Irritrol Rain Dial R User Manual [en, es, fr]

Rain Dial-R

Indoor and Outdoor 6, 9, and 12-station Models

Quick Start Guide

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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Rain Dial-R controller from Irritrol. The Rain Dial-R controller has many easy-to-use and powerful features to help keep your landscaping healthy and beautiful. And with a compatible rain or soil sensor, it is possible to save money too.

This Quick Start guide presents basic information to get you started irrigating quickly. For the complete user guide with advanced functionality and explanation, go to:

www.irritrol.com/controllers/controllers_raindial.html

Table of Contents

Features 2 Control Module Interface 2 Battery Installation 3 Internal Controller Components 4 Controller Installation 5 Installing the Controller Cabinet 5 Connecting the

Valve Control Wiring 5

Connecting an Earth Ground Device 6

Connecting the Power Source 6 Controller Station Test 8 Setting Up an Irrigation Schedule 8 Manual Operation 10 Contact Information 12 Specifications 12

Features

• Modular design. Permits easy access to connection terminals and battery. “Snap-out” design allows the controller to be programmed from any location.

• Remote control ready

• Three independent watering programs

• Three start times per program

• Scheduling flexibility

Control Module Interface (see opposite graphic)

1 - Program Switch

Three-position slide switch used to select Program A, B or C for setup, program review and manual operation.

2 - LCD Display

High-contrast LCD panel displays all controller programming and operating information.

3 - Plus and Minus Buttons

Push buttons used to increase and decrease display values during controller setup, programming and manual operations. Adjusts values incrementally (press and release) or by rapid scrolling (press and hold).

4 - Dial

A 25-position rotary switch used to select stations, start times, watering days and special functions for setup, programming and manual operations.

5 - Manual Button

Push button used to start and control manual operations by station. Also serves as a “Next” button to step forward through various setup, programming and manual operations.

6 - Function Switch

A three-position slide switch used to select one of three controller function modes:

Off or Stop - Stops all current watering operations, and prevents all automatic

Set Programs - Enables automatic watering program setup values to be selected

Run or Manual - Normal switch position for all automatic and manual watering

7 - Semi-Auto Start Button

Push button used to manually start an automatic watering Program. Also used to initiate the Station Test Run operation.

and manual operations.

and changed.

operations.

Battery Installation

MV/

9 10 11 12

1 2 3 4 5 6

24 VAC

Install a 9V battery for two reasons:

1. Program the controller from any location.

2. Maintain controller time and date during power outages.

Steps:

1. Open controller door.

2. Slide battery compartment cover off.

3. Attach the battery clip to a 9V battery.

4. Install battery into compartment and replace cover.

5. The display will begin flashing 12:00 AM.

English

EARTH

GROUND

7 8

Internal Controller Components

1 - Battery Compartment

Snap-in cover provides easy access to 9V alkaline battery.

2 - Control Module Ribbon Cable

Quick disconnect cable control module from cabinet for Armchair Programming or service.

3 - Earth Ground Terminal

Wire connection terminal for earth ground conductor.

4 - Sensor Bypass Switch

Switch controls (optional) rain/freeze sensor input.

5 - Safety Fuse

2A Slow-blow fuse protects against shortcircuit overload on the 24 VAC input power.

6 - Power Transformer Connection Terminals (24 VAC)

Wire connection terminals for 24 VAC plug-in transformer and power connection point for (optional) wireless rain or rain/ freeze sensors.

7 - Valve Common Terminal (VC)

Wire connection terminal for the valve (field) common wire.

8 - Rain Sensor Terminals (Sensor)

Wire connection terminals for (optional) Irritrol RainSensorTM model RS500, RS1000, or RFS1000.

9 - Sensor Terminal Jumper

Sensor terminal jumper wire (removed only when a rain or rain/freeze sensor is connected).

10 - Master Valve/Pump Terminal (MV/Pump)

Wire connection terminal for (optional) master valve or pump start relay.

11 - Valve Station Terminals

Valve connection terminals – one terminal for each valve. (Terminal layout varies by model. 12-station model shown.)

12 - Handheld Remote Control Plug-in Port

Modular connector port required for the Irritrol handheld remote control system model R-100-KIT or CLIMATE LOGI weather sensing system.

1 2

Controller Installation

Installing the Controller Cabinet

Select a sheltered location for the indoor model Rain Dial-R such as a garage or service room, preferably within 5’ (1.5m) of a grounded electrical outlet. For outdoor controllers, choose a location that protects against direct exposure to sun and contact with irrigation spray, and is at least 5’ (1.5m) away from any motorized equipment.

1. Drive the provided stainless steel screw into a wall stud at a eye-level, leaving 1/4” (6.4mm) of the screw shaft exposed.

Note: Use screw anchors when installing on drywall or masonry.

2. Hang the controller on the screw using the keyhole-shaped slot.

3. To secure the controller, drive one or two screws through the lower mounting holes.

Note: The lower mounting holes in the Outdoor cabinet have a thin veneer that is easily pierced when installing the mounting screw during installation.

Connecting the Valve Control Wiring

For best results, use connection wire cable specifically designed for direct burial for automatic irrigation systems. Use 18-AWG wire for connections up to 800’ from the controller, or heavier 14-AWG (2.0mm2 ) wire for connections up to 2000’. A separate wire for each valve (and relay) connection and at least one common (return) wire is required.

Note: If control wire conduit is required, install it at this time. For conduit installation, use the 3/4” (19mm) access hole in the indoor cabinet, or the threaded 1.25” NPT opening in the outdoor cabinet.

1. Route the control wire from the controller location to the valve(s).

2. Attach a separate control wire to either lead of each valve solenoid.

3. To provide a common (return) wire, attach the remaining lead of each valve solenoid to a single wire.

Note: To prevent corrosion and a possible short circuit, use waterproof wire connectors on all external wire splices.

For reference at the controller, note the wire color used for each valve connection and its corresponding watering zone.

4. Route the cable through the largest opening in the base of the controller cabinet or through conduit if installed. Remove the cable jacket to expose about 8” of wires. Carefully remove 3/8” of insulation from the end of each wire to be connected.

5. Secure each valve wire to numbered terminal in the preferred operating sequence order.

6. Connect the common wire to the terminal labeled “VC.”

7. If applicable, connect one leg of the master valve or pump start relay control wire to the terminal labeled “MV/PUMP”, and the remaining leg to the valve common wire.

Note: The controller does not supply power to operate a pump. The pump start relay must have a nominal coil voltage of 24 VAC, rated at 0.375A maximum.

Sprinkler Control Valves

Valve Common Terminal

EARTH

789101112

GROUND

Master Valve/Pump Terminal

123456

Pump Start Relay or Master Valve

24 VAC

MV/

Sensor

Pump

24V Relay

Common Wire

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Connecting an Earth Ground Device

EARTH

GROUND

MV/

Pump

Sensor

789101112

123456

24 VAC

EARTH

GROUND

MV/

Pump

Sensor

789101112

123456

24 VAC

Note: In order for the electrical surge components built into your Rain Dial-R to function properly, the controller must be connected to an earth ground device, such as a copper-clad ground rod or metal water pipe, using solid copper wire. This connection is especially important when the controller is installed in a lightning-prone area.

1. Connect a 12–16 AWG ( 2mm2–

1.3mm2 ) solidcopper wire to the ground device and route into the controller through an access opening in the base of the cabinet.

2. Secure the ground wire to the terminal labeled “Earth Ground.”

8' (2.4 m) Copper-clad Ground Rod (in moist soil)

Metal Water Pipe

Connecting the Power Source - Indoor Model

1. Route the plug-in transformer cable through the small hole provided in the bottom of the cabinet.

2. Tie a knot in the cable to provide a strain relief, and connect the wires to the terminals labeled “24 VAC” (in either order).

3. Close the control module and plug the transformer into a wall outlet. The controller is now ready to program and operate.

Note: To immediately test-run the Rain Dial-R irrigation control system, refer to the “Controller Station Test Feature” on page 8.

Strain-relief Knot

If there are 3 wires,

connect the green wire

to “Earth Ground”.

24 VAC, 30VA Transformer

Connecting the Power Source - Outdoor Models

MANUAL

Today

Sun

Mon

Warning: All electrical components and connection methods must comply with all applicable national and local electrical codes including installation by qualified personnel. These codes may require a junction box installed on controller’s 1/2” (13mm) NPT nipple and a means in the fixed wiring of disconnecting AC power having a contact separation of at least 0.120” (3mm) in the line and neutral poles. The connection wire must have insulation rated @ 105° C min.

The controller must be connected to a grounded power source. Do not connect to one phase of a 3-phase power supply used by a pump or other electrical equipment.

Prior to connecting controller wiring, verify that power has been turned off at the source by using an AC volt meter.

1. Install a 1/2” (13mm) NPT conduit body to the transformer threaded fitting. From the

conduit body, install electrical conduit routing to the AC power source (per electrical code).

2. Pull 14 AWG through the conduit into the conduit body.

3. Using twist-on wire

connectors, attach the mating wires as shown at right.

4. Close and secure the

conduit body cover.

Neutral or L1 to White or Blue

Conduit Body

Equipment Ground to Green or Green/Yellow

5. Apply power to the

controller and check controller operation. If the controller is not operating, disconnect

Hot or L2 to Black or Brown

the power at the source and have a qualified electrician check for possible

Electrical Conduit

short circuit.

Caution: For maximum protection of the controller electronic components when installed outdoors, always keep the cabinet cover closed and locked whenever possible. Store the cabinet keys in a safe, convenient location.

Key

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Controller Station Test Feature

Run a Station Test to check proper valve operation. The test cycle enables all valve stations to operate in sequence, from 1–10 minutes.

1. Set Function switch to Run.

5. Push Semi-Auto to start watering cycle (station 1).

2. Turn Dial to Skip Days. 6.

3. Push MANUAL button

once.

Adjust run time. A 2-minute test run is

set by default.

Setting Up an Irrigation Schedule

Setting the Current Time and Day

1. Function switch to Set

2. Turn Dial to Current

3. Set current time.

Programs.

Time.

Pay attention to “AM” and “PM”.

Turn Dial to Current Time.

7. Display shows current

8. Manual advances the

6. Return Dial to Current

7. Function switch back

time and what station is running.

station sequence.

Select the correct day*. Display shows

day abbreviation.

Time.

to Run.

4. Turn Dial to Today.

*Note: If Odd/Even schedule or Monthly Water Budget is used, the current day of the week is preset and cannot be changed.

Setting the Valve Run Time Duration

Each valve station can have an individual run time assignment in each Program. Run time can be set for 1–59 minutes (in 1-minute increments) or 1–5.9 hours (in 1/10-hour increments).

1. Function switch to Set

2. Select Program

Programs.

A, B, or C.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all valves. Switch to a different Program. Repeat

steps 3 and 4 as needed.

6. Return Dial to

Current Time.

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3. Turn Dial to desired

Valve Number.

Set valve run time. Display shows

valve run time.

7. Function switch back

to Run.

Setting the Program Cycle Start Time(s)

Each Program can have three separate start times. For mature landscapes, one start time per Program is generally sufficient. For new lawns, two or three start times with short valve run times can provide the additional irrigation required for grow-in.

1. Function switch to Set

2. Select Program

3. Turn Dial to Start Time

Programs.

A, B, or C.

(Make sure to use Program A and reset its default values.)

1 (or 2 or 3).

Set start time.* Display shows

start time.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to set additional start times.

Switch to a different Program. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed.

6. Return Dial to

7. Function switch back

Current Time.

to Run.

*Note: To remove a start time, select Off, displayed between 11:59–12:00 and 5:59–6:00 (AM and PM).

Setting the Program Watering Day Schedule

Watering days can be scheduled for each Program using one of the following methods:

Weekdays Schedules watering for specific days of the week. Skip Day Schedules watering days by

Odd/Even Date Schedules watering days based on Odd- or Even- numbered calender days.

To set a Weekdays Schedule:

1. Function switch to Set

other-day (02) etc. Skip Days is addressed in the online User Manual.

Odd/Even Date is addressed in the online User Manual.

Programs.

interval frequency

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to turn On and Off days as needed.

Switch to a different Program. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed.

; e.g., every day (01), every-

2. Select Program

3. Turn Dial to desired

A, B, or C.

Weekday.

turns day

6. Return Dial to

7. Function switch back

Current Time.

to Run.

Manual Operations

Semi-Automatic Program Operation

Semi-Automatic Program operation enables an automatic Program watering cycle to be started manually at any time. Once running, the manual advance feature enables you to step through the programmed station sequence.

1. Place the Function switch in the Run position.

2. Turn the Dial to the Current Time position.

3. Select Program

4. Press the Semi-Auto

A, B, or C.

button to start the watering cycle.

Note: Once started, the station sequence can be manually advanced by placing the Dial to Current Time and pressing the Manual button.

Note: The Manual Advance feature applies to all Automatic, Semi-automatic and Station

Test watering operations for the selected Program.

Note: To terminate watering operations, place the Function switch momentarily in the OFF or Stop position.

Manual Station Operation

Manual station operation provides manual control at the individual station level and provides the following four control options:

• Station(s) can be operated for a one-time run duration without altering the station’s set run time in an automatic Program.

• Operation can be limited to only one station running manually or set to allow three stations to run at the same time.

• Works with the Manual Advance feature to move up through the station sequence.

1. Place the Function switch in the Run position.

5. If this is the only station to be run manually, skip step 6 and continue at step 7 below.

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2. Turn the Dial to the

4. Press the Manual

Station Number to be manually operated.

Use the / buttons to set a manual operation run time ranging from 1 minute to 5.9 hours.

button to start the operation.

6. To add additional stations to the manual run operation, repeat steps 2 through 4 as needed, then continue at step 7.

7. Turn the Dial to the

Current Time position.

Note: Depending upon the Stack/Overlap setting, additional

stations selected (beyond the one or three option setting) will register as OFF when entered with the Manual button. However, they will be placed (stacked) in the manual sequence to run.

Note: Once started, the station sequence can be manually advanced by pressing the Manual button.

Note: To terminate manual watering operations, place the Function switch momentarily in the OFF or Stop position.

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Irritrol Rain Dial R User Manual [en, es, fr]

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual