are Commonly Used?

PKYDrip systems typically integrate the following sensor categories:

1) Flow Sensor (Most Important for Verification)

Purpose: Confirm real water delivery (especially for pump control).
Typical placement: Pump outlet / mainline.

When flow verification is enabled:

  • Remote pump control becomes fact-based
  • Failures become detectable
  • Remote operation becomes reliable

Related guide:

2) Pressure Sensor (Safety + Stability)

Purpose: Detect abnormal pressure conditions and improve system safety.
Typical placement: Mainline / sub-main pipeline.

Pressure feedback helps:

  • Protect pumps and pipelines
  • Identify blockages, leaks, or valve issues
  • Maintain stable irrigation performance

3) Soil Moisture Sensor (Automation Trigger)

Purpose: Decide when irrigation should start or stop based on soil condition.
Typical placement: Representative zones (not every plant).

Soil moisture integration supports:

  • Automatic irrigation trigger rules
  • Avoid over-watering
  • Improve water efficiency

4) Weather / Rain Sensor (Irrigation Planning)

Purpose: Pause irrigation during rain and improve scheduling decisions.
Typical placement: Field / greenhouse environment.

Weather-related inputs can reduce unnecessary irrigation and support smarter planning.

5) Water Level Sensor (Reservoir / Tank Management)

Purpose: Prevent dry running and manage water availability.
Typical placement: Tanks, reservoirs, or water storage pits.

This is especially useful for:

  • Remote pump stations
  • Solar pumping systems
  • Unattended operation

Two Integration Methods in PKYDrip Systems

Method A: Sensor Integration Through Controllers (Logic & Automation)

In many projects, sensors are connected to controllers so the controller can:

  • run automation logic
  • trigger irrigation
  • protect pump operation
  • react to abnormal conditions

Typical control-layer products:

  • PKYDrip wired controllers (e.g., PKY-60W)
  • Wireless execution controllers (e.g., PKY-IC03)

This method is best when:

  • automation logic is required
  • sensor data needs immediate reaction
  • projects are managed by technical teams

Method B: Sensor Integration Through PKY-DAT01 (Periodic Reporting)

PKY-DAT01 acts as a sensor data acquisition and reporting node:

  • collects sensor signals
  • reports data periodically (configurable interval)
  • supports monitoring and data visibility

Important note:

  • PKY-DAT01 is a data reporting module
  • It does not replace controller logic
  • It strengthens monitoring and system confidence

This method is best when:

  • remote monitoring is needed
  • data needs to be reported periodically
  • projects want simplified data collection

How to Choose the Right Sensor Setup (Simple Rules)

Use these simple decision rules:

  1. If you control pumps remotely, add a flow sensor
  2. If pipeline stability matters, add a pressure sensor
  3. If you want automatic irrigation based on soil condition, add soil moisture sensors
  4. If rainfall is frequent, add rain/weather input
  5. If you use tanks or reservoirs, add water level sensors

Start simple and expand only when needed:

Start simple. Upgrade anytime.

Summary

  • Sensors improve irrigation reliability, verification, and automation
  • Flow verification is the key to reliable remote pump control
  • Pressure sensors support safety and stability
  • Soil moisture sensors enable automation triggers
  • Weather and water-level sensors strengthen unattended operation
  • PKYDrip supports two integration methods:
    • through controllers (logic & automation)
    • through PKY-DAT01 (periodic reporting)

If you want, you can share your project type and site conditions, and we can recommend a practical sensor package.

Need Help Selecting Sensors for Your Project?

Every irrigation project is different.

If you are unsure:

  • which sensors are really needed
  • where to place flow or pressure sensors
  • whether automation logic or monitoring-only is enough

You can share a few basic details, and we will help you choose a practical and reliable sensor setup.

👉 Chat on WhatsApp – Discuss Your Sensor Setup