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Smart Valves vs. Smart Controllers

Choosing the Best Irrigation Tech
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What is a Smart Controller?

A smart controller is an central electronic device that sends open-and-close signals to standard field valves through wires or radio links. Some newer versions connect to the cloud for weather-based scheduling or remote adjustments. While this setup brought a big leap from manual timers, it still depends on separate field hardware—valves, sensors, wiring, and sometimes dedicated radios or power supplies. Every additional irrigation zone increases the system’s complexity and cost.

In short: smart controllers centralize the logic but rely on multiple external components to get the job done.

up to
90
%
less time spent irrigating
up to
30
%
reduction in pumping costs
up to
20
%
increase in crop quality

What Is a Smart Valve?

A smart valve moves the intelligence from the controller directly into the field. Each valve contains its own embedded computer, sensors, and wireless communication, effectively distributing the “brains” across the system.
With Lumo's Smart Valves, each device operates independently—no need for control boxes, long wiring runs, or external power. The result is a modular, solar-powered network where every valve can run its own schedule, communicate data to the cloud, and continue irrigating even if another device fails.

In short: smart valves are self-sufficient field units that make irrigation simpler to install, manage, and expand.

Lumo's smart irrigation valve is the next generation of drip irrigation timer

The Lumo 
Smart Valve

With a built-in flow meter and onboard computer for visibility and control. 
Download the spec sheet

Built-in Flow Meter

Track flow rates remotely and in real time. Reconcile applied volumes to plan at a block level. 

Onboard computer

Allows for 24/7 remote control and removes the need for an expensive irrigation controller.   

Wireless

Solar power and cloud connection streamline installation by removing the need to trench in wires.

Rugged Design

Made with fiber reinforced polymer and a modular design to make maintenance simple. 
Exploded view of the Lumo One Smart Irrigation Valve

Backed by a dedicated support team

You don’t just get another vendor. You get a dedicated irrigation partner.
Our highly responsive support team proactively monitors every irrigation and notifies you the moment an issue arises.

Gain Unprecedented Visibility and control

Easily Report on Water Use
Irrigate at Night to Prevent Evaporative Loss
Detect Leaks Automatically
Pump at Off-Peak Energy Hours
Irrigate Based on Precise Volumes
Data-Driven Preventative Maintenance
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Not another irrigation controller

Because everything is built-in, Lumo is an all-in-one solution that’s super simple to install and never going to leave you in the dark.
“There’s a night and day difference from the other irrigation automation systems we’re working with. It’s everything everyone else says they can do but Lumo actually does it.”
Tyler Klick
Redwood Empire Vineyard Mgmt
read case studies

DIG DEEPER

I’ve seen “smart controllers” that claim to automate irrigation – how is a smart valve different?

A smart controller sends signals to traditional valves. You still need all the other parts: wiring, radios, power, and sensors. A smart valve, on the other hand, has all that intelligence built in. Each valve can run independently and wirelessly communicate to the cloud. No central box required.

What about maintenance and durability of smart valves vs controllers?

Controllers can be vulnerable to lightning strikes, rodents, and electronic failures that affect the whole system. Smart valves like Lumo’s are field-hardened, waterproof, solar-powered, and easily replaceable. Each valve is modular—if one has an issue, it can be swapped without impacting the rest.

Is there any downside to smart valves?

The main consideration is connectivity—smart valves use cellular or similar networks to communicate. In very remote areas, you might need a gateway or satellite link. Still, Lumo valves store schedules internally, so irrigation continues even without signal.

Can I integrate smart valves into an existing controller setup?

Smart valves typically replace the controller. You can run them side by side during transition—keeping some zones on your old system and adding Lumo for new areas—but they’ll operate independently. Most growers fully migrate once they see the benefits.

From the Grower’s Mouth

Hannah Lindner Wente Vineyards
“With the Lumo valves, we have this micro control that we didn't have in the past. We know that what we are scheduling is getting executed, we know the timing is right, and we have confidence we’ll get the quality that we want from the vineyard.”
Gustavo Aviña Pine Ridge Vineyards
“I chose Lumo because the installation and the valve operation are very easy. We’re now able to do more precise irrigations, giving water to the vines when they need it, and only what they need. After we started automating irrigation, we produced the best fruit I’ve ever seen.”
Ryan Decker Clos du Val
“The product is plug and play without any wires to run or radios to set up. A flow meter is incorporated into each valve that is capable of delivering irrigation sets by a volume, instead of a duration. I’ll be able to log all irrigations, by volume, for any water use reporting requirements that either exist now or will in the future. I think that more than any other company I've worked with, Lumo has listened to what we've had to say in the industry.”
Tyler Klick Redwood Empire Vineyard Management
“The software platform is extremely easy to use and functions very well. When we have had issues, Lumo’s been out there before we even got there. The valves have been reliable and have really helped us fine tune our operation as it pertains to irrigation. Lumo is the first automated irrigation solution that I have confidence I can go to my clients and say, ‘If you want automation, this is something we can use.’”

Get Started Today

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