Rain Bird Maxicom2 User Manual

User Manual

END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR RAIN BIRD SOFTWARE

IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY: This Rain Bird End-User License Agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and the Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp. for the Rain Bird software product(s) identified above, which includes computer software and associated media and printed materials, and may include “on-line” or electronic documentation (“SOFTWARE PRODUCT” or “SOFTWARE”). By installing, copying or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, you may not use or copy the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, and you should promptly return the unused product(s) to an Authorized Maxicom Distributor (“AMD”) for a full refund.

Software PRODUCT LICENSE

The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.

GRANT OF LICENSE. This EULA grants you the following rights:

Software. You may install and use one copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, or in its place, any prior version for the same operating system, on a single computer. Only the primary user of the computer on which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is installed may make a second copy for his or her exclusive use on either a home or portable computer. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was purchased preinstalled in a computer, only the primary user may make a second copy for his or her exclusive use on either a home or portable computer.

Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on a storage device, such as a network server, used only to install or run the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on your other computers over an internal network; however, you must acquire and dedicate a license for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for each computer on which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is installed or run from the storage device. A license for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT may not be shared or used concurrently on different computers.

Back-up Copy. Exclusive of the aforementioned second copy for home or portable computer use, you may make a single back-up copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. You may use the back-up copy solely for archival purposes.

License Pak. If you acquired this EULA in a Rain Bird License Pak, you may make the number of additional copies of the computer software portion of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT authorized on the printed copy of this EULA, and you may use each copy in the manner specified above. You are also entitled to make a corresponding number of secondary copies for home or portable computer use and archive copy as described above.

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.

Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation and Disassembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.

Separation of Components. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as a single product. Its component parts may not be separated for use on more than one computer.

Single Computer. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was shipped preinstalled in a computer, the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed with the COMPUTER as a single integrated product. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT may only be used with the COMPUTER.

Rental. You may not rent or lease the SOFTWARE PRODUCT,

End-User License Agreement

Software Transfer. You may permanently transfer all of your rights under this EULA, provided you retain no copies, you transfer all of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades and this EULA) and the recipient agrees to the terms of this EULA. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is an upgrade, any transfer must include all prior versions of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was preinstalled on a computer, you may permanently transfer all of your rights under this EULA only as part of a sale or transfer of the COMPUTER, provided you retain no copies, you transfer all of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA and, if applicable, the Certificate(s) of Authenticity), and the recipient agrees to the terms of this EULA. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is an upgrade, any transfer must include all prior versions of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

Termination. Without prejudice to any other rights, Rain Bird may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and all of its component parts.

UPGRADES. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is an upgrade from another product, whether from Rain Bird or another supplier, you may use or transfer the SOFTWARE PRODUCT only in conjunction with that upgraded product, unless you destroy the upgraded product. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is an upgrade of a Rain Bird product, you now may use that upgraded product only in accordance with this EULA. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is an upgrade of a component of a package of software programs which you licensed as a single product, the SOFTWARE PRODUCT may be used and transferred only as part of that single product package and may not be separated for use on more than one computer.

COPYRIGHT. All title and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT (including but not limited to any images, photographs, animations, video, audio, music, text and “applets,” incorporated into the SOFTWARE PRODUCT), the accompanying printed materials, and any copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, are owned by Rain Bird or its suppliers. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Therefore, you must treat the SOFTWARE PRODUCT like any other copyrighted material except that you may either (a) make one copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT solely for backup or archival purposes or (b) install the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on a single computer provided you keep the original solely for backup or archival purposes. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. All rights not specifically granted under this EULA are reserved by Rain Bird.

DUAL-MEDIA SOFTWARE. You may receive the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in more than one medium. Regardless of the type or size of medium you receive, you may use only one medium that is appropriate for the COMPUTER. You may not use or install the other medium on another computer. You may not loan, rent, lease, or otherwise transfer the other medium to another user, except as part of the permanent transfer (as provided above) of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

PRODUCT SUPPORT. Product support for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided by your AMD and Rain Bird. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was preinstalled on a computer and you desire computer product support, please refer to PC Manufacturer’s support number provided in the documentation for the COMPUTER. Should you have any questions concerning this EULA, or if you desire to contact PC Manufacturer for any other reason, please refer to the address provided in the documentation for the COMPUTER.

End-User License Agreement

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xi

Welcome to Maxicom2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xi

Overview of the Maxicom2System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xii

About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiv

Terminology Used in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xv

Icons Used in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvi

Getting Started Right Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvi

1 Installing Maxicom2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1

Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1

Recommended Hardware and Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2

Remote Access Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2

Installing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.3

Installing the Maxicom2Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4

Installing Adobe®Acrobat Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.5

Running the Upgrade Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.5

2 Getting to Know Maxicom2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.1

Starting Maxicom2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.1

Using the Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4

Standard Window and Dialog Box Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4

Maxicom2’s System Window and Central Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.7

System Window and Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.7

Maxicom

Central Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.10

Finding and Arranging Open Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.11

Finding a Specific Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.11

Arranging Open Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.11

Changing Your View of the Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.11

Restoring a Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.12

Moving a Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.12

Resizing a Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.12

Closing a Window or Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.12

Contents

Using the Main Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.13

Selecting a Menu Bar Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.13

Traditional Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.13

Accelerator Key Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.13

Menu Bar Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.14

System Menu (accelerator = Alt-Y) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.14

Site Menu (accelerator = Alt-S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.16

Weather Menu (accelerator = Alt-W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.18

Report Menu (accelerator = Alt-R) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.19

Window Menu (accelerator = Alt-N) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.19

Help Menu (accelerator = Alt-H) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.21

Entering and Editing Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.22

Positioning Your Cursor in a Text Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.22

Adding Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.22

Selecting Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.22

Deleting Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.23

Deleting All Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.23

Replacing Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.23

Cutting Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.23

Copying Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.24

Pasting Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.24

Using Maxicom2On-line Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.25

Viewing the Help Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.25

Viewing the Help Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.27

Finding a Particular Word in Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.29

Setting Find Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.32

Rebuilding the Find Word List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.33

Using the Help Information Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.34

Viewing Information about Your Version of Maxicom2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.35

Saving Your Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.35

Canceling Your Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.36

Exiting the Maxicom2Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.36

Turning Maxicom2Control Off and On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.36

Turning the Maxicom2Control Engine On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.37

Contents

3 Setting System Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.1

Using the System Wizard for Interactive Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.1

Using the System Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3

Setting Communications Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.4

Setting Registration Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.6

Setting Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.7

Changing the Master Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.8

Changing Site Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.8

Changing Weather Source Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.9

Setting a FREEDOM Time Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.9

Setting Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.11

Setting Station Property Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.12

Setting the Database Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.14

4 Setting Site Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.1

Using the Site Wizard for Interactive Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.2

Using the Site Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.3

Setting General Site Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.4

Setting the Site Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.5

Setting the Site’s Time Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.5

Setting Weather Sources for the Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.5

Setting the Site Map File Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.6

Setting Site Contact Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.6

Setting the Communication Port and Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7

Setting Times to Contact the Site’s CCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7

Setting the Number of Failed Contacts and the Time Between Retries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.8

Setting Automatic or Manual Contact Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.8

Setting Retrieval of Logs During Rain Shut Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.8

Setting the FREEDOM Time Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.8

Setting Site Irrigation Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.9

Setting the Site’s Water Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.9

Setting the Default Daily ET Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.10

Setting the Minimum Daily ET Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.10

Setting the Maximum Daily ET Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.10

Setting the Crop Coefficient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.10

Setting the Soil Moisture Holding Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.11

Setting the Soil Moisture Refill Percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.11

Setting the Soil Infiltration Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.11

Setting the Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.11

Setting the Prefix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.12

Setting the Water Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.12

Contents

iii

Setting Site FLO-MANAGER Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.13

Setting the Point of Connection Name and Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.14

Setting FLO-MANAGER Flow Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.14

Setting Site FLO WATCH Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.15

Setting Site CCU Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.16

Setting the CCU Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.17

Setting the CCU Call Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.17

Editing CCU Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.18

Setting Device Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.20

Setting Station Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.21

Copying, Pasting, and Cutting Station Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.22

5 Setting Weather Source Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.1

Using the Weather Source Wizard for Interactive Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.2

Using the Weather Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.3

Setting Weather Source Type Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.4

Setting the Weather Source Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.5

Selecting the Type of Weather Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.5

Setting Rain Bird Weather Station Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.6

Selecting the Time Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.6

Setting Times to Receive Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.7

Setting the Elevation and Latitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.7

Setting the Weather Station’s Default ET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.7

Setting the Weather Station Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.7

Selecting the Contact Port and Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.8

Enabling or Disabling Automatic Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.8

Setting a Manual Contact Time Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.8

Setting CIMIS Bulletin Board System Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.9

Selecting the Time Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.10

Setting Times to Receive Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.10

Setting the Elevation and Latitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.10

Setting the CIMIS Login Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.10

Setting the CIMIS Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.11

Setting the CIMIS Weather Station Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.11

Selecting the Contact Port and Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.11

Setting CCU-Based ET Gauge Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.12

Selecting a Site and a Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.13

Setting Times to Receive Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.13

Enabling or Disabling Automatic Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.13

Setting the Weather Station’s Default ET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.13

Contents

Setting CCU-Based Site Rain Counter Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.14

Selecting a Site and Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.14

Setting Times to Receive Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.15

Enabling or Disabling Automatic Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.15

Setting the Weather Station’s Default ET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.15

Setting Historical ET Database Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.15

Setting User-Entered Weather Data Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.17

6 Creating and Editing a Site Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.1

Using the Schedule Wizard for Interactive Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.1

Creating a Schedule by Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.3

Creating a Schedule Using a Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.7

Copying an Existing Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.10

Using the Schedule Editor Window and Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.14

Editing a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.16

Auditing a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.16

Setting Schedule Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.17

Setting Execution Window Programmed Repeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.17

Setting Schedule Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.18

Selecting the Schedule Runtime Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.18

Setting the Nominal ET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.19

Performing a Flow-Cost Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.19

7 Viewing and Editing Site Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.1

Using the Site Window and Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.1

Renaming a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.3

Deleting a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.4

Viewing and Editing General Site Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.4

Viewing and Acknowledging an Unacknowledged Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.5

Viewing Current Site Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.5

Viewing Projected Site Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.6

Viewing a Site’s Log Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.7

Selecting the Time Period to View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.8

Viewing the Data as a Flow Graph, Flow List or Runtime Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.8

Viewing the Runtime Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.9

Viewing the Entire Site or One FLO WATCH Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.9

Viewing Actual Log Data or Projected Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.9

Contents

Viewing and Editing a Site’s Schedule Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.10

Viewing General Schedule Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.10

Adding a New Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.11

Editing a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.11

Removing a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.12

Viewing and Editing a Schedule’s Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.12

Previewing a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.13

Viewing and Editing a Site’s ET Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.13

Selecting the Time Period to View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.14

Selecting to View Data as a Check Book, Log, Graph or Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.14

Selecting the Type of Data to View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.14

Modifying the ET or Rainfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.15

Viewing and Editing a Site’s Event Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.15

Setting No Watering Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.16

Setting Auto Pop-Up Memos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.16

Setting Up and Viewing the Site Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.17

Joining the Site’s Map File with Other Site Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.17

Changing the Size of the Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.18

Manually Contacting a Site’s CCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.18

Adjusting the Amount of Time for Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.19

Viewing Wireless Diagnostic Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.21

Setting Rain Shut Down for a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.22

Manually Operating Site Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.23

Sending Schedules to the CCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.25

Sending Configuration Data to the CCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.25

Monitoring and Operating Site Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.26

Contents

8 Viewing and Editing Weather Source Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.1

Using the Weather Source Window and Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.1

Renaming a Weather Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.3

Deleting a Weather Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.3

Viewing Recent Weather Source Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.4

Viewing the Most Recent Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5

Viewing and Editing the Sites Assigned to the Weather Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5

Viewing and Acknowledging Unacknowledged Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.6

Viewing Historical Weather Source Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.6

Selecting a Time Period to View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.7

Selecting to View Data as a Calendar, Graph or List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.7

Selecting the Type of Data to View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.7

Manually Contacting a Weather Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.8

Increasing the Amount of Time for Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.9

Displaying Current Weather Source Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.9

Getting Logged Weather Source Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.10

Editing Weather Source Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.10

Manually Updating Weather Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.11

Disconnecting from a Weather Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.12

9 Viewing the Event Log and Generating Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.1

Using the Event Log Window and Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.1

Filtering Data in the Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.2

Acknowledging Events in the Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.3

Clearing Events from the Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.4

Viewing Event Log Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.4

Refreshing Event Log Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.5

Creating a Report from the Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.5

Using the Report Wizard for Generating Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.6

Creating a Field Device Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.7

Creating a Flow/Time/Cost Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.8

Creating a Schedule Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.10

Previewing and Printing Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.11

Contents

vii

10 Viewing Maxicom2’s Communication Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.1

Using the Communication Status Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.1

Viewing the Status of All Ports Simultaneously . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.2

Viewing One Port in Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.2

Disconnecting from a Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.3

Viewing a FREEDOM Port in the Communication Status Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.4

11 Backing Up Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.1

12 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12.1

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I.1

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside back cover

Contents

viii

Welcome to Maxicom

Congratulations! By selecting the Maxicom2Central Control System from Rain Bird, you have chosen the finest Central Irrigation Control System available. Some of Maxicom

’s unique features include the ability to:

• customize the system to suit your needs

• operate multiple sites and controllers from one location

• respond automatically to weather conditions

• locate excessive flow problems

• manage water flow to prevent the system from exceeding hydraulic capacity

• adjust the water budget

• water only during predetermined time periods

• eliminate wasteful run-off and puddling

• record actual usage, allowing you to maintain usage records easily and

efficiently

• create reports that display the information you need

• control all operations from one computer with an easy-to-use Windows

interface that does not require previous computer experience

The benefits you realize by using the Maxicom

system include: water savings, power savings, labor savings and increased irrigation system efficiency. All of these benefits add up to saving money!

This manual gives you step-by-step instructions for using the Maxicom

software

so that you can make the most of these exciting features and benefits.

Introduction

For the most efficient use of the Maxicom system, Maxicom2software and field equipment must be installed to Rain Bird’s specifications. For a complete account of Rain Bird’s Maxicom installation specifications, contact your local Maxicom distributor or any of the Maxicom support services listed on the inside back cover of this manual.

Overview of the Maxicom2System

The Maxicom2Central Irrigation System uses a central computer to send irrigation schedules and other data via telephone lines, cellular telephone, hardwire, point-to-point radio, trunk radio, or fiber optics to Central Control Units (CCUs) in the field.

A CCU communicates with up to 28 satellite controllers through a two-wire path or wireless radio link. The CCU monitors field conditions and reacts to problems such as excessive flow. When necessary, the CCU selectively turns off all or portions of a site’s irrigation system. The CCU also reads and reacts to moisture sensors, wind sensors, and rain gauges. In this way, multiple remote sites can be controlled and monitored from a single central location at your personal computer.

The Maxicom Central Control System chiefly consists of seven parts. (See the illustration on the opposite page.)

Central Computer — uses the Maxicom2software program to control the entire irrigation system.

Computer to CCU or computer to weather source data path — transfers information from the central computer to the CCU or weather source by phone communication or by radio/direct communication.

Central Control Unit — operates field devices by executing commands received from the central computer.

Satellite data path — transfers information from the CCU to the field devices by a two-wire path or wireless radio link.

CCU-based field devices — include satellite controllers, decoders, or sensors:

satellite controllers send a 24 VAC power signal to each station;

decoders control and monitor system functions;

sensors monitor conditions in the field.

Stations — consist of irrigation valves, sensors, or switch-operated devices.

Weather source/ET — interprets weather conditions and/or evapotranspiration (ET) information and sends that information to the central computer.

Introduction

Central Computer

Cellular

Telephone

Satellite

Controller

Phone

CCU

at site

Two-wire Path (TW) MAXILink Radio (LINK/R)

Decoder

Hardwire/

Short-haul

Modem

Point-to-point

Radio

Link

CCU

at site

Satellite

Controller

Trunk Radio

Valve

Sensor

Switch Switch

Weather Station

Valve

Sensor

About this Manual

This manual is divided into the following chapters:

• Chapter One: Installing Maxicom

Tells you what hardware and software requirements you need to run Maxicom

on your personal computer and gives step-by-step installation

instructions.

• Chapter Two: Getting to Know Maxicom

Introduces the menus and windows with which you will be working. It also gives beginning users instructions on entering and editing text and canceling and saving work. In addition, this chapter tells you how to use Maxicom

’s on-

line Help system.

• Chapter Three: Setting System Properties

Tells you how to configure the Maxicom

system for your specifications so that you can set such properties as computer communications ports, registration information, passwords and units of measure.

• Chapter Four: Setting Site Properties Tells you how to set up a new Maxicom

site in your system. This chapter contains instructions on how to set the site’s time zone, weather source, and password, as well as the site’s CCU and irrigation requirements.

• Chapter Five: Setting Weather Source Properties Tells you how to set up a new Maxicom

weather source in your system. This chapter contains instructions on how to set the type of weather source, and such particulars as the weather source’s location, password, and communication requirements.

• Chapter Six: Creating and Editing a Site Schedule Gives you instructions for creating a new schedule for a site or making changes to an existing schedule. Instructions in this chapter take you through the setup of each of the schedule functions as well as schedule properties, such as whether the schedule will be automatically sent to the CCU and whether it will be “FLO-MANAGED.”

• Chapter Seven: Viewing and Editing Site Data Tells you how to obtain and, in some instances, change various types of site data, such as flow data and weather data and how to contact a site’s CCU manually.

• Chapter Eight: Viewing and Editing Weather Source Data Tells you how to obtain various types of recent or historical weather source data and how to contact a weather source manually.

• Chapter Nine: Viewing the Event Log and Generating Reports Guides you in using the Event Log to view the information you want and tells you how to generate various types of reports from Maxicom

data.

Introduction

xii

• Chapter Ten:Viewing Maxicom2’s Communication Status Tells you how to view the status of all Maxicom

ports simultaneously, how to

view a single port in detail, and how to disconnect a port from a field device.

• Chapter Eleven: Backing Up Data Explains how Maxicom

backs up your data.

• Chapter Twelve: Glossary Provides you with a handy glossary of terms.

Terminology Used in this Manual

The following computer-usage terminology is used in this manual:

• Click means to place the cursor on an on-screen item and press the left mouse button.

• Double-click means to place the cursor on an on-screen item and quickly press the left mouse button twice.

• Right-click means to place the cursor on an on-screen item and press the right mouse button.

• Select means to place the cursor in a text field or on a menu option, checkbox, or radio button and press the left mouse button.

• Check means to click a checkbox so that a check mark appears in the checkbox.

• Enter means to type text. (If you are required to press the Enter key on the keyboard, the instructions will say, “Press the Enter key.”)

• Highlight means to place the cursor on an item and press the left mouse button so that the item’s background is displayed in a different color than the background of unselected items.

• Drag means to click on an item and hold the mouse button down while you drag the mouse (and the item) to the desired position on the screen.

• Keyboard accelerators such as “Alt-S” mean to hold down the Alt key and type an “S.”

Introduction

xiii

For a list of other terms used in this manual, see the Glossary on page 12.1.

Saving your work in Maxicom2is an automatic process that is different from other Windows applications. For more information, see “Saving Your Work” on page

2.35.

Icons Used in This Manual

To help you understand and find the information you need, this manual uses three icons in the margins of its pages.

This icon is used to designate information that is not critical but that may be helpful to you.

This icon is used to designate a cross reference within the manual and lists page numbers where you can find information on the same or related topics.

This icon is used to designate very important warning information.

Getting Started Right Away

To get your system up and running, you must:

Install the Maxicom2 software (described in Chapter One),

Set system properties (described in Chapter Three),

Set up your sites (described in Chapter Four),

Set up your weather sources (described in Chapter Five), and

Create schedules (described in Chapter Six).

If you are already familiar with computers and MAXICOM and would like to get started using Maxicom

right away, the chapters listed above can be used as a

“quick start.” Follow the instructions in the sequence suggested above.

Introduction

xiv

If you need more information about using windows and menus, see “Getting to Know Maxicom2,” which begins on page 2.1.

If you were using a previous version of MAXICOM software and you want to maintain your existing data, you must run the Upgrade Utility after installing the new software.

This chapter describes:

• minimum hardware and software requirements for running Maxicom

• recommended hardware and software requirements for running Maxicom

• remote access requirements

• how to install the software from a CD-ROM

• how to run the upgrade utility so that you can use data from an earlier version

of the MAXICOM software

System Requirements

In order to run the Maxicom2software, your computer system must meet certain requirements. Below is a list of minimum hardware and software requirements. The recommended hardware and software requirements, also listed here, will maximize the speed of your Maxicom

software.

Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements

The personal computer you use to run the Maxicom2software must meet or exceed the following minimum requirements:

• Intel

Pentium®166 MHz or faster processor

• 32 megabytes RAM

• standard SVGA monitor (800 x 600, 256 colors)

• mouse

• 101-key standard keyboard

• 2 GB hard disk drive

• 3.5 inch floppy disk drive

• CD-ROM drive

• one free serial port for communication with Rain Bird Cluster Control Units (CCUs)

• Windows95/98 or NT software

• printer

Installing Maxicom

1.1

Installing Maxicom

1.2

Maxicom2does not require more than 100 megabytes of hard disk space above the operating system for a full installation. Actual disk space requirements may be greater with use, depending upon the amount of logged historical data and the number of sites. Maxicom

is not designed to operate on a computer with a non-

Intel Pentium-based microprocessor for the primary central processing unit.

Recommended Hardware and Software Requirements

The following are the recommended requirements for running Maxicom2:

• Pentium® III 450 MHz or faster processor

• 64 megabytes RAM

• VGA monitor

• 101-key standard AT keyboard

• 4 GB hard disk drive

• 3.5 inch floppy disk drive

• CD-ROM drive

• mouse

• 56 K telephone modem

• four free serial ports

• Windows95/98 or NT software

• sound card and speakers

• printer

Remote Access Requirements

If you want to access Maxicom2from a remote computer, you will need:

• PC Anywhere32

• a dedicated modem

All Maxicom

functionality available on the central computer is available on the remote computer via PC Anywhere32. PC Anywhere32 is the only remote access method supported by Maxicom

. PC Anywhere32 is provided when you purchase

Maxicom

Installing Maxicom

1.3

Installing the Software

The installation procedure is nearly the same for new Maxicom2users as for users who are upgrading from an older version of the software. However, users who are upgrading from another version of MAXICOM should back up the old MAXICOM software and data before installing the new Maxicom

software. The installation

procedure will transfer your data to the new Maxicom

software, but in the event that something should go wrong, you should have a backup of your most current data.

Users who are upgrading and want to use existing data must run the Upgrade Utility after installing the new Maxicom

software. In addition, users who are upgrading from an older version should check that database items and schedules were converted properly. Because Maxicom

now allows you to identify sites, devices, and other field items with a name of your choice, you may want to change these.

Upgrading users should also make sure that field hardware is updated to work with Maxicom

. The CCUs’ EPROM must be version 5.2R or higher for the system

to operate properly.

To install Maxicom

on your computer:

Turn on your computer and start Windows95/98.

Make sure that no other applications are running. (Active applications appear in the Windows95/98 taskbar.)

Insert the CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.

The Installation wizard’s main menu is displayed. Click on Install Maxicom

and then follow the instructions in the wizard.

Some virus-protection programs can interfere with installation. Before you install Maxicom2, turn off any virus protection programs that may be running on your computer.

For more information about using the Upgrade Utility, see “Running the Upgrade Utility” on page 1.5.

Installing Maxicom

1.4

Maxicom2Installation Wizard

4 After finishing each section of the wizard, click the Next button.

The next section of the wizard is displayed.

5 When you have finished the last section of the wizard, click the Finish button.

When you restart your computer, Maxicom

will be available from the Windows95/98 Start menu. The control engine installs automatically in your Startup Folder so that when you restart your computer, it begins to run automatically.

Installing the Maxicom2Tour

If you would like an on-line overview of the Maxicom2software, install the Maxicom

Tour.

To install the Maxicom

tour:

1 From the main menu of the Maxicom

installation CD, click the Maxicom

Tour button.

The installation wizard will install the Maxicom

Tour on your hard drive.

2 Select Maxicom

Software Tour from the Windows95/98 start menu.

Follow the on-screen instructions for viewing the tour.

The second screen of the wizard makes assumptions about where the old MAXICOM data files are located. If the directories listed are not the actual location of the files you want to convert, you must enter the path to the correct directories. You may want to use the Browse buttons to the right of the text fields to help you.

Installing Maxicom

1.5

Installing Adobe®Acrobat Software

Rain Bird offers many resources to their customers at the website www.rainbird.com, such as technical updates and on-line user manuals. This information has been stored in .pdf (portable document format), which can be read by almost any computer that has Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed. While this software is not required to operate the Maxicom

software, Rain Bird

recommends that you install Acrobat Reader on your computer.

To install Acrobat Reader:

From the main menu of the Maxicom

installation CD, click the Install

Acrobat Reader button.

The installation wizard will install the software on your hard drive. Please see the Acrobat Reader “readme” file for operating instructions

Running the Upgrade Utility

If you are upgrading from an earlier version of the MAXICOM software and want to maintain your existing data, you must run the Upgrade Utility after you install the new Maxicom

software.

To run the Upgrade Utility:

1 Use the Windows95/98 Start menu (as described in the Windows95/98 Users

manual) to start the Upgrade Utility. The Upgrade Utility was automatically installed when you installed Maxicom

The Maxicom

Upgrade Utility wizard will be displayed.

Follow the instructions in the wizard to upgrade the software.

After finishing each section of the wizard, click the Next button.

The next section of the wizard will be displayed.

When you have finished the last section of the wizard, click the Finish button.

A message will be displayed, “Upgrade Installed Successfully.” You may also get a message that some issues were encountered with the conversion.

5 If necessary, click the View Issues button to view issues that must be resolved.

If you have trouble fixing any issues that may be listed, contact your Rain Bird Distributor for help.

The Upgrade Utility wizard offers you the option of upgrading all of the sites or just some of the sites.

This chapter will help you to become familiar with the Maxicom2interface. This chapter describes:

• how to start the Maxicom

application

• standard features of the windows and dialog boxes

• features of the System window and Central window

• how to use the Main menu

• how to enter and edit text

• how to use Maxicom

Help

• how to save or cancel your work

• how to exit Maxicom

Starting Maxicom

Once you have installed Maxicom2, there are three ways you can start the Maxicom

interface.

To start Maxicom

Double-click the Rain Bird icon in the tray in the right bottom corner of your screen.

Right-click the Rain Bird icon in the tray in the right bottom corner of your screen and select the Launch Maxicom

option.

Use the Windows95/98 Start menu as described in the Windows95/98 Users Manual.

The Maxicom

splash screen is displayed while the program launches.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.1

Getting to Know Maxicom

The Rain Bird icon appears in the tray whenever the Maxicom2controls are running.

Splash Screen

When the application is finished launching, the Splash screen closes and the System window is displayed.

If this is the first time you have used Maxicom

(you did not upgrade a previous version when you installed the software), the System wizard, which guides you through a series of steps to set up your system, runs automatically and displays the Communications dialog box.

System Wizard with Communications Dialog Box

If you have used a previous version of Maxicom2and ran the Upgrade Utility after installing the Maxicom

software, the System window is displayed.

If you launched the program from the Rain Bird icon in the tray and there is an unacknowledged alarm (the icon has an exclamation mark on it), the Event Log is displayed within the System window; if you launched the program from

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.2

For more information, see “System Window and Toolbar” on page 2.7.

For more information, see “Using the System Wizard for Interactive Setup” on page 3.1.

You can close the Splash screen by clicking anywhere on the screen.

the Windows95/98 Start menu, the Maxicom2Central menu is displayed within the System window.

System Window with Maxicom2Central Menu Displayed

It is not necessary to run the Maxicom2interface for the Maxicom2controls to run; only the application needs to be active. This means that you do not have to dedicate a computer to Maxicom

. You can do word processing or other tasks

while Maxicom

runs in the background. When the Rain Bird icon appears in the

tray at the right bottom corner of your screen, you know Maxicom

is active. If the application is not active, the icon turns blue on a red back-ground. If an unacknowledged alarm is present, an exclamation point is next to the Rain Bird icon.

Rain Bird Icon in the Tray — Maxicom2Active

Rain Bird Icon Turns Blue — Maxicom

Not Active

Rain Bird Icon with Exclamation — Alarm Present

While you may want to go ahead and start setting up your system, Rain Bird recommends that you read the remainder of this chapter to learn more about how to use the software.

• To continue learning about the Maxicom

software before setting up your

system, click the Cancel button on the System Wizard.

• To proceed with setting up your system, turn to “Setting System Properties,”

page 3.1.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.3

For more information, see “Turning Maxicom2Controls Off and On” on page 2.36 and “Acknowledging Events in the Event Log” on page

9.3.

Using the Windows

You will perform all the tasks described in this manual in windows and dialog boxes. It may help you to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the standard features of windows and dialog boxes and the specific features of the System window and Central window which are described in this section.

Standard Window and Dialog Box Features

Maxicom2windows and dialog boxes, like the one shown here, contain certain standard elements. These elements are described on the following pages.

System Window with Maxicom2Central Window

• Title bar

Contains the title of the window or dialog box. When the window is active, the title bar changes color. Click in a window to make the window active.

• Close button

Allows you to close the window or dialog box and automatically save changes you have made. (The Maxicom

Central window, Communications Status window, and Event Log window do not have Close buttons separate from the System window because they are always part of the System window.)

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.4

Windows allow you to work continuously; dialog boxes require you to click OK or Cancel before going on to the next task.

Title bar

Close button

Minimize button

Maximize/Restore button

Hot spot

Button

Tool

• Minimize button

Converts the window to an icon at the bottom of your screen. Once a window has been minimized, the Minimize button is replaced by a Restore button. Dialog boxes do not have minimize buttons.

• Maximize button

Maximizes the size of the window on your screen. Once a window has been maximized, the Maximize button is replaced by a Restore button. Dialog boxes do not have Maximize buttons.

• Restore button

Restores the window to its previous size after you have maximized or minimized it. Dialog boxes do not have Restore buttons.

• Horizontal and vertical scroll bars

Allows you to display data that cannot fit in the window or dialog box. Click the up or down arrows in the horizontal scroll bars or the left and right arrows in the vertical scroll bars to move a line at a time, or drag the bar within the scroll bars to move in larger increments.

• Buttons

Allow you to perform an action or display a dialog box. Click a button to activate it. (Or type the accelerator key that corresponds to the button; the accelerator key letter is underlined on the on-screen button. Not all buttons have accelerator keys.)

• Hot spots

Allow you to display a window or dialog box. Click a hot spot to activate it.

Drop down list

Text field

Radio button

checkbox

Typical Dialog Box

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.5

Saving your work in Maxicom2is an automatic process that is different from other Windows programs. For more information, see “Saving Your Work” on page

2.35.

• Checkboxes

Allow you to select items. A selected checkbox has a check inside it; a deselected checkbox is empty. More than one checkbox may be selected in a given area of a window or dialog box. Click a checkbox to select it; click it again to deselect it.

• Radio buttons

Allow you to select one item from a group of items. A deselected radio button is the same color as the window or dialog box’s background; a selected radio button appears to be pressed and is displayed in a different color. Click a radio button to select it; click a different radio button to deselect the first.

• Text fields

Allow you to enter and select values. Click in a field and then type the value. In fields with scroll buttons, you may enter the value or click the up or down arrows to select a value without typing.

• Drop down lists

Allow you to select an item or value from a list. Click an item on a drop down list to select it; a selected item appears highlighted.

• Display areas

Allow you to view data. Display areas cannot be edited.

• Tooltips

Display the name or function of an icon in the status bar when the icon has no text label. Place the mouse cursor over an icon to display the Tooltip for that icon.

Maxicom2’s System Window and Central Window

The System window is the parent window of the entire Maxicom2interface. The Maxicom

Central window, Communication Status window, and Event Log window are always present in some form within the System window. All four of these windows are open whenever the Maxicom

interface is running.

The System window and Maxicom

Central window are described in detail in this section because all other windows and dialog boxes come from these two important windows. Other windows used in Maxicom

, including the Communication Status window and the Event Log window, are described in the sections of this manual where they are used.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.6

For more information, see “Entering and Editing Text” on page 2.22.

System Window and Toolbar

Whenever the Maxicom2user interface is open, the System window is displayed. The System window is the base window from which all other interface activity takes place.

System Window

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.7

Application icon and menu

Application title bar

Window buttons

Main menu bar

Toolbar

Selection pane

Document pane

Maxicom

status bar

The System window contains the following features:

• Application title bar

The application title bar contains the application icon at the far left, the application name, the name of the current active window if there is one, and the window buttons. Right-clicking the title bar anywhere except for on the window buttons displays the drop-down Application menu. For more information about the Application menu, application icon, and the window buttons, see the items below.

• Application icon and Application menu

Click the application icon or right-click the application title bar to display the Application menu. The Application menu contains options that allow you to terminate the application or change the way you view the windows.

Restore returns the window to its previous size after it has been maximized or minimized.

Move allows you to use the arrow keys to move the window and the Enter key to end the operation.

Size allows you to use the arrow keys to resize the window and the Enter key to end the operation.

Minimize minimizes the size of the window to an icon.

Maximize maximizes the size of the window on your screen.

Close closes the application.

• Window buttons

Allow you to change the size of the windows or close them. Click the left window button to minimize the window; click the middle window button to toggle between maximized and normal; click the right window button to exit the application.

• Main menu bar

The Main menu bar contains the drop-down menus described on pages 2.13 through 2.21 of this manual: System, Site, Weather, Report, Window, and Help.

• Toolbar

The System window displays its own toolbar and, underneath that, the toolbar for the active window, if there is one. The System toolbar contains the following icon buttons, most of which perform the same tasks as options available from the Main menu:

Main Toolbar

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.8

Double-clicking the application icon in the title bar exits Maxicom2.

For more information about using the window buttons, see “Changing Your View of the Windows” on page 2.11.

Create or Open allows you to create new or open existing sites and weather sources.

Save allows you to save the current active window.

Print allows you to print the data from the current active window without

going through the Print dialog box.

Print Preview allows you to see what the currently selected document will look like when it is printed.

Toggle Selection Pane allows you to toggle between an open Selection Pane or a closed Selection Pane.

Rain Shut Down allows you to start or cancel a site’s Rain Shut Down for all the active sites.

Flow/Runtime Logs shows flow and station runtime data for all sites.

Rain Bird Web Page offers you a short cut for connecting to the Rain Bird

World Wide Web page if you have an Internet browser set up on your computer.

Fax Rain Bird allows you to quickly dial and fax directly to Rain Bird if you have a fax modem connected to your computer.

Help allows you to view Maxicom

Help files.

• Selection pane

The selection pane contains buttons that allow you to select any open window. The Maxicom

Central window button, the Communication Status window button, and the Event Log window button are permanently displayed on the selection pane along with buttons for any other open windows (such as sites and weather sources). You can resize the selection pane by clicking the side of the pane and dragging the side in or out.

• Document pane

The document pane provides a view of the currently active window. Windows automatically default to the size of the document pane; you cannot enlarge a window beyond the boundaries of the document pane. When no Site, Weather Source or Schedule window is open, the document pane contains the Maxicom

Central window, the Communication Status window or the Event

Log window. The default window displayed is the Central window.

• Maxicom

status bar

The status bar is a horizontal bar across the bottom of the System window. It displays helpful text messages that correlate with the active on-screen item or mouse cursor position.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.9

Maxicom2Central Window

The Maxicom2Central window appears in the System window when no other windows are open. It also appears as a button in the selection pane of the System window. In addition, the Maxicom

Central window can be displayed by selecting

the Maxicom

Central option from the Window menu on the Main menu bar.

When selecting items from the Maxicom

Central window, you are not limited to

a single function — if you click the Maxicom

Central window button and restore

the Maxicom

Central window, you can open new windows without closing the

first.

In addition to having the standard window features, the Maxicom

Central

window contains six hot spots. Click a picture/hot spot to activate it.

Central Window

• Weather

Allows you to view weather source information. Click the Weather hot spot to display the Create or Open a Weather Source dialog box from which you can create a new or open an existing weather source. For more information, see “Using the Weather Source Window and Toolbar” on page 8.1.

• Sites

Allows you to view site information. Click the Sites hot spot to display the Create or Open a Site dialog box from which you can create a new or open and existing site. For more information, see “Using the Site Window and Toolbar” on page 7.1.

• Communication

Allows you to view your communication status. Click the Communication hot spot to display the Communication Status window. For more information, see “Viewing Maxicom

’s Communication Status” on page 10.1.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.10

• Reports

Allows you to create a report. Click the Reports hot spot to display the Generate a Report dialog box from which you can select the type of report you want. For more information, see “Viewing the Event Log and Generating Reports” on page 9.1.

• Alarms

Allows you to view the Event Log. Click the Alarms hot spot to display the Event Log window filtered for alarms. For more information, see “Using the Event Log Window and Toolbar” on page 9.1.

• Help

Allows you to view Maxicom

Help files. Click the Help hot spot to display the

Help Topics window. For more information, see “Using Maxicom

On-line

Help” on page 2.25.

Finding and Arranging Open Windows

In Maxicom2, it is possible to have many windows open at the same time. Because having many windows open can become confusing, Maxicom

offers

you ways to find and arrange these open windows.

Finding a Specific Window

To find the open window you want:

Select the icon for the window you want to see from the selection pane of the System window.

Select the name of the window you want to see from the Window menu.

The window you have selected comes to the front of the stack.

Arranging Open Windows

To tile all the open windows on your screen:

Select the Arrange All option from the Window menu.

The open windows are tiled on your screen.

Changing Your View of the Windows

Maxicom2allows you to change the way the windows appear on screen. You can move the windows, change their size and even close them by using the Application menu or the window buttons.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.11

If unacknowledged alarms are present, the Alarms hot spot will be highlighted to let you know.

The Maxicom2Central window, Communication Status window and Event Log window are always available directly from the selection pane of the System window or from the Window menu.

Restoring a Window

The Restore option and Restore button allow you to return the window to its previous size after the window has been maximized or minimized.

To restore the window:

Click the Restore window button or select the Restore option from the Application menu.

The window returns to its previous size.

Moving a Window

You can use the Move option or the mouse to change the position of a window on your screen.

To move the window:

Select the Move option from the Application menu, then with the arrow positioned over the title bar, drag the window or use the arrow keys to move the window to the desired position on your screen.

Press the Enter key to end the operation.

Resizing a Window

The Restore, Maximize, and Minimize options and the Maximize and Restore window buttons allow you to change the size of the windows on your screen.

To change the size of the window:

Select the Restore, Maximize, or Minimize option from the Application menu or click the Maximize or Restore window buttons.

The size of the window changes according to your choice.

Closing a Window or Windows

To close the window:

Click the Close button on the window or select the Close option from the appropriate menu. (Site and Weather menus have close options).

The active window closes.

To close all open windows:

Select the Close All option from the Window menu.

All windows close except the System window, Central window, Communications window and Event Log window.

Getting to Know Maxicom

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Using the Application menu or the window buttons on the System window affects the entire application.

If the window is maximized (it fills the entire screen), the Move option is not available on the Application menu.

If the System, Maxicom

Central, Communications Status and Event Log windows are the only windows open, the Close All option is not available on the Window menu.

Using the Main Menu Bar

The Maxicom2Main menu bar appears on the System window. (For more information about other features of the System window, see page 2.7.) The Main menu bar contains seven drop-down menus that let you perform various tasks within Maxicom

Main Menu Bar

Selecting a Menu Bar Option

There are two methods for selecting a menu bar option: the traditional method uses the mouse and the accelerator key method uses the keyboard.

Traditional Method

To select an option from the Main menu bar:

Select an item in the Main menu bar.

A submenu is displayed.

Highlight and click on an option on the submenu.

The option is executed and a window or dialog box is displayed.

Accelerator Key Method

Accelerator keys allow you to select an option from the Main menu bar quickly and without using the mouse.

To select an option from the Main menu bar by using the accelerator keys:

Press and hold down the Alt key, then, while holding down the Alt key, type the letter that corresponds to the option you want. (The letter that corresponds to the option is underlined on the on-screen menu.)

The option is highlighted and the submenu is displayed. Each submenu option has one letter underlined; this letter is the accelerator key for the option.

While the submenu is displayed, type the letter that corresponds to the submenu option you want.

The submenu option is executed and a window or dialog box is displayed.

Getting to Know Maxicom

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Accelerator keys for each menu and submenu option are listed on pages 2.13 through 2.21.

Not all submenu options have accelerator keys.

Accelerator keys can also be used to replace some buttons in some windows and dialog boxes. The accelerator key letter is underlined on the on-screen button.

Menu Bar Options

The following is a description of each of the menu items and their submenu options. Accelerator keys for each option are noted next to the option.

System Menu (accelerator = Alt-Y)

System Menu

• Configure (accelerator = C) Allows you to set (with the System Configuration wizard) communication preferences and registration properties. For more information, see “Setting System Properties” on page 3.1.

• Properties (accelerator = I) Allows you to set (without the System Configuration wizard) the following properties: communications, preferences, registration, station property macros, database service, passwords and FREEDOM. For more information, see “Setting System Properties” on page 3.1.

• Passwords (accelerator = A) Allows you to change the master, site, or weather source passwords. For more information, see “Setting Passwords” on page 3.7.

• Flow/Runtime Logs (accelerator = F) Allows you to view flow data and station runtime logs (both actual and projected) for sites and FLO-WATCH zones. For more information, see “Viewing a Site’s Log Data,” on page 7.7.

• Maxicom

Central (accelerator = M)

Displays the Maxicom

Central window; allows you to select information about weather, sites, communications, reports, alarms and help. For more information, see “Maxicom

Central Window” on page 2.10.

Getting to Know Maxicom

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• Communication Status (accelerator = S)

Allows you to view the status of communication on any port configured for Maxicom

. For more information, see “Viewing Maxicom2’s Communication

Status” on page 10.1.

• Event Log (accelerator = E) Allows you to view event log data that you can sort, filter and use to create a report. For more information, see “Viewing the Event Log and Generating Reports” on page 9.1.

• Print Setup (accelerator = U) Allows you to change printer parameters such as paper size, orientation, and properties for the selected printer. For more information about printing, see your Windows95/98 user manual.

• Print Preview (accelerator = V) Allows you to see what the currently selected document will look like when printed. For more information about printing, see your Windows95/98 user manual.

• Print (accelerator = P) Allows you to select the number of copies, the printer, and other printing options. For more information about printing, see your Windows95/98 user manual.

• Backup (accelerator = B) Allows you to backup the current data to the hard drive. For more information, see “Backing Up Data” on page 11.1.

• Recently opened sites, weather sources and reports Allows you to quickly open up to nine existing sites, weather sources or reports. When you initially open a site, weather source or report, it is automatically appended to the System menu and is automatically assigned an accelerator key (1, 2, 3, etc.). The most recently opened site, weather source or report is assigned the “1” accelerator key and the other recently opened items on the menu move down one position.

• Exit (accelerator = X) Exits the Maxicom

interface and terminates any manual connections. For

more information, see “Exiting the Maxicom

Interface” on page 2.36.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.15

Site Menu (accelerator = Alt-S)

Site Menu

•New(accelerator = N) Allows you to create a new site in Maxicom

using the Site wizard, which guides you through a series of steps necessary to set up the site. For more information, see “Setting Site Properties” on page 4.1.

• Open (accelerator = O) Allows you to open an existing Maxicom

site.

• Close (accelerator = C) Allows you to close the currently active Site window, saving any changes that have been made.

• Configure (accelerator = F) Allows you to configure the active site by using the Site wizard, which automatically fills in any information that may already exist for the open site and guides you through a series of steps necessary to configure the site. For more information, see “Setting Site Properties” on page 4.1.

•Save(accelerator = S) Allows you to save the changes you made to the active site.

• Rename (accelerator = R) Allows you to rename the active site. For more information, see “Renaming a Site” on page 7.3.

• Delete (accelerator = D) Allows you to delete the active site. For more information, see “Deleting a Site” on page 7.4.

Getting to Know Maxicom

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• Properties (accelerator = P)

Allows you to set general, contact, irrigation, FLO-MANAGER, FLO WATCH and CCU properties. For more information, see “Setting Site Properties” on page 4.1.

• CCU Properties (accelerator = U) Allows you to set the site properties for the active site by attaching specific field devices to specific CCU channels. Once the field devices are attached to the channels, you are able to view various types of station data, such as landscape coefficients, cycle times, soak times, flow rates, and precipitation rates. For more information, see “Setting Site CCU Properties” on page 4.16.

• Manual Contact (accelerator = M) Allows you to contact a site manually. For more information, see “Manually Contacting a Site’s CCU” on page 7.18.

• Wireless Diagnostics (accelerator = W) Allows you to monitor the communication status of the CCU and field devices by displaying the results of the diagnostics messages sent by Maxicom to the devices via MaxiLINK. For more information, see “Viewing Wireless Diagnostics Data” on page. 7.21.

• Rain Shut Down (accelerator = H) Allows you to turn Rain Shut Down on or off for any site or sites. For more information, see “Setting Rain Shut Down for a Site” on page 7.22.

• Send Today’s Schedules to CCU (accelerator = T) Allows you to send schedules to a site’s CCU manually. For more information, see “Sending Schedules to the CCU” on page 7.25.

• Send Configuration Data to CCU (accelerator = I) Allows you send the configuration data that you have set up to the currently active site. For more information, see “Sending Configuration Data to the CCU” on page 7.25.

• Get Logs from CCU (accelerator = G) Allows you to collect logs from the CCU (site) that is active. For more information, see “Sending Schedules to the CCU” on page 7.25.

• Abandon Changes (accelerator = A) Allows you to close the active Site window without saving changes you have made.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.17

Weather Menu (accelerator = Alt-W)

Weather Menu

•New(accelerator = N) Allows you to set up a new weather source in Maxicom

using the Weather Source wizard, which guides you through a series of steps necessary to set up the weather source. For more information, see “Setting Weather Source Properties” on page 5.1.

• Open (accelerator = O) Allows you to open an existing Maxicom

weather source. For more

information, see “Using the Weather Source Window and Toolbar” on page

8.1.

• Close (accelerator = C) Allows you to close the currently active Weather Source window, saving any changes that have been made.

• Configure (accelerator = F) Allows you to configure the active weather source by using the Weather Source wizard, which automatically fills in any information that already exists for the open weather source and guides you through a series of steps to configure the weather source. For more information, see “Setting Weather Source Properties” on page 5.1.

• Rename (accelerator = R) Allows you to rename the currently active weather source. For more information, see “Renaming a Weather Source” on page 8.3.

• Delete (accelerator = D) Allows you to delete the currently active weather source. For more information, see “Deleting a Weather Source” on page 8.3.

• Properties (accelerator = P) Allows you to set the type of weather source and such particulars as location, password and communications requirements. For more information, see “Setting Weather Source Properties” on page 5.1.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.18

• Update (accelerator = U)

Allows you to enter weather data that changes daily. This option is available only for user-entered weather sources. For more information, see “Manually Updating Weather Data” on page 8.11.

• Manual Contact (accelerator = M) Allows you to contact a weather source manually. For more information, see “Manually Contacting a Weather Source” on page 8.8.

• Abandon Changes (accelerator = A) Allows you to close the currently active Weather Source window without saving changes you have made.

Report Menu (accelerator = Alt-R)

Report Menu

• Field Device (accelerator = D) Allows you to create a report that tells how the CCU and its attached field devices are configured. For more information, see “Creating a Field Device Report” on page 9.7.

• Flow/Time/Cost (accelerator = F) Allows you to create a report that displays flow, time, and cost data. For more information, see “Creating a Flow/Time/Cost Report” on page 9.8.

• Schedule (accelerator = S) Allows you to create a report on the schedules you select. For more information, see “Creating a Schedule Report” on page 9.10.

Window Menu (accelerator = Alt-N)

Window Menu

• Refresh All (accelerator = R or F5) Allows you to refresh the data on the active screen or window. When you

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.19

select this option, Maxicom2accesses its databases and then displays the most current data.

• Arrange All (accelerator = A) Allows you to tile the open windows. For more information, see “Arranging Open Windows” on page 2.11.

• Close All (accelerator = C) Allows you to close all open windows except the System, Maxicom

Central,

Communication Status and Event Log windows.

• Main Toolbar (accelerator = T) Allows you to toggle between displaying and hiding the System window Main toolbar. A check in front of this option means that the toolbar is currently displayed; no check means the toolbar is hidden.

• Selection Pane (accelerator = P) Allows you to toggle between displaying and hiding the selection pane of the System window. A check in front of this option means that the selection pane is currently displayed; no check means the selection pane is hidden.

• Maxicom

Central (accelerator = 1)

Allows you to bring the Maxicom

Central window to the front of your screen. The Central window is always listed on the Window menu and its accelerator is always 1. For more information, see “Maxicom

Central Window” on page

2.10.

• Communication Status (accelerator = 2) Allows you to bring the Communication Status window to the front of your screen. The Communication Status window is always listed on the Window menu and its accelerator is always 2. For more information, see “Viewing Maxicom

’s Communication Status” on page 10.1.

• Event Log (accelerator = 3) Allows you to bring the Event Log window to the front of your screen. The Event Log window is always listed on the Window menu and its accelerator key is always 3. For more information, see “Viewing the Event Log and Generating Reports” on page 9.1.

• Open sites, weather sources and reports

If sites, weather sources or reports are open, they will also appear on the Window menu and will automatically be assigned accelerator keys (4, 5, 6, etc.) in the order in which you opened them.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.20

Help Menu (accelerator = Alt-H)

Help Menu

• Rain Bird Web Page (accelerator = W) Allows you to connect directly to the Rain Bird World Wide Web page if you have a modem connected to your computer.

• Fax to Rain Bird (accelerator = X) Allows you to quickly dial and fax directly to Rain Bird if you have a fax modem connected to your computer.

• Maxicom

Help Topics (accelerator = H) Allows you to view the Help Topics window, which contains a Contents sheet, an Index sheet, and a Search sheet. For more information, see “Viewing the Help Contents” on page 2.25 or “Viewing the Help Index” on page 2.27.

• About Maxicom

(accelerator = A)

Allows you to view information about your version of Maxicom

. For more

information, see “Viewing Information about Your Version of Maxicom

” on

page 2.35.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.21

Entering and Editing Text

To set up and use the Maxicom2system, you will need to enter text in window text fields and dialog boxes. This section describes how to edit text fields in windows and dialog boxes.

Positioning Your Cursor in a Text Field

To position your cursor in a field:

Move the cursor to the desired position and click the left mouse button.

The cursor blinks at its position in the text field.

Adding Text

To add text:

Position your cursor at the point at which you want to add text.

Enter the text by typing.

Selecting Text

Once you have selected text, you can delete, replace, cut, or copy it.

To select a word:

Position the cursor anywhere in the word.

Double-click the left mouse button.

The word is highlighted.

To select any piece of text or all text in a field:

Position the cursor in front of the first character you want to select.

Press the left mouse button and hold it down.

While you continue to hold down the left mouse button, move the cursor to the last character that you want to select.

As you move the cursor, selected characters are highlighted.

When all the characters you want to select are highlighted, release the mouse button.

The characters remain highlighted.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.22

Deleting Text

To delete text:

Select the text you want to delete.

The text is highlighted.

Press the Backspace key. Or, if you are working in a window, select the Clear option from the Edit menu; if you are working in a dialog box, press the right mouse button and select Delete from the pop-up menu.

The text is deleted.

Deleting All Text

To delete the text in all fields of a dialog box or window:

Click the window or dialog box to make it active.

The title bar changes color.

Press the right mouse button and select Select All from the pop-up menu, then bring up the pop-up menu again and select Delete.

All of the text fields are cleared and set to their default values.

Replacing Text

To delete text and replace it with new text:

Select the text you want to delete.

The text is highlighted.

Enter the new text.

The new text replaces the old text.

Cutting Text

Cutting text is different from deleting it because when you cut text, it is automatically copied to the system’s clipboard so that you can paste it.

To cut text:

Select the text you want to cut.

The text is highlighted.

Press the right mouse button and select Cut from the pop-up menu.

The text is cut from the document and pasted to the system clipboard. The cut text stays on the clipboard until it is replaced by other text or you exit the application.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.23

Copying Text

To copy text:

Select the text you want to copy.

The text is highlighted.

Press the right mouse button and select Copy from the pop-up menu.

A copy of the selected text is sent to the system clipboard. The copied text stays on the clipboard until it is replaced by other text or you exit the application.

Pasting Text

To paste text that you have cut or copied:

Position the cursor where you would like to paste the cut or copied text.

Press the right mouse button and select Paste from the pop-up menu.

The text is pasted into the document. A copy of the text remains on the clipboard so that you may paste it again.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.24

Using Maxicom2On-line Help

Maxicom2on-line Help is available to you in three ways: from the Help menu on the Main menu bar, from Tooltips, and from Help buttons that are available on some dialog boxes. The Help menu is the most commonly used way to get help. This section describes how to use the Help menu. For information about using Tooltips, see page 7.1.

Viewing the Help Contents

The Help Contents is a listing of general topics and subtopics available from Maxicom

on-line Help. (The subtopics in the Table of Contents are the same as

the topics on the Index list.)

To see the Help Contents and then read the associated Help files:

Select the Maxicom2Help Topics option from the Help menu or click the Help hot spot on the Maxicom

Central window or click on the question mark

button on the Main toolbar.

The Help Topics window is displayed on the left and the Help Information window is displayed on the right. The Help Topics window includes a Contents, an Index and a Search tabbed sheet.

Help Topics Window and Help Information Window

If the Contents tab is not already selected, click on the Contents tab to bring the sheet to the front.

The Contents sheet is displayed.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.25

If, after checking Maxicom

on-line Help, you still need assistance, see “Service Information” on the inside back cover of this manual.

Select the topic you want by clicking on it.

A list of subtopics is displayed.

Help Topics Contents Sheet with Subtopics Displayed

Select the subtopic you want by clicking on it. (Some topics have two levels of subtopics which you must open before you can read the associated Help file.)

The information you have selected is displayed in the Information window.

List of Subtopics Help Information

When you are finished reading the Help Information window, select a new Help topic to read or select Exit from the File menu to exit Help.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.26

The Information window sometimes contains highlighted words that are links to other topics. Click a highlighted word to find out more about it.

Viewing the Help Index

To see the an alphabetical listing of Help topics and then read the associated Help files:

Select the Maxicom2Help Topics option from the Help menu or click the Help hot spot on the Maxicom

Central window or click on the question mark

button on the Main toolbar.

The Help Topics window is displayed on the left and the Help Information window is displayed on the right. The Help Topics window includes a Contents, an Index and a Search tabbed sheet.

Select the Index tab.

The Index sheet is displayed.

Help Window with Index Sheet Displayed

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.27

Scroll through the alphabetical list and click on the topic you want.

The information you selected is displayed in the Help Information window.

Help Topics Index Sheet with Help Information Displayed

When you are finished reading the Information window, select a new Help Index entry or select Exit from the File window to exit Help.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.28

Finding a Particular Word in Help

The Find feature in Maxicom2Help gets a list of every topic where the word you are searching for appears.

To search for a particular word in a Help file:

Select the Maxicom2Help Topics option from the Help menu or click the Help hot spot on the Maxicom

Central window or click on the question mark

button on the Main toolbar.

The Help Topics window is displayed on the left and the Help Information window is displayed on the right. The Help Topics window includes a Contents, an Index and a Search tabbed sheet.

Select the Search tab.

• If this is the first time you selected the Search tab, the Find Setup wizard appears.

Find Setup Wizard

Follow the instructions on the Find Setup wizard to configure the Search help. When the wizard has finished building the Find Word list, the Search sheet is displayed.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.29

• If you have previously selected the Search tab and completed the Find

Setup wizard, the Search sheet is displayed.

Help Window with Search Sheet Displayed

Enter the word you want in the text field or scroll the matching word list to narrow the search and highlight the word you want.

As you enter the word, the application searches for matching words in the word list and highlights the topic closest to the word you have typed or chosen.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.30

If the word string you enter is too specific, the list will appear blank.

If the word you enter does not appear anywhere in the Help files, the list will appear blank.

Help Window with Search Sheet Text Matches

When the topic you want is displayed, double-click the topic.

The information you have selected is displayed in the Help Information window.

Help Information Window

When you are finished reading the Help Information window, perform a new Search or select Exit from the File menu to exit Help.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.31

The Information window sometimes contains highlighted words that are links to other topics. Click a highlighted word to find out more about it.

Setting Find Options

You can set how the system will search for the word you want to find.

To set Find options:

With the Search sheet displayed, select Option from the Search menu.

The Find Options dialog box is displayed.

Find Options Dialog Box

Select one of the following radio buttons in the “Search for topics containing” area:

• All the words you typed in any order — specifies that you want to find all

Help topics containing all of the words you typed.

• At least one of the words you typed — specifies that you want to find all

Help topics containing at least one of the words you typed.

• The words you typed in exact order — specifies that you want to find all

Help topics containing exactly the phrase you typed. If this option is not available, it means that your word list was not set up to support phrase searching. In this case, you can recreate the word list (using the Rebuild option) and specify that you want to include phrase searching. For more information, see “Rebuilding the Find Word List” on page 2.33.

Check the “Display matching phrases” checkbox to narrow the search by displaying the words that follow the words you entered; uncheck the “Display matching phrases” checkbox to not show the words that follow the words you entered. If your word list has not been set up to support phrase searching, this option is not available.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.32

If you did not select the maximum database size for Maxicom2Help, all of the options may not be available. For more information, see “Rebuilding the Find Word List” on page

2.33.

Checking the “Display matching phrases” checkbox can slow down the search.

Select one of the following items from the “Show words that” drop-down list:

• begin with the characters you type

• contain the characters you type

• end with the characters you type

• match the characters you type

• have the same root

Check the “Wait for pause before searching” checkbox if you want to begin searching after a pause in your typing; uncheck the “Wait for a pause before searching ”checkbox if you want to search as you type.

When you are finished setting Find options, click OK to save your changes and close the Find Options dialog box or click Cancel to cancel your changes.

Rebuilding the Find Word List

You can minimize, maximize, or customize the Find word list. The default setting is minimum, which is also the recommended setting because maximizing or customizing the list can slow the search process. The rebuilding feature uses a wizard to guide you through the process of creating the Find word list. The wizard runs automatically the first time you select the Search tab.

To rebuild the Find word list:

With the Search sheet of the Help Topics window open, select Rebuild from the Search menu.

The Find Setup wizard is displayed giving information about how the wizard works.

Select one of the following radio buttons:

• Minimize database size (recommended)

• Maximize search capabilities

• Customize search capabilities

Follow the instructions in the wizard. After finishing each section of the wizard, click the Next button to proceed to the next section of the wizard.

When you have finished the last section of the wizard, click the Finish button.

The rebuild is completed and your work is saved.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.33

Using the Help Information Windows

The Help Information windows are windows in which the Help files appear.

Help Information Window

The buttons available to you on a Help window depend upon what type of Help window is open. The following is a list of buttons that may be available:

• Contents — opens the Help Topics dialog box and displays the Contents, Index and Find tabbed sheets.

• Find — opens the Help Topics dialog box and displays the Contents, Index and Find tabbed sheets.

• Back — allows you to return to the Help Information window you were in previously.

• Print Topic — prints the entire topic.

• Options

Annotate — allows you to type additional information you want associated with the active Help Information window. When a topic is annotated, a paper clip icon appears at the top of the topic. Click the paper clip icon to display your annotation.

Copy — copies the entire topic to the system clipboard.

Print Topic — prints the entire topic.

Font — allows you to select small, normal, or large size font for the active Help

Information window.

Keep Help on Top — allows you to select Default, On Top, which keeps the Help Information window on top of other windows, or Not on Top, which allows the Help Information window to go to the background.

Use System Colors — allows you to change the interface colors.

• See Also — displays a list of Help topics related to the content of the current Help Information window.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.34

The Help Information window sometimes contains highlighted words that are links to other topics. Click a highlighted word to find out more about it.

Viewing Information about Your Version of Maxicom

You can quickly see the following information about your version of Maxicom2:

• version number

• copyright notice

• registered user information

This section will remain blank until you enter your registration information. See “Setting Registration Properties,” page 3.6.

• system resource information

To see this information:

1 Select the About Maxicom

option from the Help menu.

The About Maxicom

dialog box is displayed.

About Maxicom2Dialog Box

2 When you are finished reading the information, click the OK button.

The About Maxicom

dialog box closes.

Saving Your Work

In most Windows software programs, it is assumed that you do not want to save your work, so saving work is an extra step. Maxicom

is different. To ensure that

your work is saved and to save you the extra step of saving your work, Maxicom

assumes that you want to save the work you have done, unless you select to cancel it.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.35

To save the work you have done:

Click the OK button on the window or dialog box in which you are working to save your work and close the window or dialog box. Or, click the Apply button on the window or dialog box in which you are working to save your work without closing the window or dialog box.

Canceling Your Work

All of the dialog boxes and wizards in which you can enter text in Maxicom2have Cancel buttons that allow you to cancel the work you have done since you opened the dialog box or wizard. Site windows and Weather Source windows allow you to select the Abandon Changes option to cancel changes.

To cancel the work you have done in a dialog box or wizard:

Click the Cancel button or, if you are working in a Site or Weather Source window, select the Abandon Changes option from the Site menu or Weather menu.

The window or dialog box reverts to the state in which it was last saved.

Exiting the Maxicom2Interface

It is not necessary to run the Maxicom2interface for the Maxicom2controls to run; only the application needs to be active. This means that you do not have to dedicate a computer to Maxicom

. You can do word processing or other tasks

while Maxicom

runs in the background.

To exit the interface:

Select the Exit option from the System menu, double-click the Maxicom

icon on the application title bar, or click the Close button on the application title bar.

The interface closes and your work is saved.

Turning Maxicom2Control Off and On

To turn off Maxicom2control:

Right-click the Rain Bird icon in the tray at the right bottom corner of your screen.

The Rain Bird icon menu is displayed.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.36

To back up Maxicom2data, see “Backing Up Data” on page 11.1.

If you close the entire interface, Maxicom

automatically saves your changes.

Select the Disable Auto Contacting option.

The Rain Bird icon turns blue on a red background, the interface closes and Maxicom

controls are turned off.

Maxicom2Control Off

To turn the controls back on again:

Right-click the Rain Bird icon in the tray at the right bottom corner of your screen.

The icon menu is displayed.

Select the Enable Communications option.

The Rain Bird icon turns green again and Maxicom

controls are turned back

on.

Maxicom2Control On

Turning the Maxicom2Control Engine On and Off

To turn off the Maxicom2control engine:

Exit the Maxicom2interface. See “Exiting the Maxicom2Interface,” above.

Right click the Rain Bird icon in the tray at the lower right corner of the screen.

The Rain Bird icon menu is displayed.

Select the Exit Maxicom2Control Engine option.

The Rain Bird icon disappears from the tray and the Maxicom

Control Engine

shuts down.

To turn on the Maxicom

control engine:

Select Maxicom

Control Engine from the Windows95/98 Start menu.

The Rain Bird icon menu reappears in the tray and the Maxicom

control

engine starts.

Getting to Know Maxicom

2.37

To use your Maxicom2system, you must first describe to Maxicom2how you would like your system to work, or “set system properties.” This chapter describes how to set the system properties that are required to operate your system.

There are two ways to set system properties:

• You can set system properties by using the System Configuration wizard, which guides you through a series of steps in which required properties are set. The wizard presents each property to you, gives an explanation of the property, and a default value. You can move forward or backward within the wizard, or even cancel the wizard at any time. The System wizard runs automatically the first time you open Maxicom

• Or, you can set system properties by using the System Properties Setup dialog box without the wizard. The System Property Setup dialog box contains more properties than the System wizard outlines for you.

Each way to set system properties is described in this chapter.

Using the System Wizard for Interactive Setup

The System wizard is an easy, interactive guide that helps you to set up your system properties. The System wizard runs automatically the first time you open Maxicom

To use the System wizard at any other time:

Select the Configure option from the System menu.

The System wizard begins to run automatically. The Communication dialog box is displayed first, which allows you to setup Communication ports.

Setting System Properties

3.1

Setting System Properties

System Wizard

Follow the instructions in the wizard. If you need more help, read “Using the System Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup” on the next page.

After finishing each section of the wizard, click the Next button.

The next section of the wizard will be displayed.

When you have finished the last section of the wizard, click the Finish button.

System setup is completed and your work is saved.

Setting System Properties

3.2

If you want to change direction or cancel the wizard at any time, click the Back button to return to the previous section, or click the Cancel button to cancel the wizard entirely.

Using the System Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup

To use the System Properties Setup dialog box to set up your system:

Select the Properties option from the System menu.

The System Properties Setup dialog box is displayed.

System Properties Setup Dialog Box

Select any of the tabbed sheets to bring that sheet to the front of the stack. Available sheets are: Communications, Registration, Passwords, FREEDOM, Preferences, Station Property Macros and Database Service.

Follow the instructions in this chapter for the sheet you have selected.

When you are finished working with the System Property Setup dialog box, click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting System Properties

3.3

You must click OK or Cancel in the System Properties Setup dialog box before you will be able to work in another Maxicom2window or dialog box.

Setting Communications Properties

The Communications sheet lists all communications configured for use with Maxicom

. Each has a Port Name assigned by the system. The Device Name is the name you give the port to make it easy for you to remember. The Type is the kind of port, for instance, direct hardwire or radio. If the port is a telephone port, it also has a Modem designation.

To set system communications properties:

With the System Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Communications tab.

The Communications sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Communications Sheet

If the port you want to set properties for is already listed, double-click the port name. Or, if it is not listed, click the Add button.

The Edit Communications Port Properties dialog box is displayed.

Setting System Properties

3.4

Edit Communications Port Properties Dialog Box

Enter a device name you want to give the port in the Device Name field.

Click the drop-down list arrow on the Type field and select one of the following types:

• Direct Cable Connection

• FREEDOM — You may assign a maximum of one port as a FREEDOM Remote device type.

• Spread Spectrum Radio

• Point-to-Point Radio

• Telephone Modem (Dedicated)

• Telephone Modem (Pooled)

• Trunk Radio

If necessary, enter the port name in the Port Name field.

If the Type is:

• Point-to-Point or Spread Spectrum Radios, enter the radio delay(in milliseconds) in the Radio Delay field

• Telephone Modem (Dedicated or Pooled)

— click the arrow next to the Modem field to view and select the modem

type from the drop-down list

— enter the initialization string for your modem in the Initialization String

field

— adjust the modem volume with the Modem Volume grab bar

Setting System Properties

3.5

If the selected port is configured with a modem in the Windows95/98 operating system, you will be permitted to choose only Telephone Modem for the port’s device type. Similarly, if the selected port is configured without a modem, you will not be permitted to select Telephone Modem as your device type.

Pooled modem is the best choice for most systems. It is recommended for single modem systems.

• Trunk Radio

— click the radio button to choose the signal selection manner DSR (Data

Set Ready) or CTS (Clear to Send)

— enter the radio delay (in milliseconds, 500 is the default) in the Radio

Delay field

Click the OK button.

Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each of the ports that you would like to define.

When you are finished setting communications properties, select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Registration Properties

The data entered on the Registration sheet is used by the system to record your Maxicom

software ownership.

To set registration properties:

With the System Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Registration tab.

The Registration sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Registration Sheet

Setting System Properties

3.6

Enter the name, company, title, address, telephone, fax, and address information.

When you are finished setting registration properties, select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Passwords

Setting passwords and changing them periodically protects your system from unauthorized use.

To set passwords:

With the System Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Passwords tab.

Select the Passwords option from the System menu.

The Passwords sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Passwords Sheet

If necessary, enter the master password.

The Password sheet becomes accessible.

Set each of the passwords as described in this section.

Setting System Properties

3.7

If you have already entered a master password in the system, the Password sheet is initially unavailable except for the field in which you must enter the master password.

When you are finished setting passwords, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Changing the Master Password

To change the master password:

Enter the old password in the Master Password field, then click the Change Master Password button.

For security purposes, the password characters appear on your screen as asterisks (*). The Change Password dialog box is displayed.

Change Password Dialog Box

Enter the old password in the Old Password field.

Enter the new password in the New Password field. The new password must be alphanumeric (composed of letters and/or numbers) and may be up to ten characters long.

Re-enter the new password in the Confirm New Password field.

Click the OK button.

Your new password is saved.

Changing Site Passwords

Each time you select a site to work with from the Site menu, if there is a site password you will be prompted for the password for the site. You can use the master password as the site password, or you can set different passwords for the sites. From the Passwords sheet, you can change all of the site passwords, but you must change them one at a time.

Setting System Properties

3.8

If you have not entered the passwords correctly, a message will be displayed asking you to repeat the process.

The master password is also a valid password for any Site or Weather Source window or for editing the password assigned to each site or weather source.

You can also set site passwords for each site from that site’s Site Property Setup dialog box. For more information, see “Using the Site Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup” on page 4.3.

To change the site password from the Password sheet:

On the Site Passwords list, select the name of the site you want to change and click the Change Password button, or double-click the name of the site.

The Password dialog box is displayed.

Enter the old password in the Old Password field.

Enter the new password in the New Password field.

The new password must be alphanumeric (composed of letters and/or numbers) and may be up to ten characters long.

For security purposes, the password characters appear on your screen as asterisks (*).

Click the OK button.

The new site password is saved.

Changing Weather Source Passwords

Each time you select a weather source to work with from the Weather menu, if there is a weather source password you will be prompted for the password for the weather source. You can use the master password as the weather source password, or you can set different passwords for the weather sources. From the Passwords sheet, you can change all of the weather source passwords, but you must change them one at a time.

To change the weather source password from the Password sheet:

On the Weather Source Passwords list, select the name of the weather source you want to change and click the Change Password button, or double-click the name of the weather source.

The Password dialog box is displayed.

Enter the old password in the Old Password field.

Enter the new password in the New Password field.

The new password must be alphanumeric (composed of letters and/or numbers) and may be up to ten characters long.

For security purposes, the password characters appear on your screen as asterisks (*).

Click the OK button.

The new weather source password is saved.

Setting System Properties

3.9

Setting a FREEDOM Time Window

The FREEDOM Remote System allows you to send commands to Maxicom2via a touch-tone telephone or radio and a special modem assigned to a specific serial port on your computer. To avoid the possibility of the FREEDOM Remote System inadvertently interfering with the schedules you set up in Maxicom

, you will probably want to limit the time frame (window) during which the FREEDOM System can send commands to Maxicom

To set a FREEDOM Time Window,

With the System Properties Setup dialog box open, select the FREEDOM tab.

The FREEDOM sheet comes to the front of the stack.

FREEDOM Sheet

To change the FREEDOM password, enter the password in the Password field. If there is already a password in the field, replace it by typing over it. The password must be alphanumeric (composed of letters and/or numbers) and may be up to ten characters long.

Setting System Properties

3.10

Set the FREEDOM Time Window:

• Enter the start time in the From field or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter the time without typing.

• Enter the end time in the To field or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter the time without typing.

When you are finished setting FREEDOM properties, select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Preferences

The Preferences sheet allows you to select a variety of preferences, including units of measure, currency types, default water price and time display format.

To set preference properties:

With the System Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Preference tab.

The Preferences sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Preferences Sheet

For the items listed (water flow rate, water volume, rainfall, evapotranspiration, precipitation rate, wind run, and temperature), select the radio button for the type of units you want to display: English, Metric Liters, or Metric Cubic Meters.

Setting System Properties

3.11

Enter the type of currency in the System Default Currency field.

Enter the prefix for the currency (e.g., $) in the Prefix field.

Enter the water price (between 0.00 and 9999.99) in the System Default Water Price field.

Click on the preferred time format: 24 or 12 hours.

Select any other preferences you would like to choose: Enable Maxicom

Sound, Run Virtual CCU at Auto Send Time and Enable Maxicom2Warning System.

When you are finished making your Preference selections, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Station Property Macros

Macros allow you to create shortcuts for certain items and their values that you use often in Maxicom

. Once you enter a macro, Maxicom2will automatically

remember it the next time you need to enter it.

To set a station macro:

With the System Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Station Property Macros tab.

The Station Property Macros sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Setting System Properties

3.12

Setting the estimated cost per unit of water allows Maxicom2to calculate water costs for you.

Station Property Macros Sheet

Select the macro you want by clicking the radio button associated with it. (You can choose from Water Budget, Precipitation Rate, Flow Rate, Cycle, Soak or Landscape Coefficient.)

The list displays all existing macros for the selection you have made.

If you want to edit an existing macro, select the macro on the list and click the Edit button. Or, if you want to add a new macro, click the Add button.

The Edit Water Budget Macro dialog box is displayed.

Edit Water Budget Macro Dialog Box

Enter the name and value you want to give the macro in the Name and Value fields.

Click the OK button.

The new macro is edited or added to the list.

When you are finished setting station property macros, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply

Setting System Properties

3.13

If you want to remove a macro from the list, select the macro from the list and click the Remove button.

to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting the Database Service

The system database retains the historical data until it is purged. You can set the Database Service to purge and back up data automatically or manually. You can also choose to back up the purged data into a historical database.

To open the Database Service sheet:

With the System Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Database Service tab.

The Database Service sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Database Service Sheet

To purge and back up data automatically:

Select the database purge time length by either entering the number of months (1-24) or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter a number without typing.

The purge date automatically changes below.

Click the checkbox next to the “Automatically purge the data...” if you want the system to automatically purge data.

Setting System Properties

3.14

Click on the checkbox next to “Backup purged data into historical database” if you want the system to automatically back up the purged data into an historical database.

To purge and back up data manually:

Select the database purge time length by either entering the number of months (1-24) or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter a number without typing.

The purge date automatically changes below.

Press the “Manually purge the data...” button.

The system purges the data older than the date you selected in step 1.

Press the “Back up current database to historical database now” button.

The system backs up the current database to a historical database.

Setting System Properties

3.15

To set up a site in your Maxicom2system, you must describe the site to Maxicom2, or “set the site’s properties.” This chapter describes how to set the properties that are required to operate the site.

Many of Maxicom

’s features and benefits are dependent upon the detail and accuracy of the site information you enter. Therefore, it is important that you enter accurate information about site characteristics.

There are two ways to set site properties:

• You can set site properties by using the Site wizard, which guides you through a

series of steps in which all required properties are set. The wizard presents each property to you, gives an explanation of the property, and a default value. You can move forward or backward within the wizard, or even cancel the wizard at any time. The Site wizard runs automatically when you select the New option from the Site menu. If you already have a site open, you can run the wizard for the currently active Site window by selecting the Configure option from the Site menu.

• You can set site properties by using the Site Properties Setup dialog box. The

Site Properties Setup dialog box contains more properties than the Site wizard outlines for you. Even if you use the Site wizard to set site properties, you will need to set some properties from the Site Properties Setup dialog box.

Each way to set site properties is described in this chapter.

Setting Site Properties

4.1

Setting Site Properties

Using the Site Wizard for Interactive Setup

The Site wizard is an easy, interactive guide that helps you to set up your site properties.

To use the site wizard:

Select the New option from the Site menu.

If you have a site already open, select the Configure option from the Site menu.

The Site wizard begins to run automatically. The Wizard dialog box is displayed, giving information about how the wizard works.

Site Wizard

Follow the instructions in the wizard. If you need more help, read “Using the Site Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup” on page 4.3.

After finishing each section of the wizard, click the Next button.

The next section of the wizard will be displayed.

When you have finished the last section of the wizard, click the Finish button.

Site setup is completed and your work is saved.

Setting Site Properties

4.2

If you want to change direction or cancel the wizard at any time, click the Back button to return to the previous section, or click the Cancel button to cancel the wizard entirely.

Using the Site Properties Setup Dialog Box for Setup

To use the Site Properties Setup dialog box to set up your site:

Select the Properties option from the Site menu. (If the active window is not a Site window, the Properties option is not available.)

The Site Properties Setup dialog box is displayed.

Site Properties Setup Dialog Box

Select any of the tabbed sheets to bring that sheet to the front of the stack. Available sheets are: General, Contact, Irrigation, FLO-MANAGER, FLO WATCH and CCU.

Follow the instructions in this chapter for the sheet you have selected.

When you are finished working with the Site Properties Setup dialog box, click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Site Properties

4.3

You must click OK or Cancel in the Site Properties Setup dialog box before you will be able to work in another Maxicom2window or dialog box.

Setting General Site Properties

To set general site properties:

With the Site Properties Setup dialog box open, select the General tab.

The General sheet comes to the front of the stack with the site name already displayed in the Site Name field.

General Sheet

Set the general site properties as described in this section.

When you are finished setting general site properties, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Site Properties

4.4

Setting the Site Password

Setting site passwords and changing them periodically protects your system from unauthorized use. Each time you select a site to work with from the Site menu, you will be prompted for a password for the site. You can use the master password as the site password, or you can set different passwords for the sites.

To change the site password:

Click the Change button next to the Password field.

The Change Password dialog box is displayed.

Enter the old password in the Old Password field. If you have not yet set a password for that site, leave the field blank.

For security purposes, the password characters appear on your screen as asterisks (*).

Enter the new password in the New Password field. The new password must be alphanumeric (composed of letters and/or numbers) and may be up to ten characters long.

Re-enter the new password in the Confirm New Password field.

Click the OK button.

The new site password is saved.

Setting the Site’s Time Zone

The time zone is used to calculate evapotranspiration (ET) and rainfall data regardless of the relative location of the central computer to the site’s CCU.

To set the site’s time zone:

Select the time zone name from the drop-down list provided.

Setting Weather Sources for the Site

You must select the site’s evapotranspiration (ET) and rainfall sources from a list of weather sources configured for Maxicom

If you have not set up weather sources yet, you can still continue to set site properties. Simply use the default historical weather source until you set up the real weather source for the site. After you have set up the real weather source, return to the Site Properties Setup dialog box and enter the real weather source for the site.

Setting Site Properties

4.5

You can also change site passwords from the Passwords sheet of the System Properties Setup dialog box. For more information, see “Setting Passwords” on page 3.7.

If you have not entered the passwords correctly, a message will be displayed asking you to repeat the process.

To select the site’s ET (evapotranspiration) and rainfall sources:

Select the ET source from the drop-down list of sources configured in Maxicom

as ET sources.

Select the rainfall source from the drop-down list of sources configured in Maxicom

as rainfall sources.

Setting the Site Map File Location

If you have site map image files, you can link the image files to Maxicom2and view the site maps with the other site data. The image files must be in .bmp format for Maxicom

to recognize them and display them.

To locate the site’s default map image file for Maxicom

Enter the name of the file in the Site Map Image File field.

Setting Site Contact Properties

Contact properties dictate how the central computer will contact the site’s CCU.

To set contact properties for the site:

With the Site Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Contact tab.

The Contact sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Contact Sheet

Setting Site Properties

4.6

You can select the same source for rainfall that you selected for ET, provided that the source has been properly configured. For more information about configuring weather sources, see “Setting Weather Source Properties” on page 5.1.

If you do not know the location of the map image file, click the Select button to display a listing of image files in your system. Then either double-click the file name or select the file name and click the Open button. The file name will be automatically entered in the field.

You can also set the map file location from the Site window. For more information, see “Joining the Site’s Map File with Other Site Data” on page 7.17.

Set the site contact properties as described in this section.

When you are finished setting site contact properties, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Selecting the Communication Port and Telephone Number

To select the communication port you will use for communication with the site:

Select a port name from the drop-down list of communication ports that have been configured for use with Maxicom

. Choose First Available Modem if you

want to use the first modem that becomes available when contact takes place.

If you have selected a communications port that is a telephone modem, enter the area code and telephone number in the Telephone Number field.

Setting Times to Contact the Site’s CCU

You set the time of day when you want to send schedules to the site’s CCU automatically and when you want to receive logs of activity at the CCU automatically. You can also set the maximum amount of time for these contacts.

To set automatic send and receive times:

Enter the time to send schedules in the Auto Send Contact Time field. Or, use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter the time without typing. You can enter only one send time.

Enter the time to receive logs in the Auto Receive Contact Times field. Or, use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter the time without typing. You can enter up to 24 times to receive logs.

Check the Auto Contact checkbox to enable automatic contact with the CCU or uncheck the checkbox to disable automatic contact.

Enter the maximum number of minutes for these contacts in the Manual Contact Timeout field.

Setting Site Properties

4.7

For more information about configuring ports, see “Setting Communications Properties” on page 3.4.

If communications on this port fail consistently, click

the button to check the settings for the port. You should not normally need to change these settings.

For recommended times to contact the CCU, see Maxicom2on-line Help.

Click on the fields to display the times available from the drop-down menu. to add additional times to the drop-

down menus, click the button and enter additional times.

When setting automatic send and receive times, be sure to select the times based on the site’s time zone, not the computer’s time zone.

Setting the Number of Failed Contacts and the Time Between Retries

You can set the maximum number of contact attempts the system will allow before it gives up and issues an alarm. You can also set the amount of time between failed contact attempts.

To set the maximum number of attempts and minutes between:

Enter the maximum number of failed attempts (from 0 to 100) in the Retry the CCU Contact field or use the scroll button on the right side of the field to select a number without typing.

Enter the number of minutes between failed attempts (from 0 to 1000) in the Wait This Many Minutes field or use the scroll button on the right side of the field to select a number without typing.

Setting Automatic or Manual Contact Priorities

You can choose whether automatic or manual contact will take priority on your system.

To set the contact priority:

If you want automatic contact to take priority, select the Proceed with the Automatic Contact radio button; if you want manual contact to take priority, select the Delay Automatic Contact radio button.

Setting Retrieval of Logs During Rain Shut Down

You can set your system to retrieve logs as scheduled during a Rain Shut Down, or to suspend retrieval of logs until the Rain Shut Down is over.

To set retrieval of logs in the event of Rain Shut Down:

Check the Automatically Retrieve Logs During Rain Shut Down checkbox to continue to retrieve logs during Rain Shut Down; uncheck the checkbox to suspend retrieval during Rain Shut Down.

Setting the FREEDOM Time Window

You can set your system to allow contact from a FREEDOM System during a specific time frame (window).

To set the FREEDOM time window:

Enter the time to start the time window in the FREEDOM Time Window field. Or, use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter the time without typing.

Enter the time to end the time window in the To field. Or, use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to enter the time without typing.

Setting Site Properties

4.8

For more information about Rain Shut Down, see “Setting Rain Shut Down for a Site” on page 7.22.

Setting Site Irrigation Properties

To set site irrigation properties:

With the Site Properties Setup dialog box open, select the Irrigation tab.

The Irrigation sheet comes to the front of the stack.

Irrigation Sheet

Set the irrigation properties as described in this section.

When you are finished setting irrigation properties, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting the Site’s Water Budget

Adjusting the water budget allows you to increase or decrease watering time in increments of 1% without having to reset schedules. The default percentage is 100%.

To set the water budget percentage:

Enter the percentage (from 0 to 999) in the Site Water Budget field or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to select a percentage without typing.

Setting Site Properties

4.9

Setting the Default Daily ET Value

The daily evapotranspiration (ET) value can be calculated by the computer with information from a weather source or entered in the system manually. In the event that no other ET value is given for the site, the default value is used. The default ET value is 0.10 inches per day.

To set the default ET value:

Enter the value (from 0 to 5.00) in the Default ET Value field or use the scroll buttons on the right of the field to select a value without typing.

Setting the Minimum Daily ET Value

The evapotranspiration (ET) value can be calculated by the computer with information from a weather source or entered in the system manually. If the ET for a given day is below the Minimum Daily ET Value, then Irrigation ET will be set to 0 and the ET value will be postponed until the next day.

To set the minimum ET value:

Enter the value (from 0 to 5.00) in the Minimum ET Value field or use the scroll buttons on the right of the field to select a value without typing.

Setting the Maximum Daily ET Value

The evapotranspiration (ET) value can be calculated by the computer with information from a weather source or entered in the system manually. The Maximum Daily ET Value is the maximum ET that can be applied in one day.

To set the maximum daily ET value:

Enter the value (from 0 to 5.00) in the Maximum ET Value field or use the scroll buttons to the right of the field to select a value without typing.

Setting the Crop Coefficient

The crop coefficient is the evapotranspiration (ET) adjustment factor for the type of plant at the site. This adjustment factor is necessary because certain types of plants require more water than others. The default crop coefficient is 1.0.

To set the crop coefficient:

Enter the value (from 0.00 to 9.99) in the Crop Coefficient field or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to select a value without typing.

Setting Site Properties

4.10

Setting the Soil Moisture Holding Capacity

The moisture holding capacity is the total amount of water the soil can hold. This value can be calculated by the computer with information from a weather source or entered in the system manually. The default value is 2.0 inches.

To set the soil moisture holding capacity:

Enter the value (from 0 to 9.98) in the Soil Moisture Holding Capacity field or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to select a value without typing.

Setting the Soil Moisture Refill Percentage

The moisture refill percentage is a percentage of the soil moisture holding capacity. The default value is 80%, allowing an additional 20% available for excessive rainfall. If you typically experience large amounts of rainfall, you can either lower this percentage or raise the soil moisture capacity setting. The ET Checkbook will always set the Irrigation ET to refill the soil to the percentage you select.

To set the soil moisture refill percentage:

Enter the value (from 0 to 100) in the Soil Moisture Refill Percentage field or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to select a value without typing.

Setting the Soil Infiltration Rate

The soil infiltration rate is how fast the soil can absorb water. This value can be calculated by the computer with information from a weather source or entered in the system manually. The default value is .50 inches per hour.

To set the soil infiltration rate:

Enter the value (from 0 to 9.98) in the Soil Infiltration Rate field or use the scroll buttons on the right side of the field to select a value without typing.

Setting the Currency

The currency is the monetary value you want to assign to this site. The computer will use this information to evaluate costs and generate reports. The system default value is dollars, but you must specify the currency for individual sites.

To set the currency:

Enter the value (e.g., dollars) in the Currency field.

Setting Site Properties

4.11

Setting the Prefix

The prefix is the symbol for the currency you assigned to a particular site. This value must be entered into the system manually. The system default prefix is $, but you must specify the prefix for individual sites.

To set the prefix:

Depending on the selection you made in the currency field, enter a corresponding symbol (e.g., $) in the Prefix field.

Setting the Water Price

The water price is the cost per unit of water. Setting the estimated cost per unit allows Maxicom

to calculate your water costs. The default price is 0.00. You must

specify the price for individual sites.

To set the water price:

Enter the value (0.00 to 9999999.99) in the Water Price field.

Setting Site Properties

4.12

Setting Site FLO-MANAGER Properties

Maxicom2’s FLO-MANAGER allows your system to run at peak efficiency by determining the best sequence for operation, based upon the hydraulic capacity of the system. You set up the FLO-MANAGER by specifying a point of connection capacity then creating one or more flow zones that use the point of connection(s). Maxicom

then calculates the best sequence for the schedule operations you

program. You can create up to 20 FLO-MANAGER flow zones.

To set FLO-MANAGER properties for the site:

With the Site Properties Setup dialog box open, select the FLO-MANAGER tab.

The FLO-MANAGER sheet comes to the front of the stack.

FLO-MANAGER Sheet

Set the FLO-MANAGER properties as described in this section.

When you are finished setting FLO-MANAGER properties, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Site Properties

4.13

To delete a flow zone, click on the zone to select it and then click on the Delete button.

Setting the Point of Connection Name and Capacity

To set the point of connection name and capacity:

Double-click a column of cells in the Point of Connection table.

The Edit FLO-MANAGER Point of Connection (POC) dialog box is displayed.

Edit FLO-MANAGER POC Dialog Box

Enter the name of the point of connection in the Name field.

Enter the capacity, expressed in water units, in the Capacity field.

Click the OK button.

The information you entered is displayed in the FLO-MANAGER sheet.

Setting FLO-MANAGER Flow Zones

You can enter the flow zone name, capacity and point of connection for each zone.

To set up the flow zones associated with the FLO-MANAGER point of connection:

Double-click the row of cells that corresponds to the zone number you want to set.

The Edit FLO-MANAGER Flow Zone dialog box is displayed.

Edit FLO-MANAGER Flow Zone Dialog Box

Enter the name of the zone in the Name field.

Enter the zone’s capacity, expressed in water units, in the Capacity field.

Use the drop-down list in the Point of Connection field to select one of the POCs that you already defined.

Click the OK button.

The information you entered is displayed in the FLO-MANAGER sheet.

Setting Site Properties

4.14

Setting Site FLO WATCH Properties

Maxicom2’s FLO WATCH watches your system for signs of leaks or other hydraulic problems. To do so, FLO WATCH uses flow zones you define. (These flow zones do not have to be the same as those defined in the FLO-MANAGER sheet.) FLO WATCH uses these flow zones to measure flow by arriving at an average for the stations in the flow zone. You can create up to 20 FLO WATCH zones.

To set up FLO WATCH zones:

With the Site Properties Setup dialog box open, select the FLO WATCH sheet.

The FLO WATCH sheet comes to the front of the stack.

FLO WATCH Sheet

Double-click the rows of cells that correspond with the zone number you want to set.

The Edit FLO WATCH Flow Zone dialog box is displayed.

Edit FLO WATCH Flow Zone Dialog Box

Setting Site Properties

4.15

Each flow meter for a site must have a FLO WATCH name.

Enter the name of the FLO WATCH flow zone.

Check the When Calculating Flow Data box if you would like this zone to be included when calculating the flow data for the whole site.

Click the OK button.

The FLO WATCH flow zone name is displayed on the FLO WATCH sheet.

When you are finished setting FLO WATCH properties, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Site CCU Properties

The CCU sheet allows you to select and set up the CCU for the site.

To set site CCU properties:

With the Site Properties Setup dialog box open, select the CCU tab.

The CCU sheet comes to the front of the stack.

CCU Sheet

Set the CCU properties as described in this section.

When you are finished setting CCU properties, you can select another tabbed sheet or click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box, Apply to save your changes without closing the dialog box, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the dialog box.

Setting Site Properties

4.16

Setting the CCU Type

For the site, you can select from a list of CCU types configured in your system.

To set the CCU type:

Use the drop-down list on the CCU Type field to select a type of CCU for the site.

The text line beneath the field shows the number of channels supported by the CCU you have selected.

Setting the CCU Call Handle

Non-telephone CCUs require a call handle, which is used by Maxicom2to identify the CCU on a shared communication line.

To set the CCU’s call handle:

Enter the call handle in the CCU Call Handle field.

Click the:

• Send button to send the new call handle to the CCU and save it into the site database.

• Save button to save the new call handle into the site database without sending it.

Setting Site Properties

4.17

If you update a call handle and do not save it before exiting the Site Properties Setup dialog box, Maxicom

will not update the site database and you will lose the new call handle.

If you have a ESP-Site Satellite CCU, you must reinitialize the CCU before sending a new call handle by pressing the RESET button on the Site-SAT Interface board set.

Editing CCU Properties

Setting CCU properties is accomplished in the CCU setup spreadsheet, which lists the devices controlled by the CCU and the stations for each of those devices. Before you begin to fill in the CCU setup spreadsheet, it is helpful to obtain the following information:

• types of controllers used with the CCU and the channel number for each

• types of decoders used with the CCU and the channel numbers for each

• landscape coefficient for each station on each satellite

• maximum cycle and minimum soak time for each station on each satellite

• precipitation rate for each station on each satellite

• flow rate for each station on each satellite

• which stations are in each FLO WATCH zone

• which stations are in which FLO-MANAGER zone

When setting up a site’s CCU, it is also helpful to number channels in a systematic way. Some examples of systematic organization for channel numbers are:

• by flow zone

• by controller identification numbers on irrigation drawings

• by device type

To display the CCU Setup spreadsheet:

Select CCU Properties from the Site menu.

The CCU Setup spreadsheet is displayed.

Setting Site Properties

4.18

CCU Setup Spreadsheet

Set up the device types and station properties as described in this section.

When you are finished setting up device types and station properties, click OK to save your changes to the CCU Setup spreadsheet and close the spreadsheet or click Cancel to cancel your changes and close the spreadsheet.

The CCU Setup spreadsheet is designed so that you can set up the CCU station by station, one device (channel) at a time. The radio buttons at the top of the CCU Setup spreadsheet allow you to select what property is displayed on the spreadsheet. You can choose to display any one of the following properties:

• flow rate

• cycle time

• soak time

• landscape coefficient

• precipitation rate

• FLO WATCH zone

• FLO-MANAGER zone

• Decoder/Sensor setting

We recommend that you fill in the spreadsheet one device at a time. You can elect to fill in all the properties for a particular station before moving on to the next station or you can fill in all the stations for a particular property before moving on to the next property, whatever works best for you.

Setting Site Properties

4.19

Device columns contain the number of editable cells corresponding to the number of stations available on that type of device. For example, if the device is a Site Rain Counter, no cells in that column are editable; if the device type is a 24station satellite controller, 24 cells in the column are editable.

Setting Device Types

To set the type of device for a given column:

Double-click the Device cell. (The Device cells are the first cells under the channel numbers.)

The Set Channel Properties dialog box is displayed.

Set Channel Properties Dialog Box

Select the device category you want: Two-Wire satellite, Radio Link Satellite, ESP-Site Satellite, Decoder or Sensor or none.

If you have already entered CCU device data in the Site Properties CCU sheet, then some Device Category options will not be available. For example, if you had selected a two-wire CCU (as opposed to a radio link CCU), then the radio link satellite and ESP-Site Satellite options will not be available on the Set Channel Properties dialog box.

Select the Device Type from the drop-down list.

Enter the name of the device in the Device Name field.

If you do not want this channel sent to the CCU, check the Do Not Send This Channel checkbox.

Click the OK button.

The device type you have selected is displayed in the cell in the CCU setup spreadsheet.

Setting Site Properties

4.20

Setting Station Properties

To view and set the properties for each station:

Select the type of property you want to enter or display from the list of radio buttons at the top of the CCU setup spreadsheet.

The spreadsheet displays only the property you have selected.

Double-click the cell to display the Set Station Properties dialog box which contains all properties for that cell. (Or right-click the cell and select the Properties option from the pop-up menu to display the Set Station Properties dialog box.)

Set Station Properties Dialog Box

Enter the appropriate value for each of the properties displayed.

3 Click the OK button.

Setting Site Properties

4.21

Copying, Pasting, and Cutting Station Properties

Maxicom2allows you to cut, copy, or paste any amount of property information in one cell to another cell or group of cells; you can also copy entire channels — and you can do so between different sites (by copying information to the system’s clipboard and then pasting to another site).

To copy, clear, or cut property information in the CCU setup spreadsheet:

Select the cell or cells from which you want to copy, clear, or cut information.

Click the right mouse button to display a pop-up menu or use the Clipboard Operations buttons at the top right of the spreadsheet. The following options are available:

• Cut — cuts property information from the selected cell and pastes it on the system clipboard.

• Clear — clears the selected cell of property information. The cell then reverts to default values.

• Copy — copies the property information in the selected cell to the system clipboard.

• Paste Special — allows you to select which property items in the cell to copy to the system clipboard.

• Paste All — pastes all property information from the system clipboard to the selected cell.

Select the option you want to perform.

To paste the information from the clipboard into a new cell:

Select the cell or cells into which you want to paste.

Right click to display the pop-up menu or use the Clipboard Operations buttons at the top right of the spreadsheet and select the Paste option.

The information from the clipboard is entered into the selected cell.

Setting Site Properties

4.22

You can set macros for properties and their values. For more information, see “Setting Station Property Macros” on page 3.12.

You can only copy and paste property values between devices that are in the same device category (e.g., CCU to CCU, sensor to sensor, etc.).

You will receive an error message if the number of cells you copy is different than the number of cells you attempt to paste.

Rain Bird Maxicom2 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual