Rain bird MDC 200, MDC 50-200 User Manual

Controller Unit

MDC 50-200, MDC 200

Safety Information

Warning!

Important safety information, including caution and warning messages, appear throughout this manual. To ensure correct operation and to avoid additional expense, read this manual thoroughly before you begin installing or operating the controller.

Operating this equipment in a residential area can cause interference to radio and television reception. The radio frequency energy emitted by this device complies with limits for a Class B computing device, described in FCC Rules Part 15, Subpart J.

Safety Information and Icons Used in This Manual:

To quickly help you find, identify and understand important information, this manual uses the following icons and notations:

This icon indicates critical information. This specific icon alerts you to an electrical CAUTION telling the installer or operator that he or she may be exposed to dangerous high voltages.

This icon indicates non-electrical but critical information. This specific icon alerts you to a general CAUTION that if you do not follow, may result in severe personal injury or death.

Warning! This designates a Warning indicating actions that may damage the equipment.

Note: This designates a Note, which helps clarify a specific instruction.

Contents

iii

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

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

The MDC Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

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

Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Mounting the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Choosing a location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

What you will need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Preparing the Controller Cabinet for the Power and Field Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Mounting the Controller on the Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Connecting the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Connecting to the Two-wire Communications Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Grounding the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Connecting to the Main Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Connecting an Optional Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Installing Program and Expansion Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Programming and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Familiarizing Yourself with the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Main Operating Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Setting Up Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Selecting a Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Setting the Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Selecting Valve Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Naming the Field Decoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Entering the Pump/Master Valve Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Activating Rain or Alarm Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Setting Up a Sensor Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Contents, continued

Programming the flow sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Setting an alarm limit (alarm—flow) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Setting an alarm leakage schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Programming the sensor decoder address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Setting up an auxiliary sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Setting the Switch Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Switching the alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Turning on an installed rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Turning on an installed alarm sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Erasing All the Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Testing the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Testing the operation of the decoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Finding a short in the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Viewing the Log Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Creating Irrigation Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Setting the Steps for Each Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Setting Up Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Inserting a Step Between Two Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Deleting Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Selecting the Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Selecting a Start Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Setting the Water Budget (WB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Setting the Programs for Active or Passive (A/P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Scheduling to Run on Specific Days and Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Repeating and Pausing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Setting Up an Automatic Test Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Operating the Irrigation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Starting Automatic Irrigation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Activating a Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Manually Starting Irrigation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Manually Activating a Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Manually Stopping an Active Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Understanding Sensor Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Sensing a Short Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Contents, continued

Using the Controller with a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Linking your PC and Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Installing the Rain Bird

MDC PC Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Setting Up a Communications Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Verifying the Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Using the MDC PC Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Retrieving the Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Editing the Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Selecting the controller type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Editing the valve types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Adding or removing decoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Adding or removing pumps/master valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Activating rain and alarm sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Erasing the set-up data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Editing irrigation schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Erasing irrigation schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Editing the global water budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Sending Data to the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Retrieving Monitoring Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Creating a Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Viewing a Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Creating a Back-Up Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Printing Set-Up and Irrigation Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Exiting the Remote Access Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Understanding Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Finding the Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Understanding Basic Troubleshooting Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Troubleshooting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Troubleshooting a Field Transmitter (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Troubleshooting the Controller’s Internal Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Replacing The Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Troubleshooting Guide for the Decoder System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Appendix I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Conversion Chart from Standard to Military Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Appendix II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Selecting Electrical Codes for Solenoids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Changing the Switching Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Appendix III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Master Valve and Pump Set-up Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Using a Field Decoder With a Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Using a Decoder With a Normally Closed (NC) Master Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Using a Decoder and Relay-100 With a Pressure Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Using the Municipal Water Supply With a Master Valve (NC or NO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside back cover

Contents, continued

Introduction

Welcome to Rain Bird

Thank you for purchasing your new, state-of-the-art Rain Bird®Controller. For more than six decades, Rain Bird

has led the irrigation industry in meeting all of your water management needs by providing the highest quality products and services available. Your new Rain Bird®Controller is designed to give you a lifetime of on-site watering control.

The MDC Controllers

The MDC line of controllers are systems that completely manage your landscape and turf needs by letting you control all your irrigation functions from one central location. MDC Controllers use Schedules to control the days, times and length of time each valve operates.

Once you program and store irrigation Schedules and other instructions, the MDC communicates this information, through a two-wire (MAXI cable) communication path, to numerous decoders located throughout the irrigation system. The decoders act on command from the controller, activating solenoids on various valves, master valves and pumps.

The MDC 50-200 Controller uses a program module, which supports up to 50 (decoder) outputs. The controller also has slots to hold three expansion modules. Each expansion module supports an additional 50 outputs. This means you can configure your MDC 50-200 Controller to support 50, 100, 150 and 200 outputs.

MDC 200 Controllers are already equipped with program and expansion modules, supporting up to 200 outputs.

Introduction, continued

Special Features

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller mounts to a wall and has the following special features:

 Anti-rust, corrosion-resistant design

 Weather-resistant cabinet allowing you to mount the controller inside or outside

 Stores up to 10 separate irrigation Programs and 1 auxiliary (non-irrigation) Program (which does not start

pumps)

 Each Program supports up to 100 Steps (individual commands that complete a Program)

 Each Program can start up to 6 times a day

 Each Program runs on a 14-day Schedule

 Input terminal connections for rain or alarm sensor

 Output terminals for 3 communications cables

 Communications cables to support flow and auxiliary sensors

 Slots provided for 3 expansion modules supporting up to 200 single-output decoders (MDC 50-200)

 Easy-to-use menu tree system

 Diagnostics to test decoders, schedules and short findings

 The option to choose between 5 languages (U.S. English, British English, Spanish, French and German)

 Backlighting that makes the liquid crystal display (LCD) easy to read

 A serial communication port and modem allowing you to program the controller from a PC

 Software to allow for remote programming and monitoring from a PC

Packing List

Please check to make sure that you have all the items on the list. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your Rain Bird®distributor.

1 Pre-assembled Controller in a Plastic Wall Cabinet

2 Keys

1 Installation and Operating Instructions Manual

1 Mounting Template

1 Three-year Warranty Card

1 MDC Software CD

Introduction, continued

Controller Unit

MDC 50-200,MDC 200

Installation

This chapter of the manual explains how to mount your new MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller on the wall, how to connect the wiring, install program and expansion modules and replace the battery.

Mounting the Controller

Before You Begin

Warning! Before installing your controller, make sure that the area around you is free from dirt and dust and that your hands and arms are clean. This will avoid contaminating the controller’s internal parts.

Warning! Do not let water or other liquids come in contact with any part inside the cabinet.

Choosing a location

When choosing the best location to install your wall-mounted controller, please consider the following:

You must install this controller in compliance with local electrical codes.

 The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller cabinet is water-resistant, so you can mount it inside or outside.

 Select an area, protected from vandalism, where the user can easily reach the controller. Rain Bird

recommends placing the controller at eye level, in a utility room.

Warning! To minimize electromagnetic interference, select a location that is at least 15' (4.6 m) away from high-draw motors, such as air conditioners, refrigerators or pool pumps.

 Select a location that has access to 120-Volt AC electrical power (or the proper electrical supply voltage outside

the United States).

 Mount the controller on a flat, stable, vertical surface. Allow sufficient conduit clearance for the electrical

connections at the bottom of the cabinet.

 Allow 9 1/2" (24.2 cm) minimum clearance for the hinged cabinet door to swing fully to the left.

 Allow at least 6 1/4" (17.2 cm) minimum clearance above the cabinet door so you can easily remove the hinge

pin to service the controller.

Installation, continued

Typical Wall-mount Installation

Floor

Field Wiring in Conduit

9-1/2" (24.2 cm)

minimum

9-1/2"

(24.1 cm)

Cabinet is

4-3/8" (11.1 cm)

Deep

120-Volt AC

Wiring in Conduit

To Fuse

Box

Wall

10-1/4" (26 cm)

Locate for

easy access

and for

comfortable

viewing

6-1/4" (17.2 cm) minimum

Installation, continued

What you will need

Before you begin installation, you may need the following tools and materials:

 Slotted Head Screwdriver

 Phillips Head Screwdriver

 Thin Blade Screwdriver

 Lineman’s Pliers

 DBY Connectors

 Hammer

 Grounding Strap

 Two-wire MAXI Cable (#14 AWG wire)

 Two-wire MAXI Cable (#18 AWG wire)

 #8 AWG or #10 AWG Bare Ground Wire

 Tape Measure

 Wire Stripper

 Wire Nuts

 Marking Pencil

 Electric Drill (or Hammer Drill if installing in masonry or concrete wall)

Sensor

OFF

Knockout

BOTTOM

Knockout

BACK

Installation, continued

Preparing the Controller Cabinet for the Power and Field Wires

Note: You can remove four knockouts from the

controller cabinet making it easy to route the wires. You will find two of these knockouts on the back (for routing wires through a wall) and two on the underside (for feeding wires through the cabinet’s bottom).

To tap out a knockout, place the cabinet on a firm surface with the groove facing you. Work your way around the groove with a slotted screwdriver, firmly tapping out the knockout.

A hole on the underside of the cabinet fits a 1" (2.6 cm) PVC male adapter for installing PVC conduit. You can increase its size to 1 1/4" (3.2 cm) by tapping out the knockout around the hole. If you are using #14 AWG wire, or larger, you may need the larger hole. If you run the wires through the bottom holes, you will need to install conduits. Slip the conduit through the hole and secure it with a male adapter or other conduit fittings.

Mounting the Controller on the Wall

Note: The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller has

four mounting holes on the back on the cabinet— three keyhole slots near the top and one circular hole at the bottom.

Note: To install the controller on a flat wall surface, use the left and right keyhole slots at the top of the cabinet. To install the controller on a narrow stud, use the center keyhole slot.

1. Place the mounting template onto your mounting surface. Make sure it is level and mark the top drill holes. If mounting to a stud, mark the drill hole in the center of the stud.

2. Drill the holes and use the appropriate plugs or fasteners.

3. Screw in the appropriate mounting screws, leaving about 3/8" between the screw heads and wall.

Note: The mounting materials and specific screws you need will vary according to the mounting surface (i.e., wood, cement, masonry, drywall, etc.)

4. Slide the MDC cabinet over the top screws.

5. If mounting to a stud, swing open the cabinet door and faceplate. Mark the position of the bottom drill hole and then lift off the controller. Do not attempt to drill the bottom hole through the cabinet.

6. Drill the bottom hole and remount the cabinet.

7. Secure the bottom of the cabinet with a screw, tightening it all the way.

Installation, continued

3/8"

Sensor

L1 L2 L1 L2 L1 L2

WALL

Connecting the Controller

There are three types of connections you must make to your MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller. They include:

• Connecting to the Two-wire Communications Cable,

• Grounding the Controller, and

• Connecting to the Main Power Source.

Note: You may also connect an optional sensor, which prevents irrigation during rainfall or when the soil is moist.

This section of the manual contains instructions for all three types of basic connections, and the optional sensor connection.

Note: If you are installing a field or sensor decoder, please see the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 and Decoder Installation poster for more information.

All wiring must be installed and connected in accordance with local electrical codes.

Note: You can run wires through the holes at the bottom of the cabinet or through the knockout holes at the back of the cabinet. If you use the knockout holes, make sure you seal the unused bottom holes. If you run the wires through the bottom holes, you will need to install conduits. Slip the conduit through the hole and secure it with a male adapter or other conduit fittings.

Connecting to the Two-wire Communications Cable

Note: You can connect up to three separate

two-wire communications cables (paths). The communications cable you use must be approved for underground use. Rain Bird

recommends you use MAXI Cable, #14 AWG as your two-wire communications cable.

Warning! Do not install the communications cables in the same conduit as the wires to the Main power source.

To connect the cable,

1. Feed the two-wire communications cable through the conduit and into the controller.

2. Remove about 6" of the cable’s outer sheathing and strip about 5/8" of the insulation from the ends of the two wires.

3. Using a thin blade screwdriver, connect the wire ends to a set of L1 and L2 terminals. Tug on the wires to make sure the connections are tight.

Installation, continued

O N

OFF

L1 L2 L1 L2 L1 L2

Sensor

Installation, continued

Grounding the Controller

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller is equipped with built-in electrical surge protection. For this system to function, you must properly ground the controller.

Warning! Connect the controller to the grounding grid using at least a #8 AWG (10 mm) or #10 AWG (6 mm) bare wire. The wire should be as short and as straight as possible. You will void the warranty if you do not ground the controller to a maximum reading of five ohms.

To connect the ground wire,

1. Loosen the screw on the copper earth ground terminal and slide the end of the ground wire into the terminal. Tighten the screw to secure the wire.

2. Feed the ground wire through the same conduit you used for the communications cable and connect it to ground.

Connecting to the Main Power Source

The three Main power input wires for a standard 120-Volt AC transformer are black, white and green. You will find these wires in the high voltage compartment in the lower left corner of the controller cabinet.

To prevent electrical shock, make sure all supply power is OFF before connecting these wires. Electrical shock can cause severe injury or death.

All electrical connections and wiring runs must be made according to local electrical building codes.

To feed the power wires,

1. Locate the high voltage compartment cover, remove the screw and swing open the cover.

Sensor

L1 L2 L1 L2 L1 L2

Sensor

Installation, continued

2. Feed the Mains 120-Volt AC power wires into the high voltage compartment through a separate conduit.

Note: You can also connect the Mains 120-Volt AC power and transformer wires inside a junction box located outside the controller cabinet.

Feed the Mains 120-Volt AC power wires through the 1/4" knockout hole on the back of the cabinet. You also need to cut out the scored hole in the high voltage compartment’s fiberboard liner.

To connect to the Main power source,

1. Strip about 1/2" of the insulation off the ends of the power wires.

2. Using code-approved wire nuts, connect the black (HOT) wire to the black transformer wire, the white (neutral) wire to the white transformer wire and the green (ground) wire to the green transformer wire.

3. Tug on the connections to make sure they are tight, then close the high voltage compartment cover and replace the screw.

Installation, continued

Connecting an Optional Sensor

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller allows you to connect an optional sensor. The controller works with any open or closed switch sensor.

Warning! The wires you use to connect the controller to the sensor must be approved for underground use. Rain Bird

recommends using a two-wire #18 AWG (maximum gauge) cable long enough to easily reach the controller.

Warning! Install the sensor wire in the same conduit you use for the two-wire communications cable and ground wire. The conduit for the power wires should only contain the power wires.

To connect the sensor’s wires to the controller,

1. Remove about 6" of the cable’s outer sheathing and strip about 5/8" of the insulation from the ends of the two wires.

2. Using wire nuts, connect the two-wire cable to the sensor wires inside a valve box.

3. Protect all underground splices with DBY connections. Insert the wire nuts into the DBY connectors and close the gap tightly. Place the connectors inside the valve box.

4. Run the two-wire cable leading from the sensor wires through a conduit and into the controller cabinet. Use the same conduit you used for the communications cable.

5. Using a thin blade screwdriver, connect the sensor cable wires to SENSOR terminal 1 and SENSOR terminal 2 inside the controller. Tug on the wires to make sure the connections are secure.

You have now completed mounting and wiring your new MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller.

Sensor

L1 L2 L1 L2 L1 L2

O N

OFF

Installation, continued

Installing Program and Expansion Modules

The MDC 50-200 Controller uses a program module that controls 50 (decoder) outputs. The controller also supports up to three expansion modules (MDC/M50D), each controlling an additional 50 outputs. So, by adding expansion modules, you can configure the MDC 50-200 Controller to control 50, 100, 150, or 200 outputs. 200 is the maximum number of outputs the controller can manage in any combination over one, two or three separate two-wire communications lines.

Note: You do not upgrade the MDC 200 Controller. It is already fully equipped with program and expansion modules allowing you to operate up to 200 outputs.

Warning! When working with any program or expansion module, always use a grounding strap to avoid electrostatic discharge, which can damage the modules.

Warning! Always turn off the controller before you add or remove any module.

To add or replace a program or expansion module,

1. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws and lock washers holding the guide rail. Be careful not to lose the lock washers.

2. To remove a worn out module, grasp it by its tab and wiggle it back and forth while pulling up.

3. Hold the new module by its tab, so the back of the module faces the top of the cabinet.

4. Firmly plug a 10-pin expansion module into one of the three corresponding sockets on the circuit board. The program module is larger and fits only in one socket.

Warning! When plugging a program or expansion module into an MDC socket, please note its orientation. Make sure the back of the module’s mini circuit board is facing the top of the cabinet and not the display screen. Plugging the modules in backwards will not damage the controller, but the controller will not work properly.

5. Once you install the modules, replace the guide rail.

Installation, continued

Replacing the Battery

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller has a built-in lithium battery to backup and store the program memory. During normal use, the battery should last for 10 years. Replace the battery when the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller no longer holds the programmed information.

Warning! The components inside the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. By using a grounding strap, you can help avoid electrostatic discharge, which can damage the units.

To replace the battery,

1. Remove the controller cabinet door from its hinges by opening the door, then pushing the metal pin up and out of the hinge. Set the door and pin aside.

2. Remove the faceplate from its hinges by pushing up gently on the panel until the lower hinge comes up out of its hole. Slide the faceplate down and away to clear the upper hinge from its hole. Set the faceplate aside.

To prevent electrical shock, turn off the controller and shut OFF all supply power to the unit at the Main power before proceeding. Electrical shock can cause severe injury or death.

3. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the five screws, lock washers and metal clip. Carefully lift the display and control module as far as the connecting wires allow.

4. Disconnect the two-wire harness from the board by grasping the connector and pulling straight up.

Installation, continued

5. Open the locking tabs on the three ribbon cables by pushing the tabs away from the cables. Disconnect the ribbon cables by grasping the wide sides of the connectors and gently pulling the connector away from the board. Set the module aside.

6. Using a thin blade screwdriver, gently pry the lithium battery out of its compartment and replace it with a new battery, positive side facing up.

Warning! Dispose of the depleted battery in accordance with local regulations.

If you mistreat the battery, it may explode. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.

To reassemble the controller,

1. Reconnect the three ribbon cables by firmly pushing each connector into their slots on the board. A small tab on the side of the connector slides into a slot on the socket, so each connector fits only one way. Firmly push to engage the locking tabs.

2. Plug in the two-wire harness into its corresponding slot on the board. It fits only one way.

3. Reposition the display and control module and replace the screws, lock washers and clip.

4. Replace the controller’s faceplate.

5. Re-attach the controller door to its hinges.

6. Turn on the Main power supply to the controller and turn on the controller.

Note: When you change the battery, you will need to reprogram the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller.

Programming and Operation

Using the buttons on the controller, you can set up the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller to operate automatically. You can also run the controller manually without changing the Programs you have set.

This chapter shows you how to use the controller’s buttons and gives you step-by-step instructions for setting up the controller to suit your needs.

Familiarizing Yourself with the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller

Before beginning to program or operate your MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controller. Note that the location of the ON/OFF switch is behind the faceplate. Once you turn the controller on, you can use the buttons to guide you through different display screens and functions on the (Liquid Crystal Display) LCD.

Most screens show a row of labels at the bottom. These labels indicate the specific function of the buttons under each label. You may notice that the buttons do not line up directly below the labels associated with them. However, with the faceplate door closed, each button is centered inside a raindrop. The top of the raindrop points toward the label associated with the button. Though the labels may change from screen to screen, the orientation will not. Always operate the buttons with the faceplate door closed. As the labels change from one screen to the next, so does the function of the buttons. Labels with tabs contain submenus.

A backlight lights the display while you operate the buttons. Once you stop, the backlight remains on for about 70 seconds then turns off. The information is still on the display, but the display is not lit. Pressing any button turns the backlight on again.

Note: You must first turn on the backlight (press a button) before you can operate the controller.

Programming and Operation, continued

Program 1 Total 0:05 09:48:00 2 MTWTFSSMTWTFSS (2) 13:50 100% A Run every 5. Day Repeat 6 times First 2002-03-26 Pause: 1 Min.

Sched Menu Auto Manual

Sch Sch

Programming and Operation, continued

Getting Started

Unlock and swing open the cabinet door. Open the faceplate. Turn on the controller and close the faceplate.

The display briefly shows the software version and controller type (MDC-50-200 or MDC-200).

A Power Returned message displays along with the current date and time (24 hour military time). Please see Appendix I: Conversion Chart from Standard to Military Time on page 83.

The message prompts you to Press OK (the button pointing to the OK label). This message also appears when power returns after a power failure.

Note: You need to press the button pointing to the OK label twice, to reach the Main Operating Screen.

Sensor

L1 L2 L1 L2 L1 L2

O N

OFF

Power Returned (Press OK Twice) 16:16:10 2002 - 03-26 16:16:10

Programming and Operation, continued

Main Operating Screen

1. Program

indicates the current Program being displayed. The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller can store up to 10 irrigation Programs (which start pumps) and 1 auxiliary or non-irrigation Program.

2. Total

indicates the total irrigation time, in hours and minutes, you scheduled for that Program.

3. Current Time

shows in 24-hour military time.

4. Step Number

each Program supports up to 100 Steps. Each Step contains specific programmed information for the decoders and the run time for each decoder and valve.

5. MTWTFSSMTWTFSS

shows a 14-day display Schedule of the programmed days, starting with the current day (this example assumes the current day is Monday).

6. Start Time Indicator

shows the time of day you want the Program to start. You can have up to six start times for each Program.

7. Water Budget Indicator

shows the water budget setting, which you can adjust from 0-250%. Water budget lets you adjust the water application or run times in a Schedule without reprogramming the Schedule.

Program 1 Total 0:05 09:48:00

2 MTWTFSSMTWTFSS (2) 13:50 100% A Run every 5. Day Repeat 6 times First 2002-03-26 Pause: 1 Min.

Sch Sch

14 15 16

Sched Menu Auto Manual

Programming and Operation, continued

8. Active/Passive

indicates whether a current Program is Active (A) or Passive (P).

9. Run Every

shows the selected irrigation days, from 1-14.

10. Repeat

shows how many times (up to 99 times) irrigation Programs Repeat.

11. First

shows the year, month and day a Schedule begins.

12. Pause

shows how many minutes you want a Program to Pause between Repeat Programs, before resuming with the next Program.

13. Sprinkler Icon

“sprinkles” when an irrigation Schedule is r

unning.

14. (Search) Labels

use the buttons associated with the Sch labels to move up and down through the 11 stored Programs.

15. (Schedule) Label

use the button associated with the Sched label to set up specific irrigation Schedules.

16. Label

use the button associated with the Menu label to enter the Main Menu.

17. Label

use the button associated with the Auto label to set the controller to the Auto mode. A menu displays allowing you to Pause the irrigation Schedule and manually start the decoders.

18. Label

use the button associated with the Manual label to enter a menu where you can manually start irrigation programs or decoders and Pause a running Program.

Sch Sch

Sched

Auto

Manual

Programming and Operation, continued

Setting Up Your System

The first time you turn on the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller, you must program into your system specific set-up information (decoder and solenoid numbers, sensors, etc.) about your irrigation system.

Before you begin, you may need to Select a Country (indicating language and unit of measure) to read on the display screen.

Note: Pressing the button pointing to the minus (-) label returns you to the previous menu.

Selecting a Country

The default country is USA. However, you can choose between English (British spelling and M3/h ––cubic meters per hour setting), USA (American spelling and GPH––gallons per hour setting), German (M3/h), Spanish (M3/h) or French (M3/h).

1. From the Main Operating Screen, press the button pointing to the Menu label to reach the Main Menu. An indicating arrow points to the menu category. You control the indicating

arrow with the buttons pointing to the up and down arrow labels.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and press the button pointing to the OK label.

* * Main Menu * *

1. Set-up Data

2. Setting Date/Time

3. Test

4. Log Data

5. Return OK –

15:04:10

Programming and Operation, continued

Note: Pressing the button pointing to either the up or down arrow labels changes the direction of the double arrow label. The double arrow label lets

you quickly scroll through the categories.

3. Move the indicating arrow to 8. Select Country and press the button pointing to the OK label.

4. Using the buttons pointing to the up or down arrow labels, scroll to the language you want to read on the display and press the button pointing to the OK label.

Note: It takes about five seconds for the controller to change the text to the new language before returning to the Set-up Data menu, displayed in the language you selected.

Note: Wait until the new country is updated before pressing any buttons. Otherwise, the country may not update.

5. Using the button pointing to the Up arrow label, scroll to 9. Return and press the button pointing to the OK label, or select minus(-) to return to the Main Menu.

4. Sensors

5. Sensor Decoder

6. Switch Settings

7. Erase All

8. Select Country

9. Return OK –

15:04:10

2. USA

3. --------------

4. --------------

5. Germany

6. --------------

7. Spanish OK –

15:04:10

Programming and Operation, continued

Setting the Date and Time

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 2. Setting Date/Time and select OK. The first active field is the year, which is indicated by alternating blinking arrow markers.

2. Use the up and down arrows to change the year.

Note: The double arrow label lets you move through the date and time quickly. Pressing the button pointing to the double arrow label once increases or decreases the date and time by five digits. To switch the direction of the double arrow label, press the button pointing to the up and down

arrow labels. Holding in the button pointing to the double arrows lets you scroll through the numbers

quickly.

3. OK moves the blinking markers to the month. Scroll to the correct month and select OK to move the markers to the day.

4. Scroll up or down to the correct day. OK accepts the change and moves the markers to the hour, which reads in 24-hour military time. Please see Appendix I: Conversion Chart from Standard to Military Time on page 83.

Note: The year, month and day you choose directly affects the day of the week (Monday-Sunday). Changing any of those variables also changes the day of the week. The number next to the day of the week represents the specific day in the 14-day calendar.

5. Scroll up or down to the correct hour. OK moves the markers to the minutes. Change the

minutes the same way then move to the seconds. OK locks in the new date and time and returns you to the Main Menu.

>2002<-03-26 20:33:58 Tuesday (9)

OK –

20:33:58

2002-03-26 20:33:>58< Tuesday (9)

OK –

20:33:58

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