A
wireless interface remote
monitoring system for self-propelled
irrigation systems (center pivot and
lateral move sprinklers) includes a
remote terminal unit (RTU) mounted on an outer drive
tower of the
irrigation system. The RTU includes a radio
transceiver capable of sending and receiving data packets over a
satellite or terrestrial
telemetry backbone to and from a central control computer. The RTU further includes a
current sensor and a
GPS receiver both for detecting movement or non-movement of the sprinkler, a
microprocessor with nonvolatile memory for storing current data and GPS coordinate data from readings taken in series over time, and a pressure or flow sensor for detecting the presence or absence of
water flow at the outer drive
tower of the sprinkler. The
current sensor connected between the RTU and a
tower drive motor, allows the RTU to calculate the “movement” or “non-movement” of the
irrigation system over a specified time period. Redundantly, the
GPS receiver records changes in position to indicate movement or non-movement within the GPS
error tolerance. Once a change from movement to non-movement or vice-versa is determined, the RTU transmits the data by
satellite or radio
telemetry to a central control computer which logs the movement or non-movement of the monitored drive tower, the GPS coordinate data and the water status readings, all with time and date stamp. The central control computer creates “page message” and “
text message” updates as necessary on the status of individual irrigation systems and “groups” of irrigation systems that are in turn delivered to
wireless devices and computers for sprinkler operators.