Irrtitrol Rain Dial RD-600, Rain Dial RD-1200, Rain Dial RD-900 User Manual
6-, 9- and 12-Station Irrigation System Controller
NNeeww RRaaiinn DDeellaayy FFeeaattuurree
•
Postpones automatic
watering up to 9 days!
(See page 24 for details.)
User’s Guide
• Setup
• Installation
• Programming
• Troubleshooting
I
ndoor and Outdoor Models RD-600 • RD-900 • RD-1200
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Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Battery Installation and Armchair Programming . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Overview: Control Module Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Overview: Internal Controller Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–15
Installing the Controller Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting the Valve Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–11
Connecting the Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting the Power Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13–15
Indoor Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Outdoor Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14–15
Station Test Run Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Getting the Most From Your Rain Dial Controller . . . . . . . 16–17
Why Three Programs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Sample Watering Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
What the Display Indicates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18–19
Basic Programming Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20–23
Setting the Current Time and Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting the Valve Run Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting the Program Cycle Start Time(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20–21
Setting the Watering Day Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21–23
To Set a Weekday Schedule:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
To Set a Skip Days Schedule: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
To Set an Odd/Even Date Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Day Exclusion Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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O Table of Contents
Special Functions and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24–29
Rain Delay Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Water Budget Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Stack/Overlap Control Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
MV/Pump per Station Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Well Recovery Delay Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Pump Control During Well Recovery Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Diagnostic Circuit Breaker Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Clear Program Memory Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Factory Default Reset Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Manual Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–31
Semi-Automatic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Manual Station Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
In Case of a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32–34
Customer Support Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Troubleshooting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32–33
Replacing the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Remote Control Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
FCC Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Product Inquiry Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Page
1
Congratulations!
You have selected one of the most feature-packed yet simple-to-use
sprinkler system controllers available.
To acquaint yourself with your new controller, take just a few minutes to review some key Rain Dial features, then follow the recommended procedures for installation, programming and operation.
• Modular design – Provides easy access to valve wiring terminals
and battery. Simple, snap-out control module for convenient
“Armchair” programming before installation.
• Remote Control ready – Built-in remote plug jack for use with
Irritrol handheld remote models CMR-KIT and KSR-KIT.
• Non-volatile Memory – Keeps user-defined watering program
information in memory for years—
without power!
• “Super Cap” – Maintains current time and date up to 24 hours
without A.C. power input or battery backup.
• Battery back-up – Maintains current time and date during an intermittent power outage. Also enables the Rain Dial to be programmed
before prior to installation.
• 3 independent watering Programs – Enables different watering
routines to be set for trees, lawns and garden.
• 3 Start Times per Program – Provides three separate watering
cycle start times for each Program.
• Skip Days scheduling – Enables watering days to be determined
by an interval ranging from 1 to every 31 days.
• Odd/Even date scheduling – Municipalities and water purveyors
will sometimes mandate Odd/Even date watering as a water
conservation measure.
No problem for Rain Dial!
• Day Exclusion with Odd/Even and Skip Days scheduling –
Enables individual days within an Odd/Even or Skip Days
schedule to be excluded from operation.
• Overlapping or Stacking of Programs – Enables Programs or
manual stations to operate one at a time or 3 simultaneously.
• Station Test Program – Enables a test run time to be set for all
stations and operated in sequence.
Perfect for new installations!
O Key Features
2
• Live programming – Enables programming changes to be made
at any time—
even during watering!
• Fully automatic, semi-automatic and manual station operations.
• Manual Advance – Enables quick manual advance up through
the station sequence. Works in all Automatic, Semi-auto and
Manual operations.
• Off or Stop – Immediately stops and prevents all watering activity
without disturbing Programs.
• Four places available to quickly remove start times – Enables
Start Times to be turned Off between 11:59 PM/12:00 AM,
11:59 AM/12:00 PM, 5:59 AM/ 6:00 AM and 5:59 PM/ 6:00 PM
• Rain Delay – Enables automatic watering to be postponed from
1 to 9 days, then automatically resume scheduled watering.
• Water Budget – Enables the run time of all stations within a
Program to be scaled up or down from 0 to 200%.
• MV/Pump On/Off per station – Enables activation of the Master
Valve/Pump circuit to be controlled by individual stations.
• Timed delay between stations – Enables a timed delay period
to occur between stations in sequence to compensate for slowclosing valves and/or well recovery time.
• Pump On/Off during timed delay – For systems using a pres-
sure pump, slow-closing valves would require the pump to be
active during a delay between stations; a well-water recovery
system may not—
Rain Dial provides the choice!
• Built-in circuit protection – Helps protect Rain Dial’s electronic
components from damage due to power surges.
• Diagnostic Circuit Breaker – Enables the controller to detect and
bypass any station with a short circuit or faulty solenoid. Displays
“FUS” and the bypassed station number for easy troubleshooting.
• Clear Program Memory – Enables individual Program memory
to be cleared without affecting other Programs.
• Reset to Factory Program Defaults – Enables factory default
operating parameters to be easily restored if needed.
3
Installing the 9V battery serves two important purposes: first, to
enable the Rain Dial to be fully programmed prior to installation,
and second, to keep the control module synchronized with current
time and date during a main power interruption lasting more than
24 hours.
The control module is designed to be easily removed for complete
programming in a more convenient setting, such as your favorite
armchair. To remove the control module, simply unplug the ribbon
cable connector from the printed circuit board, then carefully remove
the module from it’s snap-in hinges. The Rain Dial features nonvolatile memory, which keeps the programming information intact,
even if the battery dies or is disconnected.
Note: The battery is not capable of operating the sprinkler valves.
Main AC power must be applied to the controller to enable operation.
Installing the Battery
1. Open the controller door.
2. Pull the control module open by grasping it from the right edge
(press the module release tab on the outdoor model).
3. Locate the battery compartment at the top of the control module.
Press down and outward on top of the cover to remove.
4. Attach the battery clip to the supplied 9V alkaline battery.
5. Store the battery in the compartment and reinstall the cover.
6. The display will begin flashing 12:00 AM (press any button to halt).
Note: To begin setting up a watering Program, refer to
“Basic Programming Procedures” on page 20.
CAUTION: To avoid hazards from improper battery type
installation, always replace the battery with the same or
equivalent battery type.
Always dispose of used batteries properly, as recommended by
the battery manufacturer.
Battery Installation & Armchair Programming
O Getting Started
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Figure 1
9-Volt Alkaline
Battery
Battery Compartment
Cover
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 an advance button for 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, prevents
all automatic and manual operations and used in setting Rain
Delay feature.
Set Programs - Enables watering program setup values to be
selected and changed.
Run or Manual - Normal switch position for all automatic and
manual watering operations.
7 - Semi-Auto Start Button
• Push button used to manually start Program A, B or C
watering cycle (as selected) or the Station Test Run feature.
Overview: Control Module Interface
6
Figure 2
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1 - Battery Compartment
• Snap-in cover provides easy access to 9V alkaline battery.
2 - Control Module Ribbon Cable
• Quick disconnect for easy removal of control module from
cabinet to facilitate Armchair Programming or service.
3 - Ground Terminal (EARTH GROUND)
• Connection terminal for earth ground conductor wire.
4 - 2A Slow-blow Fuse
• Safety fuse provides current overload protection to the
24 VAC power source caused by a short-circuit condition.
5 - 24 VAC Terminals
• Connection terminals for plug-in transformer. Also provides
power source for CMR-KIT handheld remote.
6 - Valve Common Terminal (VC)
• Connection terminal for the valve (field) common wire.
7 - Master Valve/Pump Terminal (MV/PUMP)
• Connection terminal for master valve or 24 VAC pump start relay.
8 - Numbered Valve Terminals
• Connection terminals for valve wires. One terminal provided
per valve station (RD-1200 12-station model shown.)
9 - Remote Control Plug Receptacle
• Phone-style jack provided for connection of a CMR-KIT or
KSR-KIT-K handheld remote adapter cable.
Refer to “Remote Control Feature” on page 35.
Caution: The Rain Dial is designed to operate 24 VAC valve
solenoids rated at 0.25A (6 VA). Current total load must not
exceed 1.0A maximum. A maximum of two solenoids per station
terminal may be used, but not to exceed 0.5A per station. No
more than three solenoids (plus MV/Pump circuit) should be on
at any one time .
To prevent controller damage, do not link the valve common wire
of two or more controllers. Use a separate valve common wire for
each controller.
Overview: Internal Controller Components
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EARTH
GROUND
MV/
PUMP
789101112
123456
24 VAC
VC
9
Figure 3
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Installing the Controller Cabinet
Locate the indoor model in a protected area, such as a garage,
within 5' (1.5m) of a grounded electrical outlet. Locate the outdoor
model avoiding direct exposure to sun and irrigation spray. Do not
install the controller within 5' (1.5 m) of any motorized equipment.
1. Drive a #10 wood screw (provided) into a wall stud, at a convenient
level, leaving about 1/4" (6.5 mm) of the screw exposed.
Note: Use screw anchors when installing on drywall or masonry.
2. Hang the controller on the screw using the keyhole slot provided.
3. To secure the controller, drive one or two screws through the
lower mounting holes provided.
Note: The Outdoor cabinet lower mounting holes have a thin flash-
ing that is easily penetrated when installing the mounting screws.
Connecting the Valve Wires
Note: Using 14–18 gauge irrigation valve connection cable is
recommended. Always use a cable that has at least one wire for
each valve and one wire for the valve common connection. Secure
all wire splices using water-proof wire connectors.
1. Route the wire cable from the controller to the valve location.
2. To provide a Valve Common wire, attach either
lead of each valve
solenoid to one cable wire.
The white wire is generally used for
this connection.
3. Attach a separate cable wire to the remaining lead from each
valve solenoid.
Note the wire color used for each connection
to reference at the controller.
4. Route the cable into the controller through the large opening in
the base of the cabinet.
Note: The outdoor cabinet has a threaded opening for optional
1.25” conduit installation. Install conduit at this time as necessary.
5. Cut the cable back as necessary, then strip 1/2" (13 mm) of
insulation from the end of each wire. Using a small screwdriver,
connect each valve wire to a numbered valve terminal, referring to
the wire color code used for each valve connection.
O Installation Procedures
10
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