Rain Bird ESP-MC, ESP-SITE-Satellite, ESP-SAT Operation Manual

Operations Guide

ESP-MC, ESP-SAT, ESP-SITE-Satellite and Maxicom2Interface Board (MIB) Kit

P/N 634593 REV F

Safety Information

Warning!

Important safety information and warning messages appear throughout this manual. To ensure correct operation and to avoid additional expense, read this manual thoroughly before you begin installation.

“WARNING: A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR CUTOFF SWITCH IS TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FIXED WIRING TO ISOLATE THE CONTROLLER”

“MEMORY IS RETAINED BY A BATTERY WHICH IS TO BE DISPOSED OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL REGULATIONS”

Caution icons

The lightening flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

“ATTENTION: UN DISJONCTEUR OU UN IMTERRUPTEUR DOIT ETRE INSTALLE SUR LE PRIMAIRE POUR ISOLER LE PROGRAMMATEUR”

“LA MEMOIRE EST MAINTENUE GRACE A UNE BATTERIE RECHARGEABLE A DISPOSER SELON LA REGLEMENTATION LOCALE”

L’éclair avec is symbole de la flèche, placé dans les limites d’un triangle équilatéral est prévu pour avertir l’utilisateur de la présence de “tension dangereuse” non isolée dans l’enceinte du produit qui pourrait ëtre d’une importance suffisante pour présenter un risque d’électrocution aux personnes.

Le point d’exclamation dans un triangle équilatéral est prévu pour avertir l’utilisateur de la présence d’instructions importantes pour les opérations et l’entretien (service) dans les manuels fournis avec l’appareil.

Contents

iii

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Welcome to Rain Bird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

The ESP-MC Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

The ESP-SAT Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

The Maxicom

Interface Board (MIB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

The ESP-SITE-Satellite Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

*For installation instructions see poster included in controller box

Looking at the Controller’s Faceplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Rain Bird RASTER

(Rapid Station Test Routine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

RASTER

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Beginning the RASTER

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Station Valve Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Troubleshooting Open and Shorted Valve Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Open Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Short Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Troubleshooting Opens and Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Programming the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Preparing to Program the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Setting the Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Setting up a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Step 1: Selecting a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Step 2: Selecting the Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Step 3: Setting the Length of a Station’s Watering Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Step 4: Setting Watering Start Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Step 5: Setting Programs to Stack or Overlap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Step 6: Setting the MV/PUMP Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Setting Rain Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Setting Cycle + Soak

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Setting the Water Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Setting Event Day Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Contents, continued

Setting a Delay between Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Clearing All Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Operating the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Operating Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Operating Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Operating a Program or Programs Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Operating a Station or Stations Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Using the Test Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Using the Sensor Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Fuse Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Using the Diagnostic Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

General Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Maxicom

-specific Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Appendix A: Scheduling Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

ESP-MC and ESP-SAT Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Appendix B: Maxicom2Central Control System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

ESP-SITE-Satellite Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Appendix C: Setting the Channel Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Appendix D: ESP-MC Controller Spare Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

inside back cover

Introduction

Welcome to Rain Bird

Thank you for purchasing your new, state-of-the-art Rain Bird controller. For more than six decades, Rain Bird has led the irrigation industry in meeting all of your water management needs by providing the highest quality products and services available. Your new Rain Bird controller is designed to give you a lifetime of on-site watering control.

The ESP-MC Controller

The ESP-MC series controller is a stand-alone controller appropriate for residential or commercial use. Thin easy-touse built-in computers offer four programs for up to 40 watering stations. It can also be upgraded to function as a satellite controller that is part of the Maxicom2irrigation system. For more information about using your controller with the Maxicom2system, see Appendix B, on page 34.

The ESP-SAT Controller

The ESP-SAT series controller is ready to be used in conjunction with the Maxicom2irrigation system or as a stand-alone unit. It is appropriate for residential or commercial use and its easy-to-use, built-in computer offers four programs for up to 40 watering stations.

The Maxicom2Interface Board (MIB)

The Maxicom2Interface Board (MIB) kit for the ESP-MC controller converts the stand-alone ESP-MC to an ESP-SAT controller that can be linked to the Maxicom2system.

The ESP-SITE-Satellite Controller

The ESP-SITE-Satellite controller is ready to be used in conjunction with the Maxicom2irrigation system. It is appropriate for residential or commercial use and its easy-to-use, built-in computer offers four programs for up to 40 watering stations. For information specific to the ESP-SITE-Satellite controller, see Appendix B, page 36 and the ESP-SITE-Satellite Installation Guide that came with your controller.

The ESP-SITE-Satellite Upgrade Kit for ESP-MC or ESP-SAT controllers converts these controllers to ESP-SITE-Satellite controllers.

Introduction, continued

Special Features

The ESP-MC, ESP-SAT and ESP-SITE-Satellite controllers are available as metal wall-mount (WM) or stainless steel pedestal-mount (SS) models, with 8-, 12-, 16-, 24-, 28, 32, 36- or 40-station capability. All configurations have the following special features:

• Anti-rust, corrosion-resistant design

• Four independent programs

• Cycle + Soak

feature for water conservation and erosion control

• Programs and time are retained, even during power outages

• Diagnostic circuit breaker that identifies a station with a short circuit

• Convenient Test Program

• Rain Delay from 1 to 99 days

• 365-day calendar with various scheduling options for watering cycles

• Option to set any day of the month as a non-watering day

• Cycle and fault indicator lights

• Easy-to-read liquid crystal display

• Optional sensors that suspend watering when the soil is wet

• Universal remote-ready connections

• True independent day cycles by program

• Programmable program overlap

• Station timing from one minute to 12 hours

Note: For installation instructions see poster included in controller box.

Looking at the Controller’s Faceplate

Before beginning to program or operate your controller, take a moment to become familiar with the controller’s faceplate. The following pages contain a short description of each of the keys and indicators. Specific instructions for all of the operations you can perform begin on page 7.

Looking at the Controller’s Faceplate, continued

WATERING SUSPENDED BY SENSOR

This light is on when watering has been suspended by a sensor or the sensor jumper wire has been removed and the sensor switch is in the ACTIVE position.

SENSOR OFF/ACTIVE

If you want to activate the sensor, set the switch to ACTIVE. If you wish to override the sensor or there is no sensor connected to the controller, set the switch to OFF. When no sensor is connected, be certain that the jumper cable connecting the SENSOR terminals on the controller’s circuit board is installed. If you set the SENSOR switch to ACTIVE without a sensor or jumper cable connected, the controller cannot operate the valves and no watering will occur.

▲/ON

Press to turn a setting on or to advance the setting in the display.

▼/OFF

Press to turn a setting off or to decrease the setting in the display.

PGM

Press to change the program displayed on the screen. When the PGM key is pressed, the indicator on the left side of the screen cycles through programs A, B, C and D.

MAN START/ADV.

Press to advance to the next setting in the display or to manually start an operation.

FAULT RESET

Press to clear the fault reading from the display. Press this key after you have fixed the short circuit indicated by the diagnostic fault indicator in the display.

PUMP/MV STATUS

This light is on when the Master Valve 1 (MV1) circuit is enabled for the active station.

STATION STATUS

This light is on when a valve is active.

LINKED TO Maxicom2(ESP-SAT and ESP-SITE-Satellite versions only)

This light is on when the STAND ALONE/MAXICOM switch is in the MAXICOM position and the controller is physically linked to the Maxicom2system.

EVEN DAY CYCLE

This light is on when the controller’s active program is set to water on even days of the month.

Looking at the Controller’s Faceplate, continued

ODD DAY CYCLE

This light is on when the controller’s active program is set to water on odd days of the month.

CYCLICAL DAY CYCLE

This light is on when the controller’s active program is set to water in a cycle with a specified number of days.

CUSTOM DAY CYCLE

This light is on when the controller’s active program is set to water on specific days of the week.

AUTO

Set the dial here to have the controller automatically run the programs you set.

STATION WATERING TIME

Set the dial here to set the length of an individual station’s watering time.

WATERING START TIME

Set the dial here to set a program’s watering start times. Eight start times are available for each program.

MV PUMP START

Set the dial here to enable or disable Master Valve 1 (MV1) for a particular station.

PROGRAM OVERLAP

Set the dial here to set programs to either stack or overlap. The default for all programs is stack.

TIME/CALENDAR

Set the dial here to set the time and date.

EVENT DAY OFF

Set the dial here to set optional day(s) off within the month.

RAIN DELAY

Set the dial here to delay watering for a specified number of days.

MON — SUN

Set the dial to the day of the week to turn that day off or on when setting a custom program cycle.

CUSTOM

Set the dial here to set a program cycle to water on specific days of the week.

CYCLICAL

Set the dial here to set a program cycle to water at specific intervals, such as every day, every second day, every third day, etc.

Looking at the Controller’s Faceplate, continued

ODD DAYS

Set the dial here to set a program cycle that waters on odd days of the month.

EVEN DAYS

Set the dial here to set a program cycle that waters on even days of the month.

WATER BUDGET

Set the dial here to set the water budget percentage for a program. The default is 100%.

CYCLE + SOAK

Set the dial here to break a station’s watering time into intervals to conserve water and prevent erosion.

TEST PROGRAM/STATION DELAY

Set the dial here to set and start a test program cycle for all stations. Also, access the Station Delay feature by placing the dial in this position and holding down the ▲/ON and ▼/OFF keys simultaneously.

MANUAL WATERING

Set the dial here to water a station manually.

OFF/PROGRAM RESET

Set the dial here to shut the controller and its valves down, such as during the winter months. Also reset all programs by placing the dial in this position and holding down the ▲/ON and MAN START/ADV keys for 10 seconds.

STAND ALONE/MAXICOM (located on the back of the front panel)

If you want your controller to function as a stand-alone unit, set this switch to STAND ALONE. If you want it to function as a satellite connected to the Maxicom2system, set this switch to MAXICOM (ESP-SAT and ESP-SITE-Satellite versions only). If the controller is not connected to Maxicom2, the position of this switch will have no effect on watering.

Rain Bird RASTERTM(Rapid Station Test Routine)

Introduction

Rain Bird’s new RApid Station TEst Routine (RASTERTM) lets you diagnose field wiring and solenoid problems quickly and easily.

The RASTERTMsends an electronic signal to each valve on the controller and then displays the valve’s current operating condition in the easy-to-read digital display.

The RASTERTMtests and displays two different valve operating conditions:

• Open — Indicates an open circuit between the controller and the valve.

• Short — Indicates a short circuit between the controller and the valve.

The RASTER

is a fast and easy way to make sure the controller’s master valves and all station valves are operating

properly.

The new RASTERTMfeature is available on the Rain Bird ESP-MC, ESP-SAT, ESP-SITE-SAT and ESP-LX+ controllers.

Rain Bird RASTERTM(Rapid Station Test Routine), continued

RASTERTMOperation

Use the following procedure to perform the RASTERTMon the master valves and all other controller station valves.

Beginning the RASTER

1. Turn the Programming Dial to “OFF.”

2. Press and release the

▲/ON and ▼/OFF

at the same time.

3. The display will look like the illustration below.

4. Press the “MAN START/ADV” to begin the RASTER

5. The display shows “TEST IO” and the indicator lights on the front panel flash once as the RASTER

confirms the proper operation of the

controller’s front panel lights.

NOTE: If the front panel is not connected to the output board or the controller is disconnected from the main power the display will show the message “

NO OUT.”

The RASTERTMthen automatically begins the test on the controller’s master valves and each station valve, beginning with the master valve 1.

Rain Bird RASTERTM(Rapid Station Test Routine), continued

6. The display shows “TEST M1” and “TEST M2” as the RASTERTMbegins to check the operation of the master valves (an automatic valve installed on the mainline pipe upstream from the station valves).

7. If the display shows “SHORT M1” or “OPEN M1” or “SHORT M2” or “OPEN M2” there may be a faulty circuit between the controller and the master valve. (On irrigation systems not equipped with a master valve, the “OPEN M1” or “OPEN M2” indicator is normal and requires no service.)

See “Troubleshooting Open and Shorted Valve Circuits” on page 11 for more information.

Rain Bird RASTERTM(Rapid Station Test Routine), continued

Station Valve Testing

After testing the master valves, the RASTER

automatically tests each valve station, in numerical order, from lowest to highest.

1. The display shows the valve’s operating condition (OPEN or SHORT), followed by the station number (up to 40 stations, depending on controller model). This sample display indicates there is a short on valve station number 4.

2. The RASTERTMdisplays the condition of each valve being tested for 10 seconds, and then moves to the next valve. You can press “MAN/START/ADV”

(or any other magenta button) at any time to

advance to the next station to be tested.

NOTE: Any controller station that does not have a valve connected to it will display an OPEN signal. For example, if you have a 12-station controller and only have stations 1 through 10 connected to valves, stations 11 and 12 will show “OPEN” on the RASTER

. This is normal and does not indicate any

problem with the controller or system valves.

3. If the master valves and all station valves pass the RASTERTM, the display flashes “PASS” for 10 seconds.

4. If the RASTERTMdetected a problem on the master valves or any station valve, the display flashes “CHECK” for three seconds and then displays the valve’s problem condition (OPEN or SHORT) and station number or master valve.

Each problem valve will flash in the display for five seconds. Press “MAN START/ADV” at any time to display the next problem valve detected.

Any valve displaying “OPEN” or “SHORT” should be checked for field wiring or other circuit problems. See “Troubleshooting Open and Shorted Valve Circuits” on page 11 for more information.

Rain Bird RASTERTM(Rapid Station Test Routine), continued

5. Turn the Programming Dial from “OFF” to “AUTO” (or any other dial position) at any time to

exit RASTERTMmode.

6. The controller returns to normal operation.

Troubleshooting Open and Shorted Valve Circuits

Open Circuits

When the RASTERTMshows an “OPEN” valve circuit, it indicates a complete break in the current flow between the controller and the valve.

NOTE: The RASTERTMwill display an “OPEN” indicator if no valve solenoid is connected to the controller station. This is normal and the system does

not need service.

These are the most common causes of open circuits:

• A malfunctioning valve solenoid

• Field wires that have been cut or pulled loose

• Loose wire connections on the controller’s

terminal strip or at the valve solenoid

• A damaged component on the controller’s internal circuit board

Rain Bird RASTERTM(Rapid Station Test Routine), continued

Short Circuits

When the RASTERTMshows a “SHORT” test result, it indicates an unintended re-routing of the current flow somewhere between the controller and the valve.

These are some of the most common causes of short circuits:

• A shorted valve solenoid

• Nicked or “skinned” field wires

• Loose or corroded wire connections on the controller’s terminal strip or at the valve solenoid

• A malfunctioning component on the controller’s

internal circuit board.

Troubleshooting Opens and Shorts

Use the following procedure to troubleshoot any valve identified as “OPEN” or “SHORT.”

1. Make sure the problem valve’s station wires are securely connected on the controller’s terminal strip.

2. If the wires were securely connected, move the problem station’s wires to a station that passed the RASTERTMand re-start the test.

3. If the “OPEN” or “SHORT” moves to the new station, check the problem valve’s solenoid and field wiring.

4. If the “OPEN” or “SHORT” reoccurs on the original station, the controller’s internal circuitry may need service.

Programming the Controller

Using the keys and dial on the controller's faceplate, you can set up the controller to operate automatically. You can also run the controller manually without making changes in the programs you have set.

This chapter will guide you through the use of the controller's keys and dial and will give you step-by-step instructions for setting up the four programs to suit your needs.

Preparing to Program the Controller

The controller comes from the factory without a pre-set default program. The following table presents a summary of the controller’s default program settings:

Before you begin programming, it is a good idea to chart your watering schedule on a piece of paper, taking into account the schedule for all stations and how often you want to repeat the schedule. A blank schedule is provided for you on pages 32-33.

Custom Cycle

Progr.

Station#Water

Time

Start Time

A All 0 Min 8:00A on on on on on on on

(MON)2(TUES)3(WED)4(THU)5(FRI)6(SAT)7(SUN)

Programming the Controller, continued

Setting the Time and Date

The first step in programming the controller is setting the controller’s internal clock and calendar. To do so,

1. Rotate the dial to TIME/CALENDAR. The hour digits in the display flash, indicating

that they are ready to be set.

2. Use the arrow keys to set the hour. If you have a 60 Hz model, as you pass 12:00 the

am/pm designation changes.

Note: The 60 Hz model displays time in the 12-hour am/pm mode. The 50 Hz model displays time in the 24-hour mode.

3. Press MAN START/ADV. The minute digits flash, indicating that they are ready to be set.

4. Use the arrow keys to set the minutes to the current time.

5. Press MAN START/ADV. A new display appears with the day, month and

year. The month flashes, indicating that it is ready to be set.

6. Use the arrow keys and the MAN START/ADV key to set the month, day and year the same way you set the hour and minutes.

7. Press MAN START/ADV twice to return to the time of day display.

The hour continues to flash as long as the dial is left at TIME/CALENDAR .

8. Return the dial to AUTO. The display shows the day of the week and time

of day.

Programming the Controller, continued

Setting up a Program

There are four independent programs available with the controller: A, B, C, and D. You can set each program to operate according to your specifications. When you set up a program, you:

• select the program

• choose a cycle setting for the program

• assign stations and set the station’s watering

durations and start times

It is easier to select a program and program it completely. Jumping from program to program can be confusing.

Step 1: Selecting a Program

To select the program you want to set up,

Press PGM to cycle through the available programs.

The program indicator on the far left side of the display changes.

Step 2: Selecting the Cycle

Each program can operate in one of four cycle modes:

• CUSTOM waters on the days of the week you select.

• CYCLICAL waters according to a cycle with a

specified number of days.

• ODD waters only on odd days of the month.

• EVEN waters only on even days of the month.

Note: All programs default to the custom cycle.

To set a custom cycle,

1. Rotate the dial to CUSTOM. The display shows the program and CUSTOM.

The display shows USED if the program is active and using a different cycle mode. If desired, you can override the previous setting.

2. If the program you want is not displayed, press PGM until it is.

3. Press ON. The display shows CUSTOM and the custom

light on the faceplate illuminates.

4. Rotate the dial to the first day of the week and use the ON and OFF keys to turn the day on or off.

The display shows the day and the ON/OFF setting.

5. Repeat step 4 for all the days of the week you want to change.

6. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display

and waters on the days you have specified.

Programming the Controller, continued

To set a cyclical cycle,

1. If the program you want is not displayed, press PGM until it is.

2. Rotate the dial to CYCLICAL. The display shows the number of days remaining

and the number of days in the cycle. The number of days in the cycle is flashing, indicating that it is ready to be set. If it is not flashing, press MAN START/ADV until the number of days in the cycle is flashing.

The display shows USED if the program is active and using a different cycle mode. If this is the case, you can override the previous setting.

3. Press ON. The cyclical display appears and the cyclical light

on the faceplate illuminates.

4. Use the arrow keys to set the number of days in the cycle.

For example, if you set a 3-day cycle, the controller skips two days and waters on the third.

5. Press MAN START/ADV to toggle to the left side of the display.

The number of days remaining in the cycle flashes, indicating that it is ready to be set.

6. Use the arrow keys to set the number of days remaining before the next watering day. This tells the controller where today is in the cycle you have just set. For example, if DAYS REMAINING is set to “0,” watering will occur today. If DAYS REMAINING is set to “1,” watering will occur tomorrow.

7. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display

and waters on the days you have specified.

To set an

odd or even cycle,

1. If the program you want is not displayed, press PGM until it is.

2. Rotate the dial to ODD DAYS or EVEN DAYS. The display shows the program and ODD or

EVEN.

The display shows USED if the program is active and using a different cycle mode. If this is the case, you can override the previous setting.

3. Press ON. The display shows either ODD or EVEN and the

corresponding light on the faceplate illuminates.

4. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display

and waters on the days you have specified.

Note: The 31st day of the month defaults to ON, so if you do not want to water on the 31st, you must set that day to OFF. See page 21 for more information

Programming the Controller, continued

Step 3: Setting the Length of a Station’s Watering Time

Within the program you are setting, you can set the length of a station’s watering time from 0 minutes to 12 hours. Set the time in one-minute increments for up to two hours; set it in 10-minute increments from two hours to 12 hours.

To set the length of a station’s watering time,

1. If the program you want is not displayed, press PGM until it is.

2. Rotate the dial to STATION WATERING TIME. The display shows the program, the station

number and the length of watering time. The station number is flashing, indicating that it is ready to be set.

If the station is included in any other program, the controller will let you know by replacing the length of watering time with USED.

3. Use the arrow keys to display the station number you wish to set.

4. Press MAN START/ADV to toggle to the right side of the display.

The length of watering time flashes, indicating that it is ready to be set.

5. Use the arrow keys to set the length of time. If USED is displayed, you can still set the length

of time. (You can include the same station in different programs and give that station different lengths of watering time.)

6. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display.

Step 4: Setting Watering Start Times

For each program, you may assign up to eight start times per day, available on the quarter hour.

To assign start times,

1. If the program you want is not displayed, press PGM until it is.

2. Rotate the dial to WATERING START TIME. The display shows the program, the number of the

start time and the start time. The number of the start time is flashing, indicating that it is ready to be set.

3. Use the arrow keys to select one of the eight start times.

4. Press MAN START/ADV to toggle to the right side of the display.

The start time flashes, indicating that it is ready to be set.

Programming the Controller, continued

5. Use the arrow keys to select a start time. Start times are available in 15 minute intervals, with an OFF setting available between the 11:45 pm and 12:00 am options on the 60 Hz model (and between 23:45 and 24:00 on the 50 Hz model).

Note: Start times are displayed in chronological order. If a start time is deleted by setting it to OFF, all later start times are automatically moved down one start time number. When a start time is added to any start time number, the controller automatically reorganizes the times so that times appear in chronological order. This reorganization only occurs after the dial has been moved off the WATERING START TIMES position.

If you want to set additional start times, press MAN START/ADV to toggle back to the left side of the display and the next available start time number. Set the next start time in the same fashion as the first.

7. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display.

Step 5: Setting Programs to Stack or Overlap

You can set a program to stack (run one at a time) or overlap (run simultaneously). The controller can run up to nine valves simultaneously. The default setting is to stack all programs.

To set programs to stack or overlap,

1. Rotate the dial to PROGRAM OVERLAP. The display shows the program and STACK or

OVERLAP.

2. If the program you want is not displayed, press PGM until it is.

3. Use the arrow keys to set the program to either STACK or OVERLAP.

4. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display.

Step 6: Setting the MV/PUMP Start

The controller has two master valve terminals on its circuit board. MV2 (master valve 2) is enabled when any station operates. MV1 (master valve 1) can be enabled or disabled for each individual station.

To set MV1 for a station,

1. Rotate the dial to MV PUMP START. The display shows the station number and MV

ON or OFF. The station number is flashing, indicating that it is ready to be set.

2. Use the arrow keys to select the station number.

3. Press MAN START/ADV to toggle to the right side of the display. The ON or OFF flashes, indicating that it is ready to be set.

4. Press either the ON or OFF key.

5. If you want to set another station, press MAN START/ADV to toggle back to the left side of the display to continue setting stations.

6. When you are finished setting stations, return the dial to AUTO.

The controller returns to the time of day display.

Programming the Controller, continued

Setting Rain Delay

The controller allows you to delay watering for a specified number of days up to a maximum of 99 days. The Rain Delay setting affects all programs.

To set a Rain Delay,

1. Rotate the dial to RAIN DELAY. The display shows RAIN DELAY and the number

of days until watering will resume.

2. Use the arrow keys to set the number of days to begin watering.

3. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display

and will delay watering for the number of days you have specified.

Note: To cancel a Rain Delay, reset the number of days to 0.

Setting Cycle + Soak

The Cycle + SoakTMfeature is designed to conserve water that might puddle in tight soils, such as clay, or end up as runoff on slopes. Cycle + SoakTMlets you break up the total watering time of a station into shorter cycles with a soak time between cycles. You set the maximum watering time length and the minimum soak time. This setting affects all programs in which the station is included.

For example, if you want to water a station for a 20 minutes, but runoff occurs after five minutes, you can set the station for five-minute maximum cycles and a minimum of 25 minutes between cycles. While the station is in soak mode, the controller operates other stations in the program.

Note: If there is nothing left for the controller to do but wait until a soak time elapses, the display shows SK.

Note: The test program does not respond to Cycle + Soak

settings.

To set Cycle + SoakTM,

1. Rotate the dial to CYCLE + SOAK

The display shows the station number, the maximum length of time to water and the minimum soak time. The station number flashes, indicating that it is ready to be set.

Programming the Controller, continued

2. Use the arrow keys to select the station.

3. Press MAN START/ADV. The length of time to water flashes, indicating

that it is ready to be set.

4. Use the arrow keys to set the maximum watering time from 1 to 99 minutes.

5. Press MAN START/ADV . The length of time to soak flashes, indicating that

it is ready to be set.

6. Use the arrow keys to set the minimum soak time from 1 to 99 minutes.

7. If you want to set Cycle + Soak

for another

station, press MAN START/ADV again.

8. When you have finished setting Cycle + Soak

return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display.

Setting the Water Budget

The water budget feature allows you to increase or decrease a program’s watering time in increments of 1% without having to reset the timing for each station in the program. You can set the budget for 0% to 300%. You can use the 0% setting to shut a program down temporarily.

To set the water budget,

1. Rotate the dial to WATER BUDGET. The display shows the program and the water

budget percentage.

2. Press PGM until the program you want is displayed.

3. Use the arrow keys to set the percentage.

4. Return the dial to AUTO. The controller returns to the time of day display.

The default percentage for all programs is 100%. When the water budget for a program is set to other than 100%, WATER BUDGET will show in the display whenever that program is selected.

Note: The maximum watering time with WATER BUDGET is 16 hours.

Programming the Controller, continued

Setting Event Day Off

The Event Day Off feature allows you to omit temporarily a calendar day or days from the watering cycle. After a calendar day passes, that day returns to the default setting. The default for all days is ON. If the 31st is set to OFF, it remains off until it is set to ON. This is to accommodate odd day watering cycles which do not allow watering on the 31st.

To set a day off,

1. Rotate the dial to EVENT DAY OFF. The display shows the day of the month on the

left and the ON or OFF setting on the right. The day of the month is flashing, indicating that it is ready to be set.

2. Use the arrow keys to set the day of the month you wish to change.

3. Press MAN START/ADV to toggle to the right side of the display.

The ON/OFF setting flashes, indicating that it is ready to be set.

4. If you are setting the day to on, press ON; if you are setting the day to off, press OFF.

5. Return the dial to AUTO. When a day off arrives, the display shows NON

(for non-watering day) and the controller does not allow watering.

Setting a Delay between Stations

The controller allows you to set a delay between stations for each program. The delay can be from 0 seconds (default) to nine hours.

To set a delay between stations,

1. Rotate the dial to TEST/STATION DELAY .

2. Press both

▲/ON and ▼/OFF keys

simultaneously. The display shows DELAY.

3. Press the PGM key to select the program to which the delay is to be applied.

4. Use the

▲/ON and the ▼/OFF keys to select the delay time you desire. The delay time can be set in:

•

one-second increments, between one second and five minutes

• one-minute

increments, between five min-

utes and nine

hours

Programming the Controller, continued

Clearing All Programs

The controller allows you to clear all programs. This function erases all settings and programs previously set, allowing you to completely reprogram the controller.

To clear all programs from the controller,

1. Rotate the dial to OFF.

2. Hold down the

▲/ON and MAN START/ADV

keys for 10 seconds.

The display cycles through various items on the screen as the controller clears the registers.

When the screen returns to Thu 12:00 am, all programs have been cleared and you may begin programming the controller.

Operating the Controller

Once you have programmed the controller, operating it is easy. You may choose to operate it completely automatically or to operate it manually from time to time. When you operate the controller manually, you do not disturb any of the programmed instructions.

Operating the Controller, continued

Operating Automatically

To operate the controller automatically,

Rotate the dial to AUTO. The controller runs each of the programs as you

have specified.

Note: The controller will operate automatically in any position except for OFF. However, there will be no display of the day, time or program status. When the controller is in the OFF position, the controller will not operate.

Operating Manually

There are a number of functions you can perform manually. Each one is described in this section.

Operating a Program or Programs Manually

You can select, start and manually advance programs for semi-automatic operation.

To do so,

1. Rotate the dial to AUTO. The display shows the day of the week and the

time of day.

2. Press PGM until the program you wish to operate is displayed.

3. Press MAN START/ADV to start the selected program.

4. If you want to operate more than one program, press PGM to select another program and press MAN START/ADV again. The second program runs when the first is

complete. You can stack all four programs in this way.

Operating the Controller, continued

Operating a Station or Stations Manually

You can initiate one-time operation of a single station or a combination of stations. If you run more than one station, they will run in the order in which they were selected.

To operate one station or multiple stations,

1. Rotate the dial to MANUAL WATERING. The display shows the program, the station

number and any watering time remaining on that station.

2. Press PGM until the program using the desired station is displayed.

3. Use the arrow keys to select the station you want to operate.

4. Press MAN START/ADV to start the selected station.

5. If you want to operate more than one station, repeat steps 2 through 4.

6. Return the dial to AUTO. The stations operate in the sequence they were

selected. After the stations finish watering, the controller returns to the automatic mode.

Note: If you are operating a station manually, you cannot change the amount of time the station will water. The controller will water the programmed amount.

Using the Test Program

This program allows you to run a test cycle for all the stations on a particular program. You may select how long the test will last.

To set and then start a test program,

1. Rotate the dial to OFF for 3 seconds, to cancel any pending work. Otherwise the test program will be executed after the automatic mode work finishes.

2. Rotate the dial to TEST/STATION DELAY . The display shows the program, TEST and the

length of time to test.

3. Press PGM until the program you want to test is displayed.

4. Use the arrow keys to set the length of time to test each station, from one to 99 minutes.

5. Press MAN START/ADV to start the test.

6. If you want to add other programs to the test, with the dial set to TEST/STATION DELAY , press PGM to select the program. Then press MAN START/ ADV to stack the new program after the first one. You can stack four programs.

Note: To cancel the test on all programs, rotate the dial to OFF.

Operating the controller, continued

Using the Sensor Option

The controller allows you to connect a sensor that can disable watering. When a sensor is connected to the controller and it suspends watering, the sensor light on the front panel illuminates.

To enable the sensor,

Set the sensor switch to ACTIVE. The controller operates as usual until the sensor

suspends watering and the SUSPENDED BY SENSOR light is on.

Note: When no sensor is attached, the jumper cable supplied with each controller must be in place, connecting the SENSOR terminals on the controller circuit board. If you set the SENSOR switch to ACTIVE with neither a sensor nor the jumper cable connected, the controller cannot operate the valves and no watering will occur.

Fuse Detection

The controller display will show FUSE if a fuse is missing or blown.

Using the Diagnostic Circuit Breaker

The controller is equipped with a circuit overload protection system. This system causes the controller to skip over a station that has an electrical short circuit, rather than blow a fuse which would shut down the entire system. When the controller tries to start a station that has a short circuit, the electronic circuit breaker senses the short circuit and skips that station. The controller skips to the next station, but flashes the skipped station number and FAULT in the display.

Once you have corrected the problem, push the FAULT RESET key to clear the flashing fault indicator.

Note: The diagnostic circuit breaker allows detection on all stations, as well as the master valve.

Replacing the Battery

1. Open the cabinet door.

2. Release the latch by sliding it to the left and swing the panel open.

3. Open the battery cover on the back of the faceplate. Remove the 9-volt battery.

4. Install a new rechargeable 9-volt battery and close the cover.

5. Close the faceplate.

IMPORTANT! Use only rechargeable batteries in your controller. Non-rechargeable batteries could damage the controller or be a fire hazard.

+ 74 hidden pages

Rain Bird ESP-MC, ESP-SITE-Satellite, ESP-SAT Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual