Bloomington, Minnesota, United States: Toro has expanded the cloud-based features in its Lynx Central Control System.

New rendering schemes for the customised interactive course map add course management detail. Every sprinkler on the course is represented by a symbol and colour that displays each sprinkler’s location and its current status, and to which Precip Management Group (PMG) it belongs. Superintendents can review irrigation rates and ensure that the water hitting the ground matches the infiltration rate of that area of the course.

“Lynx is already considered an essential tool by golf course superintendents, and this expansion of the cloud-based services will give them even more control over course conditions,” said Paul Standerfer, Product Manager for Golf Central Controls, Toro, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

In addition, a patent-pending feature provides superintendents with a graphic display of the irrigation plan as programmed. Standerfer said: “The rendering provides a symbol that represents how much water each sprinkler is scheduled to deliver. With just a glance, course managers will be able to confirm the plan as scheduled or easily make any needed adjustments. And, of course, since it’s all cloud-based, they can review the course and plan from anywhere at any time.”

The latest version also streamlines the relocation of sprinklers on the interactive map after adjustments have been made, eliminating the need to manually enter the changes and resynchronise the interactive map. With two clicks on the cloud-based Lynx Map application, the updates can be synchronised in about five seconds.

Lynx provides a hybrid back-up system, which means that the database is backed up both locally and in the cloud. Subscribers to Toro’s exclusive National Support Network (NSN) who need new hardware will receive it with the back-up already loaded, allowing them to put it to work instantly rather than having to take the time to load the backup themselves.

“Many of the new enhancements were asked for by superintendents. We listened and responded,” said Standerfer.