[Vineyard & Winery Elf EN](https://help.vineyardelf.com/index.md) / [VineyardElf](https://help.vineyardelf.com/vineyardelf.md)

# [Zone control - OpenSprinkler and irrigation](https://help.vineyardelf.com/zone-control-opensprinkler-and-irrigation.md)

## 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:
1. The controller's IP address or OTC
2. 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:
1. It monitors the temperature from the weather station
2. When the temperature drops below the threshold, it starts a program
3. It rechecks the temperature every few minutes
4. When the temperature rises again, it stops the watering

### How to enable it

1. Go to **Panel > Frost protection**
2. Click **Start frost loop**
3. 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

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## Related articles

- [Frost protection](/kb/vineyard-elf/ochrona-przed-przymrozkami-automatyczne-zraszanie-c13W2RGp)
- [Weather station](/kb/vineyard-elf/stacja-pogodowa-monitorowanie-warunkow-atmosferycznych-6n6BaSzX)
- [Dashboard](/kb/vineyard-elf/dashboard-podglad-danych-i-sterowanie-winnicy-XNkpfXCF)