Irritrol PRO-MAX User Manual
FM Remote Control System
User Manual
Pro Max
PROMAX
PROMAX-UA
Document No. 500055 Rev. E
Models:
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
Table of Contents
1.0
Introduction........................................................................................................1
1.1 Pro Max Features................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Ranges and Method of Transmission................................................................................. 3
1.3 Licensing Information........................................................................................................ 4
2.0 Model Pro Max Remote Control System (Rain Master Only)......................6
2.1 Using the Receiver with a Rain Master Controller ............................................................ 7
2.1.1 Connecting the Receiver to a Rain Master Controller.................................................. 7
2.1.2 Disconnecting the Receiver from a Rain Master Controller......................................... 8
2.2 Permanent Mount Pro Max Receiver................................................................................. 8
2.3 Keystroke Operation......................................................................................................... 11
2.3.1 Evolution DX2 Keystroke Operations........................................................................ 14
3.0 Model Pro Max-UA Remote Control System (Universal) ...........................15
3.1 Using the Pro Max-UA Universal Adapter with a Non Rain Master Controller ............. 16
3.2 Installing the Pro Max-UA System .................................................................................. 16
3.3 Temporary Connector Installation.................................................................................... 19
3.4 Disconnecting the Pro Max-UA from a Non-Rain Master Controller............................. 19
3.5 Non-Rain Master Controllers Lacking 24 Volts AC........................................................ 19
3.6 Disconnecting the Pro Max-UA from a Non-Rain Master Controller............................. 20
3.7 Non-Rain Master Controllers Lacking 24 Volts AC........................................................ 20
3.8 Permanent Wire Connections........................................................................................... 20
3.9 Keystroke Operation......................................................................................................... 21
4.0 Detailed Operation...........................................................................................22
4.1 Remote Operation............................................................................................................. 22
4.2 Stations On and Off.......................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Auto Up and Auto down Keys ......................................................................................... 23
4.4 On and Off Keys............................................................................................................... 23
4.5 Master Valve/Pump Key .................................................................................................. 23
4.6 Controller Access Code.................................................................................................... 24
4.7 Add Stations ..................................................................................................................... 25
4.7.1 Add Stations – On Key ............................................................................................... 25
4.7.2 Add Stations – Auto Up and Auto down Keys........................................................... 25
4.7.3 Add Stations - Off Key ............................................................................................... 25
4.8 Program Function............................................................................................................. 26
4.8.1 Program – Off Key...................................................................................................... 26
4.8.2 Program – Auto up Key .............................................................................................. 26
4.8.3 Program - Sensor Switches ......................................................................................... 26
4.9 Minutes Function.............................................................................................................. 27
4.10 Beeper Operation.............................................................................................................. 27
4.10.1 Power on Beeper Operation ....................................................................................... 27
4.10.2 Universal Adapter Over-Current Detection Beeper................................................... 28
4.11 Transmitter Battery Replacement..................................................................................... 28
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Pro Max User’s Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems
5.0 Checking Out Electrical Problems.................................................................30
5.1 Field Wiring Shorts, the Receiver, and Rain Master Controllers..................................... 30
5.2 Field Wiring Shorts, the Receiver, and Non Rain Master Controllers............................. 30
5.3 A Note about Solenoids.................................................................................................... 30
6.0 Troubleshooting...............................................................................................31
7.0 Pro Max Specifications....................................................................................33
7.1 Pro Max Transmitter ........................................................................................................ 33
7.2 Pro Max Receiver............................................................................................................. 33
7.3 Pro Max Universal Adapter.............................................................................................. 33
7.4 Pro Max Carrying Case.................................................................................................... 33
8.0 Pro Max Series Parts List ...............................................................................34
Rain Master Limited Warranty ...........................................................................35
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Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Pro Max FM Remote Control System............................................................................ 1
Figure 2: Complete Pro Max System.............................................................................................. 6
Figure 3: Pro Max Receiver to Rain Master Controller.................................................................. 8
Figure 4: Permanent Mount Pro Max Receiver.............................................................................. 9
Figure 5: Pro Max Transmitter (PM-XMTR)............................................................................... 10
Figure 6: Complete Pro Max-UA System..................................................................................... 15
Figure 7: Relay (such as Rain Master RLY1)............................................................................... 17
Figure 8: Pro Max-UA Installation to a Non-Rain Master Controller.......................................... 19
Figure 9: Non-Rain Master Controller 24 Volts AC .................................................................... 20
Figure 10: Pro Max-UA Permanent Connection .......................................................................... 21
Figure 11: Battery Replacement ................................................................................................... 28
Notice:
Information furnished by Rain Master Irrigation Systems Inc. is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, Rain Master shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental
or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this
material.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
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Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
Pro Max
Congratulations… you have chosen one of the ultimate weapons to use in keeping maintenance
costs down and satisfaction high – the Rain Master Pro Max Remote Control System. Rain
Master engineer’s take great pride in all their work, but they are especially proud of Pro Max.
You’ll find it packed with features you’ve been looking for and it’s extremely easy for everyone
to use. Pro Max has been designed to give you years of dependable service.
To take full advantage of all the ways Pro Max can help you do your job more efficiently and
economically, please take a few minutes and read your User Manual. It won’t be long before
your best friend in the field is Pro Max.
Figure 1: Pro Max FM Remote Control System
1.0 Introduction
The Pro Max Remote Control System is designed to save valuable time and energy, which would
have been spent walking back and forth between the controller and the irrigation field zone
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Pro Max User’s Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems
location. It makes light work of system checkouts and service work, providing field personnel
with complete control over the irrigation controller.
Controllers may be operated remotely from watering zone sites allowing immediate evaluation of
the irrigation configuration and performance. Using the hand-held battery operated Pro Max
Transmitter from a remote zone location; the operator may turn ON a single station or any
number of stations with the push of a few simple keys.
An access code feature allows independent control of multiple Pro Max receivers permanently
installed in up to 999 controllers. In addition to the maintenance features, the Pro Max system
provides specialized irrigation functions, which are described in Section 1.1.
The Pro Max remote control system is composed of two model numbers:
Model No. Description
Pro Max Used with Rain Master only controllers. (See Section 2.0)
Pro Max-UA Used with any manufacturers’ 24-volt AC controller. (See
Section 3.0)
1.1 Pro Max Features
Simplicity
• The industries easiest remote to use.
• Fits in shirt or pants pocket or can be attached using the convenient belt clip.
• Large dedicated feature keys allow most functions to be performed with a single key
operation.
• Auto-up and auto-down station operation.
Flexibility
• Can be used with any manufacturers’ 24-volt AC controller (Model Pro Max-UA).
• Independent control of the master valve and/or pump.
• Single or multi-station capabilities for testing system hydraulics.
• Timed station operation selectable from 1 to 60 minutes.
• Control up to 999 individual Pro Max receivers from a single Pro Max transmitter.
• Ability to turn a program ON or OFF (when used with RME Sentar, RME Hawk, RME
Eagle, or Evolution DX2 controllers).
• Small and compact Pro Max receiver design facilities permanent internal controller
mount.
• Compatibility with Rain Master RT5/RRAD remote.
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Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
Intelligence
• Detects and provides an audible alert against field wiring short circuits (Model Pro Max-
UA).
• No more tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses during installation checkout.
• Receiver has built-in safety default to automatically turn station OFF after 60 minutes.
• Audible Pro Max transmitter and Pro Max receiver tones verify proper Pro Max remote
control operations at all times.
• High tech power saver circuitry means no more battery recharging required (no down
time).
• Transmitter has a single replacement lithium battery that can be purchased locally and
field replaced. The battery will last an entire season, under normal conditions.
• Audible low battery alert.
• No fuses required.
Durability
• Tough, rugged all metal construction with shock absorbing rubber bumpers.
• Hard cover case for carefree transportation.
Reliability
• Utilizes three mechanisms to insure reliable, interference-free communications.
- Digital filters
- Factory set coding
- VHF FM communications
1.2 Ranges and Method of Transmission
It is not possible to exactly predict the distance over which the Pro Max system will perform.
Several factors may affect the distance and reliability of any radio transmission:
• Frequency used • Transmission Power
• Terrain • Antenna placement
• Building Structures • Weather conditions
• On channel interference • Atmospheric disturbances
• Antenna types • Mode of operation (AM, FM, etc.)
Your Pro Max system has been designed to operate at distances up to one mile. Under ideal open
field conditions, it can readily operate up to 5 miles.
When attempting to use Pro Max over extended distances, it is important to ensure that the
receiving antenna is properly located. If possible, avoid Pro Max receiver antenna locations,
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Pro Max User’s Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems
which are indoors, especially basements, or structures, which are concrete and steel. It may be
possible to remotely locate an external antenna whenever poor Pro Max receiver locations exist.
Call Rain Master Technical support for assistance, telephone (805) 527-4498. Moving the Pro
Max transmitter to a more favorable location or usage of optional high gain antennas on both the
Pro Max transmitter and Pro Max receiver may improve operations.
The Pro Max system utilizes VHF/FM communications and the Pro Max receiver/Pro Max
transmitter pair is factory encoded to insure that other services including other Rain Master
remotes do not interfere or false trigger the Pro Max receiver. Digital filtering further enhances
operation in interference prone environments. FM transmission is employed for its inherent
quality and immunity to atmospheric, static, and electrical interference which are commonly
found in AM types of equipment such as citizen’s band radio, garage door openers, etc. Usage of
FM transmissions also insures that the stronger signal prevails (capture ratio), meaning that all
received signals, which are weaker than the Pro Max transmission, are completely overridden.
Note: Antennas are not just a piece of wire; they are cut for a precise frequency of
operation in order to ensure optimal performance. When using antennas with the
Pro Max system, only utilize Rain Master specified parts, which are available
through your authorized Rain Master distributor.
1.3 Licensing Information
Your Rain Master Pro Max radio operates on FM radio communication frequencies and is
subject to the rules and regulations of the local communications governing agencies. These
agencies may require that all operators using private land mobile or general mobile radio
frequencies obtain a radio license before operating their equipment. The operator receives a
license for use of the radio equipment under a specific eligibility and ON a particular frequency
or set of frequencies. To determine eligibility for use of private land mobile service frequencies,
contact your local communications governing agency. This agency can supply information
required to properly obtain and complete the license application form.
For U.S. License Applications, contact:
FCC Forms Distribution Center
1 (800) 418-3676
Request form 600 and all schedules and instructions.
For license questions call the FCC at 1 (888) 225-5322.
The following are addresses of communications agencies in North America:
United States
Federal Communications Commission
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
1-800-322-1117
Canada
Department of Communications
1241 Clyde Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K2C 143
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Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
Mexico
Sectretaria De Comunicaciones
Y Transportes
Direccion General de Politicas Y Normas de Comunicaciones
Av. Eugenia No. 197-5o. Piso
Mexico, D.F. 06700
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Pro Max User’s Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems
2.0 Model Pro Max Remote Control System (Rain Master Only)
The Pro Max receiver is designed to connect directly to any Rain Master controller by plugging
the 9-pin connector from the Pro Max receiver into the front panel remote control jack found ON
Rain Master controllers.
Figure 2: Complete Pro Max System
Pro Max Parts List
Part No. Ref. Description
PM-XMTR 1 Pro Max Remote radio transmitter
PM-RCVR 2 Pro Max Remote receiver
PM-SER99 3 36” remote cable
500055 4 Pro Max User’s manual
PM-CASE 5 Pro Max carrying case
PM-ANT-XMTR 6 Antenna, BNC
PM-ANT-RCVR 7 Antenna, hinged, BNC
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Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
2.1 Using the Receiver with a Rain Master Controller
One of the unique and patented features of Rain Master Controllers is the built-in capability for
remote control. Making the connections between the hand held remote transmitter and the Pro
Max receiver, which is attached to the controller, takes just a few seconds.
2.1.1 Connecting the Receiver to a Rain Master Controller
Connecting the Pro Max receiver to the controller is a very simple operation. The following
procedure steps are all that is required. Please refer to Figure 3: Pro Max Receiver to Rain
Master Controller.
Step 1 Make sure the controller is in the Automatic mode press the controllers’ QUIT
key.
Step 2 Make sure the controller’s Rain Switch, if so equipped, is in the automatic
watering position.
Step 3 Place the Pro Max receiver on top of the controller with the antenna pointing
straight up. Do not allow the antenna to touch any metal objects or wire.
Step 4 Connect the female end of the PM-SER99 cable to the Pro Max receiver and
secure with lock screws. Hands tighten only. Connect the other end of the cable
to the remote control receptacle on the front panel of the controller (it is keyed
to fit only in one way).
The controller’s display will either go blank or indicate that the remote is active.
The Pro Max receiver will beep to indicate that it is ready for use.
Note: NEVER operate the Pro Max transmitter without the
CORRECT antenna properly installed.
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Pro Max User’s Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems
Upon Receiver Connection
Beep Response Description
1 Beep (1/2 sec) Ready
Multi-Pro Max receiver mode:
2 Beeps
• Requires corresponding access code to
enable Pro Max receiver operation.
3 Beeps
Failed internal diagnostic tests. Contact Rain
Master.
Figure 3: Pro Max Receiver to Rain Master Controller
2.1.2 Disconnecting the Receiver from a Rain Master Controller
To disconnect the Pro Max Pro Max receiver, follow the procedure below.
Step 1 Disconnect the Pro Max receiver’s plug from the controller’s front panel by
grasping the plug housing, not the cable, and pulling straight out. The controller
display should now return to the automatic screen display.
2.2 Permanent Mount Pro Max Receiver
Pro Max Receivers may be permanently installed into any Rain Master controller.
Two items are required for permanent controller installation:
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