Product News
Spectrum redesigns its WatchDog Weather Stations
Spectrum's AE50 award-winning WatchDog weather stations have been completely redesigned, bringing a host of improvements and new features.
Expanded wireless communications offer economical options that allow for “drive-by” data downloading up to 1,000 feet away and real-time data monitoring up to 2 miles away. Communication speed has been increased to 9600 baud and check digits on all data transmission records enhance communication reliability. Open-text-based protocol makes customized communication possible, such as for irrigation controllers or Internet posting.
Downloading data will not erase it from the weather station, so multiple PC users can access the station without impacting a master data collection plan. Measurement intervals can be selected from 1 to 60 minutes. With a 30 minute interval, 183 days of data is retained on the station.
The enhanced LCD Display – a WatchDog exclusive – allows viewing of current conditions, as well as degree day values and daily high/low readings for the past 30 days and confirms station and sensors are performing – without the use of a PC.
Greater power efficiency extends battery life to 12 months--an increase of 50 percent. Two additional external sensor ports have been added, making six available sensor ports on most models. Alarms check all sensors of the chosen type, and both high and low limits can be set to warn if any sensor goes outside a defined band of normal values.
Contact http://www.specmeters.com/, 800-248-8873.
Underhill adds Nastek turf stress detection glasses
 Using technology developed by NASA scientists, Underhill’s new Nastek turf stress detection glasses are designed to help golf course superintendents and sports field managers spot disease and turf problems before they become visible to the naked eye.
The Nastek lenses work by blocking out the green spectrum reflected from chlorophyll in healthy vegetation, which appears gray or black. Stress conditions, such as disease, drought, pests or poor nutrition, are revealed with glowing colors (red, coral, pink) – and can be detected two to 10 days before they are visible to the unaided eye.
The glasses are available in Underhill’s deluxe kit, which includes a wrap-around frame with snap-in detection lens, high quality soft case and micro-filter cleaning cloth. New flame copper sun protection lens are also included in the kit at no additional charge.
Contact http://www.underhill.us, 866-863-3744.
PayClock Express simplifies payroll
PayClock Express from Lathem Time is an affordable, easy-to-use automated time and attendance system for small business, featuring an electronic time clock and Windows-based software. Employees clock in and out with proximity badges that use radio frequencies, so badges last longer than those using magnetic strips. These badges replace the time-consuming paper punch time cards used with conventional mechanical clocks.
 The system reduces errors by keeping an accurate record of employee attendance, factoring in wages, attendance, vacation and sick time, and lunch and break deductions. In most cases, payroll preparation time is reduced by at least 50 percent.
One of its most popular features is the direct interface to ADP, Paychex and QuickBooks, which allows data such as employee hours to be imported directly into a company's preferred payroll software, eliminating manual data entry errors, while saving time and money. The new interface provides businesses the opportunity to implement true "punch-to-paycheck" systems. Contact http://www.lathem.com.
Water Maze offers wash-water recycling for golf courses
Water Maze, North America’s largest manufacturer of wash-water treatment systems, has introduced a golf course package add-on to its line of CLB water treatment systems. The CLB uses advanced bio-technology for recycling cleaning water generated by pressure washers.
The new WaterStax Golf Course Package includes a stainless steel mesh-lined grass cart for easy dewatering and handling of grass clippings and a hydroscreen that separates out and captures grass clippings and leaves then dumps them into the grass cart.
The systems advanced bio-technology is based on the use of aerobic bacteria to control odor and cause a degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides. The microbes used are certified by the American Type Culture Collection as gram positive, pathogen-free, Class-1 organisms.
More than 2,000 cubic feet of Bio Media create an ideal breeding ground for the microorganisms to quickly multiply and consume hydrocarbon-based contaminants, converting them to harmless H2O and CO2. The patented Air Stick raises the dissolved oxygen content of wastewater, maximizing bacteria digestion rates.
In addition to the ease in customizing a modular system, its compact size produces significant cost savings when shipped and space savings when installed. Contact 800-547-8672, Ext. 175.
Kawasaki offers blade-capable trimmer for California
 A powerful and blade-capable string trimmer is now available in a model designed for sale in California from Kawasaki.
The KBL27BC features lightweight, 2-stroke power, has 25-percent increased fuel efficiency compared to previous models and is CARB Tier III approved.
Like all Kawasaki string trimmers, the KBL27BC has idealbalance and one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the industry. Its proven TJ27 engine has a 26.3cc displacement, is easy to start, has crisp throttle response, low noise and low vibration.
The TJ27 engine has a reputation for outstanding durability. It features a heavy-duty crankshaft with roller main bearings, chrome cylinder with two-ring piston, a heavy-duty felt panel air filter and easy-access air filter cover.
Extra features add comfort and safety when using the KBL27BC with a blade, including an oversized safety guard and an anti-kickback bar at the handle.
Two optional attachments, a hedge trimmer and Twin Turboblade are sold separately. The Twin Turboblade features dual blades rotating in opposite directions to deliver precise cuts and prevent clogging. It’s easy to mount, remove and maintain, and is self-sharpening.
For more information about this product or to locate a Kawasaki Power Products dealer, visit www.kawpowr.com or call 1-800-433-5640.
New DryJect Web site features one-hour demonstration
DryJect Services has unveiled its new aeration services Web site, featuring not only the benefits of aeration, but also its "one-hour challenge." The challenge is a pictorial tour that demonstrates how the DryJect service works on a 6,200-square-foot golf green that is aerated, amended and playable in one hour.
DryJect service technicians provide deep aeration while topdressing and amending the soil in one pass, saving grounds managers time, labor and money. The new site also offers case studies on the sports fields and golf courses that have used DryJect and information on how to schedule a DryJect demonstration.
"Like the DryJect service itself, http://www.dryject.com is an easy, convenient and valuable tool," said Joe Betulius, Profile's vice president of sales. "With the site's easy-to-navigate features and effective design, visitors will quickly understand the agronomic advantages this service can offer any turf management program."
Oral contraception for pigeons registered by EPA
Innolytics has received EPA registration for OvoControl P for pigeons. The company has developed an innovative new product which effectively controls egg hatchability in pigeons, essentially representing non-hormonal oral contraception for birds.
The core technology for OvoControl P centers on the proven ability to reduce the hatchability of eggs by feeding treated bait to birds during the reproductive season. The effect is fully reversible and care has been taken to develop a feeding system that limits exposure to non-target species.
“OvoControl interferes with the formation of the vitelline membrane that separates the yolk and white in the egg, so no embryo is ever formed,” said Dr. Alexander MacDonald, Chief Scientific Officer for Innolytics. “The active ingredient, nicarbazin, approved more than 50 years ago, was originally developed to prevent a disease in poultry. Due to its unique chemistry, the product represents no secondary hazards. For example, a bird of prey which consumes treated pigeons will not be affected by the product.” Contact http://www.hatchcontrol.com.
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