Irrigation computer replacements Cancel The title field is required!

1. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   11/2/2012 8:11 AM

   Quick question for all, how old are your irrigation computers?
   
   Our current computer was replaced this summer through our GSP plan when our original computer crashed. It was installed Nov. of 2004. The computer that they sent to replace the old one it is from that same era. Every time our GSP subscription has expired we have re-newed, each time keeping the existing computer. When it expires in Nov. of 2013, I am hoping to ask for a new computer with the next go round. I know the GSP subscription has been valuable in the many boards that we have had to replace in our mim box, along with the mim box two summers ago and the computer this past summer. I have found the GSP very useful. We have another system in our city that has just replaced it's computer and program (from the old Rain Bird maxi V). I know he is not interested in renewing his GSP, when it expires next July, he hasn't had issues with his mim box or computer yet.
   
   Just interested in what all everyone else is doing.
   
   Thanks! Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
2. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   11/2/2012 9:11 AM

   We had a very old computer running window 98 with Nimbus. They finally told us that they wouldn't renew for that old computer and if we wanted to renew we would have to spend an unreasonable amount of money to buy a new computer from them. The year before they sent me the new Nimbus II software, but it was not compatible with the old computer. I had a buddy build me a bare bones computer for $200 and I installed and programmed the new Nimbus II and have never looked back. I only use that computer for my weather station and irrigation. No web surfing or email. I was able to find some spare parts for my MIM that I keep on the shelf and have an array of other spare parts that I have bought from others who had the money to upgrade their systems. I'm getting ready to unplug my Freedom system since it is not narrowband capable, but have replaced it with a 7"tablet computer that I run LogMeIn on. I got it through Sprint business and paid $99 for the tablet and $19.99 a month for 1 g of monthly service. My JSLM radios in the field are narrowband capable so I redid my FCC license and reprogrammed my radios to a narrowband frequency. Only drawback is that only one person can be logged in at a time, but me and my assistant can log in through our phones in a pinch....from anywhere. The bigger screen on the tablet just makes it easier and when I get a call on my phone it knocks me off LogMeIn.
   
   I guess if money wasn't an issue and you didn't want to do all the work, renewing GSP with a new computer would be easier. Money is always a issue and I was able to save a big chunk by doing it this way. I do have a friend who use to be a service tech for Rainbird and then had is own irrigation service business who I can call in a pinch for help or parts. I also still have the old computer....just in case.

   
   
   
   
3. Brian Lentz

   

   0 posts
   
   11/3/2012 7:11 PM

   We faced the same question last January with two systems on our property. Although we keep a backup laptop to run our system in the event of a computer failure we still elected to renew our GSP with new computers. We also asked them to include an MI license with the renewals, which, I understand is one of their options now. I feel it's my job to make sure the company is supported by GSP to avoid any down time on one of the most important systems at the club. How would you explain to the owners the grass died due to equipment failure if the club had the resources for this insurance and you decided not to purchase it? Would I take the chance of not having GSP if the club wasn't able to afford it, sure. Thankfully our club can afford it and we renew without hesitation, but perhaps not with a new computer every time. I think everyone needs to asses their own situation and make the decision according to your computer knowledge and the resources of the club.
   
   Brian Lentz
   Lakewood Ranch G&CC
   Fla.

   
   
   
   
4. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   11/3/2012 8:11 PM

   Thanks Brian and Keith for your comments, I hope to hear more. Keith I did mention your solution at a meeting I had yesterday with my supervisors. It interested them, but they also know that with-in our city IT situation, having outside access to computers is a big deal. We had a computer virus wipe out many city computers almost two years ago. So they are very protective of access. My supervisors have seen this in other areas such as building control systems. But it would be interesting to investigate.
   
   Thanks! Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
5. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   11/3/2012 8:11 PM

   Melvin Waldron, CGCS said: Thanks Brian and Keith for your comments, I hope to hear more. Keith I did mention your solution at a meeting I had yesterday with my supervisors. It interested them, but they also know that with-in our city IT situation, having outside access to computers is a big deal. We had a computer virus wipe out many city computers almost two years ago. So they are very protective of access. My supervisors have seen this in other areas such as building control systems. But it would be interesting to investigate.
   
   Thanks! Mel

   
   
   Would there be any way to have internet access besides through the city system? The irrigation computer should be considered as a separate system and not connected to a citywide intranet. This is were red tape can slow down an otherwise simple solution.

   
   
   
   
6. Tom Forsythe

   

   0 posts
   
   11/3/2012 10:11 PM

   Keith Lamb said:

   Melvin Waldron, CGCS said: Thanks Brian and Keith for your comments, I hope to hear more. Keith I did mention your solution at a meeting I had yesterday with my supervisors. It interested them, but they also know that with-in our city IT situation, having outside access to computers is a big deal. We had a computer virus wipe out many city computers almost two years ago. So they are very protective of access. My supervisors have seen this in other areas such as building control systems. But it would be interesting to investigate.
   
   Thanks! Mel

   
   
   Would there be any way to have internet access besides through the city system? The irrigation computer should be considered as a separate system and not connected to a citywide intranet. This is were red tape can slow down an otherwise simple solution.

   
   
   That's exactly how we set our two systems up Keith. Our city IT department had no problem with keeping the irrigation system's internet access outside the city system but by doing so we don't get any IT support from them either. I am okay with their decision and pay for the NSN support for my Toro systems.

   
   
   
   
7. Joe Wachter

   

   5 posts
   
   11/5/2012 9:11 AM

   Mel,
   
   I did not renew NSN contract last winter. No problem so far. We have an IT firm proving support for our club and they know the situation that we have and that we will need replacement computer in a moments notice.
   
   A computer can be purchased for peanuts compared to the 5 year contract cost. In this day an age of less money being available, I have no choice but reducing this expense. I also have a good IT guy at my local Toro Distributor if I need some technical assistance. I might have to pay $ 70 bucks an hour but it would take a lot of visits per year to eat all of what we would pay for a subscription service.

   
   
   
   
8. Robichaux Hal

   
   11/9/2012 9:11 AM

   i have been a gsp subscriber for eight years now and i will never look back. i have had more computers and boards over nighted to me than you can shake a stick at. i can call them seven days a week and they are always there to answer any question i may have. as long as gsp is around i will be using them.

   
   
   
   
9. Morozowsky Martin

   
   11/9/2012 1:11 PM

   The way I see it, you are really buying insurance. I hate to say it but is what it is. How much do you need on a 1 to 2 million dollar investment?
   
   Martin J. Morozowsky
   Seven Oaks Country Club
   Bakersfield CA.

   
   
   
   
10. James Smith

    

    112 posts
    
    11/14/2012 7:11 AM

    My irrigation system computer is 14 years old, yep the original computer that we bought to run the system. At the time I made it a condition to the purchase of a rainbird system that I was able to purchase my own computer, which I did from gateway. I have since acquired 2-3 more of these older gateway computers for spare parts. I am running a Stratus system which will only operate off of windows 98. I have had a few conversations with rainbird about upgrading my Stratus system with the stratus 2 but they will only sell it with their computer which is way too expensive for what you get. Another thing about the rainbird computers is that I have heard that they are being made for rainbird with parts you can only get through rainbird which drives the prices up for those parts.
    
    Computers are very cheap now days and you should have a dedicated computer for your irrigation system. This computer should not be used for anything else but irrigation. any extra programs installed could have an issue which could shut down the computer. Anyone using it to surf the net could easily get virus's or maleware on them causing an issue with the computer. Buy a cheaper name grade computer for your irrigation system and another one for you or your employees to use on the net.

    
    
    
    
11. Gene Scarborough

    

    0 posts
    
    11/15/2012 4:11 PM

    We installed a RB Decoder system in early 2001 on one course and went with 5 year GSP. When that ran out, I got a new PC and went with 3 years of GSP. Then went to 3 more years of GSP without the new PC. Earlier this year, we updated the controls on our other course and had to upgrade the software to Nimbus II on the PC that is still running Win 98. In March 2013, will re sign with GSP (probably 3 years) and a new PC.
    
    GSP has helped me countless times on the phone, logging in via PCAnywhere initially and, for the past few years, via LogMeIn (and a T1 line!). I have had 24 hour turnaround on hardware a dozen or more times (the last times was this summer a MIM that cost about $5,000) and that peace of mind I get with GSP is... priceless!
    
    I am a "techie" and am well aware I can build/buy a PC for a LOT less $ but it is the SUPPORT I get on things I can NOT do that sells us! Not to mention the fact that my Assistant and my Irrigation Tech are nowhere close to where I am on comfort level with technology so a call to GSP adds to my facility's comfort level.
    
    Gene Scarborough><>
    GCS
    Santee-Cooper Resort
    Santee, SC