Baseline Systems WaterTec S100 User Manual

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INSTALLATION MANUAL

Residential and Small

Commercial Applications

WATERTEC™ S100 INSTALLATION MANUAL

Congratulations on selecting the WaterTec™ S100 kit, the industry’s leading soil-moisture sensing unit for residential and small commercial applications.

The following manual will guide you step-by-step through the installation process. Pages 11-17 contain troubleshooting steps to further assist in your installation. Additional information can be found online at www.baselinesystems.com

Before You Get Started .............................................................................................3

S100 Operational Features.......................................................................................4

Step 1 - biSensor Placement ....................................................................................5

Step 2 - Determining Your Wiring Configuration.....................................................6

Option A - Valve Common Interrupter .....................................................6

Option B - Drip Bypass ...............................................................................6

Step 3 - Install and Wire S100....................................................................................7

Step 4 - Setup Sprinkler Timer and Set Cycle Window...........................................7

Step 5 - Connect the biSensor.................................................................................7

Step 6 - biSensor Installation.....................................................................................8

Step 7 - Verify All Connections.................................................................................9

Step 8 - 24-hour Moisture Threshold Calibration.....................................................9

Future Adjustments..................................................................................................10

How to Get a Beautiful Lawn.................................................................................10

Troubleshooting for Initial Installation ...............................................................11-12

Operational Troubleshooting & Adjustments .......................................................12

Troubleshooting Lawn Conditions....................................................................13-14

Troubleshooting Error Codes ..................................................................................17

Before You Get Started

Read the entire manual before starting

Before installing your new WaterTec S100, operate the sprinkler system to ensure the system is functioning properly and all heads are properly adjusted. For best results you will need to know the distribution rate of your sprinklers as this usually varies greatly from zone to zone. Ideally each zone would receive the same amount of water (1/2” to 3/4”). Baseline recommends that, prior to installation, you replace any back-up batteries your timer requires. You may need to refer to the original owner’s manual.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

www.baselinesystems.com • (866) 294-5847

™

WaterTec

biSensor

™

and

™

biLine

are trademarks of Baseline, LLC.

www.baselinesystems.com

Valve

Valve Active

Active

Allow

Allow Water

Water

Moisture Threshold/

Cycle Window

A B C D E F

A - 24 VAC

A - 24 VAC B - 24 VAC

B - 24 VAC

B - 24 VAC C - Interrupt 1

C - Interrupt 1

C - Interrupt 1 D - Interrupt 2

D - Interrupt 2

D - Interrupt 2 E - Common

E - Common

E - Common F - Sensor

F - Sensor

Soil Moisture

Sensor Update

Hold to adjust Threshold

Bypass (allow water)

Hold to adjust Cycle Window

B F

C G

Operational Features

A Soil Moisture: Water content present in the soil

• Value is displayed by default when no buttons are pressed or held.

• Soil moisture level is displayed as volumetric, ranging from 0.0 to 50.0.

B Sensor Update:

• Brief button press: Causes the biSensor to take a moisture reading.

• Hold button: Displays current Moisture Threshold value. See below for operation.

C Bypass: Allows the sprinkler timer to operate without interruption from the

S100. Bypass mode is indicated by a periodic flashing of “OFF” on the S100 display.

• Brief button press: Toggle the Bypass function. When enabled the Allow Water light should turn on.

• Hold button: Holding the Bypass button for 2 seconds displays the current Cycle Window duration. Use (+)/(-) buttons while holding Bypass to change the Cycle Window to a value between 0 and 24 hours. Default is 12 hours.

D Moisture Threshold: Soil moisture value at which the S100 will allow watering.

• While “Sensor Update” button is being held, use (+)/(-) buttons to change the moisture threshold.

E Cycle Window: The cycle window is the time allowed to complete a water

cycle once your soil moisture has reached your soil moisture threshold.

F Valve Active: This light indicates that the valve the biSensor is attached to

is currently active (watering).

G Allow Water: This light indicates that the S100 is allowing your sprinkler timer

to water based upon its user defined settings (the system will begin watering at the next start time programmed on the sprinkler timer).

H Wire Harness: Wires are attached from the sprinkler timer to the S100 here.

Setup Operations: Calibration Cycle

(for initial installation or biSensor repositioning

• Hold the (+)(-) and (Bypass) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. The screen will flash between “CAL” “24 H” and the current moisture reading. The “24 H” will count down on the hour until the calibration is complete. Watering is paused during this time.

Communication Test: The S100 communicates with the biSensor for about two minutes, checking for any potential errors

• Hold the (+)(-) and (Sensor Update) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. For more information, see Step 1 on page 15 in the Troubleshooting section.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

)

Step 1 biSensor Placement

When planning the biSensor location, take into account variables such as distribution rate, sun exposure and soil type, or other site specific characteristics that may affect water holding capacity or the rate at which plants use water.

The location of the biSensor will determine how frequently your sprinkler system is allowed to water.

than average it will cause your system to operate less frequently, possibly causing dry spots. If the biSensor is placed in an area that receives less than average water it will cause the system to operate more frequently.

Baseline biSensor placement recommendations:

• Place the biSensor near the center of a zone (should only receive water from one zone).

• Place the biSensor in an area that receives average to slightly below average water.

• Keep away from sidewalks and driveways to avoid water from car washing or other factors.

If the biSensor is placed in an area that is generally wetter

The illustration to the right identifies heavy

shadow and runoff

areas in Red and ideal locations in

Light Green. Avoid

Red areas when

installing your

biSensor. Dark

Green areas with

some shadow can

be used as a

secondary location.

SENSOR

LOCATION

SECONDARY

LOCATION

SENSOR

LOCATION

SENSOR LOCATION

SECONDARY

LOCATION

SENSOR

LOCATION

note

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Note: When installing the biSensor connect it to the most convenient valve. This connection is used for communication.

Step 2

Determining Your Wiring Configuration

Option A: This is the most common option and will work on any timer that has an accessible 24VAC power source.

Option B: This option is used for systems with zones requiring more frequent watering than the biSensor controlled zones utilizing Baseline's Drip Bypass.

(DRIP BYPASS SOLD SEPARATELY)

Option A

Connect wires A and B (red and blue) to the 24V connectors on the sprinkler timer Connect wires C and E (yellow and white) to the common on the sprinkler timer Connect wire D (brown) to the valve common Connect wire F (green) to the valve with the sensor

Soil Moisture

Bypass (allow water)

Hold to adjust Cycle Window

Valve Common Interrupter

www.baselinesystems.com

Moisture Threshold/

Cycle Window

A - 24 VAC

A - 24 VAC B - 24 VAC

B - 24 VAC

A B C D E F

C - Interrupt 1

Sensor Update

Hold to adjust Threshold

Valve

Valve Active

Active

Allow

Allow Water

Water

C - Interrupt 1 D - Interrupt 2

D - Interrupt 2

D - Interrupt 2 E - Common

E - Common

E - Common F - Sensor

F - Sensor

SPRINKLER TIMER

24V COM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Connect sensor wires across valve solenoid.

Option B

Soil Moisture

Sensor Update

Hold to adjust Threshold

Bypass (allow water)

Hold to adjust Cycle Window

Drip Bypass

www.baselinesystems.com

Moisture Threshold/

Cycle Window

A - 24 VAC

A - 24 VAC B - 24 VAC

B - 24 VAC

A B C D E F

C - Interrupt 1

Valve

Valve Active

Active

Allow

Allow Water

Water

C - Interrupt 1 D - Interrupt 2

D - Interrupt 2

D - Interrupt 2 E - Common

E - Common

E - Common F - Sensor

F - Sensor

SPRINKLER TIMER

24V COM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Connect sensor wires across valve solenoid.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Step 3

SEN 24V COM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SPRINKLER TIMER

Valve Active

Allow Water

www.baselinesystems.com

Moisture Threshold/

Cycle Window

A - 24 VAC B - 24 VAC C - Interrupt 1 D - Interrupt 2 E - Common F - Sensor

A B C D E F

Valve Active

Allow Water

www.baselinesystems.com

Moisture Threshold/

Cycle Window

A - 24 VAC B - 24 VAC C - Interrupt 1 D - Interrupt 2 E - Common F - Sensor

A B C D E F

Valve Active

Allow Water

www.baselinesystems.com

Moisture Threshold/

Cycle Window

A - 24 VAC B - 24 VAC C - Interrupt 1 D - Interrupt 2 E - Common F - Sensor

A B C D E F

Install and Wire the S100

1. Strip the provided harness wire and connect to wire harness as shown: red, blue, yellow, brown, white and green (from left to right). Plug the harness into the S100.

2. At this point also strip the biSensor wire providing enough exposed wire to connect to desired valve.

3. Mount the S100 near your sprinkler timer.

The S100 is not

weatherproof.

4. Wire the S100 using the option chosen in Step 2. Using your sprinkler timer, manually run all zones to ensure that the connections are solid.

Step 4 Setup Sprinkler Timer

and Set Cycle Window

1. Set your sprinkler timer to apply 1/2” to 3/4” of water to each zone each day. This will allow the in-ground moisture biSensor to choose the best possible days to water. For instructions on how to check distribution rate, see Step 2 on page 15 of the Troubleshooting section. (If needed, refer to the sprinkler timer’s manual for operational instructions).

2. The cycle window is the time allowed to complete a water cycle once your soil moisture has reached your moisture threshold. The S100 comes preset with a 12 hour window. This works well for most applications and there may be no need to re-set this value.

Reasons to re-set the cycle window

• If your system needs more than twelve hours to complete a watering cycle once the biSensor zone has been watered.

• If you choose to water your lawn several times per day (this can result in poor root development).

To set the cycle window hold the “Bypass” button for 2 seconds. This will display the current cycle window. Use (+)/(-) buttons while holding the “Bypass” button to change the cycle window to a value between 0 and 24 hours.

Step 5

Connect the biSensor

NOTE: It is very important that you use waterproof connectors after all connections

have been verified in Step 7.

1. Before burying the biSensor, verify communications by pressing the “Sensor

Update” button. A numeric reading indicates success. A display of Er1 or Er2 indicates a wiring error. Consult the Troubleshooting section on pages 11-12.

2. Manually run the station to which you connected the biSensor to verify

connection.

3) Once connections have been verified, disconnect the biSensor from the valve

as this simplifies burial.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Step 6

biSensor Installation

The biSensor has several burial requirements. There must be good contact between the soil and the biSensor, and it needs to be buried lying on its side. If buried flat, the biSensor readings can be wrong due to moisture pooling on the surface of the biSensor. The biSensor should be buried 4” to 6” inches deep in turf areas and deeper for planters and tree areas (root zones).

Note: Ensure biSensor is buried 4”-6”

note

below grass line for optimal

readings. This depth also prevents

future damage, i.e., aerators, etc.

(Option A)

1. Using a shovel or edger cut out a piece of sod approximately 1-foot long by 6-inches wide in the area where you plan to bury the biSensor.

2. Carefully remove the sod and try to keep the roots intact.

3. Dig a small trench the length of the biSensor in the exposed dirt.

4. Insert the biSensor into the trench, burying it on its long edge. If buried flat, biSensor readings can be wrong due to moisture pooling on surface of the biSensor.

5. Remove any rocks or gravel that are touching the surface of the biSensor to ensure there are no air pockets.

6. Cut a slit back to the valve box for the communication wires. Take care to bury them deep enough to avoid damage from aeration or other activities.

7. Using a bucket of water saturate the soil surrounding the biSensor and compact the soil around it tightly.

8. Refill hole, replace sod and saturate the area thoroughly. Once saturated, compact soil firmly around the biSensor. The biSensor must make good contact with the surrounding soil.

OPTION A

Dig 6”X12”

section and ...

Re-cover area and

heavily saturate with water.

OPTION B

Cut slit into grass

then work shovel

back and forth to

create a slot for the biSensor

peel back sod

with roots intact.

Bury biSensor

4” TO 6” deep

about 12” long

by 6” deep...

Bury biSensor

4” TO 6” deep

(Option B)

1. With a flat blade shovel, cut a slit in the grass where the biSensor will be placed. Widen slit with a back and forth motion.

Re-cover area and

2. Place the biSensor in the slit horizontally so the top of the biSensor is 4”-6” deep.

Re-cover area and

heavily saturate with water.

3. Remove any rocks or gravel that are touching the biSensor to ensure there are no air pockets.

4. Cut a slit back to the valve box for the communication wires. Take care to bury them deep enough to avoid damage from aeration or other activities.

5. Using a bucket of water saturate the soil surrounding the biSensor and compact the soil around it tightly.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

note

Note: It is critical that the soil is well saturated with water, otherwise the moisture threshold calibration in Step 8 will fail. It is also important that you complete Step 8 within one hour of saturating soil.

Step 7

Reconnect biSensor to desired valve. Verify that all connections are functioning properly after the biSensor has been buried.

1. Verify communications with biSensor by pressing the “Sensor Update” button. A numeric reading indicates success. A display of Er1 or Er2 indicates a wiring error. Consult the Troubleshooting section on page 11-12 if you receive an error.

2. If the numeric reading is below 20, the biSensor has excessive air pockets around it. If this occurs, rebury the biSensor as per Step 6 taking extra care to ensure the soil is well compacted around the biSensor.

3. Manually run the station connected to the biSensor. This will verify connection.

note

Step 8

The S100 comes with an auto-calibration capability that will set the moisture threshold based on your soil type. This is useful for new installations. Before running the moisture threshold calibration; ensure that the soil around the biSensor is heavily saturated with water as instructed in Step 6. If not properly saturated, the calibration will fail. Write down the current date, time and sensor reading to be used as a reference point.

Date ________________ Time ____________ Sensor Reading _________________

1. Hold the (+)(-) and (Bypass) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. The screen will flash between “CAL” “24H” and the current moisture reading. The “24H” will count down on the hour until the calibration is complete. Watering is paused during this time. It is important that the biSensor does not receive any water during calibration. This process will fail or provide false feedback if it does.

2. If the calibration succeeds, the moisture threshold will be automatically set, and the system will allow watering when soil moisture drops below this threshold.

If an error occurs during calibration, the screen will flash “Er3” indicating calibration failed, and then another “Er#”. This # represents the reason for failure. See Troubleshooting for information on the various error messages. The S100 will need to be re-calibrated. In addition, in the event of a failure, the S100 will go into “bypass” mode allowing for normal timer-based watering.

Verify All Connections

Note: All connections need to be water-tight. There are several products

on the market that will accomplish this. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product you choose.

24 Hour Moisture Threshold Calibration

Note: If you need to exit this mode early, hold the ”Sensor Update” button for

3 seconds.

Note: If the biSensor receives water during this 24 hour period, or was

note

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

not saturated during Step 6, the calibration will either fail entirely

or set an incorrect threshold for your lawn. If this happens, you

will need to resaturate the soil and restart Step 8.

Future Adjustments

Manual Threshold Adjustment As the grass roots grow back around the

biSensor, the threshold may need to be adjusted. Observe lawn conditions and then adjust the threshold as needed. To manually adjust your moisture threshold begin by taking a biSensor reading (after a watering cycle) by pressing the “Sensor Update” button. Next set your threshold slightly above or below this value (An adjustment of 0.1 – 0.2 points is all that should be necessary).

• Raising the threshold will result in more frequent watering.

• Lowering the threshold will result in less frequent watering. Automatic Moisture Threshold Calibration If you need to re-calibrate your

moisture threshold, simply begin by re-saturating the ground surrounding the biSensor. The dirt surrounding the biSensor needs to be holding as much water as it can, it may take a few applications of water to accomplish this. Once saturated, repeat Step 8 of this manual to automatically calibrate your moisture threshold.

How to Get a Beautiful Lawn

Watering SMART is a critical step towards a beautiful and

healthy lawn.

Water Less Frequently

• Using the WaterTec to determine which days to water will promote deep roots and will water only when needed, conserving water (and saving you money).

• Watering too often promotes a shallow root structure and washes nutrients from the roots.

Water Deeply

• Set your sprinkler timer to apply 1/2” to 3/4” of water (determine water application rate for each zone and calculate the run time to apply 3/4” of water—use cups or cans to catch water for a fixed time to determine application rate). Each zone could have a different water run time.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Troubleshooting for Initial Installation

Problem Cause Solution

Er1 is displayed The S100 cannot communicate with

the biSensor

Er2 is displayed The S100 has detected excessive

current while trying to communicate with the biSensor

Er3 is displayed along with another error

Er4 is displayed

(this is a warning message, pressing”Sensor Update”will

There was a problem during the S100 24-hour moisture threshold calibration

Unexpected reading during 24-hour moisture threshold calibration, final reading was not substantially different from first

(please refer to

the Er4 code on page 17)

clear this)

Er5 is displayed An interruption of the 24-hour

moisture threshold calibration occurred due to attempted valve activation

Er6 is displayed

Display is blank. LED’s are off

Display flashes random segments

or 88.8

Unexpectedly low reading during 24hour moisture threshold calibration S100 is not receiving 24 VAC • Make sure the 24VAC transformer

The S100 common is not connected correctly

• Check the wiring and connections to the biSensor

• Make sure the correct valve wire and common wire are used

• After making repairs follow the “Verify biSensor Communication” instructions under Step 1 at the end of this section

• Double-check the wiring and connections to the biSensor

• Make sure the common and biSensor wires are correctly connected

• Check for a faulty valve solenoid

• After making repairs follow the “Verify biSensor Communication” instructions under Step 1 at the end of this section

• This error is accompanied by one of the other error codes

• Refer to the other Er# for possible solutions

• Follow the instructions under Step 5 at the end of this section

• Make sure no extra water is applied to the biSensor after calibration starts or the S100 may set a non-optimal threshold

• Check the valve the biSensor is connected to for proper operation

• After making repairs follow the instructions under Step 5 at the end of this section (turn off controller during 24-hour moisture threshold calibration)

• Follow the instructions under Step 5 at the end of this section

is plugged in

• Check that the two 24VAC lines and the common from the S100 are wired correctly

• Make sure the common from the S100 is connected to the valve common of the sprinkler controller

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Troubleshooting for Initial Installation

(continued)

Problem Cause Solution

The S100 flashes "88.8" then fades away biSensor is reading a value under 20 when soil appears wet

Controller does not have access to 24VAC

The controller sensor ports will not support the S100

There may be air pockets around the biSensor

Some older mechanical controllers • Some older sprinkler controllers

• Use the common interrupt method to wire the S100

• Rebury the biSensor as per Step 6 on page 8. When reburying the biSensor be especially careful that there are NO rocks touching the blade of the biSensor as this can lead to false readings

do not have available access to 24VAC; for more information on this go to www.baselinesystems.com

Operational Troubleshooting & Adjustments

Main Problem Specifics Solution

Er1 is displayed The S100 cannot communicate with

the biSensor

Er2 is displayed The S100 has detected excessive

current while trying to communicate with the biSensor

Display is blank. LED’s are off

There are puddles forming during irrigation

S100 is not receiving 24 VAC • Make sure the 24VAC transformer

• Check the wiring and connections to the biSensor

• Connections need to be waterproof and free of corrosion

• Check biSensor wires for damage

• Check biSensor for damage

• After making repairs follow the “Verify biSensor Communication” instructions under Step 1 at the end of this section

• Double-check the wiring and connections to the biSensor

• Verify connections inside valve box are water tight

• Check for a faulty valve solenoid

• Check for lightning damage

is plugged in and receiving power

• Check that the two 24VAC lines and the common from the S100 are wired correctly

• Follow the instructions under Step 6 at the end of this section

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Troubleshooting Lawn Conditions

Use this diagram in reference to the zones in this Troubleshooting section

ZONE 1 ZONE 2

ZONE 3 ZONE 4

Lawn Condition Possible Causes Solution

Area around the biSensor is dry but the lawn is wet

Area around the biSensor is wet but the lawn is dry

Zone 1 is wet, remaining lawn is dry

Zone 1 is dry, remaining lawn is wet Zones 1-3 have adequate water, Zone 4 is drying out

Plugged head over biSensor

Broken or missing head near biSensor

Object was placed over the biSensor

Broken or leaky head near the biSensor causing water to pool around the biSensor Broken line causing water to leak into the soil surrounding the biSensor

Run time on zones 2-4 are too short

Cycle window is not long enough

Run time on zone 1 is too short

Disruption causing the valve to not operate correctly

Check the area around the biSensor. Fix any problems with the irrigation system that would cause the area around the biSensor to not receive water. In addition remove any obstructions that may have been placed over where the biSensor is buried

Replace or repair parts as needed

Check the distribution rate of zones 2-4 as per Step 2 on page 15. Adjust the run time accordingly Check the duration of your cycle window. Refer to Step 4 on page 7 Check the distribution rate of zone 1 as per Step 2 on page 15. Adjust the run time accordingly Check the wiring between the valve box and the valve. Make any necessary repairs

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Troubleshooting Lawn Conditions (continued)

Lawn Condition Possible Causes Solution

Entire lawn is dry

Entire lawn is too wet

biSensor is receiving adequate water, other areas are dry

biSensor is receiving adequate water, other areas are wet

Zones 1, 3 and 4 are receiving adequate water. Zone 2 has dry or wet areas

System Malfunction

Run times on all zones are too short

Moisture Threshold is too low Heavy rain fall immediately after or during a watering cycle

Run times on all zones are too long

Moisture Threshold is too high Water distribution is not uniform

biSensor is buried in an area that receives above average watering

Water distribution is not uniform

biSensor is buried in an area that receives significantlly below average watering

Water distribution in zone 2 is not uniform

Check the overall system functions. Ensure the master valve is operating correctly, that the system is not shut down, etc... Check the distribution rate of all zones as per Step 2 on page 15. Adjust the run times accordingly Refer to Step 7 on page 17 N/A

Check the distribution rate of all zones as per Step 2 on page 15. Adjust the run time accordingly Refer to Step 7 on page 17 Refer to Step 3 on page 15 Make sure the biSensor is placed within an area that follows the guidelines on page 5. If it does, check to see if the biSensor is receiving any water from an alternative source (An example being your neighbors sprinklers) Refer to Step 3 on page 15 Make sure the biSensor is placed within an area that follows the guidelines on page 5. If it does, check to see if the biSensor is not receiving any water due to an obstruction (For example a bush obstructing a sprinkler head) Refer to Step 3 on page 15

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Step 1: Verify biSensor Communication

1) Push the “Sensor Update” button to verify communication. A numeric value should appear. If an Er# appears refer to the Troubleshooting section above.

2) Run a Communication Test: Hold (+)(-) and (Sensor Update) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. This test will flash alternately between “SEn” and “###.” ### will start at 100 then count down to 0, repeatedly communicating with the biSensor. This process takes about two minutes.

3) When it finishes it will flash “Err” and a number which is the quantity of errors it encountered in its attempts, 000 to 200. the error type. This error count will stop displaying after 10 minutes.

Note: To exit this mode early press and hold the “Sensor Update” button for 3 seconds.

A reading of 000 is good, meaning there are no errors.

5) If an error is encountered in this step, it is either an Er1 or Er2. Refer to the top of the Troubleshooting section for specific information.

6) Repair wires or connections.

7) Repeat Step 1.

Step 2: Check Distribution Rate by Zone

To check the distribution rate of your system use several flat bottom containers placed randomly throughout the zone (tuna cans work well). Run the zone for a period of time long enough to get a measurable amount of water in each catch device. Use the formula below to calculate the new runtime. Average amount in cans ____ (inches) ÷ Desired amount applied _____ (inches) x Time that zone operated during test____(minutes)= New runtime ____(minutes)

This number is not

Step 3: Check Distribution Uniformity by Zone

To check the distribution uniformity of your system use several flat bottom containers placed randomly throughout the zone. Run the zone for a period of time long enough to get a measurable amount of water in each catch device. Compare the amounts in each device. Using this information, make adjustments to the sprinkler system in order to get a more uniform water distribution.

Step 4: Check Distribution Uniformity and Rate in the biSensor Zone

To check the distribution rate of the zone the biSensor is buried in, use several flat bottom containers placed randomly throughout the zone (tuna cans work well) making sure at least one catch device is placed directly above the biSensor. Run the zone for a period of time long enough to get a measurable amount of water in each catch device. Use this information to determine the following:

• The biSensor is placed in an area receiving average to slightly below average precipitation within the zone. This is an optimum location for the biSensor.

• The biSensor is placed in an area that is generally wetter than average. This will cause your system to operate less frequently, possibly causing dry spots.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Step 4: Continued

• The biSensor is placed in an area that receives far less than average water. This will cause the system to operate more frequently then desired. If it is determined that the biSensor is not receiving an average to slightly below average amount of water check the performance of all the related system components:

- Check all sprinkler heads affecting the area to ensure they are

functioning properly.

- Check the valve operation to ensure that it is opening completely

and not limiting water flow and that it is shutting off completely.

- Check system and zone pressure – improper pressures can cause

distribution uniformity problems. Refer to the sprinkler head manufacturer for specifications.

If all system components are functioning properly move the biSensor to a more appropriate area and then refer to Step 5: Re-running a 24-hour moisture threshold calibration.

Step 5: Re-running a 24-hour Moisture Threshold Calibration

1) Re-saturate the soil. This may take several applications of water to ensure the water has penetrated to the level of the biSensor.

2) Compact the soil around and over the biSensor to ensure there are no air pockets around the biSensor. The biSensor is very durable but some care should be taken to not destroy the biSensor. Rock or gravel touching the biSensor directly can also cause a false reading. It may be necessary to remove any rocks that are in direct contact with the biSensor.

3) Once you are sure there are no air pockets around the biSensor, take a soil moisture reading by pushing the “Sensor Update” button. This value will vary depending on soil type but should read above 20. A lower reading may mean there are remaining air pockets or rocks touching the biSensor.

4) Re-check area to ensure the biSensor location is still well saturated.

5) Run the 24-hour moisture threshold calibration: Hold the (+)(-) and (Bypass) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. The screen will flash between “CAL” “24H” and the current moisture reading. The “24H” will count down on the hour until the calibration is complete. Watering is paused during this time.

Step 6: Soak Cycles

Soak cycles allow the water to soak into the soil more efficiently, promoting healthier roots and a better looking site. It also reduces the potential for puddling and run-off, and allows the water to soak down to the biSensor, giving more accurate and timely readings. Soak cycles should be extended for sloped areas and denser soil types. When watering a site, it is important to allow enough time for water to soak into the ground. Usually soak times are about 3 times as long as run times. This means that if you run your sprinkler system for 30 minutes, you allow 90 minutes for the water to completely soak into the ground. Refer to the manual for your sprinkler timer for the best way to set up soak cycles.

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Step 7: Changing the Moisture Threshold

The S100 Moisture Threshold calibration calculates a threshold for an average system. If the distribution uniformity at your site is above or below average it may be necessary to adjust the threshold for fine tuning. It may also be necessary once the roots have grown around the biSensor.

• While the “Sensor Update” button is being held, use (+)/(-) buttons to change the moisture threshold.

• Raising the threshold will result in more frequent watering.

• Lowering the threshold will result in less frequent watering.

Note:

note

Moving the threshold more than 0.2 in every 3 water cycles

can cause erratic behavior.

Troubleshooting Error Codes

Er1: Communication Error

• Incorrect Wiring.

• Bad Connections.

• Damaged Wire.

Er2: Over Current

• Bad Valve Solenoid.

• Short Circuit Wires.

Er3: 24- hour Moisture Threshold Calibration Failed

• This error is accompanied by one of the other five error codes to indicate reason for failure.

Er4: Value Out of Range Warning

• This warning can occur only during 24-hour moisture threshold calibration, and indicates that the biSensor readings fall outside of the expected range. This could be caused by failure to saturate the soil with water in the beginning, or by accidental watering of the site after calibration started. If an Er4 occurs the S100 will determine the best possible moisture threshold based on the measured moisture values and allow the sprinkler system to water based upon this setting.

Er5: Calibration Interrupted Error

• This error can occur only during 24-hour moisture threshold calibration and indicates that something caused the calibration to be delayed too long, such as an open valve. Calibration must complete within a certain amount of time from initial soil saturation to set a correct threshold.

Er6: Low Reading During 24-hour Moisture Threshold Calibration Error

• This error can occur only during 24-hour moisture threshold calibration and indicates that there was a low reading during calibration.

Step 5 on page 16

To resolve this, follow the instructions under

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

INSTALLATION NOTES:

WaterTec S100 Manual Aug06 Rev. 1

Statement of Warranty

Baseline LLC warrants to the original consumer, purchaser that the WaterTec S100 and associated biSensor will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the period of one year from the installation date.

This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all others, whether oral or written, expressed or implied. Baseline specifically disclaims any and all implied warranties, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and against infringement. Baseline is not responsible for special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages resulting from any breach of warranty, or under any other legal theory, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of profits, downtime, goodwill, damage or replacement of equipment and property.

For warranty service, contact Baseline at 1-866-294-5847 to speak to a customer support specialist. You must obtain a “Return Materials Authorization (RMA)” number before returning a product.

Baseline Systems WaterTec S100 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual