What Creative Sensor Technology does

Creative Sensor Technology, Inc. (CST) is a privately held New Hampshire–based manufacturer founded in 2007 by Norman Bartlett that designs, builds, and tests impeller-based flow sensors exclusively for irrigation applications. The product portfolio comprises two sensor families — the FSI Series (PVC tee, brass-bodied, and saddle-mounted variants for 3/4" to 6" pipe) and the ELF (Enhanced Low Flow) Series (protected by US Patent No. 10060774 B1, issued 2018, covering 0.20–20 GPM measurement without straight pipe sections) — plus interface and control accessories (ISO4 Isoflow signal processor, Pathway wire-sharing system, CBF-102 Combiflow, DFM-6300 flow monitor). All FSI and ELF sensor insert assemblies carry a lifetime replacement warranty against electrical circuit failure from moisture intrusion.

CST's underlying technology uses a single self-cleaning ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene impeller as both the measuring element and bearing surface, producing digital pulse output signals proportional to flow that can travel up to 2,000 feet without amplification and integrate with at least 11 major smart irrigation controller brands including Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro, Rachio, Baseline, Calsense, and HydroPoint. Sensors are engineered to remain installed year-round through compressed-air winterization cycles.

Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales via a network of domestic and international distributors, complemented by direct phone/text/email inquiry support; no subscription, recurring service, or software revenue stream is disclosed. End customers span property managers, schools and municipal facilities, farming operations, landscapers/contractors, and homeowner associations. Over 90% of components and assemblies are American-made, conferring Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance for federally funded infrastructure projects. CST is bootstrapped, founder-led, and operates with a 1–10 person team.

Name

Creative Sensor Technology

Legal name

Creative Sensor Technology, Inc.

Website

https://creativesensortechnology.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Creative Sensor Technology is a New Hampshire–based, privately held manufacturer of impeller-based flow sensors designed exclusively for irrigation leak detection and water management, sold through distributors to property managers, municipalities, farms, and landscapers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Irrigation Flow Sensors

NAICS

Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing (334514)

SIC

Totalizing Fluid Meters & Counting Devices (3824), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Irrigation Monitoring & Sensors (Flow/Pressure Meters, Soil Moisture, Water Quality Sensors) (AFABAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Leak Detection & Smart Shutoff Valve Systems (HSAHAGAA), Irrigation & Outdoor Plumbing Products (IMADALAI)

Keywords

• Irrigation flow sensors
• Water conservation monitoring
• Impeller flow measurement
• Leak detection sensors
• Smart irrigation controllers

Headquarters

HQ city

Bedford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Flow Sensors: CST generates revenue through the sale of flow sensor hardware products including PVC Flow Sensors, ELF Sensors, Saddle Flow Sensors, Brass Flow Sensors, and accessory control devices. Products are sold through distributors and direct contact. Revenue is one-time hardware purchase with no recurring subscription component.
2. Interface & Control Products: Sale of interface and control devices including ISO4 Isoflow signal processors, Pathway wire sharing systems, CBF-102 Combiflow signal conditioners, and DFM-63XX flow monitors. These products complement flow sensors and enable integration with smart irrigation controllers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Creative Sensor Technology designs, manufactures, and sells impeller-based flow sensors and complementary interface/control devices used to monitor, measure, and detect leaks in irrigation piping systems. Its portfolio covers small-diameter residential/drip applications (ELF Series) through large PVC and metallic pipe commercial and municipal systems (FSI Series in PVC tee, brass, and saddle variants) and integrates with virtually all major smart irrigation controller brands via multiple output signal options. Products are built in Lincoln, NH and shipped worldwide through distributors.

Product overview

Creative Sensor Technology manufactures impeller-based flow sensors designed specifically for irrigation applications. The product portfolio consists of two main sensor types: ELF (Enhanced Low Flow) sensors for residential and drip systems, and FSI (Flow Sensor Insert) sensors for larger commercial and municipal systems. FSI sensors include PVC tee type, brass-bodied, and saddle-mounted variants covering pipe sizes from 3/4 inch to 6 inches. Accessory products include interface modules (Isoflow 304, CBF-102 Combiflow, Pathway wire-sharing system) that enable flow sensors to integrate with multiple controllers, retrofit existing systems, and combine multiple sensor inputs. The DFM Series Flow Monitor provides local digital display capability. All products are designed, built, and tested in New Hampshire, USA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CST: Creative Sensor Technology's primary commercial brand name, used across all product lines including flow sensors (PVC Flow Sensors, ELF Series, Saddle Flow Sensors, Brass Flow Sensors) and interface control products (Isoflow, Pathway, Combiflow, Flow Monitor).

Products and services

• FSI T Series PVC Flow Sensor Impeller-based flow sensor with PVC tee construction and socket connections for flow monitoring and control in irrigation systems. Produces digital pulse output proportional to flow and is compatible with most smart irrigation controllers.
• FSI SP3 Series PVC Flow Sensor High-performing FSI-T Series flow sensor with scaled pulse output (1 pulse = 1 gallon) specifically designed for compatibility with Hunter Hydrawise controllers. Measures flows from 0.85 to 170 GPM depending on size.
• ELF (Enhanced Low Flow) Series Flow Sensor Patented low-flow sensor (US Patent No. 10060774 B1) measuring flow rates from 0.20 to 20 GPM using proven impeller technology. Designed for small-diameter closed pipe irrigation systems with no straight pipe section requirements.
• ELF SP3 Series PVC Flow Sensor ELF Series flow sensor with scaled pulse output ideal for Hunter Hydrawise controllers. 3-wire versions offer 1 pulse = 1 gallon (1 inch) or 1 pulse = 0.10 gallon (3/4 inch), with 240 psi working pressure rating.
• FSI B Series Brass Flow Sensor Brass-bodied flow sensor with FNPT connections for metallic piping systems. Custom cast design outputs a digital signal proportional to flow, is compatible with all CST control products, and transmits pulse signals up to 2,000 feet without amplification.
• FSI S Series Saddle Flow Sensor Saddle-type flow sensor for 3, 4, and 6 inch PVC pipe sizes. Clamps directly onto existing pipe without solvent welding. Features preset sensor depth and alignment, 150 psi working pressure rating.
• FSI SP3 Series Saddle Type Flow Sensor Saddle flow sensor with scaled pulse output for Hunter Hydrawise controllers. 3-wire version with 1 pulse = 10 GPM. Available for 3, 4, and 6 inch pipe sizes with flow ranges from 6–300 GPM to 45–1100 GPM.
• ISO4 Isoflow 304 Flow Isolator Signal processor allowing up to four control devices to share one flow sensor and control one master valve. Provides four electrically isolated flow outputs and an isolated master valve power output, eliminating the need for relays.
• CBF-102 Combiflow Signal Conditioner Signal control device that conditions, scales, and combines signals from two digital flow sensors into one scalable digital output. Compatible with all CST flow sensors and most two-wire sensors producing square or sine wave output.
• Pathway PWY-400-S01 Wire Sharing System Patented communication system allowing CST flow sensors and solenoid-actuated master valves to be retrofitted to existing irrigation systems using existing zone valve wires to carry data and valve control signals.
• DFM Series 6300 Flow Monitor Digital flow monitor for use with FSI Series flow sensors. 1/8 DIN size with panel-mount or wall-mount options in a polycarbonate NEMA 4 enclosure. Shows both rate and total simultaneously with optional 4-20mA analog output and C-form relays.

Quantifiable outcome

• A broken 1.5 inch PVC pipe running at 50 psi will discharge over 10,000 gallons in 30 minutes or over 168,000 gallons in 8 hours - CST sensors detect these leaks immediately

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Various Irrigation Controller ManufacturerscoreTechnology or IntegrationCST flow sensors are designed to be compatible with smart irrigation controllers from multiple manufacturers including Baseline, Calsense, ET Water, Hunter Industries, HydroPoint, K Rain, Rachio, Rain Bird, Toro, Tucor, and Weathermatic. Products feature multiple output signal options to ensure compatibility with various controller systems.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Calsense: Smart irrigation management focused on large commercial and government sites, listed as CST-compatible. Comparable customers and water-conservation-driven value proposition.
• Weathermatic: Smart irrigation controller and water management provider listed as a CST integration partner. Overlaps in commercial landscape irrigation monitoring and conservation.
• Rachio: Smart irrigation controller company whose products integrate with CST flow sensors. Represents both a distribution channel and an emerging adjacent competitor as smart-controller platforms expand into sensing.
• HydroPoint Data Systems: Smart water management platform (WeatherTRAK) for irrigation and broader outdoor water use, listed as a CST-compatible integration. Overlaps in flow-based monitoring for water conservation in landscape and agricultural irrigation.
• Baseline Systems: Commercial irrigation controller manufacturer explicitly listed as compatible with CST flow sensors. Overlaps in commercial-scale irrigation monitoring and water management.
• K-Rain Manufacturing: Irrigation equipment manufacturer producing controllers and valves, listed as CST-compatible. Comparable channels and irrigation installer/end-user customers.

Broad incumbents

• Badger Meter: Established manufacturer of flow measurement and metering equipment for water and industrial applications. Adjacent peer serving overlapping measurement-and-monitoring needs in water systems, though broader than irrigation-only.
• Rain Bird Corporation: Large incumbent in irrigation with its own flow sensor product line and compatible smart controllers. Direct overlap in irrigation flow measurement across commercial and landscape applications.
• Toro Company: Diversified irrigation and turf equipment manufacturer with flow sensing and smart controller offerings (Toro Turf Guard). Comparable end markets in landscape, golf, and municipal irrigation.
• Hunter Industries: Major irrigation equipment manufacturer whose Hunter Hydrawise smart controllers integrate specifically with CST SP3 flow sensors. Overlaps directly in irrigation flow sensing and broader irrigation system hardware.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/creative-sensor-technology

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Creative Sensor Technology