---
title: "Create Program Step"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/FCD/2064810000/Create%20Program%20Step"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

There are three versions of this panel which is where you create program steps:

> ℹ️ **Tip**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ You can often configure the steps further by editing them in the **Program Steps List** after you have created them,

# Time-Based Programs

The options available depend on what devices are configured for the property.

## Program Action Groups

Add a step using [simple action groups](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345/Built-In+Actions+and+Events+for+Irrigation+Programs#Simple-Built-In-Action-Groups) such as *Irrigate Bay* and *Delay*. Simple action groups are automatically created for any bays that you create for your property. To create a step from an action group, choose from a built-in action group and click **Create New Action**.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ You can also create basic *Irrigate Bay* program steps by selecting the bay on the map and add events by picking devices on the map.

The following sections may also appear depending on how your devices are configured.

## Pump

Turn on the selected pump. See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2047181362](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2047181362) for details of how to use this tool.

## Control Gate 

Select a control gate (such as a SlipGate or PikoGate). Set the flow rate, step position, and flow duration and click **Add control gate to program**. See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2047181362](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2047181362) for details.

## Smart Meter Flow Control

Use this option to control a Rubicon gate that is connected to a SmartMeter. See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2047181362](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2047181362) for details.

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# Event-Based Programs

## Create Program Step - Simple Interface

See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2015691280](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2015691280) for more details of how to use these options.

This is similar to the time-based program step form in that your steps must consist of the same simple action groups. However, you can also (optionally) control the timing of the program by selecting events that will trigger the start or end of the step.  Events are automatically available for devices that are configured for your property. See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345) for a list of available events.

Use the button at the top right of the panel to switch between interfaces. See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2048524336](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2048524336) for more details of how the simple and the advanced interfaces differ.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ When you switch program interfaces any step details currently entered in your **Create Program Step** fields are lost.

## Create Program Step - Advanced Interface

See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2039873539](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2039873539) for more details.

The Advanced Interface gives you more control over your program steps and gives you the option of using device specific actions or your own custom program action groups.  

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ The set of actions available for a step depend on what option you choose in the **Perform** field:
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - Choose *New Program Action* to choose from the [Built-In Actions](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2036957345).
> ℹ️ - Choose *Stored Program Action* to use your own [Custom Action Groups](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FCD/pages/2038988916).

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