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

Programming and Operation, continued

Selecting Valve Types

Valve types refer to the electric requirements of magnetic solenoids. There are 10 Valve Types already programmed into the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller. The first five Valve Types are used by decoders controlling irrigation Programs and will start master valves and pumps. The last five control non-irrigation Programs (such as activating auxiliary alarms, etc.) and will not start pumps. Irrigation Valve Types use switch code 59F350. Non-irrigation Valve Types use a switch code of 3FFA20. These default switch codes are used for Rain Bird®24 VAC solenoids.

Note: The number of solenoid (valve) outputs varies with the Rain Bird

Decoders in your system. For example, FD-102TURF and FD-202TURF can operate one or two solenoids on each output. Whereas FD-401TURF and FD-601TURF can only operate one solenoid on each output.

Note: If your system uses Standard Rain Bird

24 VAC solenoids, do not change any of these settings. For the New Rain Bird

24 VAC (White strip wires) solenoids the recommended settings are 59F370. Please move to the next section, Naming

the Field Decoders.

Note: If your system operates solenoids that are

not Rain Bird

, do not change the default switch codes before verifying if the solenoids open. If the solenoids do not open, you may need to change the Activation Time and/or Holding Voltage. Please see Appendix II: Selecting Electrical Codes for

Solenoids on page 85.

Naming the Field Decoders

You must give each field decoder in your system a name (up to six characters) so that you can easily identify that decoder and pinpoint its location. For example, MAPLE1 (or the shorter M1) could represent the first decoder facing Maple Street and ELM5 (or E5) could identify the 5th decoder on Elm Street. It is easier if you make the name as short and descriptive as possible.

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and select OK to reach the Set-up Data Menu.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 2. Decoders and select OK to reach the list of decoders.

Note: The indicating arrow points to the first available space. If you want to change information about a specific decoder already programmed, move the indicating arrow to the decoder you want to change.

Valve Types

1. 59F350 1

2. 59F350 2

3. 59F350 1

4. 59F350 1

5. 59F350 1 OK –

14:02:28

Decoders

1. – 1 0

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

3. Select OK to add or change a decoder. The screen now shows four columns or fields with the titles: Name; Type; Address and Booster. A pair of markers points to the Name field. Use the buttons pointing to the left and right arrow labels to move the markers from one field to the next and back again.

4. Position the markers under Name and select

OK to activate the Name field. The left and right arrow labels now switch to up and down arrows and the two markers alternate blinking,

indicating the field is active.

5. Use the up and down arrows to change each character one at a time, from left to right. A blinking box shows the position of the first character you are changing. The box disappears when you begin scrolling through the characters. An arrow then, points to the character you are changing.

Note: The double arrow label lets you move through the alphanumeric characters quickly. Pressing the button pointing to the double arrow label one time increases or decreases the characters by five numbers or letters. To switch the direction of the double arrow, press the button pointing to the up and down arrows. Holding in the button pointing to the double arrows quickly scrolls through the characters.

6. Change each character one at a time. OK accepts the change and moves to the next space. Continue to select OK until the markers stop blinking, deactivating the field. The up and

down arrow labels will also switch to left and right arrow labels.

Note: The controller will not allow you to enter a duplicate name. If you do, the message Decoder already exists appears briefly and the controller returns you to the beginning of the field.

Note: Selecting minus (-) while you are still in an active field cancels the changes you made and returns the field to non-active.

7. Move the markers to the Type field. Here, you will select the type of valve (solenoid) connecting to the decoder.

Note: The decoder’s Type correlates directly to the valve type used to set the switch codes.

Name Type Address Booster > – < 1 0 OK Finish

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

8. Select OK to activate the field, and then scroll through the choices to either an irrigation valve—values 1-5—or a non-irrigation valve— valves A-E. OK accepts the valve Type.

9. Select OK to deactivate the Type field and move the markers to the Address field. OK activates the Address field.

Note: The Address is the REC. No. (Record Number) for each decoder and solenoid connection

in your system. You will find this number on the decoder, which should also be recorded on the irrigation drawings.

10. Scroll up or down to enter the complete 3-, 4or 5-digit Address (REC. NO.). OK accepts the number.

Note: The controller will not allow you to enter a duplicate Address. If you try, the message Address already used appears briefly and the controller returns you to the beginning of the field.

11. Select OK to select the Address and move the markers to the Booster (Pump) field.

Note: If the solenoids connected to the decoder use Booster pumps to start irrigation, you must

associate the Booster pump number—either 1 or 2—to the decoder.

12. Select OK to scroll between Booster #1 and Booster #2.

13. Move the markers to the OK field and press the button pointing to the OK label to return to the decoder listing and continue naming decoders.

Note: Rain Bird®decoders that have more than one output, (FD-202TURF, FD-401TURF and FD-601TURF) are considered multiple decoders. You must list the separate Address (REC. NO.) for each solenoid/master valve connection (i.e., brown 40216, red 40217, etc.) Treat each Address (REC. NO.) as a separate decoder and give each a separate name.

14. Once you identify each decoder in your irrigation system, move the markers to Finish and select OK to return to the Set-up Data menu.

Name Type Address Bst Flow E5 >4< 0 OK Finish

OK –

15:04:10

OK –

Name Type Address Bst Flow E5 4 >40216< OK Finish

15:04:10

OK –

Name Type Address Bst Flow E5 4 40216 >2< 0 OK Finish

15:04:10

Programming and Operation, continued

Entering the Pump/Master Valve Information

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller supports master valves, master pumps and up to two booster valves or pumps. Rain Bird®recommends you use one Relay-100 pump start relay for each pump in your system. However, in place of a pump start relay, your irrigation system may start pumps using a field decoder plus an external pressure switch, or use a master valve with a field decoder. For the controller to recognize and associate a field decoder to the master valve and pumps your system uses, you must program in the decoder’s Address and verify or change the switch code.

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and select OK.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 3.Pumps and select OK to reach the Pumps screen. It lists one Master pump or valve and two Booster pumps and their switch codes.

3. Move the indicating arrow to 1.Master, and select OK. The screen now shows 3 fields with the titles: Pump; Switch; and Address. A pair of markers points to the Switch field.

Note: If your system uses Rain Bird®Decoders and Relay-100, change the Switch Code to 49F390.

Note: If your system’s water supply feeds directly to a master valve, or if the system uses field decoders or pressure switches to start pumps, you may need to change the switch code. Please see Appendix III: Master Valve and Pump Set-up Tips on page 89.

Pumps

1. Master 4FFA20 0

2. Booste 4FFA20 0

3. Booste 4FFA20 0

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

4. Move the markers to the Address field and select OK. The left and right arrow labels now switch to up and down and the two markers alternate blinking, indicating an active field.

5. Use the up and down arrows to enter the field decoder Address marked on the irrigation drawings.

6. OK accepts the Address and the markers stop blinking. The up and down arrow labels also change to right and left arrows. To enter additional Booster pump Addresses, move the markers to the OK field and select OK to return to the Pumps screen.

7. Move the markers to Finish and select OK to return to the Set-up Data Menu.

Note: To deactivate a pump/master valve for repair or maintenance procedures, change the address to zero (0).

Activating Rain or Alarm Sensors

The Rain Bird®MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller has one sensor input allowing you to install an optional rain or alarm sensor. Once you install the sensor, you must change the sensor status from Passive to Active.

Note: The MDC Controller supports only one Rain Sensor or one Alarm Sensor. Activate only one

sensor leaving the other Passive. Setting both sensors as Active actually changes the status of both to Passive.

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and select OK.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 4. Sensors and select OK to reach the Rain and Alarm Sensor screen.

3. If your system uses a Rain Sensor, press the buttons pointing to the arrow labels and change sensor status from Passive to Active.

Note: If your system does not use a Rain Sensor, keep the status Passive.

Pump Switch Address Master 4FFA20 >284< OK Finish

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

4. Select OK to move the markers to the Alarm Sensor field.

5. If your system uses an Alarm Sensor, change the status from Passive to Active.

6. Select OK to lock in your setting and return to the Set-up Data menu.

Setting Up a Sensor Decoder

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller can control both Flow and Auxiliary Sensors, which are powered by a Sensor Decoder through the two-wire communications cable.

Programming the flow sensor

1. From the Main Menu, select 1. Set-up Data and select OK.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 5. Sensor

Decoder and select OK to reach the Sensor Decoder menu.

3. Move the indicating arrow to 1. Flow Definition and select OK.

Rain Sensor Alarm Sensor Passive >Active<

OK –

14:02:30

* * Sensor Decoder * *

1. Flow Definition

2. Alarm – flow

3. Alarm – leakage

4. Sensor Decoder Address

5. Aux. Sensor Decoder Address OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

Note: Flow Definition allows you to program a Rain

Bird

SD-210TURF Sensor Decoder to the type of flow sensor your system uses—either digital (pulse output) or analog (4-20 milliamps). To establish a conversion ratio the controller uses to calculate the flow, you only need to program the flow output and sensor output. Rain Bird

recommends you enter

the maximum flow, which determines the pulse type.

Note: Digital (pulse output) flow sensors are most common. Please see the manufacturers’ specifications to determine the sensor type, maximum flow and sensor output.

4. Select OK to activate the Flow field, which is measured in GPH (USA ) or M3/h (European). The left and right arrow labels now switch to up and down arrows and the two markers alternate blinking, indicating an active field.

5. Use the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the Flow. OK stores the new Flow, returning the field to non-active.

6. Move the markers to the Units field and activate, skipping the at field (for now).

7. Use the up and down arrows to select Units of measure, Pulse/10s, msec/Pulse or mA.

Note: Choose Pulse/10s if your digital flow sensor uses a higher pulse rate (30-200 pulses per second) and counts the number of pulses in 10-second intervals.Choose msec/ Pulse for flow sensors using lower pulse rates (less than 30 pulses per second) and measures the time between pulses in millisecond increments. Choose mA if you are using an analog flow sensor.

8. Selecting OK accepts the Units of measure and deactivates the field.

9. Move the markers back to at and select OK to activate the field.

Flow (gpm) at Units 30 >Pulse/10s < OK

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

10. Scroll to the pulse or analog rate you need to set for the sensor. OK accepts the number and returns the field to non-active.

11. Move the markers to the OK field and select OK to store the information and return to the

Sensor Decoder menu.

Setting an alarm limit (alarm—flow)

The Alarm—flow category allows you to set specific alarm limits when the controller is in the Auto

mode. Once input from the sensor decoder goes beyond the set limit (which can occur if a valve opens to a broken pipe), the controller turns off all active decoders, displays and logs an alarm.

1. From the Sensor Decoder menu, move the

indicating arrow to 2. Alarm—flow and select OK. The screen now reads Stop Irrigation when above. The reading is set to GPH or M3/h

(depending on the country you selected).

2. Select OK to activate the field. The left and

right arrow labels now switch to up and down arrows and the two markers alternate blinking,

indicating an active field.

3. Use the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the alarm limit. Once set, select OK to store the new limit and switch the field to non-active.

4. Move the markers to the OK field and select

OK to return to the Sensor Decoder menu.

Setting an alarm leakage schedule

A flow exceeding a set limit with no Schedules running may indicate a leak in your irrigation system. You can set the controller to activate a specific valve (stored in the controller’s database) to shut down the flow when it exceeds this set limit.

1. From the Sensor Decoder menu, move the indicating arrow to 3. Alarm—leakage and select OK. The screen now reads Activate when leakage > (GPH) (or M3/h, depending on your set-up).

2. Select OK to activate the decoder field. This field lists all the programmed decoders (which operate the valves) one at a time.

3. Use the up and down arrows to select the specific decoder you wish to activate when a leak occurs.

Note: Choosing a decoder that operates a Normally open Master Valve shuts off the complete water

supply to the system.

Flow (gpm) at Units 30 >784< Pulse/10s OK

OK –

14:02:30

Stop Irrigation when above >50< OK

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

4. Select OK to activate the decoder.

5. Move the markers to (GPH) (or M3/h depending on your set-up) and select OK to activate the field.

6. Use the up and down arrows to set the GPH (M3/h) limit and select OK.

7. Move the markers to the OK field and select

OK to return to the Sensor Decoder menu.

Programming the sensor decoder address

1. From the Sensor Decoder menu, move the indicating arrow to 4. Sensor Decoder Address and select OK. The two alternating blinking markers indicate the Sensor Decoder Address

field is active.

2. Use the up and down arrows to match the address on the Sensor Decoder.

Note: The Sensor Decoder Address should be recorded on the irrigation drawings.

3. Select OK to store the Address and return to the Sensor Decoder menu.

Setting up an auxiliary sensor

An auxiliary sensor works with rain or alarm sensors. If the rain sensor is installed far from the controller or if your system uses a pump alarm, you will also need an auxiliary sensor activated by a sensor decoder. Remember, auxiliary sensors can only tell if a switch is open or closed. Once an auxiliary sensor activates, irrigation stops.

1. From the Sensor Decoder menu, move the

indicating arrow to 5. Aux.Sensor Decoder Address and select OK. The two alternating blinking markers indicate the Sensor Decoder Address field is ready for you to program in the Address.

2. Use the up and down arrows to match the Decoder your system is using for the Auxiliary Sensor.

Note: The Address should be recorded on the irrigation drawings.

3. Select OK to store the Address and move the markers to the Active field. A blinking black box indicates the field is ready for you to program. Not Install is the default setting.

Activate when leakage (gpm) E5 >30< OK

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

4. Use the up and down arrows to select either Normally open or Normally closed.

Note: Select Normally open if the auxiliary sensor is open all the time. Select Normally closed if the auxiliary sensor opens only when it receives a signal.

5. Select OK to return to the Sensor Decoder menu.

6. Moving the indicating arrow to 6. Return, and selecting OK, or selecting minus (-) returns you to the Set-up Data menu.

Setting the Switch Settings

Switch Settings lets you change from using the Full range of alphanumeric characters to using limited characters (to name field decoders.) The limited characters match the sixteen character keyboard on FT-210 Field Transmitters. You also use the Switch

Setting to define the rain and alarm sensors.

Switching the alphabet

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and select OK.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 6. Switch Settings and select OK to reach the Switch Settings menu.

3. With the indicating arrow at 1. Alphabet, select OK. The current setting appears between the two markers. A blinking black box in the first character position shows the field is active. The current controller Software Firmware Versions also appear on the display screen.

* * Switch Settingd * *

1. Alphabet

2. Rain Sensor

3. Alarm Sensor

4. Return

OK –

14:02:30

Sensor Decoder Address Active >51680< > ormally open< OK

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

4. Use the up and down arrows to select either the Full or 1234567890CTFGV (the limited alphabet setting).

5. Select OK to return to the Switch Settings menu. Selecting minus (-) cancels the Alphabet change and returns to its previous setting.

Turning on an installed rain sensor

1. From the Switch Setting menu, move the indicating arrow to 2. Rain Sensor and select OK. The current setting appears between the

two markers. A blinking black box in the first character position shows the field is active.

2. Use the up and down arrows to select between Normally open or Normally closed.

Note: Select Normally open if the Rain Sensor is open all the time. Select Normally closed if the sensor opens only when it rains.

3. Select OK to return to the Switch Setting menu.

Turning on an installed alarm sensor

1. From the Switch Setting menu, move the indicating arrow to 3. Alarm Sensor and select OK. The current setting appears between the

two markers. A blinking black box in the first character position shows the field is active.

2. Use the up and down arrows to select between Normally open or Normally closed.

Note: Use Normally open if the Alarm Sensor is open all the time. Select Normally closed if the Alarm Sensor opens only when it receives a specific signal.

3. Select OK to return to the Switch Setting menu.

4. Move the indicating arrow to 4. Return to return to the Set-up Data menu.

Note: If you press the button pointing to the minus (-) label after you change the

Switch Settings

a screen appears asking if it is OK to Restart

System? If not, Press ‘-’. Select OK to restart the system or ‘-’ to cancel.

Alphabet > 234567890CTFGV<

Versions: Firmware 1.20 SensDeo 1.10

–

14:02:30

Rain Sensor > ormally closed<

OK –

14:02:30

OK to Restart System? If not, press '–'

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

Erasing All the Data

If you wish to delete all the data, such as testing or demo data, from the MDC Controller before you install the actual values, you can do so quickly and easily.

Note: Be careful when you erase data. Once erased, you cannot retrieve it again.

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and select OK.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 7. Erase All and select OK. The display screen now reads, OK to

Erase All Data? Use ‘-’ to cancel.

3. Select OK to Erase the Data and return to the Set-up Data menu. The minus (-) label cancels

the action and returns to the Set-up Data menu without erasing any data.

Testing the System

Once you install and program the line (field) decoders into your system, you can then test to make sure they are working properly. The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controllers have a built-in decoder test that tries each decoder in sequence.

Testing the operation of the decoders

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 3. Test and select OK.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 1.Test of Line Decoders and select OK to reach the Decoder Test screen.

Note: The controller tests the decoders in the order you entered them into the system. The blinking markers and box show the field is active.

OK to Erase All Data? Use < – > to Cancel

OK –

14:02:30

* * Test Menu * *

1. Test of Line Decoders

2. Short Finding

3. Return

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

3. Scroll up or down until you reach the decoder you want to start the test and select OK to setup the test. The controller will not test any decoder that is listed before the one you select to start the test.

4. Select OK to start the test. After a few seconds, the screen displays the test results in three current measurements (mA).

Note: The Before current refers to the standby current, Inrush is the current the solenoid needs to open and Hold is the holding current the solenoid needs to stay open. The Before value depends on the number and type of decoders your system uses, Inrush should fall between 290 to 700 and Hold should be 15 to 20 milliamps higher than the Before value. If the decoder is connected to two or more solenoids, the Inrush will be slightly higher and Hold currents will be double in proportion (30-40 mA).

Example: If your system uses 100 FD102TURF Field Decoders (each operating one solenoid output), then test results should show a Before reading of about 50 mA, Inrush of 525 mA (which is within the 290700 range), and a Hold of 70 mA (which is 20 mA higher than the Before reading).

Note: If the Before, Inrush and Hold values are close, the decoder is not responding. Locate the decoder in the field and make sure that it is wired properly to the solenoid and communications cable. You should also make sure you programmed in the right Decoder Addresses (REC. NO.).

5. Press the button pointing to the OK label twice to activate and test the next decoder in line.

6. The minus (-) label cancels the test at any time, returning to the Test menu.

Note: To set up the MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controllers to automatically activate and test each decoder in sequence, please see Setting Up an Automatic Test Program on page 48.

1 Active Dec. OK : Next, - : Finish E5 999 Min Before Inrush Hold 50 525 70

OK –

14:02:30

Decoder Test, OK : Next, - : Finish Start with Decod >E5<

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

Finding a short in the system

You can use the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller to help trace and locate shorts in the lines.

1. Attach a clamp from a Clamp Amperemeter to one of the communications wires connected to either L1 or L2 terminals in the controller.

2. Turn on the controller and navigate to the Test menu.

3. Move the indicating arrow to 2. Short Finding and select OK to reach the Short Finding screen. In Short Finding, the MDC changes the frequency of the line voltage from 1 to 50 Hertz (Hz).

4. Check that the Clamp Amperemeter reads the current supplied by the controller. If the reading is higher than you expected, you have either a short or an overload in the system.

Note: If the short takes a high current, the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller automatically limits the current to a safe value of 200 mA. When this happens, the controller will go into the 50 Hz mode and a Short Circuit Warning shows on the display. Please see Sensing a Short Circuit on page 54.

5. To locate the short, “follow” the current from the controller to the decoders in the field.

6. Watch the reading on the Clamp Amperemeter closely. The reading disappears the moment you pass the short.

7. Once you locate the short, press any button on the controller to return to the Test menu.

Short Finding

OK –

14:02:30

Programming and Operation, continued

Viewing the Log Data

The Log Data shows you a complete list of the controller’s activity. The memory holds a 1500 line log. Adding a new line after you reach the maximum erases the first line in the log.

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 4. Log Data and select OK.

Note: The display shows five lines at a time (a page). The page number is on the top of the page.

2. Use the up and down arrows to scroll from page to page.

3. Select OK or select minus (-) to return to the Main Menu.

99. 09. 27 11: 03: 00 V2 Start 0

99. 09. 27 11: 04: 00 V2 Stop 0

99. 09. 27 11: 04: 00 StopAll Decoders

99. 09. 27 11: 04: 00 A3 Start 0

99. 09. 27 11: 08: 00 A3 Stop 0 OK –

14:02:30

Creating Irrigation Schedules

Once you customize the MCD 50-200, MCD 200 Controller to the specific equipment and options in your system, the next step is to create irrigation Schedules to best suit your turf needs. A Schedule is a series of events you wish to have happen in the field at specific times. It is a watering plan that includes the days to water, times to begin and end watering, the various decoders you wish to operate and how long you want them to operate.

You can set up 10 standard irrigation Programs, which will start pumps, and one auxiliary Program (Program 11), which does not start pumps. Programs 1-9 only run one at a time. You cannot run them together. However, you can run Programs 10 and 11 simultaneously with any one of the other 9 Programs.

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

Setting the Steps for Each Program

You can set between 1 to 100 individual Steps for each Program. Each Step contains decoders (which operate valves) and run times. You can have up to 10 decoders running at the same time, as long as the hydraulics in your system can handle it. The controller prevents you from including more than 10 decoders for each Step.

Completed Steps could look like this:

Step Decoders Run Time

1 T1, T2, T3 10 2 T4, T5, T6 10 3 T7, T8, T9 10 4 T10, T11, T12 10 5 T13, T14, T15 10

6 T16, T17, T18 10

In this example, the Program begins with Step 1, activating Decoders T1, T2 and T3 and running the valves (run time) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, Decoders T1, T2 and T3 switch off and Step 2 begins. It continues until all the Steps are done.

Note: You may include the same decoder in as many Steps as you want.

Note: If you want to stop irrigation between Steps, you can set up a Step without naming a decoder. To do this, simply program in a Run Time, or how long you wish to Pause the irrigation Schedule.

Setting Up Steps

1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sch to reach the Program you want (1, 2, 3, etc.)

2. Select Sched. then Step to activate the Step number. Alternating blinking markers show the field is active. If you have already programmed other Steps, you can use the up and down

arrows to scroll through each programmed Step. The Step label is highlighted.

3. Select OK and OK again to activate the Decoder field.

4. Scroll up and down through the list of programmed decoders. Select OK to choose the first decoder you want to include in this Step.

Program 3 Total 0 : 05 0 MTWTFSSMTWTFSS (0) -- : -- 100% P Repeat 0 times

Sch Sch

Sched Menu Auto Manual

14:02:30

Program 3 Total 0 : 00 > 1< ---- 000Min OK Insert Delete Repeat 0 times

OK –

14:02:30

Step

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

5. Move to the next field and continue until you select all the Step 1 decoders. You can select up to 10 decoders for each Step.

Note: Selecting the minus (-) label while in a non-active decoder field (indicated with right and left arrow labels) or an active Minute’s field (indicated with up and down arrow labels) deletes the information you programmed into that field.

6. Move to the Min field and select OK to activate it.

7. Scroll up and down to select a run time or how long (up to 999 minutes) you want the decoders to open each valve.

8. Select OK to accept the minutes.

9. Move the markers to the OK field and select OK to enter the Step into the Schedule. The Step label is highlighted and the blinking markers return to the beginning (Step 1) showing you the complete Step on the display screen.

10. Scroll to the next Step (Step 2) and program it the same way. You can program up to 100 Steps.

11. Once you finish setting each Step, press the button pointing to the highlighted Step label to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.

Inserting a Step Between Two Steps

1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sched then Step.

2. Scroll up or down to the point you wish to insert the Step. If you want to insert a Step between Steps 3 and 4, scroll to Step 4.

3. Move the marker to the Insert field and select OK.

4. Program the Step as you normally would and select OK to enter the new Step into the Schedule. The inserted Step moved Step 4, and all successive Steps, up one. So Step 4 is now 5, Step 5 is 6, and so on.

Note: Selecting the minus (-) label while in a non-active Decoder field (indicated with right and left arrow labels) or an active Minute’s field (indicated with up and down arrow labels) deletes the information you programmed into that field.

5. Select Step to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.

Program 3 Total 0 : 00 1 T1 E5 ---- >10Min< OK Insert Repeat 0 times

OK –

14:02:30

Program 3 Total 0 : 31 4 T3 ---- 010Min OK >Insert< Repeat 0 times

OK –

14:02:30

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

Deleting Steps

1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sched. then Step.

2. Scroll up or down to the Step(s) you want to delete.

3. Move the marker to the Delete field and select OK. The previous Step now shows on the display screen and all the successive Steps move back one.

4. Select Step to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.

Selecting the Days

Each Program runs on a 14-day cycle. You can set each individual Program (or Schedule) to run on any day in the cycle. The programming repeats itself after 14 days.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want.

2. Select Sched. then Day to activate the 14-day Schedule. The blinking markers and box show the field is active. The Day label is highlighted.

3. Move the blinking box to each day you want to irrigate and select OK to schedule that day.

Example: If you want to irrigate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, move the box to

those days in the 14-day Schedule and select the days you want or delete the days you do not want to include in the Schedule. Select the minus (-) labels to delete days (not water on those days) or use the right and left arrow labels to move to each day you want to water and select OK to program those days.

4. When you are finished, select Day to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.

Program 3 Total 2 : 11 13 ---- 013Min OK Insert >Delete< Repeat 0 times

OK –

14:02:30

Program 4 Total 1 : 57 15> FSSMTWTFSSMTW< (0) -- : -- 100% P Repeat 0 times

OK –

14:02:30

Day

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

Selecting a Start Time

You must select at least one start time for each

Program. You can have up to six start times for each Program for each day.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want.

2. Select Sched. then Time to activate the Start Time indicator (1-6) field. The blinking marker

shows the field is active. The Time label is highlighted.

3. Scroll up or down to the first Start Time indicator (1) and select OK.

4. Use the up and down arrows to set the first Start Time.

5. Select OK to enter the Start Time into the Schedule.

6. Scroll to the second Start Time indicator (2), select OK and enter a second Start Time into the Schedule. Continue until you are finished (up to six).

7. Select Time to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.

Program 4 Total 1 : 57 15 M-W-F-S-T-T-S >1< -- : -- 100% P Repeat 0 times

OK –

14:02:30

Time

Program 4 Total 1 : 57 15 M-W-F-S-M-W-F-S (1>11 : 40<100% P Repeat 0 times

OK –

14:02:30

Time

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

Setting the Water Budget (WB)

Water budget lets you increase or decrease the operating time for each decoder in your Schedule from 0 to 250%. The water budget default setting is 100%. The total run time also changes when you change the water budget.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want.

2. Select Sched. then WB to activate the water budget field. Alternating blinking markers show the field is active. The WB label is highlighted.

3. Use the up and down arrows to set the WB between 0 and 250%.

4. Select WB to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.

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

You can set each Program to be active (A) or passive (P). Active means the Program (1-11) responds to all automatic starts and stops if the controller is in the Active Mode. Passive means it will not respond to any automatic settings. If you do not wish to use a Program at this time, (but may in the future) set it to Passive.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want to set as Active or Passive and select Sched.

2. Press the button pointing to the A/P label to switch the Program between Passive and Active.

3. Select Next twice to return to the Main Operating Screen.

Program 4 Total 0 : 30 15 M-W-F-S-M-W-F-S (1) 11 : 40 150% P Repeat 0 times

–

14:02:30

Program 4 Total 0 : 20 15 M-W-F-S-M-W-F-S (1) 11 : 40 150% A Repeat 0 times

14:02:30

Step Day Time WB NextA/P

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

Scheduling to Run on Specific Days and Dates

You can program your controller to irrigate on a selected day(s) and date(s) in a 14-day period, instead of on the 14-day cycle (which begins on the day you initially program the controller). You can also set the first date you want to begin irrigating.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want.

2. Select Sched. then Next to reach the Run every and First labels.

Note: Run every refers to which days you want a specific Program to run (Run every 1st day; Run every 2nd day; etc). First (which shows the year, month and day) refers to the date you want the sequence to begin.

3. To change the Run every day, press the button pointing to the Every label. Each time you press the button, the day increases by one, up to Run every 14th day (in the 14-day Schedule).

Note: You can see the 14-day Schedule change each time you press the button.

Note: An arrow label next to Every shows the direction you are scrolling. Pressing the button pointing to the arrow label changes the direction you are scrolling.

4. To change the date you want to start the sequence, press the button pointing to the First label. Continue to press the button to reach the start date you want.

Note: An arrow label next to Every shows the direction you are scrolling. Pressing the button pointing to the arrow label changes the direction you are scrolling.

Repeating and Pausing Programs

Once you set-up a Program, you can repeat it up to 99 times and set timed pauses (in minutes) between each repeated Program.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want to repeat.

2. Select Sched. and Next to reach the Repeat label.

Program 5 Total 1 : 57 15 --W--S--T--F--M (1) 20 : 00 100% P Run every 2. day Repeat 0 times First 2002 - 02 - 12

14:02:30

Every

First Repeat Pause Next

Program 5 Total 1 : 57 15 --W--S--T--F--M (1) 20 : 00 100% P Run every 3. day Repeat 2 times First 2002 - 04 - 21 Pause: 5 Min.

14:02:30

Every

First Repeat Pause Next

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

3. Press the button pointing to the Repeat label to set the number of times you want the Program to repeat. Holding down the button lets you scroll quickly up to 99 repeat times.

4. Select Pause to set a timed pause between each repeated Program.

Note: An arrow label next to Every shows the direction you are scrolling. Press the button pointing to the arrow label to change the direction you are scrolling.

5. Select Next to return to the Main Operating Screen.

Setting Up an Automatic Test Program

The MDC 50-200, MDC- 200 Controller allows you to set up a Test Program to automatically activate and test all decoders (from the first one you installed to the last), one by one. You can adjust the Decoder Activation Time between 10 and 240 seconds. 240 seconds is especially useful if you wish to walk through and visually inspect each decoder as they activate.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, press the button pointing to the Sch down label to reach the Test Program.

2. Select Manual to reach the Select Program or Decoder screen. The Manual label is highlighted.

Program 5 Total 1 : 57 15 --W--S--T--F--M (1) 20 : 00 100% P Repeat 2 times

14:02:30

Every

First Repeat Pause Next

Program 5 Total 1 : 57 15 --W--S--T--F--M (1) 20 : 00 100% P Repeat 2 times Pause: 5 Min.

14:02:30

Every

First Repeat Pause Next

Select Program or Decoder

14:02:30

Manual

Prog. Dec.

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

3. Select Prog. to reach the test screen and select OK. Valve Active Time 240 Seconds appears on

the display screen.

4. Use the Sch up and Sch down arrows to change the Valve Active Time anywhere between 10-240 seconds.

5. Select OK to reach the Testing Display Screen. The Prog., Dec. and Manual labels are highlighted.

Note: The controller is now testing all active decoders. The screen displays the three current measurements (Before, Inrush and Hold) for each decoder it tests.

6. You can cancel the test at anytime by selecting Prog.

Operating the Irrigation Programs

You can operate the MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller completely automatically, completely manually or by a combination of both.

Starting Automatic Irrigation Programs

When you start Automatic Irrigation, all Active Programs will run according to the Schedule you

set up. The controller only runs Active Programs, not Passive.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Automatic Program you want to start and select Auto.

Test Total 3 : 12 G1 001 Min Remaining 3 : 10 100% P 1 Active Decoder Before Inrush Hold 48 499 514

14:02:30

ManualProg.

Dec.

Valve Active Time >240< Seconds

14:02:30

Sch Sch

–OK

Program 2 Total 0 : 20 E5 010 Min Tuesday 11 : 40 100% A 1 Active Dec. Repeat 3 times MTWTFSSMTWTFSS Pause: 5 Min.

0 6 12 18 24

14:02:30

Pause

Auto

Dec.

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

The Auto Display Screen shows:

• the Program,

• the Total run time,

• the current time,

• the name of the Active Decoder(s) (during a Schedule),

• the number of minutes the decoder is active (during a Schedule),

• the day and time of the first Scheduled start time,

• the WB setting,

• the number of Active Dec. (during a Schedule),

• the number of times this Schedule Repeats,

• the length of Pauses between repeats,

• the Scheduled irrigation days in the 14-day cycle,

•a time line, separated in six-day increments, showing the Active time period of the Program (indicated by a black block),

•a sprinkler icon that “sprinkles” during irrigation and,

• the Auto label is highlighted.

Note: If none of the 11 Programs are Active, the message, **No Active Programs** appears on the display screen.

Note: If no irrigation Schedule is currently running while the controller is set in Automatic, 0 active Decoders shows, until the first Schedule starts. The Dec. and Auto labels are highlighted and the sprinkler icon “sprinkles” when a Schedule starts.

2. Selecting Pause temporarily stops the Automatic irrigation Schedule. Select Pause

again to return to Automatic.

3. Pressing the button pointing to the Auto label stops the irrigation Program and returns you to the Main Operating Screen.

Activating a Decoder

While the controller is set in Automatic, you can (manually) activate decoders before or in-between programmed irrigation Schedules.

1. Select Dec. and scroll through the list of installed decoders to find the one you want to activate and select OK.

2. Scroll up and down to select how many minutes you want the decoder to be active.

3. Select OK to lock the decoder in memory and return to the Automatic Display Screen. Both

Dec. and Auto labels are highlighted and the sprinkler icon “sprinkles.”

Program 2 Total 0 : 20 T1 >015 Min. < Tuesday 11 : 40 100% A 1 Active Dec. Repeat 3 times MTWTFSSMTWTFSS Pause: 5 Min.

0 6 12 18 24

14:02:30

OK –

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

4. Follow steps (1-3) to activate additional decoders.

5. You can now use the up and down arrow labels to scroll through all the Active Decoders.

Note: When the time you set for each Active Decoder runs out, the sprinkler icon stops and the

controller returns to the Automatic mode with only the Auto label highlighted.

Manually Starting Irrigation Programs

Operating the irrigation Programs Manually overrides all Automatic Programs.

Note: You can manually start decoders while in the Automatic mode, but to manually start Programs,

you must take the controller out of the Automatic mode.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Manual. The Manual label is highlighted and

you are asked to Select Program or Decoder.

2. Select an Active Prog.

3. Scroll to the Program (1-11) you want to operate manually and select OK to return to the Manual Display Screen. Both Prog. and Manual labels are highlighted.

Note: The Manual Program starts at the first full minute. The Program starts by displaying the first decoder in the Step along with the Remaining run time for that Step. You will also see the Total Remaining Time for the complete Program. The sprinkler icon starts to “sprinkle.”

4. Select Pause to pause the current Program Schedule. The display asks if it is OK to Pause current Schedule? If you select Cancel to abort, you will return to the Use Manual Display Screen.

5. Select Pause. Pausing appears on the display, showing the command registered. Irrigation continues until the next full minute.

Note: At the full minute mark, all activated sprinklers stop and the display reads Paused.

Program 5 Total 0 : 45 V3 008 Min Pausing 0 : 38 100% P 1 Active Dec.

14:02:30

Resume

Manual

Dec.

OK to Pause current Schedule? Use Cancel to Abort

14:02:30

Pause

Manual

Dec.

Cancel

Program 5 Total 0 : 45 V2 005 Min Remaining 0 : 44 100% A 1 Active Dec.

14:02:30

Pause

Manual

Dec.

Prog.

6. Select Resume to continue irrigating. The display asks if it is OK to Resume current Schedule? Cancel returns the controller to the Pause state.

7. Select Resume to return to the Manual Display Screen and continue with the scheduled irrigation Program.

8. Select Manual to stop the irrigation Program and return to the Main Operating Screen.

Manually Activating a Decoder

The MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller allows you to activate programmed decoders manually.

1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Manual. The Manual label is highlighted and you are asked to Select Program or Decoder. The display also shows the number of Active Decoders.

2. Select Dec.

3. Scroll through the list of programmed decoders. Choose a decoder and select OK.

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

OK to Resume current Schedule? Use Cancel to Abort

14:02:30

Resume

ManualDec.

Cancel

4. Use the up and down arrows to program how long you want the decoder to be active and select OK.

Note: The display now shows the number of Active Dec., displaying only one at a time. The sprinkler

icon starts to “sprinkle.”

5. Follow steps (2-4) to manually activate more decoders.

6. Use the up and down arrows to scroll through each Active Decoder.

Manually Stopping an Active Decoder

1. From the Active Decoder Screen, select Dec.

2. Scroll through the list of Active Decoders to reach the one you want to stop and select the minus(-) label. The Active Decoder Screen now shows one less decoder.

3. Select Manual to stop all the manually activated decoders and return to the Main Operating Screen.

G1 >007 Min< 4 Active Dec.

14:02:30

OK –

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

F1 013 Min 3 Active Dec.

14:02:30

Dec.

Pause

Manual

Prog.

Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued

Understanding Sensor Warning Signs

If a rain or auxiliary sensor shows an alarm or warning condition, a message like this appears on the display.

• Type of Sensor

• Date and time the Sensor activated (In:)

• Date and time the Sensor became deactive (Out:) {If it is still active, there is no Out time}

• Warning sign—displays as long as Alarm condition exists

Note: If a rain sensor activates, irrigation stops, but the Program keeps running. If the rain sensor is the self-emptying type, irrigation continues as programmed once the sensor changes to Non- Active. Selecting OK removes the message. As long as the sensor is Active, the message will appear again every time you select an Automatic or Manual function.

Sensing a Short Circuit

If the MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller senses a short circuit on the lines, it will automatically limit the current to a safe value, change the line frequency from 1 to 50 Hz (making it easier to trace the short circuit) and display this message.

• Type of problem (Short Circuit)

• Date and time of problem (In:)

• Date and time problem was corrected (Out:) {If it still exists, there is no Out time}

• Warning sign—displays as long as problem exists

Select OK to remove the message. As long as the problem exists, the message will appear again every time you select an Automatic or Manual function.

Short Circuit In: 28. 15 : 48, Out:

14:02:30

Type

Date Time Corrected Warning

Rain Sensor In: 28. 15 : 29, Out:

14:02:30

Typ e

Date Time Deactivate Warning

Using the Controller with a PC

Once you install, set up and initially program the MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller, you can then add new equipment, change settings, change Programs and operate directly from the controller or from a PC.

Programming and operating your MDC Controller from a PC is much quicker and simpler than using only the controller. Rain Bird®provides the software (at no charge) making it very easy to update and download any additional information.

You can attach the MDC Controller to a PC directly, using a nine-pin serial cable, or through a modem/telephone line. Both connections are easy to find under the faceplate.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

Linking your PC and Controller

To link your PC using the serial communication port,

1. Open the MDC cabinet and swing open the faceplate.

Note: For serial communications, you will need two nine-pin serial cables and an OLK-400 Optocoupler connection (available from Rain Bird

2. Attach one end of the first serial cable to the MDC serial communication port and attach the other end to the Optocoupler.

3. Attach one end of the second serial cable to the Optocoupler and the other end to your PC serial communication port.

Note: Rain Bird®recommends using the OLK-400 Optocoupler to protect your system against lightning surges. However, you may use a Null-modem cable as a temporary device.

To link your PC using the modem/telephone line connection,

1. Open the MDC cabinet and swing open the faceplate.

2. Feed a modem/telephone line through the twowire communications conduit or through a separate access hole in the MDC cabinet.

3. Plug the phone clip into the corresponding jack.

Sensor

1 L2 L1 L2

Sensor

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

Installing the Rain Bird®MDC PC Software

Your minimum PC requirements for the Rain Bird

MDC PC Software are:

• Pentium®Processor (or higher),

• Windows®95 (or higher) operating system,

• 32 MB memory,

• 25 MB hard disk space,

• CD-ROM drive,

• 3.5" floppy drive,

• SVGA display monitor with a minimum resolution of 800 x 600, and

• 2400 baud modem (if used).

Insert the MDC PC Software CD into your PC’s CD-ROM Drive. The CD-ROM software is set to install automatically. However, if your PC does not support this feature, you must then install it manually. Please see your PC Operations Manual to learn how to add new software to your PC.

Setting Up a Communications Link

1. At the desktop, select Start, Programs, RainBird Turf, and Tu rf from the pull-up menus to open the Rain Bird Remote Access window.

2. From Rain Bird Remote Access, select File, then Connection wizard from the pull-down menu.

3. The first Connection wizard pop-up window gives you the option to name the installation. Direct (for direct connection) is the default name. Change the name, if you wish, and select Next to advance to the next window. Done exits you from Connection wizard while saving any changes you made to the default settings.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

4. The Connection wizard now asks you to pick the type of connection your system uses, either a Direct connection (Serial cable) or a Modem/telephone line. Choose the connection and select Next. Done exits you from Connection wizard and Back returns you to the previous window.

5. If you selected Direct connection (Serial cable) you are then asked to select the Com Port (Communications Port) you used to connect the PC to the controller.

6. Select Finish. Done exits you from Connection wizard and Back returns you to the previous window.

7. If you selected Modem/telephone line as your PC/controller connection, you are then asked to supply the telephone number for the controller. At this point, you can also verify the modem settings by selecting Modem Setup.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

8. Select Finish. Use Modem Setup to install and setup a new modem. Done exits you from Connection wizard and Back returns you to the

previous window.

Verifying the Time and Date

Once you establish a communication link between the controller and PC, you then need to verify the controller’s time and date. Time and date directly affect irrigation Schedules. If either is incorrect, the irrigation Schedules are also incorrect.

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Controller.

2. Select Get Set Time/Date from the pull-down menu to reach the Edit Controller Time pop-up window.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

3. Select Get Controller Time and verify that the Controller Time matches Time is (PC time).

4. If necessary, adjust the date and time and select Send time to Controller.

5. Select OK once the two times match.

Note: When you select Controller Status from the Controller pull-down menu, a pop-up window

appears showing the current status of the controller, including the Start and Stop times of the Current and Next Schedule. Selecting Disconnect from the Controller pull-down menu disconnects the PC connection to the controller.

Using the MDC PC Software

The MDC PC Software lets you retrieve installation and irrigation data—information about decoders,

valve types, pumps, sensors and irrigation programs—from the controller. You can then edit

the data and send it back to the controller.

Retrieving the Data

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Retrieve data.

2. Select Retrieve all data from the pull-down menu. All data includes installation and irrigation data. Retrieve irrigation data retrieves only the irrigation data from the controller. Retrieve monitor information retrieves the monitoring information, which we will cover in detail. Please see Retrieving Monitoring Information on page 66.

Note: While the PC is retrieving data from the controller a Communications Status pop-up window appears visually showing the progress. The window disappears once the data is retrieved.

Note: If the PC is unable to establish communications with the controller, an Error message appears, asking to make sure the Connection Information is correct.

Editing the Data

You can quickly and easily edit any information already programmed into the MDC 5-200, MDC 200 Controller. You can add or change a valve type,

decoder, pump/master valve, activate rain or alarm sensors, erase all the programmed

information or change and update your irrigation

Programs and Schedules.

Selecting the controller type

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit set-up data and Controller type from the pull-down menus.

3. Select the MDC Controller type your system uses and select OK to save the information.

Note: The controller type depends on the number of expansion modules installed inside the controller. If your MDC 50-200 Controller is not using any expansion modules, then select RBT-50. Select RBT-100 if it is using one expansion module, RBT-150 for two modules and RBT-200 for three expansion modules. Select RBT-200 for an MDC 200 Controller.

Editing the valve types

Note: Valve types refer to the electric requirements of magnetic solenoids. The default Switch Code settings are 59F350 for irrigation Valve types and 3FFA20 for non-irrigation Valve types. If your system uses Rain Bird

24 VAC solenoids, do not change any of these settings. If your system operates solenoids that are not Rain Bird

, do not change the default Switch Codes before verifying if the solenoids open. If the solenoids do not open, you may need to change the Activation Time and/or

Holding Voltage. Please see Appendix II: Selecting Electrical Codes for Solenoids on page 85.

Adding or removing decoders

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit set-up data and Decoders from the pull-down menus to reach the Decoder editing pop-up window.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

3. Select a column to add or change a Decoder’s Name or Address, change the Valve type or Booster pump information, or to add a Description.

Note: A drop-down box appears when you select the Valve type and Booster columns. Use the drop-down boxes to make your selections.

Note: The Decoder Description you add is not sent to or stored in the controller. You can only access it through the PC.

4. Select OK to save the changes.

Note: Please see Naming the Field Decoders on page 25.

Adding or removing pumps/master valves

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit set-up data and Pumps/Master

Valves from the pull-down menus to reach the Pumps/Master Valves editing pop-up window.

3. Select a column to add or change a Master Valve or Booster pump information.

4. Select OK to save the changes.

Note: Please see Entering the Pump/Master Valve Information on page 28.

Activating rain and alarm sensors

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit set-up data and Sensors from the pull-down menus to reach the Sensor setup pop-up window.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

3. Select either Passive or Active for the Rain and Alarm sensor setting.

4. Select OK to save the changes.

Note: Please see Activating Rain or Alarm Sensors on page 29.

Erasing the set-up data

You can erase ALL SET-UP DATA and IRRIGATION SCHEDULE CONTENTS stored on the MDC

Controller.

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit set-up data and Erase all from the pull-down menus to reach the Erase set-up Data pop-up window.

3. Select Ye s to erase the information. Select No to cancel the action.

Editing irrigation schedules

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit irrigation data and Irrigation schedules from the pull-down menus to reach the Irrigation Schedule Edit View pop-up window.

Note: The Irrigation Schedule Edit View window shows you an overview of each Program schedule. Use the numbered tabs on top (1-11) to reach the actual edit windows for each of the 11 Programs. The View window features three additional control buttons. The Zoom Out control button lets you view a detailed section of a Schedule; Grid places grid lines over the Schedule; and Print prints the Schedule.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

To view a detailed section (i.e., Schedule 5, Monday, between 6:10 am and 6:45 am) select Zoom Out. With the left mouse button pressed, drag the cursor across the section of the Schedule you want to view. Dragging the cursor forms a rectangle showing the area of the Schedule you want to detail or

Zoom Out. Release the mouse button to Zoom Out. The Schedule now shows only the detailed

area you selected. To return the screen back to normal, select the Zoom Out button again.

Note: When you move the cursor to a section on the View window, a Values @ pointer shows you the

corresponding Schedule, day and time for the section where the cursor points.

3. Select the tab of the Schedule you want to change to reach the Irrigation Schedule Edit window.

Note: The Irrigation Schedule Edit windows let you add Schedules or change information in current Schedules. For example, use these windows to change Schedules from Active to Passive, change the days, adjust the water budget, start and repeat times, add pauses to Schedules and run times, add steps and select different decoders.

Note: A drop-down box appears when you select the Decoder columns. Use the drop-down boxes to make your selections from the decoders you already programmed into the controller.

4. Select OK to save the irrigation Schedule changes.

Note: Please see Creating Irrigation Schedules on page 41.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

Erasing irrigation schedules

You can erase ALL IRRIGATION SCHEDULES and IRRIGATION SCHEDULE CONTENTS stored on the

MDC Controller.

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit irrigation data and Erase all from the pull-down menus to reach the Erase Irrigation Schedules window.

3. Select Ye s to erase the information. Select No to cancel the action.

Editing the global water budget

Editing global water budget lets you adjust all the Schedules quickly and easily. If you design individual Schedules with a nominal run time for each decoder and valve, and set the water budget at 100%, you can easily adjust to changes in weather conditions.

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.

2. Select Edit Global Water Budget and an Adjust irrigation pop-up window appears.

3. Change the Water budget percentage and select OK.

Note: You must send the water budget changes to the controller before updates to the Global Water

Budget can take affect.

Sending Data to the Controller

Once you edit the controller information, you must then transmit or send the new information to the controller. From the Send data pull-down menu, you can Send all data (which includes set-up and irrigation data), Send irrigation data only, or Send water budget data. The sending procedures are identical.

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Send data.

2. Select Send all data from the pull-down menu.

3. If you have changed the Global Water Budget, Send the water budget data to the controller.

Note: While the PC is sending data from the PC to the controller a Communications Status pop-up window appears visually showing the progress. The window disappears once the data is sent.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

Note: If the PC lost communications with the

controller, an Error message appears, asking to make sure the Connection Information is correct.

Note: If an irrigation Schedule is running or the controller is set in the Automatic mode when you send data, you will be asked if you want to: Take

the controller out of manual or auto mode to send set-up data? Select Ye s to send the data or No to continue the irrigation Schedule.

Retrieving Monitoring Information

The controller stores information about every irrigation event that occurs. These events include every time a valve or pump starts or stops, flow measurements, etc. You can retrieve and store this information on your PC.

From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Retrieve data.

2. Select Retrieve monitor information from the pull-down menu.

Note: While the PC is retrieving data from the controller a Communications Status pop-up window appears visually showing the progress. The window disappears once the data is retrieved.

Note: If the PC has lost or is unable to establish communications with the controller, an Error message appears, asking to make sure the Connection Information is correct.

Note: The data stored on your PC is in a binary format. To set up a monitoring information data file (stored in an ASCII file format) you need to Create a

Log File.

Creating a Log File

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select File.

2. Select Create Log File from the pull-down menu to reach the Create Log File pop-up window.

3. Enter the After and Before dates you want to use.

4. Select the type of Data you want to include.

5. Select the location of the file and whether you want this data to Append (add to) or Replace a current file.

6. Select OK to create the file.

Using the Controller with a PC, continued

Viewing a Log File

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Setup.

2. Select Show log window from the pull-down menu to open a Communications Log pop-up window.

Example: Below is an example of how the information appears in the Log Window. Each line represents an event. We selected the event information to include the Date (YYYYMMDD), Time, Device, Device Type and Action.

20010919, 085000, 1, I,,Started

20010919, 085000, T1, D,,Started

20010919, 085000, 1, P,,Started

Line 1 tells us that

I (Irrigations Schedule) #1 started on Sept. 19th, 2001 at 8:50 AM

Line 2 tells us that

D (Decoder) T1 started on Sept. 19th, 2001 at 8:50 AM

Line 3 tells us that

P (Pump) #1 started on Sept. 19th, 2001 at 8:50 AM

Note: You can import the file into a spreadsheet or

to a database program.

Creating a Back-Up Database

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Setup.

2. Select Back-up database from the pull-down. A small Backup database pop-up window appears asking you to insert a disk in drive A.

3. Insert a 3.5" formatted floppy disk into drive A and select OK to save the log file data to disk.

Note: You can now use the backup information to Restore database information that was lost back to

the PC file.

Printing Set-Up and Irrigation Data

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select File.

2. Select Print from the pull-down menu.

3. Select either Print set-up data or Print irrigation schedules.

4. Select OK at the Print pop-up window for your PC.

Exiting the Remote Access Window

1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select File.

2. Select Exit from the pull-down menu or select X in the top corner of the window.

Troubleshooting

Understanding Faults

Faults are error conditions that can occur in any electronic system or equipment, no matter how well designed and built. Many factors can contribute to faults, such as the system’s age, natural occurrences (i.e., lightning, floods, frost or heat), or human errors.

When installing the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller and irrigation system, human errors can and do occur. They happen by overloading cables and sockets, adding excessive pressure to decoders, solenoids, or cables with heavy equipment (tractors or cultivators), or not taking the necessary care when connecting the systems cables and decoders. Fortunately, the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller and irrigation system features built-in test diagnostics to help pinpoint specific faults and to aid in troubleshooting.

Finding the Cause

This chapter of the manual is written for you, the Service Technician in the field. It is your responsibility to localize problems with the Rain Bird®MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller and Rain Bird®Decoder Irrigation System and determine their cause. You should always find the fault and correct it in the field at the “box” level. In other words, if you find the fault in a field decoder, replace the field decoder. If you find a fault inside the controller, replace the controller. Only highly qualified Rain Bird®Service Technician Specialists should find and correct problems inside a “box” (replace worn out or defective components inside a controller, decoder, solenoid, etc.).

The purpose of this chapter is to teach you basic troubleshooting techniques that you can easily do in the field. This chapter does not cover faults that were caused by using the wrong size cable (wires that are too thin or cable lengths that are too long) or faults caused by entering incorrect data into the controller.

Troubleshooting, continued

Understanding Basic Troubleshooting Techniques

Using a systematic approach is perhaps the best way to troubleshoot any MDC Controller system. In other words, start at one end, test and replace components one at a time until you find and fix the problem. Understand too, that a set of troubleshooting procedures cannot cover every conceivable situation. It is you, the technician, responsible for finding and repairing the faults, who must mold these procedures to the situation. Also, when a fault occurs, try to learn the circumstances that led to the fault. This can often times lead you to a good starting point.

Before you attempt to troubleshoot a system, it is important for you to have a good understanding of:

• how the complete MDC Controller system works,

• electrical terms, such as current, voltage and resistance,

• how to use the right tools, and

• the actual installation.

First, familiarize yourself with the installation of the complete system. Review and study the as-built irrigation drawings of the system. These drawings should show you the locations of each field decoder, solenoid, master valve and pump. You should be able to use these drawings to trace the exact course of the two-wire cables, their connections and termination points.

Next, gather your tools and equipment. Specific tools you may need to troubleshoot and repair an MDC Controller system may include:

• an instrument, such as a Fluke 10 (digital) Multimeter, that measures minimum AC/DC voltages from 0 – 50 V (Volts), with a 0 – 1M (meter) ohm resistance,

• a Clamp Amperemeter, such as a Kyoritsu 8112 Clamp Meter, that measures 0 – 2A (amps), with a minimum resolution of 5mA (milliamps),

• a cable finder (if you do not know the exact location of the two-wire cable),

• an extra MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller, and

• standard tools, such as screwdrivers, lineman’s pliers, wire stripper, wire nuts and DBY connectors.

Troubleshooting, continued

Troubleshooting the System

Problem A fault occurs the first time the system was started.

Solution You will probably find the fault in the cabling between the different units (i.e., two-wire cable

and field decoder, field decoder and solenoid, pump decoder and pump, etc.) Check that the hook up from unit to unit is done properly.

Problem A fault occurs after the system is serviced.

Solution You will probably find the fault around the serviced area. It is rare for two faults to occur at the

same time.

Problem A strong smell, heat buildup or smoke develops in the controller during a fault.

Solution Switch the controller off immediately and replace the unit. The fault is probably in the

controller.

Problem Nothing works when you turn on the controller; the system is dead.

Solution The controller is either defective or there is no power reaching the controller.

High Voltage!

Check the Mains 120-Volt AC power line leading into the controller. Make sure the Mains power is turned on.

Check the Mains cabling. Make sure it isn’t severed, kinked or showing a short.

Check for burned out fuses or tripped circuit breakers in the Mains cabling line (if applicable). There are no fuses inside the MDC Controller, except for a non field-replaceable thermal fuse, which automatically resets once a short circuit is cleared.

If the system uses a power disconnect switch, make sure it is not engaged.

Measure the supply voltage (in the AC range) in the wire nuts. The voltage should be around 120 V. (The controller should work, with no problems, at a nominal voltage of 80% of the Mains.) If the voltage you read is lower, the fault is in the controller and you should replace the controller.

Troubleshooting, continued

Problem Diagnostics indicate there is a fault with the field decoders.

Solution There is a break in the two-wire communications cable, the connections are loose, the decoders

are supplying too much or too little voltage, or the controller is defective. To check the line voltage and decoders, you will need a voltmeter and Clamp Ampmeter.

Navigate the MDC Controller to the Short Finding Screen (this switches the controller to the

50 Hz mode). Please see Finding a short in the system on page 38. This enables you to measure line voltage (in the AC mode) and currents with the Clamp Ampmeter.

Start by measuring the line voltage between L1 and L2 on the terminal strip. Nominal voltage

is 34 V, but because the voltage form is non-standard (standard=sine), your reading will probably be higher. Acceptable values are from 33 – 40 V.

If the value is too low, disconnect the line wires (L1 and L2) and measure again. If the voltage

is still too low, the controller is defective and you will need to replace it.

If the voltage is within the acceptable range, there is a problem with the field installation.

Please see the problem, The field decoders are not responding on page 73.

With the lines (L1 and L2) connected, use the Clamp Ampmeter to measure the line current.

Standby current for the FD-102TURF and FD-202TURF Decoder is 0.5 mA.

Standby current for the FD-401TURF and FD-601TURF Decoder is 1 mA. Based on these

values, compute the expected line current for your system. If the actual current differs more than 20 mA from the value you computed, the problem is in the field.

Voltages or current readings that are too high indicate that something is overloading the two-

wire communications cable. Please see the problem, Overloading the two-wire communications cable caused a short circuit on page 76.

Current reading too low may indicate that there is a break in the two-wire communications

cable. Please see the problem, Finding a break in the two-wire communications cable on page 75.

Troubleshooting, continued

Problem Finding a fault by measuring line voltages in the field.

Solution When searching for a fault, you may need to measure the voltage on the two-wire

communications cable in the field. Set the voltmeter in the DC range and measure the voltage at the L1 and L2 terminal strip. If the DC readings are erratic (changing every half second) navigate the MDC Controller to the 50 Hz mode and switch the voltmeter to AC. Please see Finding a short in the system on page 38. In he AC range, the voltmeter typically reads on the high side, from 33 – 40 V. This is acceptable.

With the voltmeter set, go into the field and measure the two-wire communications cable (line) at easy access points, either at a branch or inside a valve box where decoders connect. Remove the DBY connectors and measure the cable.

If you need to measure in the middle of a cable, use a sharp knife to cut the insulation off the cable and measure between the bare wires. Use DBY connectors to repair any cuts in the cable.

Problem The field decoders are not responding.

Solution If several field decoders are not responding, and they are located on the same branch,

the fault is probably with the cable. Please see the problem, Finding a break in the two-wire communications cable on page 75.

If a single field decoder (or field decoders on separate branches) is not responding, you should first test the field decoder to determine if the fault is in the decoder or the valve. Please see Testing the operation of the decoders on page 37.

If the test results show the field decoder is not responding, (all three current readings are the same, or very close), check the following reasons.

There is a fault in the cable leading to the unresponsive field decoder. Measure the voltage on the decoder’s input wires. If the voltage is in the acceptable range (33 – 40 VAC), then check the input connection to the decoder.

There is a fault in the field decoder. Check that the decoder address was entered correctly. Please see Naming the Field Decoders on page 25.

There is a break in the solenoid. Measure the resistance in the solenoid. Standard Rain Bird

solenoids measure about 28 Ohms. If the resistance is low, replace the solenoid.

If the field decoder still does not respond, replace the field decoder.

Troubleshooting, continued

Problem One or more field decoders does not always activate the valve.

Solution To open a valve, a field decoder supplies the valve with energy (electricity) for a short time. If the

valve’s hydraulic pressure is high, then it needs more energy to open. There are many factors contributing to the amount of energy available to open a valve. These factors include the length of the two-wire communications cable to the field decoder and the number of field decoders operating at one time. The switch code setting controls these factors.

The field decoder’s valve type defines the solenoid’s switch code. The switch code tells the field decoder how to operate the solenoid. The switch code must be specified correctly for the field decoder to operate the solenoid. If the solenoids you are using are not made by Rain Bird®, you may need to change the switch code settings. Please see Appendix II: Selecting Electrical Codes for Solenoids on page 85.

If the two-wire communications cable was installed as a ring cable, a break in the ring can cause a fault. Because the controller sends the voltage in both directions on the ring, field decoders can still operate, one at a time, even with a break. However, a break in the ring increases the cable’s resistance and there may not be enough available energy to open more valves. To eliminate the fault, you must connect both ends of the ring cable to the L1 and L2 terminals inside the controller.

Disconnect the ring cable at one end and measure the resistance of both wires from one end of the cable to the other. If the cable measures 2.5 square millimeters, the resistance should be about 7.0 Ohms per kilometer of cable.

In other words, if your ring cable measures 6 kilometers, you should be able to measure about 42 Ohms for each wire in the cable. The resistance is inversely proportional to the square. A cable measuring 3.1 square millimeters will have a resistance of:

7 x 2.5/3.1 = 5.6 Ohms per kilometer.

If the resistance you measure is too high, then the cable is defective. Please see the problem Finding a break in the two-wire communications cable on page 75.

Troubleshooting, continued

Problem Finding a break in the two-wire communications cable.

Solution Measure the line voltage on the L1 and L2 terminals inside the controller. If the voltage is correct,

then the fault is a result of a break in the two-wire communications cable. To locate the break, you will need an as-built irrigation drawing showing the complete installation and tracking of the two-wire communications cable, including each field decoder connection point.

If the break is in a ring cable, disconnect one end of the cable from the controller.

You can now find the approximate location of the break by testing each field decoder to determine which decoders are not responding. Please see Testing the operation of the decoders on page 37. If, during the test, a field decoder activates, you will know the break in the cable must be beyond that decoder. Field decoders will not respond if there is a break in the cable.

Before testing, you may want to depressurize any pressure-controlled pumps and deactivate any pump decoders in your system. Please see Entering the Pump/Master Valve Information on page 28. This will stop the pumps from activating during the test, conserving water.

Once you localize a break between two decoders, you then need to find the exact location of the

break manually by measuring its voltage.

A cable’s voltage after a break is not always zero (0). In fact, it may only be 10 V lower than the reading before the break.

First, check connections at the two decoders and between the two decoders. Measure the voltage on the cable from the last decoder that is working. Then measure the voltage on the cable at the non-working decoder connection.

If you cannot find the fault in any of the field decoder connections and there is no specific hint at to where the fault may be, you can try using a cable tracer to locate any irregularities along the cable.

If you do not have access to a cable tracer, you can either replace the complete length of the questionable cable or follow the systematic approach we will outline next.

Troubleshooting, continued

Problem Using a systematic method to find a break in the two-wire communications cable.

Solution There is a systematic method to find a cable break, but it can be time-consuming. Measure the

voltage midway between the field decoder that is working and the one that is not.

If the voltage is out of the acceptable range (33 – 40 VAC), you can locate the break between the field decoder that works and the point where you measured the line voltage. Measure the line voltage again at the middle of this section of cable. If the voltage is still out of the acceptable range, you have narrowed the area of the break even further. Continue to narrow the sections this way until you find the break.

Problem Overloading the two-wire communications cable caused a short circuit.

Solution If the two-wire cable is damaged or a field decoder develops a defect, a short circuit can occur

on the cable. A short circuit can mean that nothing in the system works or only parts of the system work.

If the MDC Controller senses a short circuit on the lines, it will automatically limit the current to a safe value by changing the line frequency from 1 to 50 Hz. and display a Short Circuit message. Please see Sensing a Short Circuit on page 54. When this happens, you must check the line voltage.

If the line voltage reading is between 24 and 34 V, a field decoder, using too much power, is probably causing the fault. If the system is still operational, you should test all the decoders. If all the decoders pass the test, please see the problem, A two-wire communications cable shows signs of corrosion on page 77.

If the line voltage reading is less than 24 V, you will not be able to use the field decoders to locate the fault. This type of short circuit affects all parts of the cable by dropping the voltage below the controller’s minimum operating voltage. Here, you will need to use a Clamp Ampmeter to locate the short circuit.

A Clamp Ampmeter allows you to measure the current running in a cable without cutting the cable. Attach the clamp to one of the two communications wires and measure the resistance. If you clamp both wires, the reading will be zero (0).

Troubleshooting, continued

Clamp Ampmeters normally measure only rapidly alternating currents. Navigate the MDC Controller to the 50 Hz mode, causing the Controller to send 50 Hz voltage and current through the two-wire cable. Please see Finding a short in the system on page 38. You can measure this current directly on the Clamp Ampmeter.

If the two-wire communications cable is installed as a ring, you must disconnect one end of the ring from the controller before measuring the current.

If the controller is using more than one two-wire communications cable, you can use the Clamp Ampmeter to find the two-wire cable that is using too much current. When measuring the cables, pay close attention to the magnitude of the current. If you learn that none of the communications wires are using too much current, then the short circuit may be in the controllers lighting protection. To check this, disconnect all the communications cables and test the terminals. If the condition remains after you disconnect the lines, the short is in the lighting protection and you will need to replace the controller.

To locate the short, use the Clamp Ampmeter to “follow” the current from the controller to the decoders in the field. The large current will run out from the controller on one wire to the short circuit and back again to the controller on the other. The current running beyond the short circuit in the cable will read zero (0) or have a very low reading.

If the cable splits into two or more branches, the current will only continue in the branch where you will locate the short circuit.

If the fault is in a field decoder, you can measure the current in the decoder’s connecting (blue) input wires.

Problem A two-wire communications cable shows signs of corrosion.

Solution To safeguard the two-wire cables against corrosion, their mean voltage relative to the

surrounding ground must be slightly negative. The controller initially determines this voltage. A ground fault means that a current is running from the system’s two-wires through the ground and back to the ground rod. If the mean cable-to-ground voltage were positive, a defect in the cable’s insulation would result in a very destructive corrosion of the cable.

This ground current will not affect the mean voltage of the two-wires but it may overload the controller if it gets too high.

Troubleshooting, continued

You can measure the ground current with a Clamp Ampmeter (set in the 50 Hz mode) on the wire to the ground rod. If the current is 20 mA or less there is no reason to worry. But, if the current is above 20 mA, you can locate the ground fault with a Clamp Ampmeter.

Turn off any running Programs or Schedules. Please see Operating the Irrigation Programs on page 49. Connect both communications wires to the L1 terminal inside the controller. Attach the clamp from a Clamp Ampmeter to the L1 terminal. With no decoders using power, the line voltage should read zero (0). Any reading other than zero (0) is ground current. If the reading is above 20 mA, track it along the cable until the current disappears. Once the current disappears, you have passed the leakage point. This procedure only works for one or two shorts. If there are several minor shorts you will not be able to see the sudden drop in the leakage current when you pass the fault.

Problem The clock shows an incorrect time after a power outage.

Solution When the power goes out, a back-up battery powers the controller’s clock. The battery is in a

battery holder on the main board. The clock and the memory use the battery only when the controller is turned off or without power. The battery life is normally around 10 years. If the time is incorrect, replace the battery. Please see Replacing the Battery on page 15.

If the fault is not in the battery, either the main board or the power supply is defective. Replace the controller.

Problem The controller is loosing installation data and irrigation schedules.

Solution The controller’s installation data and irrigation schedules are stored in S-RAM, which needs

power to hold data. When the Mains power is off, the battery supplies the power for the memory. If it can no longer do this, replace the battery. Please see Replacing the Battery on page 15.

If you replace the controller, you will need to retrieve the installation and irrigation data from the old board. Please see Replacing the Controller on page 81.

Troubleshooting, continued

Problem The optional (rain or alarm) sensor is not responding.

Solution Disconnect the two-wire sensor connection from the terminals inside the controller. After a few

seconds, a message should appear on the controller’s display screen reading, Rain (or Alarm) Sensor In:<time>. Next, connect a piece of wire between the terminals. The message should

change to Out:<time>. This sequence is based on a correct set up and a rain (alarm) sensor that is Normally closed (NC). (ON, open = NC; ON, closed = NO—Normally open). If this sequence does not occur, check to make sure the rain (alarm) sensor is properly installed. Please see Connecting an Optional Sensor on page 13.

Troubleshooting a Field Transmitter (Optional)

The Field Transmitter is a separate, small, handheld computer, which uses special connectors to connect to the two-wire communications cable in the field. You use Field Transmitters to manually operate field decoders. In the following, it is assumed that the MDC Controller and field decoder system is working properly.

Problem The Field Transmitter’s display is dead.

Solution Check that there is line voltage on the connection sockets inside the Field Transmitter

Connection Box. Various connection boxes may be located in the field at specific points along the two-wire communications line. Use the irrigation drawings to find the location of each box.

Open the Connection Box and measure the line voltage between terminals 1 and 2. Make sure the wires leading into the rear terminals are not corroded. If they are, cut away the corroded wires and reconnect the wires.

Check the connection points. If the pins of the socket are corroded (which can happen if the protective cap is missing) replace the socket.

Problem The Field Transmitter reads No Contact.

Solution A No Contact message indicates the Field Transmitter cannot contact the controller. Heavy

leakage currents may cause this in the system. Check the line voltage. If the line voltage is acceptable, there is probably a fault in the Field Transmitter, or in rare cases, the controller. Check the Field Transmitter’s installation data. Make sure PULSE TIME is set to 0 and INT. DELAY is set to 4O. Please see the Field Transmitter User Manual on page 43. If these settings are correct, replace the Field Transmitter.

Troubleshooting, continued

If the No Contact message appears only when a specific field decoder or pump decoder is active, the fault is in this decoder.

Problem The Field Transmitter reads Try Again.

Solution This message can appear if the controller is very busy, for example, if an irrigation Schedule is

running or about to start. If the message appears frequently, please see The Field Transmitter reads No Contact on page 79.

Problem The Field Transmitter reads Unknown Decoder to an existing field decoder.

Solution The fault is probably in the character string installed in the Field Transmitter. If this is not

identical with the character string installed in the controller, the field decoder’s letters will be switched around. Check and correct the Field Transmitter’s installation. Please see the Field

Transmitter User Manual on page 43.

Problem The Field Transmitter uses the wrong language.

Solution Select the correct language in the Field Transmitter’s installation menu. Please see the Field

Transmitter User Manual on page 43.

Troubleshooting the Controller’s Internal Parts

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller does have a thermal fuse that resets itself after a Short Circuit message disappears. You should not try to replace the thermal fuse. In general it is better to substitute the controller as a whole than try to replace various internal parts that may be interconnected with cables and plugs. However, there are a few procedures you may try to troubleshoot the controller.

Problem The display will not come on when the controller receives power.

Solution Check that the cable connector from the transformer to the main board is correctly inserted in

the connector on the board. Check also the cable/connector from the ON/OFF switch.

Problem The contrast on the display screen is too high/low.

Solution If the contrast is too high/low, try adjusting the potentiometer in the uppermost left corner of

the main board. To get access, remove the display and control module. Please see Replacing the Battery on page 15.

Troubleshooting, continued

Problem The controller is functioning but acting oddly.

Solution If the controller is acting oddly, try downloading the Firmware to the program module in the

controller. Please see the Firmware Upgrade Instructions included with the Firmware Upgrade package.

Replacing The Controller

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller contains set-up and irrigation data that is stored in a chip soldered to the main board. When you need to replace the controller, the data will stay in the defective controller. However, you can use the PC program to transfer data from the controller to the PC. If the controller is still able to communicate, you can retrieve and transfer the data to the replacement unit. Please see Retrieving the Data on page 60. If the controller cannot communicate you must rely on the current PC data or backup disk you made the last time you updated the data.

Troubleshooting, continued

Controller is

defective.

Controller display ON?

Start 50 Hz mode.

Check line voltage.

Is reading 33-40 VAC?

Check valve activation.

Is Inrush OK?

Next valve

Is decoder address OK?

Defective

solenoid

Defective

decoder

Correct address.

Next decoder

YES

Bad

splice

Is switch ON?

Turn on switch.

One field cable?

Take

next cable.

Is current

in GND?

Is current >20 mA?

Not possible

to trace.

Use Clamp Ampmeter to

locate problem.

Connect both wires

to the same terminal

and trace leak.

Connect

one cable

at a time.

Is current OK?

YES

Problem is in field.

Does the line current (50 Hz)

match decoders?

YES

Disconnect lines

and measure again.

Is reading OK?

Problem

is in field.

One field cable?

Controller

is defective.

Use Clamp

Ampmeter to

trace short.

Connect one cable at a time. Is voltage OK?

YES

Check next

cable.

Use Clamp

Ampmeter to

trace short.

YES

Is supply

voltage OK?

Check fuses and

Mains switch.

YES

Troubleshooting Guide for the Decoder System

Appendix I

Conversion Chart from Standard to Military Time

Standard Time Military Time

1:00 am 01:00 2:00 am 02:00 3:00 am 03:00 4:00 am 04:00 5:00 am 05:00 6:00 am 06:00 7:00 am 07:00 8:00 am 08:00

9:00 am 09:00 10:00 am 10:00 11:00 am 11:00 12:00 pm 12:00

Standard Time Military Time

1:00 pm 13:00 2:00 pm 14:00 3:00 pm 15:00 4:00 pm 16:00 5:00 pm 17:00 6:00 pm 18:00 7:00 pm 19:00 8:00 pm 20:00

9:00 pm 21:00 10:00 pm 22:00 11:00 pm 23:00 12:00 am 24:00

Appendix II

Selecting Electrical Codes for Solenoids

If your system uses solenoids (valves) that do not open, you may need to extend the switch code activation time. To do this, change the 4th digit of the code according to the following chart.

Appendix II, continued

Electrical Requirement Code of Magnetic Solenoid

SWITCH CODE DEFINITION 5 9 F, X,Y,0

Use the chart above to select a suitable

electrical code for special solenoid (valve) types.

Note: To find a switch code that works with your valve, you may need to use the trial and error method.

Example: Activation Time = 40 ms. (milliseconds)

Arrows in chart show:

Holding Voltage = 2.3 volts

Switch Code = 59F450

If the solenoid opens but will not stay open, the holding voltage may be too low. Here, you would change the fifth digit of the code.

Example: Activation Time = 50 ms.

Holding Voltage = 5.2 Volts Switch Code = 59F5A0

If the solenoids are still not operating properly after repeated attempts, contact your Rain Bird®Distributor to guide you in adjusting this number for proper operation.

[Volts]

Appendix II, continued

Changing the Switching Codes

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up and select OK.

2. Move the indicating arrow to 1.Valve Types and select OK.

3. Scroll to the Valve type you need to change.

4. Select OK and OK again to activate the Switch field. A blinking box shows the position of the first character you are changing.

5. Select OK to move to the next character. The box is replaced with an arrow pointing to the character you can change.

Note: Change only the numbers and letters you need to change.

Note: You need to continue selecting OK until the up and down arrow labels switch to left and right arrows. Only then is the Switch field no longer

active.

6. Use the right arrow to select OK, to return to the Set-up menu. Selecting minus (-) cancels the change and returns to its previous setting.

V - type Switch No. of Valves 1 >59 350< 1 OK

OK –

14:02:30

Appendix III

Master Valve and Pump Set-up Tips

To supply water to the various valves located throughout an irrigation area, systems use either a master valve or master pump. By recognizing a specific Address and switch code, the controller sends a signal telling the decoder when to activate the valve or pump. The switch code can vary depending on how your system was installed. Below, we will cover some of the more common installations.

Using a Field Decoder With a Pump

In this installation, a field decoder attaches to a pump using a relay. Rain Bird®recommends you use Relay-100. Please see the illustration below. When setting up the controller, enter the field decoder Address in the pump Address field. The switch code for the above Relay-100 is 49F390.

With the above setup, the flow sensor monitors the flow rate, sending the information to the controller. Once the flow exceeds the maximum rate during irrigation, and an alarm flow or leakage schedule is set, the controller will automatically shut off the pump and all the decoders and valves.

MDC Controller

Two-Wire

Communications

Cable

Field Decoder

RELAY-100

Master Pump

Water

Line

Sensor

FLOW

Sensor Decoder

Appendix III, continued

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

In this installation, a decoder controls a Normally closed master valve with a pressure switch controlling the operation of the pump. Please see the illustration below. When setting up the controller, enter the decoder

Address. If the master valve is Normally open, please see Using the Municipal Water Supply With a Master Valve (NC or NO) on page 92.

With the above setup, both the master valve and flow sensor monitor the flow rate. Once the flow exceeds the maximum rate, the controller sends a signal to the pump decoder shutting off the master valve and all other decoders and valves in the system. When the water pressure builds up inside the pump, due to the pressure switch, the pump also stops. There cannot be a leak in the system because when no Programs or decoders are active, the Normally closed master valve is closed.

MDC Controller

Pressure

#18 AWG

Switch

Pump

Master Valve (NC)

Water

Line

Sensor

FLOW

Two-Wire Communications Cable

Sensor Decoder

Appendix III, continued

Using a Decoder and Relay-100 With a Pressure Switch

In this installation, the pressure switch attaches directly to the decoder and Relay-100, and the decoder and Relay-100 to the pump. Please see the illustration below.

Please see Naming the Field Decoders on page 25. You will also need to define a separate valve type with the switch code of 49F390. The controller circuit from the pressure switch runs through the contacts on the Relay-100.

With the above setup, the pressure switch will provide power to the pump, or if the flow exceeds the maximum rate, the controller sends a signal to the field decoder stopping the pump and shutting off the valves in the system. If the pressure is too high, the pressure switch will cut off power to the pump and shut it off. With the valves closed, any flow in the system is considered a leak.

MDC Controller

Sensor

FLOW

RELAY-100

Master Pump

Water Line

#18 AWG

Pressure Switch

Two-Wire Communications Cable

Sensor Decoder

Appendix III, continued

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

In this installation, a field decoder attaches to a Normally closed or Normally open master valve installed as a pump. Please see the illustration below. When setting up the controller, enter the decoder address in the pump Address field and change the switch code to 49F350, which is the setting for a standard 24 VAC/2-3 W irrigation valve.

With the above setup, the flow sensor monitors the flow rate. If, during irrigation, the flow exceeds its maximum rate, the controller sends a signal shutting off a Normally closed master valve. A Normally closed master valve is open when a Program is running.

If the master valve is Normally open, exceeding the maximum flow will shut off all valves. Because none of the valves are open, any additional flow detected is considered a leak in the system. Once the flow surpasses the alarm leakage schedule, the field decoder activates, closing the Normally open master valve.

MDC Controller

Sensor

FLOW

Two-Wire

Communications

Cable

Water Supply

Master Valve (NC or NO)

Municipal Water Supply

Field Decoder

Sensor Decoder

Glossary

booster pump

activates when the demand for water pressure exceeds the capabilities of the master pump.

circuit board

one of the etched, copper clad sheets of insulating material onto which electronic components and terminals are assembled. Controllers contain circuit boards.

controller

a device that sends a 24 VAC power signal to the field solenoid valves controlling when they open and close.

CPU board

the central processing unit circuit board inside the controller.

default setting

the start-up settings for the controller.

GPH (used in USA)

gallons per hour.

hardwire

communications cable used to transmit data between devices.

irrigation schedule

the watering Schedule for one of the Programs controlled by the controller.

liquid crystal display (LCD)

the illuminated display used on most controllers.

manual

requires user input, rather than being automatically performed.

master pump

main irrigation pump, controlled electronically, that supplies water pressure to the system. Not all systems require a master pump.

master valve (MV)

an electrically operated valve located on the system’s main line that controls the flow of water to all other electric and manual valves downstream of it.

Glossary, continued

M3/h (used outside USA)

cubic meters per hour.

monitor

to observe conditions in and around the irrigation system and send the information to the different components in the system for appropriate action.

sensor

an optional addition to the controller that can disable watering.

solenoid

a coil of copper wire that receives a 24 VAC electrical current from the controller, causing a plunger to open a control port in a valve allowing the valve to open and operate the sprinklers.

valve

a manual or electrically operated device used to control flow of water in an irrigation system.

water budget

allows the adjustment of water application times without reprogramming each irrigation Schedule.

watering cycle

the complete cycle of watering for all Programs controlled by the controller.

Rain bird MDC 200, MDC 50-200 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual