---
title: "Adding Pumps, SmartMeters, and Control Gates"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/FCD/2047181362/Adding%20Pumps%2C%20SmartMeters%2C%20and%20Control%20Gates"
format: markdown
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> Macro (toc)

You can add pumps, SmartMeters operating a control gate, or control gates themselves to a time-based irrigation program if they are configured for your property. You will typically do this to provide a water supply or - if the device is metered - to monitor the incoming flow during the irrigation.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ These options are only available in time-based irrigation programs. In event-based programs you must create steps using the [Advanced Interface](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2048524336) to use actions and events for these devices.

# Pumps

In time-based irrigation programs, you can add a pump to any program as a water source by using the **Pump** option in the program step. 

To add a pump, select it from the drop-down list and click **Add pump to program**

The pump step will run throughout the duration of the program (less four minutes to allow for gate opening and closing times). You cannot modify the pump start time or duration and it will run through both irrigations and delays.

## Demonstration Video: Create a New Time-Based Irrigation with Pump

![RUB_Tutorial_FarmConnect New Time-Based Irrigation Program with Pump.mp4](media://1abe6194-ee91-46a2-a2ed-8cbedff307c3)

# SmartMeters

SmartMeters are Rubicon FerIT Nodes or SolarNodes that are connected to and can control a Rubicon control gate. 

To add a SmartMeter, select it from the drop-down list and enter the Flow Rate and Duration of the order you have placed with your irrigation authority. Then click the **Add SmartMeter Flow Control** button to add a SmartMeter step. 

The SmartMeter will run from the start of the irrigation program although you can set the duration of the step.

## Demonstration Video: Create a New Time-Based Irrigation with SmartMeter

![RUB_Tutorial_FarmConnect FarmConnect New Time-Based Irrigation Program with Control Gate.mp4](media://53f1a95a-7375-4d96-971f-29f52cec0130)

# Control Gates

You can add one or more control gates directly to a program. Unlike pumps and SmartMeters, you can control the start time and duration of the control gate step (this is because you may want to add more than one control gate to the program).

To add a control gate, select the gate from the drop-down list and enter the flow rate, start time and duration of the step. Then click the **Add control gate to program** button. 

## Demonstration Video: Create a New Time-Based Irrigation with Control Gate

![RUB_Tutorial_FarmConnect FarmConnect New Time-Based Irrigation Program with Control Gate.mp4](media://53f1a95a-7375-4d96-971f-29f52cec0130)

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