What is OpenSprinkler?
OpenSprinkler is an irrigation controller that lets you operate the valves in your vineyard over the internet. By connecting it to VineyardElf you gain:
- Remote control - turn on watering from your phone
- Frost protection - automatic sprinkling when temperatures drop
- Monitoring - system status right in the dashboard
How to connect OpenSprinkler
Step 1: Prepare the controller
Make sure your OpenSprinkler:
- Is connected to WiFi/your network
- Has a known IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.100)
- Has an access password set
- Alternatively, you can use an OTC (One-Time-Code) from OpenSprinkler Cloud
Step 2: Configure it in VineyardElf
When creating a Weather Station you provide:
- The controller’s IP address or OTC
- The device password
The system automatically creates an OpenSprinkler Connector and links it to the app.
Step 3: Test the connection
The dashboard shows the OpenSprinkler status:
- Connected (green) - everything is fine
- Not configured (red) - check your settings
Controlling irrigation
Start / Stop
From the dashboard you can:
- Run a program - starts the default watering program
- Stop everything - immediately shuts down all zones
IMPORTANT: Schedules and detailed zone control are configured directly in the OpenSprinkler panel (via a web browser or the mobile app).
Winter mode
When you enable winter mode, the system blocks any watering from starting - both manual and automatic. This protects your installation from frost damage.
Integration with frost protection
This is the key feature! The system can automatically start watering when the temperature falls:
Frost Loop
Here is how it works:
- It monitors the temperature from the weather station
- When the temperature drops below the threshold, it starts a program
- It rechecks the temperature every few minutes
- When the temperature rises again, it stops the watering
How to enable it
- Go to Panel > Frost protection
- Click Start frost loop
- The system begins monitoring and responding automatically
You can also stop the loop manually at any time.
Loop status
On the dashboard you can see:
- Whether the loop is active
- The current temperature
- Whether watering is on
Tips
- Test the system before the season - run it manually and check that all sprinklers work
- Set up schedules in OpenSprinkler - VineyardElf is meant for monitoring and frost protection, not for everyday irrigation
- Turn on winter mode outside the season
Troubleshooting
“No OpenSprinkler connector”
- The connector was not created during configuration
- Contact support
“Cannot connect to the controller”
- Check that OpenSprinkler is powered on
- Verify the IP address (has it changed?)
- Make sure the password is correct
- If you use an OTC, generate a new one in the OpenSprinkler app