Irritrol MC-E User Manual

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

MASTER

VALVE

YEL RED

VALVE

COMMON

GND

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

M C-E

Installation Instructions & Programming Guide

For Controller Models: MC-4E, MC-6E, MC-8E, MC-12E, MC-18E,
MC-24E, MC-30E, MC-36E, MC-42E & MC-48E

English Español Français

Table of Contents

Introduction -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -Pg. 3
Parts Diagram -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -Pg. 3
Cabinet Installation - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 4
Electrical Conduits Installation - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 4
Control Wires Installation -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 5
Rain Sensor Installation (Purchased Separately) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 6
Start Sensor Installation (Purchased Separately) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 6
Power Source Installation -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 7
Circuit Breaker Diagnostic System -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 7
Power On / Reset Mode - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 8
System SETUP
Current Date - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 8
Current Time -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 9
Security Password -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 10
Event Days -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 11
Set Master Valve -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 12
Program SETUP
Assign Station & Runtime to a Program - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pgs. 13–14
Program Start Time - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --Pgs. 15–16
Station Delay Time - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 17
Looping Start Time - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pgs. 18–19
Watering Day Schedule -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pgs. 20–23
Monthly Adjust / Watering Budget -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pgs. 24–25
Program Review -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 26
Program Erase
Single Program -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 27
Complete Program Reset -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 28
Complete Controller Reset - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 28
Station Test -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 29
Options
Options 1–8 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 30
Option 9 - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Pg. 30
Option 10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 31
Option 11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 31
Rain Off -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 32
Semi-Auto Operation -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 32
Manual Operation -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 33
Remote Control (Purchased Separately) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pg. 34
Flow Sensor -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pgs. 35–39
Specications -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Back Cover
Electromagnetic Compatibility - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Back Cover

2

Introduction

MANUAL

STATION

TEST

AUTO RUN

FLOW SENSING

SETUP

PROGRAM
REVIEW

SET
PROGRAM

REMOTE
CONTROL

PROGRAM

ERASE

RAIN OFF

MONTHLY
ADJUST

OPTIONS

POWER

MASTER

VALVE

FLOW

ALARM

BACK

LEFT

NEXT

RIGHT DOWNUP

MC-12E

12

1110987654

CYCLE
START

DAY

ON

WATER

TIME

ENTER

CLEAR

DAY
OFF

9

6

FRI

3

TUE

PM

%

0

8

5

THU

2

MON

SET

DATE

ON/OFF

MANUAL

7

SAT

4

WED

1

SUN

SET

TIME

LIGHT

BACK

STATIONS

3

2

1

1

2

3

4 5 6 7

Thank you for purchasing the MC-E controller by Irritrol. The MC-E controller is a solid-state irrigation controller,
capable of storing eight independent programs designed to meet the needs of commercial and contractor applications. The
MC-E is an enhancement to the existing MC controller with many more functions and display features. The new MC-E is
designed to be compatible with the previous MC Plus B cabinets and wiring connections.

Parts Diagram

- Use to navigate through the menu options

- Use to navigate through the menu selections
or options

- Use to navigate through the menu selections
or options

- Finalize and save entered parameters

- SETUP - Assigns Station and Station
Runtime to a program

1 - 32-Character Dot Matrix LCD

2 - Timing Mechanism Quick Release

3 - Active Station Indicator Display

4 - Function Dial

5 - Flow Alarm Indicator LED

6 - Master Valve Active Indicator LED

7 - Power Supply Indicator LED

- Activates the LCD Display Backlight

- Use to navigate through the menu options

- SETUP - Assign Start Times to a program

- SETUP - Assign Event Days

- SETUP - Remove Event Days

- MANUAL - Activate stations or programs
manually

- SETUP / SET PROGRAM - Modify the
current time

- SETUP / SET PROGRAM - Modify current
date

- MONTHLY ADJUST - Adjust water budget
percentage.

- Clear / Delete selection / Revert back to the
main menu of the current dial position

3

Cabinet Installation

Step 1 – Selecting the proper installation site for the MC-E controller is

essential to safe and reliable operation. The controller features
a weather resistant cabinet designed for indoor and outdoor
installation. The controller should be installed on a vertical wall
or other sturdy structure near a grounded power source. Select a
location that provides as much protection from direct sunlight,
rain, snow and irrigation spray as possible.

Step 2 – Drive a wood screw (provided) into the wall at eye level.

(For Large Cabinet Unit - 18 Stations or more) Drive another

wood screw 8” (20.3 cm) directly below the rst screw.

(For Small Cabinet Unit - 12 Stations or less) Drive another wood

screw 5 3/4” (14.5 cm) directly below the rst screw.

Leave approximately 1/4” (6.5 mm) of the screw extended from

the wall to accommodate the cabinet.

For drywall and masonry installation, use proper screw

anchors to prevent the screws from loosening.

Step 3 – Place the controller cabinet on the screws using the keyhole slots on the back panel. Ensure that the cabinet is

installed securely on the screws. See Figure 1.

Step 4 – Open the controller door and remove the bottom panel door. Locate the bottom screw and tighten it securely.

Figure 1

The MC-E series has two available lockable, weather and vandal resistant steel pedestals for free standing applications.
For MC-E controllers with 12 stations or less, use the Irritrol P-2B pedestal. For MC-E controllers with 18 stations or
more, use the Irritrol P-6B pedestal. Follow the installation and mounting instructions that are provided with the pedestal.

Electrical Conduit Installation

Electrical conduit and adapters are not supplied with the controller but may be required for installations in your area.
Check with your local electrical codes and install conduit according to requirements.

For power wires, install a 1/2” (13 mm) NPT threaded conduit access body to the transformer assembly threaded nipple.
From the access body, install conduit to the power source.

For station valve wiring, install a 2” (5 cm) conduit adapter and conduit.

4

Control Wires Installation

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

MASTER
VALVE

YEL RED

VALVE

COMMON

GND

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42

Step 1 – Route the valve control wires between the valves and the MC-E controller.

For wire runs up to 1000’ between the controller and the valves, it is recommended to use an 18 AWG

(1.0 mm2) multi-wire sprinkler valve connection cable. This cable is insulated for direct burial and is color
coded to simplify installation.

Step 2 – Attach one wire from each valve solenoid to

the white color-coded wire from the cable.
(Since the valve solenoid has no polarity, either
wire can be used for this connection.) Designate
this connection as the Valve Common.

Step 3 – Attach a separate cable wire to each of the

remaining valve solenoid wire. Take note of the
wire color being used for each valve as well
as the watering zone/area it is designated. This
information will be important when connecting
the valve wires to the controller’s station
terminals.

Step 4 – Use wire nut fasteners to secure the valve

solenoid wire connection. Waterproof all
connections with grease caps or similar
insulation method.

Figure 2

Wiring for standard (non-ow sensing) system

Master

*

Valve

Station 1

Pump Start

Relay

*Station 2

Station 3

Step 5 – Route the other end of the control wires into the

provided conduit hole at the bottom of the cabinet. Leave about 8” of cable remaining in the cabinet. Expose
about 3/8” of bare wire from the station and the valve common wires.

Step 6 – Secure the valve common wire to one of the three terminals labeled “VALVE COMMON” and each valve wire

* For ow monitoring, with a ow sensor installed, Station #2 is programmed and used as activation circuit for

to its appropriate station terminal designation.

a normally-open master valve instead of a regular station valve. (See page 36 “Install Critical Flow Shut Off
Master Valve”.)

5

Rain Sensor Installation (Purchased Separately)

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

MASTER

VALVE

YEL RED

VALVE

COMMON

GND

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

INHIBIT SENSOR START SENSOR FLOW SENSOR

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

MASTER

VALVE

YEL RED

VALVE

COMMON

GND

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

INHIBIT SENSOR START SENSOR FLOW SENSOR

IMPORTANT! The INHIBIT SENSOR is designed for a

normally closed rain sensor. The wire jumper must be present at the
terminals if a sensor is not connected.

Step 1 – Route the rain sensor cable into the controller terminals.

Step 2 – Remove the wire jumper from the INHIBIT and SENSOR

terminals for the 18 stations or more models and
INHIB.SEN and SEN.COM for the 12 stations or less
models. Refer to the provided rain sensor installation
guide for wiring instructions and connect accordingly.

The INHIBIT SENSOR will operate on any

Function Dial position settings.

Start Sensor Installation (Purchased Separately)

IMPORTANT! The START SENSOR input is designed for

a normally open sensor and works in conjunction with Options 9
and 10. When the start sensor is activated, the MC-E controller will
immediately activate Program 1 providing Option 10 is activated.
Program 1 will continue to repeat the cycle until the start sensor is
deactivated. The activation of the start sensor will not affect any
other programs. Option 9 works similarly by turning ON program 8,
however all other programs are turned OFF.

Step 1 – Route the sensor connection cable through the bottom of

the controller cabinet and into the controller terminals.

Step 2 – Refer to the provided sensor installation guide for wiring

instructions.

The START SENSOR will operate on any

Function Dial position except for RAIN OFF.

6

SEN.COM START SEN.

Models with 12 Stations or Less

START SENSOR

Models with 18 Stations or More

Power Source Installation

VALVE
COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

VALVE

COMMON

MASTER
VALVE

YEL RED

VALVE

COMMON

GND

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

WARNING: All electrical components and installation practices must meet applicable national and local electrical

codes including installation by a qualied personnel. These codes may require an external junction box mounted on the

cabinet and a circuit breaker in the main wiring having a contact separation of at least 0.120” in the line and neutral poles.

The 120 VAC power source must be turned OFF prior to servicing. The power cable used for connection to the controller
must have an insulation rating of 221° F minimum.

Step 1 – For power source connection, install a 1/2” electrical

conduit from the 120 VAC power source to the MC-E
controller cabinet.

Step 2 – Install an electrical junction box at the transformer to

allow access for future servicing.

Step 3 – Conrm that power has been disconnected at the power

source using a volt meter or voltage detector.

Step 4 – Route 14-AWG insulated solid copper wires for Power

(Black), Neutral (White) and Equipment Ground (Green)
through the conduit and into the junction box.

Step 5 – Strip back 3/8” of insulation from each wire. Using wire

connectors, connect the wires with similar colors together
(Black with Black, White with White, etc.).

Step 6 – Tuck the wires inside the junction box and replace the

cover.

Step 7 – Apply power to the controller.

Power Wire = Black

Neutral Wire = White

Equipment Ground = Green

Circuit Breaker Diagnostic System

The controller’s system for managing an electrical short circuit is designed to isolate the station with the problem and
continue to water operable stations. The sequence the controller follows is listed below.

1. The controller reaches a station with a short circuit.

2. The controller shuts off the problem station and skips to the next station in the same program and continues operation.

3. The controller displays “Fuse Alarm on __” and the problem station’s number as well as the other station in operation.

4. In between programs, when the controller is idle, it will display the Fuse Alarm station alternating with the display of
Day/Date/Time.

5. The next time the controller is supposed to run the station, it will try again. If the cause of the short has been repaired,
the Fuse Alarm will disappear from the display and the station will run normally. You can also use the CLEAR button

to clear the Fuse Alarm from the display. This does not x the shorted circuit, but only clears its display.

The controller has fractions of a second to detect and shutoff the problem station before the short circuit causes

damage. On occasion, with multiple programs and stations running, the controller shuts off and displays two stations as

having shorts. You can test each station in MANUAL mode or with STATION TEST to nd the shorted one.

7

Power On / Reset Mode

MC-E will initiate the operating system and reload all saved data in the memory for stable operation every time the
controller is powered up. Place the Function Dial in the Auto/Run position for normal operation.
Initial Display Auto Run Mode Display

System SETUP

The SETUP function allows you to modify the following MC-E parameters:

• Current Date • Current Time

• Security Password • Event Days

• Enable/Disable Master Valve

SETUP – Current Date

Set Current Date

Step 1 – Place the Function dial to the SETUP position.

Step 2 – Set the date mode if necessary. To set the date to International format (Day/Month/Year), press .

To return to the default U.S. format, press .

Step 3 – Press the or the button to access the date setup screen.

Step 4 – Enter the Month, Date and Year in MM DD YY format. If the MC-E is operating in International format, enter

the Date rst, the Month second and the year last (DD MM YY).
Example: For February 20, 2006, press the 022006 buttons.

Step 5 – Press the button to accept the changes. The display will now reect the new date.

the NEXT button.

Step 6 – Return the Function dial to AUTO/RUN position to exit SETUP.

Press the

While in SET DATE mode, you can advance to the SET TIME mode by pressing

button to clear any “Key Entry Error”.

U.S. format

U.S. format

8

International format

International format

SETUP – Current Time

Set Current Time

Step 1 – Place the Function Dial to the SETUP position.

Step 2 – Set the time mode if necessary. To set the time to International format (24-hour), press .

To return to the default U.S. format, press .

Step 3 – Press or press the button until the time setup screen is displayed.

Step 4 – Enter the Hour, Minutes and Seconds in H MM format. Enter the H MM for PM time.

International setting follows the 24-hour format.
Example: For 10:30am, enter 1030.

Step 5 – Press the button to accept the changes. The display will now reect the new time.

Step 6 – Return the Function dial to AUTO/RUN position to exit SETUP.

Press the

While in SET TIME mode, you can advance to the SET LANGUAGE screen by pressing the NEXT

button or go back to SET DATE by pressing the BACK button.

button to clear any “Key Entry Error”.

U.S. format

U.S. format

International format

International format

9

SETUP – Security Password

The MC-E can be secured with a security password to ensure that unauthorized users are not able to modify the programs.

Enable Security Password

Step 1 – Place the Function Dial to the SETUP position.

Step 2 – Press the button. The screen will display the following:

Step 3 – Enter a four-digit (0000–9999) security password and press the button.

security password before gaining access. However, manual operations are allowed.

Once the security password is veried, the MC-E will allow access to the menu functions for one hour. Within

that hour, you will be able to navigate through all the function dial positions without re-entering the security
password. After the 1-hour time limit expires, you will need to re-enter the password to gain access to the
menu functions.

In the event that you have forgotten the four-digit security password, press , , and to disable

the password verication process. To reestablish password security to the controller, you must repeat Steps
1–3.

Step 4 – Return the Function dial to AUTO/RUN position to exit SETUP.

Once a security password is established, all menu functions will require you to enter the four-digit

Press the

button to clear any “Key Entry Error”.

10

SETUP – Event Days

The MC-E allows you to pre-program ten event days throughout the year. During an event day, the controller will suspend
automatic watering. Event days will reoccur every year unless deleted.

Example: If July 4th is set as an event day, the controller will ignore watering every July 4th of each year until it is
deleted from the Event Days.

Set Event Day:

Step 1 – Place the Function Dial to the SETUP position.

Step 2 – Press the button. The screen will display the following:

Press the button to review the day off events or enter new events. The screen will display the following:

Entry Error”.

Step 3 – Enter the Event number (1–10), then press the button.

Step 4 – Enter the Month and Date (MM DD) of the event day being programmed and press the button. When

the controller is in International mode, enter the Date rst before the Month (DD MM). The controller will

increment the total event day and display the following:

Step 5 – Repeat Steps 2–3 for additional event days.

Step 6 – To delete an event, scroll through the event number to select it. Once the event is displayed,

enter

Step 7 – Return the Function dial to AUTO/RUN position to exit SETUP.

Use the or button to review the programmed events.

MC-E will re-number the event day if the newly created event is deleted.

and press the button to delete.

11

Press the

button to clear any “Key

SETUP – Master Valve

Set Master Valve

As factory default, the Master valve is Enabled for all stations. The master valve will activate whenever a station

is activated.

If ow sensing is to be activated, all stations must be set to “MV=ON”.

In situations that a station does not require the master valve to activate, use the following procedure to select the station
and Disable or Enable the master valve.

Step 1 – Place the Function Dial to the SETUP position.

Step 2 – Press the button. The following display will be shown on the screen.

Step 3 – Press the or buttons to select the station number you want to edit. Use the or button to

toggle MV (Master Valve) from ON or OFF.

Step 4 – Repeat Step 3 for additional stations.

Step 5 – Return the Function dial to AUTO/RUN position to exit SETUP.

Press the

button to clear any “Key Entry Error”.

12