Toro DR2 Irrigation Cancel The title field is required!

1. Rocky Tharp

   

   0 posts
   
   12/2/2016 4:12 PM

   I'll be taking the helm at a new course soon and I'm a bit concerned about their irrigation central control system. From what I've been told, the system was installed in the late 90's and runs Toro Sitepro which communicates via radio with DR2 satellites. There is no communication wire in the ground and it all has to run on Windows 95. Apparently, if the central control is upgraded, it won't be able to communicate with the older DR2 satellites so all 22 satellites would have to be effectively rebuilt with modern components and supposedly would cost around $100K. The first thing I intend to do is buy about 4 older computers on Ebay that run Windows 95 so at least I have some type of back up plan. Other than that, does anyone have experience with the Toro DR2 satellites and have any suggestions? All I've ever run is Rainbird systems so my knowledge on Toro is somewhat limited at the moment. Thanks.
   
   Rocky Tharp
   Interbay GC
   Seattle, WA

   
   
   
   
2. Craig Zellers

   

   0 posts
   
   12/29/2016 4:12 PM

   Rocky,
   The DR2 was originally a Motorola product purchased and sold by Toro. It was discontinued around 2002 or so.
   You may have trouble locating replacement parts. Another potential problem is the fact that the radio frequency is most likely wide band and not narrow band. The FCC was forcing all wide band users to switch to narrow band in the early 2000's. I don't believe the DR2 can be upgraded to narrow band and I don't think it is worth doing on a twenty year old control system. Other than replacing the satellites with E-OSMAC or V.P. the only other option is to install an OSMAC RDR on the outside of the existing satellites. It's much less than an entire new satellite but you lose some features. Give me a call if you have questions. I have upgraded a lot of control systems.
   Good Luck
   Craig Zellers
   415-342-1030
   Golf Irrigation Consultants

   
   
   
   
3. Robert Crockett

   

   4 posts
   
   12/30/2016 2:12 PM

   Craig Zellers said: Rocky,
   The DR2 was originally a Motorola product purchased and sold by Toro. It was discontinued around 2002 or so.
   You may have trouble locating replacement parts. Another potential problem is the fact that the radio frequency is most likely wide band and not narrow band. The FCC was forcing all wide band users to switch to narrow band in the early 2000's. I don't believe the DR2 can be upgraded to narrow band and I don't think it is worth doing on a twenty year old control system. Other than replacing the satellites with E-OSMAC or V.P. the only other option is to install an OSMAC RDR on the outside of the existing satellites. It's much less than an entire new satellite but you lose some features. Give me a call if you have questions. I have upgraded a lot of control systems.
   Good Luck
   Craig Zellers
   415-342-1030
   Golf Irrigation Consultants

   
   RDR works just fine for low budget operations. It has flow management and is very simple to operate. I did mine, 15 satellites @$45k +-. You can do the install yourself and if you have a set of plans you can build your Hydraulic Tree too. I would recommend that Toro did that. If your computer goes out you still have a base to operate with. It's also 12.5 HRZ which is the legal band width you need. I was also on the Toro insurance and had technical help via file and computer sharing if needed. I found it was worth every penny IMO.