1. A decoder-based irrigation controller comprising: a microcontroller; and a first connector coupled to the microcontroller and configured to couple to a cabled barcode pen reader, wherein the cabled barcode pen reader comprises an optical reader configured to read an optically readable pattern, wherein the first connector is further configured to couple an input from the cabled barcode pen reader to the microcontroller; wherein the microcontroller is configured to interpret the input from the cabled barcode pen reader and perform an action at the decoder-based irrigation controller according to the input.