K-Rain RPS469 Instruction Manual

Station ModelS - Available in 4, 6 or 9 stations.

oUtdoor Model - Supplied with 120VAC x 24 AC or 240VAC (International)

x 24VAC inbuilt transformer.

OPTIONAL LEAD WITH PLUG.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Mid-Size irrigation Controller

www.krain.com

INTRODUCTION ............................................1

GLOSSARY ..................................................2

KEY FEATURES ............................................3

PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS

Introduction ................................................4

Set automatic program

..............................4

General tips for easy programming

...........5

PROGRAMMING

Set current time & correct day

...................6

Set calendar

...............................................6

Set start times

...........................................7

Set watering days

..................................8-9

Set station run times

............................9-10

MANUAL OPERATIONS

Run a single station ..................................11

Run a system test

..............................11-12

Run a program

...................................12-13

Stop watering

..........................................14

Stacking start times

.................................14

Automatic back up

...................................14

OTHER FEATURES

Rain sensor .........................................15-16

Rain delay

................................................16

STOP all watering

................................16-17

Water budgeting & seasonal

adjustment ..............................................17

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

Pump ON/OFF selection .......................18-19

Pressure build

....................................19-20

Water hammer saver

................................20

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Mounting the controller ............................21

Electrical hook-up

....................................21

Field wiring connections

.....................21-22

Terminal block layout

..............................22

Pump Start Relay Connection

...................23

Pump Installation

......................................23

Master valve installation

...........................24

Pump protection (system test)

..................25

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE ..................26-27

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Electrical outputs ......................................28

SERVICING THE CONTROLLER ....................29

SPARE WATERING PLANNER ................30-31

WARRANTY ...............................................34

CONTENTS

1

RPS469 is available in 4, 6 and 9 station configurations. Designed to cover a wide range of
applications from residential and commercial turf, to light agriculture, and professional nursery.

This controller has a possible 6 separate programs with up to 36 starts per day. The controller has
a 7 day watering schedule with individual day selection per program or a 365 calendar for odd/even
day watering or selectable interval watering schedules from every day to every 15th day. Individual
stations can be allocated to one or all programs and can have a run time of 1 minute to 12 hours 59
minutes or 25 hours if the water budget is set to 200%.

K-Rain has always been concerned with sustainable water usage. The controller has many water
saving features that can be used to maintain the highest standard of plant quality with the least
amount of water consumption. The integrated budget facility allows global changes of run times
without affecting programmed run times. This allows for decreasing total water consumption on days
of minimal evaporation.

INTRODUCTION

2

GLOSSARY

FRONT MOUNTED

SENSOR SWITCH

ON/OFF switch for easy

access to override

TERMINAL COVER

Easy to remove for
easy access

LARGE HIGH CONTRAST LCD

Displays all

programming information

LARGE SELECTION DIAL

Navigates through all

programming information

QUICK PROGRAM SELCTION KEY

The “P” key allows faster program
entry and

review

LARGE MENU BUTTONS

Easy operation with fast scroll
feature for entry and review

3

KEY FEATURES

4,6 & 9 station models.
Indoor/Outdoor model with built-in transformer.
6 programs, each of which has 6 start times. Maximum of 36 start times per day.
Station run times from 1 minute to 12 hours & 59 minutes.
Selectable watering options:

- Individual 7 day selection.

- Odd or Even day selection.

- Interval watering day selection from every day to every 15th day.

Watering budgeting feature allows quick adjustment of the station run times by

percentage, from 10% to 200%.

Rain sensor input will turn off all stations or selected stations during wet periods,

if a sensor is installed.

Permanent memory feature will retain automatic programs during power failures.
Standard 9 volt battery can be used to program the controller remotely

and to maintain the clock.

Manual functions:

- Run a program or group of programs once.

- Run a single station.

- Run a test cycle for all stations.

-

“OFF” position, stops a watering cycle or to stop automatic

programs during winter.

Pump or master valve input is standard.
Pump or master valve input can be turned off by program or by individual stations,

for dual water supply situations or if stations are used to turn on garden lights.

4

PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION

This controller has been designed with 6 separate programs to allow different landscape areas to
have their own individual watering schedules. A program is a method of grouping stations (valves)
with similar watering requirements to water on the same days. These stations will water
in sequential order and on the days selected.

Group the stations (valves) which are watering similar landscape areas together.

Examples: Turf, flower beds, gardens. These different groups may require individual

watering schedules, or programs.

Plan your watering schedule completing the planner supplied at the back of this book.

Set the current time and correct day of the week. If odd or even day watering is going to be

used, make sure the current year, month and day of the month is correct.

HINT: To select a different program use the button marked

.

Each press will move to the next
program number. This is handy for quick reviewing of previously entered information without losing your
place in the programming cycle.

SET AUTOMATIC PROGRAM

Set the automatic program for each group of stations (valves) by completing the

following three steps:

1. Set start times

This sets the time when the watering schedule is to commence.

NOTE: For each start time, all the stations (valves) selected for the program will come
on in sequential order. If two start times are set, the stations (valves) will come on twice.

2. Set Watering Days
These are the selected days when the automatic system will be active.

3. Set Station Run Times

This sets the watering duration required for each station (valve).

5

PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL TIPS FOR EASY PROGRAMMING

This controller has been designed for quick intuitive programming.
Remember these simple tips for hassle free programming.

1. Complete the spare watering planner at the back of this book.

2. When setting, one push of the button will increment one unit.

3. Holding one button down will fast scroll through units.

4. During the programming, only flashing units are able to be set.

5. Adjust flashing units using the

or

buttons.

6. Pressing

will scroll forward through the settings in an orderly sequence.

7. Pressing

will scroll back to previous settings and setting can be changed.

The

is used to select different programs. Each push
on this button will increment one program number.
Once you have selected the primary function and
program you wish to alter, you can then use the
or

to change that function’s value.
Only display elements that are flashing can be altered
with the

keys.

Use the

to scroll through other values within

the function that can be altered.

INCREASE VALUE

(+)

(-)

DECREASE VALUE

SCROLL
FORWARD

SCROLL

BACK

The large dial is the primary

device for selecting an operation.

Rotate the dial to the function

you wish to alter or review.

6

PROGRAMMING

SET CURRENT TIME & CORRECT DAY

Turn the dial to “Set Clock/Calendar” position.
The hour will be flashing. Use the

or

to adjust.

NOTE: AM/PM must be set correctly.

Press

button and the

“minutes” will flash. Use

or

to adjust
the minutes.
Press

and the

“day of the week” will flash. Use

or

to set the

correct day.

SET CALENDAR

NOTE

: The calendar only needs to be set when selecting Odd/Even day watering in areas where water

restrictions may require this feature.

Press

button until the year, month and day are shown. The

“year” will be flashing. Use

or

to adjust if required.

Press

and the

“month” will flash. Use

or

to adjust if required.

Press

and the

“day” will flash. Use

or

to adjust if required.

HINT: To return to the clock, press

and

together or turn dial to another position.

Before proceeding, ensure the spare watering planner has been completed. From your planner, you
should be aware which stations (valves) are allocated to each program. Set one program at a time to
ensure that the schedules are completed correctly.

7

Example: SET PROGRAM 1

STEP 1 – SET START TIMES

NOTE

: All stations will come on in sequential order for each start time.

Turn the dial to “Set Start Times” and ensure that “Prog No 1” is showing. If not, then use the
button to select

“Prog No 1”.

The “Start No” will be flashing.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

Use

or

to change the “Start No” if required, otherwise press

and the “hour” will

flash.

Use

or

to adjust if required.

NOTE: Ensure AM/PM position is correct.

Press

and the “minutes” will flash.

Use

or

to adjust if required

.

Each program has up to 6 start times. Should you require a second start time,
press

and “Start1” will flash.

Advance to

“Start2” by pressing

.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

Press

and proceed as per setting Start 1.

HINT: To toggle a start on or off press

or

when the hour is flashing. To change to a different

program either to review or alter, press the

button. Every press will increment to the next program.

PROGRAMMING

8

PROGRAMMING

STEP 2 – SET WATERING DAYS

This unit has interval watering from every day to every 15th day, individual day selection or a 365
day calendar with odd/even day selection in areas where water restrictions require this feature.

INDIVIDUAL DAY SELECTION

Turn the dial to “Set Watering days” and ensure that “Prog No 1” is showing. If not, then use the
button to select

“Prog No 1”.

“Monday” will be flashing. THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

This refers to Mon being Day1.

To turn Monday off press

the

button.

To turn it back on press the

button. To advance

to the next day and set it use the

button, the display will then flash Tue and Day 2. Use

or

to turn days ON or OFF

and advance to the next day using

. Remember to set all 7 days

ON or OFF.

ODD/EVEN DAY SELECTION (OPTIONAL)

In some areas users are only allowed to water their landscapes on odd dates if their house number is
odd, or even dates when their house number is even.

This controller allows this to be done simply by setting the relevant selection of odd or even and
setting the current date into the controller. The controller will account for leap years.

If you require the odd/even day option, simply press the

button until

“Odd” is shown.

Press the

button and

“Even” will be shown.

This feature may be required in areas where water restrictions are enforced.

Note: Remember to set the 365 day calendar when setting the clock, or this feature will be
out of sequence (refer page 6 “set calendar”).

9

INTERVAL DAY SELECTION

Press the

button until the

“interval days” is flashing.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

“Interval 1” will be flashing. This means the controller will

water every day. The display will show how many days

are left before an active schedule.

For example, if it showed

“1” then in one day’s time the controller will run this program. To change

the interval day, press the

or

button.

Select from 1 to 15 interval days.

NOTE: When changing the interval day, the next active day is always changed to 1. This means that
tomorrow is the first active day to run.

STEP 3 – STATION RUN TIMES

This is the length of time that each station (valve) is scheduled to water on a particular program.
Maximum watering time is 12 hours 59 minutes for each station.
A station can be assigned to any or all of the possible 6 programs, if required.
Turn the dial to the

“Set Station Run Times” position.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

NOTE: This means that station 1 of program
1 has no run time programmed in it. The controller
has permanent memory so when the device is first used
there will be no run times set. Unlike other controllers,
when there is a power failure, even if the battery is not

installed, the programmed values will be restored to the unit.

PROGRAMMING

10

PROGRAMMING

Continue until all the stations in Program1 have been set with a run time or if a station(s) is not
required to be active in this particular program, ensure that the run time is set to

“OFF”.

NOTE: To turn a station “OFF” press the

and

at the same time when the station number is

flashing or use to set minutes to 00 when flashing.

This completes the setting up procedure for automatic program 1.

Select from up to 6 programs using the

button for different watering schedules. On every press

of the

button the program number will increment. Once on the desired number, follow the three

steps to set an automated program:

1. Set start Times.

2. Set Watering Days.

3. Set Station Run Times.

TIP: Although the controller will run automatic programs with the main dial in any position (with the exception
of “OFF”), it is advisable to leave the main dial in the “AUTO RUN” position when not programming or running
manual stations or programs.

STEP 3 - STATION RUN TIMES (CONT.)

Press

or

button to select the station (valve) number, and press the

button and the

run time minutes will flash. Alter by using

or

.

Press the

button and the run time hours will flash. Alter by using

or

.

Press the

button and the current station will flash. Select the next station to change by using

or

and proceed by pressing and alter using or .

11

MANUAL OPERATIONS

RUN A SINGLE STATION

The maximum run time for a station is 12 hours 59 minutes. To manually run a single station once,
turn the dial to the

“System Test or Run Single Station” position.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

The default run time for a single station is 10 minutes.
Advance to the selected station by pressing

as many

times as required, and adjust the run time with

or

.
The controller will start running the selected station and the run time will decrement in the display.
If there is an active pump set for this station, the pump icon will flash once the

button has been
pressed, indicating that the pump/master is running. As soon as the single station run time has
elapsed, the unit will revert back to automatic mode. This means that if you forget to turn the dial
back to the

“Run” position, the controller will still run its automatic starts, as scheduled. To turn the

station off, change the position of the main dial, to

“OFF”.

HINT: If you wish to alter the default value from 10 mins to some other value and set this as the new default
time. Turn the dial to “Run Single Station” press the

button. Then alter the run time using the

or

buttons. Once the new default time is set press the button again, and the new default will

now always appear when you select a “manual single station”.

RUN A SYSTEM TEST

To manually run a system test turn the dial to the “System Test or Run Single Station” position, press

and

together.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

The default run time for a single station is 2 minutes.
If you wish to alter the run time for

this start only,

use the

or

buttons. Once the correct run time has been entered, turn the station

on and make it run by pressing the

button.

12

MANUAL OPERATIONS

The controller will start running all stations with the selected run time. The time will decrement in
the display and will sequentially move through all stations, running them for the same set period of
time. This option is designed so that it is possible to test all sprinklers and valves that make up the
irrigation design.

To skip to the next station press the

button. To go back a station press the

button. To stop

the system test, change the position of the main dial, to

“OFF”.

HINT: If you wish to alter the default value from 2 mins to some other value and set this as the new
default time, press the

and

together followed by

button. Then alter the run time using

the

or

buttons. Once the new default time is set press the

button again, and the new

default will now always appear when you select a “manual system test”.

RUN A PROGRAM

To manually run a complete program or to stack multiple programs to run, rotate the dial
to

“Run Program”. The word “OFF” will be flashing.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

To enable program 1 to start press the

button.

The icon

“OFF” will change to “ON”.
This program has now been enabled so that it can be
run. To make program 1 run, press the

button.

NOTE: So long as there are run times in program 1 then program 1 will start and water the stations
associated with it.

13

There may be times when it is desirable to run more than one program manually. The controller
allows this to occur using its unique feature of enabling a program, before running it. For example
if you wish to run Program 1 and also Program 2, the controller will manage stacking of the programs
so they do not overlap.

Enable program 1 by pressing the

button. To select the next program press

the

button, the program number will increment to program 2.

Enable program 2 to run by pressing the

button.

NOTE: To disable a program number, press the

button.

Once both programs have been enabled, they can be run by pressing the

button. The controller
will now run all programs that have been enabled starting with the highest numbered program.
So in this case, program 2 would run and when it has completed its cycle, program 1 would start
and run its cycle.

This method can be used to enable any, or all of the available programs on the controller.

NOTE: When running programs in manual mode the “Budget %” will alter the running times of each
individual station.

MANUAL OPERATIONS

14

MANUAL OPERATIONS

STOP WATERING

To stop an automatic or manual watering schedule, turn the dial to the “OFF” position.

NOTE: For automatic watering remember to turn the dial back to the “Auto Run” position, as “OFF” will
stop any future watering cycles from occurring.

STACKING START TIMES

Should you accidentally set the same watering start time on more than one program, the controller
will

“stack” them in sequential order. All programmed start times will be watered from the highest

number first.

AUTOMATIC BACKUP

This product has permanent memory. This allows the controller to hold all stored values even in the
absence of power sources, which means that programmed information will never be lost. Using a
9 volt battery will keep the real time clock running during power outages. However, if the battery is
not used the real time clock is backed up every 10 minutes to the non volatile memory. This means
that when the power returns the clock will be restored to its last known value.

It is recommended that the battery is replaced every 12 months.

A low battery icon will light when the battery has a week left to run. When this occurs, replace the
battery as soon as possible so that the clock is maintained correctly during power failures.

15

OTHER FEATURES

RAIN SENSOR

When installing a rain sensor, first remove the the factory

fitted link between the

“C” and “R” terminals shown here

by the wire.

Replace with the two wires from the rain sensor into these
terminals, polarity NOT required. Move the rain sensor
switch on the fascia to

“ON”.

Turn the dial to

“Set Auxiliaries” to enable individual

stations to be set rain sensor

“ON” or “OFF”.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

Rain sensor installation

16

OTHER FEATURES

RAIN SENSOR (CONT.)

If a station is turned “ON” this means that the sensor will control it, should it rain. The default mode
is for all stations to be rain sensor

“ON”. Should you have a station (valve) that always needs to be
watered, e.g. an enclosed green house or plants that are under cover, then the rain sensor can be
turned

“OFF” for these particular stations. To select a station to turn “OFF”. Press the

button,

the word

“ON” will now be flashing, use the

button to change to “OFF”.

TIP: To turn the station back “ON” press the

button. To advance to the next station use

the

button and the station number will increase. Do this operation for all stations (valves)

on the controller that need to be altered.

HINT

: To disable the rain sensor and allow all stations to water regardless of the setting, move the slide

switch marked Rain/Sensor to the “OFF” position. The reactivate it slide the switch to the “ON” position.

RAIN DELAY

Different rain sensors react in different ways. The most common complaint about rain sensors,
is that they dry out too quickly, and allow the system to come on within hours of a rain storm. To
counter this problem the controller has a

“Rain Delay” setting that allows a specific delay time to
elapse after the rain switch has dried out before the controller will water again. Turn the dial to the
“Set Auxiliaries” position. Then press the

button. The rain delay value will now be flashing.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

Press the

button to alter the rain delay time in
increments of 12 hours at a time.
A maximum delay of 240 hours or 10 days can be set.

STOP ALL WATERING

To stop all watering cycles during winter, turn the dial to the “OFF” position.

The display will show

“ALL OFF”:

17

This means that all automatic schedules will not come on,
but the programmed information is still retained in the memory
and the clock still keeps track of time even though it is no
longer being displayed.

To reactivate watering, turn the dial to the

“Auto Run” position.

WATER BUDGETING & SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT

The automatic station run times can be adjusted by percentage as the seasons change. This will save
valuable water as the run times can be adjusted quickly in spring, summer, and autumn to reduce or
increase water usage.

Ensure the dial is in the

“Auto Run” position.

Press the

button.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

This means that the run times are set to 100%, i.e. if station 1 is set to 10 minutes then it will run
for 10 minutes. For example, should the value change to 50% then instead of running for 10 minutes
station 1 would now run for 50% of 10 minutes, i.e. 5 minutes.

Conversely should the budget value be altered to show 200% then instead of running 10 minutes
on station 1, it would run for 20 minutes. The budget calculation is applied to all stations and all run
times that are active.

To increase the budget percentage press the

, to decrease the budget percentage press the

. The percentage value will increment or decrement in multiples of 10%. The maximum value

is 200% and the minimum value is 10%.

To return to the clock display press the

button

.

Should the budget value no longer be 100% then it will be shown
in the clock display, e.g. if we set the budget to 200%.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

OTHER FEATURES

18

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

PUMP ON/OFF SELECTION

In most systems the water supply will be from a well or from the mains. This controller will turn on
either a pump (well supply) or master valve (mains supply) each time an automatic or manual start
occurs. Normally the pump or master valve is activated for all stations. However if there is a dual
water supply or some of the stations may be used to run garden lights, the pump master valve may
need to be turned off for selected stations. Pumps can be assigned to be activated by a program or
alternatively by individual stations. The standard default is that all programs are set to pump

“ON”.

To set pumps per program:

Turn the dial to

“Set Auxiliaries”.

Press the

button once.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

This means we are in the pump per program menu for Pump
No 1 (master valve). Press the

button to enter this menu

option. Program 1 will now be flashing.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

This means that the pump will turn on when program 1 is running.
To select a different program number press the

or

the

button. To turn a pump ON or OFF for a particular

program press the

button so that

“ON” is now flashing.

Press the

button to turn the pump ON or press the
button to turn the pump OFF for that particular number.
Complete this sequence for all program No’s.

To set pumps per stations:

Turn the dial to the

“Set Auxiliaries” position. Press the

button twice and the pump per station menu will be displayed.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

This means we are in the Pump per Station menu for Pump No 1 (master valve).
Press the

button to enter this menu option.

19

Station No 1 will now be flashing and it will be OFF.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

This means the pump will not turn on when station No 1 is
running. To turn the pump ON or OFF for a particular station
press the

button so that

“OFF” is now flashing. Press the

button to turn the

pump ON or press the

button to turn the pump OFF for that particular station number.

Complete this sequence for all station No’s by pressing

and adjust

“ON” or “OFF” with

the

or

buttons.

PRESSURE BUILD

The pressure build system is used to allow the recovery of water supplies and to speed up slow valve
changes within a system.

Basically what happens is, as the controller changes from one valve to another, a system delay is
inserted between valves. In essence, during this delay period, the pump is working against a closed
head. The advantage of this is in systems where the valves are slow to change, it is possible to
speed them up by inserting a delay period and pressurizing the main line. This system can also be
used on wells, where draw down can occur or cavitation of centrical pumps is a problem.

WARNING: This option is used to make pumps work against a closed heads. This can lead to pump failure,
pipe splitting and in some cases, explosion of pressure vessels. Understand how to use this option and
consult a professional regarding the use of this option in your system before implementing it.

To access the pressure build option, turn the dial to the “Set Auxiliaries” position, press the
button until the following display appears.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

Press the

or

buttons to increment or decrement

the program number to apply the pressure build time too.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

20

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

NOTE: Each program can have its own pressure build time programmed.

To alter the pressure build time press the

button. The delay time is set to

“OFF” and will now

flash for the selected program number.

Use the

or

buttons to increase or decrease the delay time seconds.

This value can be anything from OFF to 99 seconds.

WATER HAMMER SAVER

The water hammer saver is used to stop fast valve closures causing water hammer and damaging
pumps and pipe work. This feature allows the overlap of valves for a specified time between valve
changes. For example the system is changing from valve one to valve two.

1. Valve one is open.

2. Valve two opens.

3. Time delay counts down.

4. When time elapses valve one closes.

5. Valve two now runs for its specified run time.

To access the water hammer feature, turn the dial to the

“Set Auxiliaries” position. Then press the

button till the following display appears.

Program No 1 will be flashing.

THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW:

Press the

or

buttons to

increase or decrease

the program number to apply the water hammer delay time.

NOTE: Each program can have its own delay time programmed.

To alter the water hammer delay time press the

button. The delay time is set to

“OFF”

and will now flash for the selected program number.

Use the

or buttons to increase or decrease the delay time seconds.

This value can be anything from OFF to 99 seconds.

21

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

MOUNTING THE CONTROLLER

Install the controller near a 120VAC / 240VAC (International) outlet. Preferably located in a house,
garage or exterior electrical outlet. For ease of operation, eye level placement is recommended. Ideally,
your controller location should not be exposed to rain or areas prone to flooding or heavy water.

The controller can be installed indoors or outdoors and can be exposed to light rain as it is weather
tight. Fasten the controller using the key hole slot positioned externally on the top center and the
additional holes positioned internally under the terminal cover.

ELECTRICAL HOOK-UP

Warning:

1. All electrical work must be carried out in accordance with these instructions following all

applicable local, state and federal codes.
Failure to do so will void the controller’s warranty.

2. Disconnect power supply before any maintenance work to the controller or valves is undertaken.

3.

Do not attempt to wire any high voltage items yourself, i.e. pumps and pump contactors

or hard wiring the controller power supply. This should be done by a licensed electrician.
Serious injury or death could result from improper hook up. If in doubt consult your local

codes as to what is required.

FIELD WIRING CONNECTIONS

PREPARATION

1. Prepare wire for hook-up by cutting the wires to the correct length and stripping approximately

0.25 inches (6.0mm) of insulation from the end to be connected to the controller.

2. Ensure terminal block screws are loosened sufficiently to permit easy access for wire ends. Insert

stripped wire ends into the clamp aperture and tighten screws. Do not over tighten as this may
damage the terminal block.

3. A maximum of 0.75 Amps may be supplied by any output. Check the inrush current of your

solenoid coils before connecting more than two valves to any one station.

22

POWER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS

It is recommended that the transformer is not connected to a 120VAC / 240VAC

(International)

supply
which is also servicing or supplying motors (i.e. air conditioners, pool pumps, refrigerators). Lighting
circuits are suitable as power sources.

This controller is suitable for outdoor installation as the housing is weathertight and UV
stabilized. However it is recommended that the unit be installed in an area which is not exposed
directly to the weather.

Terminal Block Layout

(9 station example)

GLOSSARY

24 VAC 24VAC power supply connection
C Common wire connection to field wiring
R Input for rain switch
M Master valve or pump start output
1 to 9 Station(s) (valves) field connections

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

23

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

PUMP START RELAY CONNECTION (WATER SUPPLY BY PUMP SYSTEM)

This controller does not provide power to drive a pump. A pump must be driven via an external relay
and contactor setup as detailed below. The controller provides a low voltage signal that actuates the
relay which in turn enables the contactor and finally the pump.

HINT: Although the controller has permanent memory and thus a default program will not cause erroneous
valve actuation as in some controllers, it is still good practice when using a system where the water supply
comes from a pump to connect unused stations on the unit back to the last used station. This in effect,
inhibits the chances of the pump ever running against a closed head.

PUMP INSTALLATION

Link any unused

stations to the last

active station.

24

MASTER VALVE INSTALLATION

The purpose of the master valve is to shut off the water supply to the irrigation system when
there is a faulty valve or none of the stations are operating correctly. It’s used like a back-up valve
or fail safe device and is installed at the start of the irrigation system where it is connected to the
water supply line.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

25

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

PUMP PROTECTION (SYSTEM TEST)

In some circumstances not all operational stations might be hooked up. For example, if the controller
was capable of running 9 stations but there were only 7 field wires and solenoid valves available for
connection. This situation can pose a risk to a pump when the system test routine for the controller
is initiated.

The system test routine sequences through all available stations on the controller. In the above example
this would mean stations 8 through 9 would become active and would cause the pump to operate
against a closed head. This could possibly cause permanent pump, pipe and pressure vessel damage.

It is mandatory if the system test routine is going to be used, that all unused, spare stations, should
be linked together and then looped to the last working station with a valve on it.

Using the above example, the connector block should be wired as per the diagram below.

Link any unused

stations to the last

active station.

26

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SUGGESTION

Check fuse, check field wiring,
check transformer.

Check solenoid. Test field cable for continuity.
Test Common cable for continuity.

Check solenoid. Test field cable for continuity.
Test Common cable for continuity.
Test connections.

If unit works manually then check the
programming. If not then check the fuse,
wiring and transformer.

Check instruction book to ensure
programming is correct. If buttons still not
responding then return panel to supplier or
manufacturer.

Check number of start times entered on each
program. All stations will run once for every
start. If fault persists return panel to supplier.

SYMPTOM

No display.

Single station
not working.

Fuse blows.

No automatic start.

Buttons not
responding.

System coming
on at random.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

Faulty transformer
or blown fuse.

Faulty solenoid coil,
or break in field wire.

Incorrect wiring or bad
connection. Solenoid coil has
shorted through.

Programming error or blown
fuse or transformer.

Short on button or
programming not correct.

Too many start times entered
on automatic programs.

27

SUGGESTION

Check wiring and swap faulty station
wire’s on the controller terminal block
with known working stations. If the same
outputs are still locked on, return panel
to supplier or manufacturer.

Electrician to check voltage on
relay or contactor.

Return panel to supplier or manufacturer.

Slide switch on front panel to the ON
position, test all wiring and make sure
the sensor is a normally closed type.
Check programming to make sure sensor
is enabled.

Check programming, using the manual
as a reference and correct mistakes.

SYMPTOM

More than one
station coming
on at once.

Pump start
chattering.

Display cracked or
missing segments.

Sensor input
not working.

Pump not working
on a specific
station or program.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

Possible faulty driver triac.

Faulty relay or pump contactor.

Display damaged during
transportation.

Sensor enable switch in the
OFF position or faulty wiring.

Programming error
with pump enable routine.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

28

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

ELECTRICAL OUTPUTS

POWER SUPPLY

This unit runs off a 120VAC 60 Hz / 240VAC 50 Hz (International) single phase circuit.

The internal transformer reduces the 120VAC/ 240VAC (International) to a low voltage supply of 24VAC.

ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY: Input 24 volts 50/60Hz
ELECTRICAL OUTPUTS: Maximum of 1.0 amp

To solenoid valves:

24 vac 50/60Hz 0.75 amps max

NOTE: Up to 3 valves per station

To the master valve/pump start:

24 vac 0.25 amps max

NOTE: Transformer and fuse capacity must be compatible with output requirements.

OVERLOAD PROTECTION:
Standard 20mm M-205 1 amp fast blow glass fuse.

POWER FAILURE:

The controller has permanent memory so the data is always backed up even with the absence of
all power, however to maintain the real time clock as current, a 9 volt battery should be installed.
This will keep the clock time for extended periods without mains power.

WIRING:

The output circuits should be installed and protected in accordance with wiring code
for your location.

29

SERVICING THE CONTROLLER

The controller should always be serviced by an authorized agent.

Follow these simple steps to return the unit:

1. Turn the power OFF to the controller.

a) If the controller is hardwired, a qualified electrician will be required to remove

the entire unit depending on the fault.

b) Return the entire controller with transformer or disconnect the panel assembly only for

servicing or repair.

2. Disconnect the 24 VAC leads at the controller 24 VAC terminals on the very left hand side of the

terminal block.

3. Clearly mark or identify all valve wires according to the terminals they are connected to, (1–9).

This allows you to easily wire them back to the controller, maintaining your valve watering
scheme.

4. Disconnect valve wires from the terminal block.

5. a) Remove the complete panel from the controller housing by unscrewing the two screws in the

lower corners of the fascia. (both ends of the terminal block)

b) Remove the complete controller from the wall unplugging the lead.

6. Carefully wrap the panel or controller in protective wrapping and pack in a suitable box and return

to your service agent or the manufacturer.

NOTE: Tampering with the unit will void the warranty.

7. Replace your controller panel by reversing this procedure.

The controller should always be serviced by an authorized agent.

SERVICING THE CONTROLLER

30

SPARE WATERING PLANNER

31

SPARE WATERING PLANNER

32

NOTES

33

NOTES

The manufacturer Guarantees to the original purchaser that any product supplied by the manufacturer will be

free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase. Any product

found to have defects in material or workmanship within the period of this warranty shall be repaired or replaced

by the manufacturer FREE OF CHARGE.

The manufacturer does not guarantee the use for a particular purpose of its products and does not make any

guarantee, expressed or implied, other than the warranty contained herein. The manufacturer shall not be liable

for any loss from use of the product or incidental or consequential damages including damages to other parts of

any installation of which this product is part.

The warranty shall not apply to any equipment which is found to have been improperly installed, set up or used in

any way not in accordance with the instructions supplied with this equipment, or to have been modified, repaired

or altered in any way without the express written consent of the manufacturer. This warranty shall not apply to

any batteries or accessories used in the equipment covered under this warranty or to any damage which may be

caused by such batteries.

If the Controller develops a fault, the product or panel must be returned in adequate packing with:

1. A copy of your original invoice.

2. A description of any fault.

It is the purchasers responsibility to return the controller to the manufacturer or their agent by prepaid freight.

WARRANTY

K-Rain Manufacturing Corp.

1640 Australian Avenue
Riviera Beach, FL 33404 USA
[phone]
FAX: [phone]

1.800.735.7246 | www.krain.com

© K-Rain Manufacturing Corporation

AN ISO 9001:2000 CERTIFIED COMPANY