At first, modular controllers were looked on as somewhat of an oddity, then Hunter came out with the ICC modular commercial grade controller and things began to move in a modular direction. We now have the Hunter Pro-C, the Rainbird LX and ESP-M, as well as the Toro modular controllers, with many more on the way.
It has become obvious to the manufacturers that profit can be maximized and manufacturing costs minimized by manufacturing a one-size-fits-all controller with plug-in expansion capacity.
So what? Well, what is now going on is the manufacturers are concentrating on keeping the good features and eliminating problems learned after many years of producing standard (non-modular) controllers. The bulk of research and development is being put into the modular market as far as residential controllers are concerned.
Bottom line is that it has now reached a point where you usually get more for your money in both features and dependability if you opt for a modular type controller, even if you don't expect to expand your sprinkler system for the next 50-100 years.
Recommendation?
Sure, Hunter has put out the dependable well-featured Pro-C and ICC for years. The only negative being the fact the technology is a little on the older side and the ICC is a pretty expensive controller.
Rainbird on the other hand has used two very dependable and easily programmed controllers with excellent track records to recently put two new modular controllers on the market and we have found both very impressive. The ESP-M Modular, and the ESP-LX Modular are two fantastic controllers with feature lists that would have boggled the mind a few years ago, yet they are based on tried and proven Rainbird technology based in years of producing the older ESP and LX standard type controllers. By the way, Rainbird did revolutionize controller programming years ago when they came out with the ESP (extra simple programming) one dial programming still used by all major manufacturers today.
Irritrol has yet to enter the modular market but does have an excellent standard controller in the very cost-effective KwikDial KD series controllers. The KwikDial was released a year or two ago, so is up to snuff with features, but has been on the market long enough to identify and eliminate any problems.
Toro controllers have never really impressed me, modular or otherwise.
Bottom line - we recommend the KwikDial or Hunter SRC if you don't like modular, the Rainbird ESP-M or Hunter Pro-C for residential modular controllers. For light commercial, commercial and farm irrigation it's the Rainbird ESPLX Modular or Hunter ICC Modular controllers.
When making these recommendations, we consider a number of factors including ease of installation, well written and easy to understand instructions, service problem track record, quality of product, programming ease, features included on controller, diagnosis and service friendliness, parts availability and the availability of effective and responsive tech support directly from manufacturer to the customer. We like manufacturers with a knowledgeable tech available to our customers on the other end of a 1-800 number.
In our opinion, the above controllers are the most cost effective and dependable controllers available today. We have come to that opinion after spending 31 years selling, installing and servicing irrigation systems and wells.
Links to recommended controllers:
Modular Controllers:
Hunter Pro-C Modular - 3-13 stations
Rainbird ESP-M Modular - 4-13 Stations
Hunter ICC Modular - 8-32 Stations
Rainbird ESPLXM Modular - 8-32 Stations
Standard Controllers:
Irritrol KwikDial - 4 Stations
Irritrol KwikDial - 6 Stations
Hunter SRC Plus - 6 Stations
Irritrol KwikDial - 9 Stations
Hunter SRC Plus - 9 Stations
Irritrol KwikDial - 12 Stations
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