In 1998 George
decided to focus on his turf business and began developing innovative
battery-operated controls. With a grant from the U.S. Department of
Energy, he developed the first battery-operated controller recognized
for energy efficiency, the BCS. With its 5 miles of valve operating
distance and up to 10 years of battery life (tested at the Center
for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno)
the BCS filled the gap in quality and reliability in a battery or
solar powered field controller.
In 2001 Alex-Tronix
further utilized its battery saving technology, and introduced the
Smart-Alex and Enercon controllers. The company also appointed Dominic
A. Shows, as National Sales Manager, due to his background in marketing
and finance. The Enercon
is very similar to the BCS but has 4 and 8 station models (versus
5 and 10 stations on the BCS.) The Enercon can operate valves up to
3,000 feet away and is 30-40% less expensive than its competitors
field controllers.
There are two
new products for 2005: the Enercon 12-18-24 battery powered controller
line which features four programs and a stainless steel pedestal as
standard. The second is the Smart Clock, the only battery powered
"Smart" water saving controller available. In addition,
this controller has six stations, four programs, 2000 feet of valve
operating distance, and a guaranteed two years of battery life.
