The Ware Brothers controllers have an advanced way to attach to sensors. Most sensors close or open a switch. These are called switch closure sensors. You may also hear the term ground interrupt which is another way of saying the same thing. While Ware Brothers does not currently produce any sensors there are a wide variety of sensors to choose from. Connecting sensors directly to the controller has the advantage of allowing the controller to determine how to respond to the sensor's input.. For example a wind sensor connected in the old style would prevent the water from being wasted but the lawn may burn because of insufficient water.

Benefits of having the sensors measurable by the controller.

• Simplified Wiring especially when multiple sensors are used.
• A variety of responses to sensor inputs.
• Simple application of the sensor to selected stations (You may not want a sensor to affect all stations)
• The amount of time the sensor is on or off is monitored and displayed

In addition to regular sensor functions a sensor can send X10 commands. This could be used to turn on a light using a vehicle motor sensor,  breaking glass sensor, or Door opening sensor. Since the most effective theft deterrent is light this could enhance security.

You can attach the sensors to the Ware Brothers controller using the older method.

. The Ware Brothers 1016 controller does not have sensor input and so this is the only way to connect sensor for it. This works fine but you loose some functionality.

Functions lost by connection a sensor to break the common.

• No visible display of why a station is shut off or if the sensor is working
• Extended functions such as delaying watering are not available
• More complicated wiring
• Sensors can not initiate X10 commands