Toro RainSensors User Manual

Wireless Rain Sensor Series
Rain Sensor, Model TWRS and
Rain/Freeze Sensor, Model TWRFS

User’s Guide

i

Introduction

The Toro Wireless RainSensor system, model TWRS for rain sensing and TWRFS for rain and freeze
sensing, is a powerful water conservation and management tool that connects your automatic
irrigation system to actual environmental factors vital to the health and maintenance of your
landscape. Without sensor input, the controller simply turns the sprinklers on and off based on a
routine irrigation schedule. Linking controller operation to real-time rain and/or freeze conditions
eliminates unnecessary irrigation and dramatically reduces resource consumption–all without
compromising the health and beauty of your landscape. And–it’s wireless. No cable to run or holes to
drill. Simple installation and setup delivers reliable, intelligent sensor control in a matter of minutes.

Contents Page

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Receiver Module Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installing the Receiver Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Initial Sensor System Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Sensor Module Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Installing the Sensor Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Freeze Sensor Site Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Set Temperature Activation Threshold. . . . . . . . 14

Water Conservation Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Smart Bypass Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Water Delay Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Signal Strength Display Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Battery Strength Display Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Dry Out Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Fail Safe Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Turn Receiver Module Off and On . . . . . . . . . . 20

Set or Restore the Sensor Address Code . . . . . . 20

Sensor Module Battery Replacement. . . . . . . . . 21

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Electromagnetic Compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

1

The wireless sensor system is comprised of a programmable, weather-resistant receiver module
and a sensor module with built-in transmitter. The receiver installs next to the irrigation controller
and connects to the controller’s 24 Vac power source and sensor input terminals (if equipped)
or splices directly into the irrigation valve common wire. The sensor module is installed within
range of the receiver in a location that best represents the landscape’s sun/shade exposure and
can provide reliable communication from the sensor to the receiver.
Once activated by preset rain or low temperature levels (Rain/Freeze model only), the sensor
communicates to the receiver via ultra high-frequency radio signal. The receiver responds by
placing the controller’s automatic watering schedule on hold or by simply opening the valve
common circuit to prevent sprinkler valve operation. When watering is once again needed,
the sensor system automatically resets, allowing automatic irrigation to resume.
More than just an accurate rain switch, the wireless sensor system actually adapts to your
landscape with the simple, yet sophisticated Water Conservation feature. Just choose the
conservation level that corresponds to your landscape soil type and the sensor location.
A dry-out period, adjusted for actual rainfall duration, is automatically placed after the sensor
system resets to effectively delay automatic watering until it is actually needed.
Other standard features include a Smart Bypass

TM

button that gives you manual control over the
sensor system with a single touch, system status indicators to see at glance that your sensor
system is active and watering is on hold, watering delay to postpone automatic watering from
1 to 5 days, air temperature displayed for Rain/Freeze sensors and even a Fail-safe mode to allow
irrigation in case the sensor system is not performing properly.

Getting Started

2

The receiver is installed and connected
to your irrigation system controller.

Step 1

The sensor and receiver are tested at close
range to verify operation.

Step 2

The wireless rain sensor system is designed for easy installation, setup and years of trouble-free
operation. In most cases, the system components can be installed and fully operational within
minutes. All you will need is a Phillips screwdriver and basic do-it-yourself skills.

If you have problems with any portion of the installation, or the product does not seem to function
properly, refer to the Troubleshooting section on page 22 first. If the problem is not listed, or the
remedy does not seem to help, call the T

Here’s all there is to it:

oro Irrigation help line at 1-877-345-8676 for assistance.

3

The sensor is adjusted to the preferred
rainfall activation level.

The sensor is installed using the Quick Clip

TM

mounting bracket or pipe-mount adapter.

The operating features are set to your
preferences.

A sensor installation site is chosen and the
system is tested again to verify operation.

Step 5

Step 4

Step 6

Step 3

4

Receiver Module Features

1– Setup Button–Accesses the sensor system operating features.

2– Adjust Button–Scrolls through and selects settings within the

system operating features.

3– Mast Antenna–Adjusts easily for best signal reception.

4– Digital Display–High-resolution LCD screen provides visual

reference for sensor system operating features.

5– Sensor Status Indicators–Illuminates when sensor system is

active and automatic watering is on hold. Flashes when sensor
is active but has been bypassed to enable automatic watering.

6– Smart Bypass

TM

Button–Multi-functional use. Pressed to

bypass sensor operation, allowing automatic watering to
resume.

Switches the Water Delay feature on and off.

7– Water Conservation LEDs–Indicate the Water Conservation

feature level selected (Minimum, Medium or Maximum).

8– Hinged Cover–Opens downward for receiver control access.

Closed position protects receiver when installed outdoors.

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

2

Installing the Receiver Module

Important: Installation of this product must comply with national and local building and

electrical codes. For assistance, contact a professional irrigation system contractor in your area.

The receiver module is suitable for either indoor or outdoor installation. Select a location next to
the controller that provides the following conditions:

• The display screen is clearly visible and the control buttons are easily accessed.

• The connection cable can reach the controller wiring terminal strip without straining.

• The antenna will be unobstructed and is able to be adjusted.

1. Install one of the provided stainless steel screws into the wall at the

intended receiver location. Leave a 1/8" (3mm) gap behind the screw head.

Note: Use screw anchors if installing the receiver on drywall or masonry.

2. Hang the receiver on the screw ensuring the keyhole slot drops down

onto the screw shaft. Back the screw out as necessary for good fit.

3. Install a second screw through the lower tab to secure the receiver.

4. Route the connection cable through the bottom of the controller cabinet

to the wiring connection terminals.

Important: If the receiver module is installed outdoors, be sure to keep the cover in the

closed position when you do not need to view the display or access the control buttons.

5

Figure 1

6

Connecting the Receiver Wires

CAUTION: The receiver requires continuous 24 Vac power for operation. Connecting to
110 Vac or higher will result in irreparable damage. Ensure power to the controller has been
removed prior to connecting the receiver wires.

The sensor system is designed to work with most makes and models of irrigation controllers.

• If your controller is equipped for sensor connection, follow the steps in Wiring Procedure I.

• If your controller is not equipped for sensor connection, use Wiring Procedure II on page 7.

Wiring Procedure I (sensor-ready)

Note: Refer to your controller user’s guide for

the type of sensor required: Normally Closed
(NC) or Normally Open (NO).

1. Locate the sensor connection terminals,

usually labeled “SENSOR” or “SN.”
Remove the jumper if one is installed.

2. Attach the White wire to either sensor

terminal (disregard + and – symbols).

3. For a normally-closed sensor, attach the

Brown wire to the remaining sensor terminal.
Tape back the Yellow wire. See Figure 2.

Jumper

Figure 2 - Normally-closed Sensor

21

34

PUMP/

SENSOR

MV

COM

24 VAC

To Va l ve s

White

Brown

Red

Red

X

Red
Red
White
Brown

Yellow

For a normally-open sensor, attach the
Yellow wire to the remaining sensor terminal.

Tape back the Brown wire. See Figure 3.

4. Attach the Red wires to the 24 Vac terminals.

Important Most controllers with sensor
connections also provide a control switch to
bypass sensor operation if necessary. Check
the switch setting to make sure it is not in
the Bypass or Active position.

Wiring Procedure II (no sensor feature)

1. Locate the valve common wire terminal,
generally labeled “C” or “COM”, and remove
all

common wires for valves, pump relay, etc.

2. Attach the White wire to this terminal.

3. Splice the Brown wire to the common wires
and insulate the connection using a wire nut
or electrical tape. Tape back the Yellow wire.
See Figure 4.

4. Attach the Red wires to the 24 Vac terminals.

7

Figure 3 - Normally-open Sensor

Figure 4 - Splice Valve Common

PUMP/

34

21

To Valves

21

Common
To Valves and
Pump/MV

MV

COM

34

SENSOR

Yellow

PUMP/

MV

White

COM

White

24 VAC

Red

24 VAC

Red

Red

X

Red

X

Red
Red
White
Yellow
Brown

Red
Red

White

Brown

Yellow