Rain Bird ESP-SMTe User Manual
Rain+Birdt
AUTO MODE
Monday 02 May 2016
Next
Estimate 05 May
ESP-SMTe Controller User Manual
Now with both
Simple Smart Programming
and
Advanced ET Watering Features
05:00 PM
Irrigation
Introduction
Welcome to Rain Bird
Thank you for choosing the ESP-SMTe Smart Modular Control System from Rain Bird. The ESP-SMTe is an indoor or
outdoor weather-based irrigation controller. Two ESP-SMTe
models are available that can be expanded up to 22 stations by adding optional station modules:
• 4 Station Indoor Controller (ESP4SMTei)
• 4 Station Outdoor Controller (ESP4SMTe)
The Intelligent Use of Water®
We believe it is our responsibility to develop products that
use water eciently.
ESP-SMTe Controller Features
The ESP-SMTe has two programming mode options that
make watering adjustments based on inputs from the
weather sensor.
Simple Smart Mode
In Simple Smart mode, the ESP-SMTe acts like a traditional time-based controller. Watering is scheduled on
specic days, with xed start times and run times. Automatic adjustments are made to run times based on current
weather conditions.
Advanced ET Mode
In Advanced ET mode, the ESP-SMTe uses state of the
art technology to determine water needs for each zone
to ensure optimal landscape health with minimal water
usage. Advanced mode will change the irrigation schedule
daily based on water needs.
Time-Based Controller Water Use
ESP-SMTe Controller Water Use
Water
Savings
Winter Spring Summer Fall
ESP-SMTe Controller User Manual
English
Introduction
Welcome to Rain Bird ................................................... 1
The Intelligent Use of Water® .........................................1
ESP-SMTe Controller Features .................................... 1
Simple Smart Mode ...........................................................1
Advanced ET Mode ............................................................1
Technical Support ......................................................... 2
Installation
Mount Controller .......................................................... 3
Wiring Connections ...................................................... 3
Connect Valves ....................................................................3
Connect Master Valve (optional) ...................................3
Connect Pump Start Relay (optional) ..........................4
Connect Power ....................................................................4
Station Expansion Modules ........................................ 5
Install Modules ....................................................................5
Station Numbering ............................................................6
Module Conguration ......................................................6
Connect Weather Sensor Wire to Controller ............ 6
Complete Controller Installation ............................... 6
Weather Sensor Installation ....................................... 7
Choose Location ................................................................7
Sensor Mounting Options ...............................................7
Mount Weather Sensor .....................................................8
Connect Weather Sensor Wire .......................................8
Normal Operation
Controls and Indicators ............................................... 9
Weather Sensor Features ............................................ 9
Operating Modes ........................................................ 10
AUTO RUN ..........................................................................10
OFF ........................................................................................ 10
Simple Smart Programming
Set Date and Time .......................................................11
Congure Controller ..................................................11
Set Site Info ........................................................................ 11
Set Schedule ...................................................................... 12
Review Settings ................................................................ 13
Input Zone Information ............................................. 14
Set Zone Run Times ........................................................14
Set Grow-In Schedule ..................................................... 14
Special Features .......................................................... 15
Event Days O ...................................................................15
Short Circuit Test .............................................................. 15
Advanced Controller Setup ..........................................15
Select Programming Mode .......................................... 16
Advanced Zone Setup ................................................... 16
Save Contractor Defaults .............................................. 16
Set Units .............................................................................. 16
Fine-Tune Watering .................................................... 17
System Review ............................................................17
Controller Settings .......................................................... 17
Zone Settings .................................................................... 17
Weather Data ....................................................................18
Weather Log ......................................................................18
Event Log ............................................................................ 18
System Restore ............................................................ 19
Contractor Defaults......................................................... 19
Factory Defaults ............................................................... 19
Manual Watering.........................................................20
Water Individual Zone ....................................................20
Water All Zones ................................................................20
Water Selected Zones ....................................................20
Advanced ET Programming
Weather Based Irrigation Overview ........................ 21
Factors That Aect Irrigation .................................... 21
Weather ............................................................................... 21
Soil Type .............................................................................. 21
Irrigation Scheduling ................................................. 21
Evapotranspiration (ET) ................................................. 22
Plant Available Water (PAW)......................................... 22
Management Allowed Depletion (MAD) ................22
Congure Controller ..................................................22
Step 1. Enter Site Location ...........................................22
Step 2. Set Allowed Watering Days ..........................23
Step 3. Block One Day a Week .................................... 23
Step 4. Set Allowed Watering Windows ..................24
Step 5. Review .................................................................. 24
Input Zone Information ............................................. 25
Zone Setup Wizard .......................................................... 25
Copy Zone to Zone .....................................................30
Options
Reset Button ................................................................ 30
Remote Accessories ....................................................30
Troubleshooting
Watering or Electrical Issues ..................................... 31
Alarms and Notes .......................................................33
Technical Support
Questions?
For help setting up and operating
the Rain Bird ESP-SMTe Controller,
scan the QR code to visit
www.rainbird.com/espsmte
Additional user documentation is
available under the Manuals & Literature tab, including:
• User Manual (this document)
• Contractor’s Manual (full operations manual)
• Interactive Site Prole Chart
• Foreign Language Support
To learn more about Rain Bird irrigation systems and ourRain Bird Academy training programs, visit:
www.rainbirdservices.com/training
To see instructional videos for the ESP-STMe, visit
www.youtube.com/
Or call Rain Bird toll free Technical Support at
1-800-724-6247 (USA and Canada only)
2
ESP-SMTe Controller
Installation
Mount Controller
Drive a mounting screw into the wall, leaving an 1/8
A
inch gap between the screw head and the wall surface
(use the supplied wall anchors if necessary), as shown.
Locate the keyhole slot on back of the controller unit
B
and hang it securely on the mounting screw.
A
1/8 IN.
B
Wiring Connections
Connect Valves
Route all eld wires through the opening at the
A
bottom or back of the unit. Attach conduit if desired,
as shown.
WARNING: Do not route the valve wires through the
same opening as the power wiring.
Connect one wire from each valve to the terminal on
B
the base module or Station Module that corresponds
to the desired station number (1-22).
Connect a eld common wire (C) to the common
C
terminal (C) on the base module. Then connect the
remaining wire from each valve to the eld common
wire, as shown.
To perform a Valve Test, connect the common wire to the
D
“COM” terminal and the power wire to the “VT” terminal.
This will immediately turn the valve “ON” .
Open the front panel, and drive three additional
C
screws through the open holes inside the controller
and into the wall, as shown.
C
VT MV COM 567 11 12 13 17 18 19
GND
1234 8910141516202122
SENS
24VAC
VT MV COM
1234
VT=VALVETEST
CONNECT
120 VAC
Connect Master Valve (optional)
Connect a wire from the master valve (M) to the
E
master valve terminal (MV) on the base module. Then
connect the remaining wire from the master valve to
the eld common wire, as shown.
E C
B
A
2
3
ESP-SMTe Controller
MV
MASTER
VALVE
C
C
1
E
Connect Pump Start Relay (optional)
The ESP-SMTe can control a pump start relay, to turn the
pump on and o as needed.
Connect a wire from the pump start relay (PSR) to the
A
master valve terminal (M) on the base module. Then
connect another wire from the pump start relay to the
eld common wire, as shown.
To avoid the possibility of damage to the pump,
B
connect a short jumper wire from any unused
terminal(s) to the nearest terminal in use, as shown.
NOTE: The ESP-SMTe controller DOES NOT provide
power for a pump. The relay must be wired according
to manufacturer instructions.
Only the following Rain Bird pump start relay models are
compatible with the ESP-SMTe:
Description Note Model No.
Universal Pump Relay 110 volt only PSR110IC
Universal Pump Relay 220 volt only PSR220IC
Dual Pole Pump Relay 110/120 volt PSR110220
Connect Power
WARNING: DO NOT plug in the transformer or con-
nect external power until you have completed and
checked all wiring connections.
WARNING: Electric shock can cause severe injury or
death. Make sure power supply is turned OFF before
connecting power wires.
Indoor Model
Route the transformer power cord through the
A
conduit opening at the bottom left of the unit. Knot
the cable/cord inside the controller cabinet to prevent
it from being pulled out.
WARNING: Do not route the power cord through the
eld wire opening at the bottom right of the unit.
Connect the two power wires on the cord to the two
B
24VAC terminal connections on the controller.
Connect the ground wire on the cord to the GND
C
terminal.
Plug the transformer into an electrical outlet.
D
B
VT MV COM 567 11 12 13 17 18 19
GND
1234 8910141516202122
SENS
24VAC
VT MV COM
NOTE: Connec-
tion to pump
and external
power not
shown. Refer to
pump installation instructions.
PSR
PUMP START
RELAY
C
1234
VT=VALVETEST
A
B
2
1
D
TO EXTERNAL
POWER SUPPLY
A
4
ESP-SMTe Controller
Outdoor Model
Power Wiring Connections
Black supply wire (hot) to the black transformer wire
White supply wire (neutral) to the white transformer wire
Green supply wire (ground) to the green transformer wire
Locate the transformer wiring compartment in
A
the lower left corner of the controller unit. Use a
screwdriver to remove the cover and expose the
transformer connection wires.
Route the three external power source wires through
B
the conduit opening at the bottom of the unit and
into the wiring compartment.
Using the provided wire nuts, connect the external
C
power source wires (two power and one ground) to
the transformer connection wires inside the wiring
compartment.
WARNING: Ground wire must be connected to
provide electrical surge protection. Permanently
mounted conduit shall be used for connecting main
voltage to the controller.
Verify that all wiring connections are secure, then
D
replace the wiring compartment cover and secure it
with the screw.
C
VT MV COM 567 11 12 13 17 18 19
GND
1234 8910141516202122
SENS
24VAC
VT MV COM
1234
VT=VALVETEST
A
Station Expansion Modules
Optional Station Modules are installed in the empty slots to
the right of the base module to increase the station capacity up to 22 stations.
NOTE: For ideal station sequencing, it is recom-
mended that a 6-Station module always be installed
in Bay 2. For more details see the Station Numbering
section.
Base Module
(included)
VT MV COM
Install Modules
Verify the securing lever on the module is in the
A
unlocked position (slide to the left).
Place the module under the desired slot between the
B
plastic rails.
Push the module up into the slot until secure.
C
Slide the securing lever to the locked position (slide
D
to the right).
REPEAT for additional modules.
NOTE: Modules can be installed or removed with OR
without AC power connected. They are considered
“hot-swappable”.
Expansion Modules
(sold separately)
3-STATION
(ESPSM3)
6-STATION
(ESPSM6)
B
5
ESP-SMTe Controller
D
BC
Station Numbering
Fixed Station Numbering Description
The controller is congured with Fixed Station Numbering.
Each bay is set up to accept a 6 station module and reserve
the station number for future use if a 6 station module is
NOT installed in Bays 2, 3 or 4.
Station numbers are pre-assigned as follows:
Bay 1 Bay 2 Bay 3 Bay 4
VT MV COM 567 11 12 13 17 18 19
1234 8910141516202122
Connect Weather Sensor Wire to
Controller
Begin by running 18-2 AWG, UV rated wire from sensor
A
to controller (200 ft. max.)
NOTE: 25 feet of 18-2 AWG, UV rated wire is provided.
Strip wire insulation approx 3/8” and insert leads into
B
connector located on back of front panel (polarity not
important).
C
VT MV COM
Example Of Recommended Installation For 19 Stations
Module Conguration
Example of installation with station numbering gaps:
• A total of 19 stations are installed.
• The Base Module is installed in Bay 1 and uses Stations
1 through 4.
• A 6-Station Expansion Module is installed in Bays 2 and
3 using Stations 5 through 16.
• A 3-Station module is installed in Bay 4 and uses stations numbered 17 through 19.
Because a 3-Station module is installed in Bay 4, only the
rst three station numbers assigned to that bay will be used
and the unused numbers will be “reserved” for future use.
During programming, the controller will skip any unused
station numbers, creating a gap in station numbering.
For the previous example, the rst screen of the Zone Setup
Wizard is displayed. The “No Module” message indicates
there is no module associated with Zone 14.
B
Route the two wires through the provided channel
C
and out through one of the knockouts, located in the
bottom of the controller cabinet.
Complete Controller Installation
Reinstall and reconnect the front panel.
A
Apply power to the controller and test the system.
B
NOTE: The electrical connections can be checked
even if water is not available. If water is available and
you would like to test some or all of your stations, use
the Test All Stations feature of the controller.Weather
Sensor Installation
NOTE: Station numbering gaps will not prevent the
controller from operating properly. It only aects
station numbering. During programming when
connected to AC power, the controller will skip any
unused stations where a module is not installed.
6
ESP-SMTe Controller
Weather Sensor Installation
Choose Location
• Select a convenient outdoor location in close proximity (wire-run distance is 200 feet maximum) to the ESPSMTe controller. Place in an unobstructed area away
from reective heat so that the unit can provide accurate on-site temperature and rainfall measurements.
• Mount the unit at least 6 feet above the ground surface to accurately measure ambient temperature. Suggested installation locations include the eave of a residence roof, a wooden fence post, etc.
• The sensor mounting bracket is designed to mount
on any vertical surface. Easy adjustment of the mounting arm ensures the installed sensor is level. UV rated
#16AWG or #18AWG wire is recommended for the communication wires if more than 25 feet is required.
Sensor Mounting Options
Do’s
• Mount the weather sensor at least six feet
above grade.
• Ensure that sensor is free from obstructions
to allow for collection and accurate measurement of rainfall.
• Sensor does not require direct sun to work
correctly provided any shade or other
obstruction does not block rainfall.
Don’t’s
• Do NOT install sensor in a location where
spray from a sprinkler will collect in the sensor.
• Do NOT install the sensor where rainfall will
be reduced or blocked from entering the
sensor funnel
• Do NOT install the sensor where it will be
impractical to service – the rain sensor may
require cleaning depending on the amount
of leaves, dust, etc that may collect in the
debris screen, funnel, or tipping bucket rain
sensor.
MOUNTED
ON POST
SENSOR WIRE
(MAX 200 FT.)
MOUNTED ON
ROOF EAVE
MOUNTED
ON FENCE
CONTROLLER
7
ESP-SMTe Controller
Mount Weather Sensor
Begin by running the communication wire to the location
where the sensor will be mounted.
Place the mounting bracket base assembly against
A
a mounting surface that permits the top of the
mounting bracket to be adjusted to vertical. Drive a
screw into the upper left hole of the base (do not
tighten completely).
Drive a second screw into the middle area of the
B
adjustment slot, located on the lower right corner of
the mounting base.
Level the mounting base and hold it in place, then
C
tighten the screw in the adjustment slot.
Tighten the upper left screw, then drive the two
D
remaining screws into the mounting base, securing it
to the mounting surface.
Feed the communication wire(s) through the three
E
holes in the mounting arm, providing “strain-relief” for
the wires. Leave enough extra wire at the top end so
the sensor pod can easily be installed and removed.
Mount the sensor housing assembly to the top of
F
the mounting arm. Align the mounting hole on the
bracket with the arm and tighten using the provided
thumb-screw
Adjust each of the mounting arms to assure that the
G
top of the sensor is secured and level.
Press the sensor debris cover onto the top of the
H
sensor.
H
A
D
B
Connect Weather Sensor Wire
Loosen the captured-screw of the wiring compartment
A
cover to expose the sensor housing and green wiring
connector within.
Strip the two wire leads 1/4” and insert into the
B
connectors (polarity is not important).
If AC power is available, the green LED will blink. Once
C
communication is established between the sensor
and controller, the LED will light solid.
Re-attach the wiring compartment cover and route
D
the wire through the two openings. Then re-tighten
the captured screw to secure the cover.
C
B
D
C
F
G
E
8
ESP-SMTe Controller
A
D
Normal Operation
AUTO MODE
Monday 02 May 2016
Next
Estimate
Controls and Indicators
AUTO RUN: Watering
occurs automatically
OFF: Cancels all irrigation
Manual Watering: Start
watering selected zones
immediately
System Restore: Restore
contractor and factory
default settings
System Review: Review
controller settings and
logs
Fine-Tune Watering:
Adjust run times by zone
Special Features: Block
irrigation on days of special events
Key operational features of the ESP-SMTe Controller:
Programming Dial
Initial Controller & Zone
Set-Up Dial Positions
05:00 PM
Irrigation
05 May
ESP-SMTe Controller Front Panel
Alarm Light: Illuminates
when conditions prevent
watering
Large Back Lit DotMatrix Display
Programming Buttons:
Press and Hold to accelerate
settings
English/Spanish Button:
For easy switching of display
language
Remotely Programmable: Using 9V battery
(installed inside front panel)
Weather Sensor Features
Removable Debris Screen:
Easily remove and clean when
clogged
Adjustable Mounting Bracket
Mounting Base: Install on eave,
roof, side of house or post
Solar Shield With Temperature
Sensor: Measures temperature
and sends to controller
NOTE: When installing the weather sensor,
keep away from radiating heat, etc.
Sensor
Housing
Removable Tipping
Rain Bucket: Measures
rainfall amounts and
sends to controller
9
ESP-SMTe Controller
Operating Modes
When the ESP-SMTe Controller is powered on for the rst
time, the option to select a programming mode is displayed.
This screen is also available under the Advanced Control-
ler Setup dial position (see page 15) or after a Factory
Default reset.
AUTO RUN
AUTO RUN is the normal operating mode for the controller.
Irrigation starts automatically when required, and the next
estimated watering date is displayed.
Turn the dial to AUTO RUN.
OFF
Cancel all active watering immediately and stop
automatic irrigation.
Turn the dial to OFF.
• Press – or + to adjust the LCD contrast if desired.
Controller Conguration and Zone Information settings
remain stored in memory while the controller is OFF or if
there is a loss of power. Date and time are also maintained
for up to 10 years by an internal battery. A 9V battery is not
required to maintain settings or date and time.
NOTE: Automatic irrigation will NOT occur if the con-
troller remains in OFF mode.
In AUTO Mode:
• The display shows the current day of the week, date,
time, and the next estimated watering day.
NOTE: On a scheduled watering day, “Next Irrigation
Estimate will change to “Adjusted: 0%” and display any
automatic adjustments to irrigation.
During Watering:
• The display shows the current day, current active zone,
and the Time Remaining for that Zone.
10
ESP-SMTe Controller
Simple Smart Programming
This section provides instructions to setup and operate the
ESP-SMTe.
To program in Simple Smart mode, select Simple Smart on
the Select Programming Mode screen. This screen is available under the Advanced Controller Setup dial position
(see page 15) or after a Factory Default reset.
Set Date and Time
Set the current calendar Date and Time of day.
Turn the dial to Set Date & Time.
Congure Controller
Enter site location info and basic irrigation schedules.
In Simple Smart mode, congure the controller by entering
the site zip code for your site, selecting the days to water,
and entering the start times that watering will begin.
NOTE: For Advanced ET mode, see page 21.
Turn the dial to Congure Controller.
Set Site Info
Enter the zip code for your site and the Rain Shuto
parameters for rain sensor shuto.
Select Set Site Info.
A
Set the current month, day and year.
A
Set the current time.
B
Select Set Zip Code.
B
Enter the zip code for your site.
C
11
ESP-SMTe Controller
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