Rain Bird IC System Design Manual

TM

IC System

Design Guide v 2.3

Updated August 2016

2 IC System

TM

Design Guide, v2

.3

IC SystemTM – Product Definitions ................................................................................................................

Integrated Control Interface (ICI).................................................................................................................. 4

Integrated Control Module (ICM) ................................................................................................................. 5

Integrated Control Surge Device (ICSD) ........................................................................................................ 5

Components of the IC Interface (ICI) ............................................................................................................ 6

Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) ........................................................................................................... 7

How the System Works ................................................................................................................................. 8

Basic Design Data ..........................................................................................................................................

System Capacity .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Flexible Design ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Wire Path .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Wire Sizing Charts ....................................................................................................................................... 12

3

9

Examples .............................................................................................................................................. 13 - 15

Grounding ...................................................................................................................................................

16

Types of Pipe Networks .............................................................................................................................. 17

Wire Path “Field Fuses” .............................................................................................................................. 18

Looping Communication Wire .................................................................................................................... 18

Combining Wire Paths at the Interface ...................................................................................................... 18

Remotely Locating an Integrated Control Interface (ICI) ............................................................................ 18

Introduction

This Design Guide is presented to help clarify standard design questions for the IC SystemTM. If there are

any questions or specific examples that may not be adequately addressed within this guide, please

contact your Rain Bird sales or service manager for additional clarification to aid in the proper design for

the specific application.

IC System– Product Definitions

Central Control Software

CirrusTM, Nimbus IITM, Stratus IITM and Stratus LTTM are the Central Control applications that are available

to operate with the IC System. The software is used to establish the irrigation system parameters,

operate the system and perform troubleshooting tasks. There are many troubleshooting diagnostic

features within the software that enable the user to quickly diagnose and identify the location of field

related issues on the course.

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ICI

The Integrated Control Interface (ICI) is the electronic hardware and firmware that accepts commands

from the Central Control Software and directs them to the field. The ICI also communicates intelligently

with the field in order to update the status back to the Central Control Software.

ICM

The Integrated Control Module (ICM) is mounted on Rain Bird manufactured valve-in-head golf rotors or

electric in-line valves. The ICM communicates directly to the Rain Bird central control software via Rain

Bird MAXITM cable two-wire path and the ICI interface. The central control software automatically

operates the rotors and valves throughout the golf course by activating each individual ICM as needed.

If the ICM is installed on Rain Bird electric in-line valves, an ICM valve adapter (ICMA) is required.

ICSD

The Integrated Control Surge Device (ICSD) provides surge protection for the system in case of lightning

strikes.

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Components of the Integrated Control Interface (ICI)

CPU Board

The CPU Board provides communication between the Central Control Computer and each of the wire

paths.

Driver Board

The Driver Board provides communication

between the CPU board and the ICMs in the

field. Depending upon the model, there may be

one or two Driver Boards in the ICI.

Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)

Rain Bird recommends the use of a UPS to provide battery backup in cases of fluctuating or loss of

power to the Integrated Control Interface (ICI). When operated by battery the IC SystemTM requires a

“pure sine wave” signal and not a modified, square or PWM wave.

The computer running the Central Control software and ICI should be powered through a UPS. Rain Bird

has verified APC model Smart-UPS 1500 for the IC System. Different countries may have differing

requirements and APC typically makes a Smart-UPS for each country according to the needs of that

country. If sourcing a Smart-UPS for a different country, please source the UPS in the country in which

the system will be operated. For example, do not purchase a Smart-UPS in the United States and ship it

to Asia. The local Rain Bird distributor can source the appropriate UPS in-country.

Less expensive UPS models are available in a variety of stores but it has been proven that these do not

produce the “pure sine wave” signal required by the IC System. Please purchase the APC Smart-UPS

1500 model for an IC System.

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