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.

+ 178 hidden pages

Rain Bird Maxicom2 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual