Toro TMC-424E Series User Manual
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Toro Modular Controller - 4 to 24 Stations
Toro Modular Controller - 4 to 24 Stations
♦
Installation
♦
Programming
♦
Operation
♦
Installation
♦
Programming
♦
Operation
User’s Guide
User’s Guide
Introduction
The TMC-424E Series takes modularity to a whole new level. Toro’s advanced modular technology
combines sophisticated features with simple operation to provide a customizable controller. Station
count can be 4 – 24 stations, using four-or eight-station modules. Real-time flow sensing monitors up
to three independent sensors and is compatible with the Toro TFS Series flow sensors. Versatile run
times allows for additional watering flexibility. Add this together with features like two levels of surge
protection, compatibility with the TMR-1 Maintenance Remote, the rugged dual-use cabinet, and
convenient program review feature, and you really do have the ultimate in controller Flexibility.
TMC-424E controller features:
• Advanced hybrid control module featuring easy-to-use dial interface
• Non-volatile memory–retains program data without battery backup
• Four fully-independent watering programs
• Concurrent operation of up to three automatic programs
• 16 unique start times allotted to programs in any combination of 0–16
• Program cycle and soak option provides 1–30 repeat cycles and soak time delay from 1 second
to 60 minutes
• Day scheduling by Calendar days, 1–31-day Interval or Odd/Even days with
selective day exclusion
• Station run time adjustable form 1 second to 8 hours
• Season Adjust by program and by month from 0–200% (automatic split-cycle watering for adjustment over 100%)
• Rain delay to postpone automatic watering operation from 1–14 days
• Master valve/pump start operation assignable by program or station
• Programmable well recovery/station delay from 1–60 seconds or 1–60 minutes
• Flow monitoring and alert parameters for 1– 3 flow sensors.
• Output current watchdog feature detects overload/short-circuit condition and automatically
bypasses suspect station(s).
• Optional Normally Open master valve control on flow sensing modules
• Manual operations by station and program
• Review feature quickly recaps all program information
• 12-or 24-hour time designation
• Programming display prompts selectable in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian or
Portuguese
• Valve test feature for quick station and system check
• Equipped for optional Toro rain sensor models TRS, TWRS and TWRFS,
Toro TMR-1 handheld maintenance remote and Toro TFS Series flow sensors.
ii
The unique TMC-424E Expansion Modules are color-coded for easy identification. The modules
can be mixed and matched in any combination and are available in six models as indicated in the
table below.
The Expansion Modules can be installed and removed at any time without powering down the
controller. The TMC-424E will gain instant access to the module and will logically number the stations
based on module position.
For example, if three 4-station modules are installed, the stations will be numbered 1–12: module I
(stations 1–4) module II (stations 5–8) and module III (stations 9–12). If module II is removed, stations
5–8 will be automatically assigned to module III. All stations will remain in sequence without gaps.
Getting Started
As an initial step, we recommend that you take a few moments to browse through various sections of
this User’s Guide. Also, take the time jot down some basic watering program and station information
on the Watering Schedule form provided. Having this information readily at hand will be very helpful
during the initial controller setup and programming procedures.
Note that the Watering Schedule form provides a convenient pocket for the User’s Guide and Quick
Reference Guide when folded and attached to the inside of the cabinet door.
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Model Color Station Surge Surge Flow Flow Monitor Master Valve
Number Code Count Level Icon Monitor Icon Control
TSM-4 Gray 4 Standard No No
TSM-8 Gray 4 Standard No No
TSM-4H Beige 4 High No No
TSM-8H Beige 4 High No No
TSM-4F Blue 4 High Yes Yes
TSM-8F Blue 4 High Yes Yes
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Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Control Module Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Internal Component Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Programming Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What is a Watering Program? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What is a Program Watering Cycle? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What is Armchair Programming TM?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Controller Programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Set Current Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Select the Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Set Station Run Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Set Program Start Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Set Watering Day Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
To Set Calendar Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
To Set Odd or Even Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
To Set Interval Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Season Adjust Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Special Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting Station Delay Time Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting Master Valve/Pump Start Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
To Select MV/PS Operation by Program and Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
To Set MV/PS Start Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
To Set MV/PS Operation During Station Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Setting Watering Cycle Repeat Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting Program Stack/Overlap Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Erase Program Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Selecting Handheld Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Selecting Display Language Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12/24-hour Time Display Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Selecting Run Time Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Manual Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Manual Station Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
True Manual Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Timed Manual Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Manual Program Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Single Program Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Multiple Program Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Flow Sensor Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Select Fill Delay Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Select Flow Sensor Module Master Valve Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Select Flow Rate Alert Thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rain Sensor Control Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Rain Sensor Timed Bypass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Rain Sensor Control by Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Valve Test Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Rain Delay Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Program Review Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installation Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Cabinet Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Field Wire Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Flow Sensor Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Power Connection – Indoor Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Power Connection – Outdoor Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Rain Sensor Installation (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Toro TMR-1 Handheld Remote Installation (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Appendix A – TFS Flow Sensor Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Appendix B – TMC-424E Current Load Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Appendix C – Display Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Appendix D – Default Settings - Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
The Toro Promise - Limited Warranty Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
FCC Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Customer Care You Can Count On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
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2
1 - Program Switch
Four-position slide switch used to select
program A, B, C and D for set up, review
and manual control.
2 - Digital Display
a - Station run time icon.
b - Start time icon.
c - Program identifiers.
d - Prompt displayed with Interval schedule
length
e - Flow sensor icon displayed with flow
sensor expansion module
f - % symbol displayed when the
Season Adjust function is active.
g - Water drop icon indicates current
watering activity. Icon with slash
indicates automatic operation is disabled
(Off, station disabled or Rain Delay
function.
h - Prompt displayed to indicate
current day within an Interval watering
day schedule.
i - Expansion module dock identifier
(I, II and III, left to right).
j - Hollow circles represent the station
terminals of an installed 4-or 8-station
expansion module. Station positions of
the current operating station or stations
assigned to a program are indicated by
a solid circle.
k - Indicates the station number or start
time number is currently shown in
the 2-digit numeric display (directly
above).
l - 2-digit display identifies the
station number or start time number
currently selected.
3 - Navigation Buttons
The and buttons are used to select
function menu items.
All numeric, On/Off, and Yes/No values
are selected with the and buttons.
4 - Function Dial
Turns in either direction to select the
following operating, control, and programming functions:
run – The normal position for
automatic controller operations.
current time/day – To set clock time,
day and date.
station times – To set station
run time.
start times – To set program start
times.
calendar days – To set
program watering day schedule by days
of the week.
odd/even – To set program
watering day schedule by Odd or Even
numbered days.
season adjust – To adjust run time of all
stations within a program and/or program
within a month from 0 to 200% in 10%
increments.
special functions – To select special-
ized setup and programming options
(see page 10 for details).
sensors – To select flow sensor
operation setup parameters.
The following brief descriptions of the controller components and display elements are provided
for general overview. Each of these items are explained in detail within the appropriate section of
this guide.
Control Module Overview
3
manual program – To operate
watering programs manually.
manual station – To operate individual
stations manually.
valve test – To manually test valve
operating sequence using a temporary run
time.
review – To recap all program infor-
mation including: start times, run times,
and season adjust %.
OFF – Shuts off and prevents all
automatic and manual watering operations.
5 - 9V Battery Compartment & Clip
A standard 9V battery is required for
Armchair ProgrammingTM and to maintain
clock time during an extended power loss.
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6 - Power supply compartment cover.
7 - Control module ribbon cable recep-
tacle.
8 - Transformer 24 VAC output connec-
tion terminals
9 - MR-1 remote connection port.
10 - Rain sensor bypass switch.
11 - Auxiliary port (not enabled).
12 - Flow sensor expansion module
(model TSM-8F indicated).
13 - Flow sensor wiring terminals
14 - Flow module master valve
wiring terminal.
15 - Expansion module valve
wiring terminals.
16 - Expansion module
(model TSM-4 shown).
17 - Wiring connection terminals:
S - Rain Sensor (2).
Hot Post (24 VAC source)
P - Pump Start/Master Valve
C - Valve (field) Common (2)
18 - Optional Earth Ground Lug
Attachment Screw.
19 - Input power wire connection
terminals:.
L - Line (mains 1)
N - Neutral (mains 2)
- Ground
Internal Component Overview
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Programming Overview
What is a watering program?
In basic terms, a watering program is a small set of instructions that tells the controller which days will
be active for watering, when to start a watering cycle, and how long each station will operate during
the cycle. The TMC-424E series has four independent watering programs identified as A, B, C, and D.
Separate programs are usually used to group stations with similar landscape or watering attributes
or to provide a way to segment specific site conditions, such as north-facing slopes or shaded turf
areas. As you can see, the availability of four programs allows you to have unique watering programs
for your varied landscape needs. Multiple programs can be designated to operate one at a time or
can overlap operated in sequence or concurrently with up to three programs at the same time as you
choose. This feature enables more watering to be completed within the prime watering time, which is
generally between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
What is a program watering cycle?
When a program start time is selected, that time becomes the beginning of an automatic watering
cycle. A watering cycle operates each station with an assigned run time duration in the program,
one by one, in numeric sequence from the lowest to the highest station number.
The TMC-424E provides up to 16 watering cycle start time slots that can be assigned to the four
programs in any combination. For example, program A could have 10 start times, program B two
start times, program C four start times and program D no start times. Any combination up to 16
start times is permitted.
NOTE: A Watering Schedule Form is provided for your convenience. Use this form to plan and
record your automatic watering information. Keep the card handy for reference by attaching it
inside the cabinet cover.
What is Armchair ProgrammingTM?
A 9V battery can be installed, enabling the control module to be fully programmed prior to installation – in the comfort of your favorite easy chair.
1. Slide and lock the expansion module(s) into position.
2. Attach a 9V battery to the control module battery clip and stow the battery in the slot provided.
(See item 5 on page 3.)
3. With the Function Dial in the RUN position, press the button to acquire the expansion
module configuration (note the displayed module identifier).
4. To remove the control module from the cabinet, disconnect the ribbon cable at the cabinet,
then press the top hinge in to release the module.
5. Program the controller starting at Setting Current Time and Date on page 6.
NOTE: The 9V battery powers the microprocessor during an extended AC interruption. Once
programmed, the battery can be removed or remain installed as preferred. Controller output
requires AC power input.
6
Controller Programming
NOTE: English display prompts and 12-hour (a.m./p.m.) time format are factory-default settings. To
select an optional display language, including Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese,
and/or a 24-hour time format, refer to the Special Function setup procedures on page 13.
Set Current Time and Date
1. Turn the Function Dial clockwise to Current Time/Day . The hour digits will begin flashing.
2. Adjust the display by pressing the or buttons.
NOTE: Hold either button down for rapid advance.
3. Press the button to select the next field.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to set the current minutes, year, month and day (current weekday will
be set based on calendar setting).
5. Return the Function Dial to RUN when finished.
Select the Program
NOTE: If the controller has been previously programmed, the user-defined program settings can be
quickly erased and reset to factory defaults. See “Using the Program Memory Erase Feature” on
page 13.
To simplify the programming process, the following procedures are provided to define the
operating parameters of one program at a time.
To begin, set the program switch to select program A, B, C, or D.
Set Station Run Time
A station is assigned to the selected program when it is given a run time duration. The station can
have only one run time assignment per program, but can have a separate run time assignment in
each program. By default, station run time is defined in minutes and hours. To enable station run
time to include seconds, see “Station Runtime Display Format” on page 13.
1. Turn the Function Dial to Station Times .
2. Press the
or button to select the station number. The corresponding station output
terminal will be shown on the display as a solid circle.
3. Press the or buttons to adjust the station run time from Off (-- -- --) to 1 minute – 8
hours (in 1-minute increments). If seconds format is enabled, station run time can be set from
01–60 seconds.
NOTE: Hold either button down for rapid advance.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all stations to be assigned to the selected program.
7
Set Program Start Times
NOTE: The TMC-424E enables a total of 16 unique start times to assigned to four programs
in any combination totaling 16. For example, program A could have 12 start time assignments,
which would leave four start time assignments available for programs B, C and D.
1. Turn the Function Dial to Start Times . The start time hour digit(s) will begin flashing.
2. Press the or button to select a start time number (01 to 16).
NOTE: Any start time number currently assigned to another program can not be selected. If all 16
start time assignments are in use, NONE will be displayed.
3. Press the or button to select a start time hour (note the correct a.m./p.m. designation in
the 12-hour clock mode).
NOTE: To remove a start time, select -- --:-- -- (Off), located between the hours of 11:00 p.m.
and 12:00 a.m. (00 minutes).
4. Press the button to select minutes digits. Repeat step 3 to set start time minutes (00–59).
5. Repeat steps 2–4 to set additional start times for the selected program.
Set Watering Day Schedule
The TMC-424E series offers three watering day schedule formats. Each program can have any one
of the following schedule formats:
Calendar Days – Use this scheduling method to select specific days of the week.
Odd/Even – Schedules days by odd-or even-numbered calendar days.
NOTE: When an odd-numbered day schedule is used, watering will not occur on the 31st of any
month and February 29th of a leap year.
Day Interval – Scheduling by Day Interval enables a specific number of days between watering to
be selected. For example, selecting a 1-day Interval
schedules watering to occur every day. A 2-day interval schedules watering
to occur every-other day. A 31-day interval is the maximum schedule, providing watering only
once every 31 days. Since the interval schedule is not tied to
specific days of the week, you will also need to determine when the interval
will start, by selecting the current day within the Interval.
• Day Exclusion – When using the Odd/Even or Day Interval watering day schedule, watering
will not always occur on the same days each week.
To prevent watering on a specific days, for example, watering-restricted days, specific days of
the week can be easily excluded from the schedule.
NOTE: Each program can only have one assigned watering schedule format.
If either an Interval or Odd/Even schedule is currently set, it must be turned Off first to enable an
optional format to be selected.
8
To Set Calendar Days:
1. Turn the Function Dial to Calendar Days .
2. Sunday will be displayed and selected to water indicated by the water icon. To exclude the
day from the schedule, press the or button to display the No Water icon.
3. Press the button to select the next day.
4. Repeat step 2 and 3 to schedule the remaining days of the week.
To Set Odd or Even Days:
1. Turn the Function Dial to the Odd/Even position.
2. Press the or button to select ODD or EVEN.
3. To exclude specific days from watering, press the button to select the day.
4. To exclude the day from the schedule, press the or button to display the No Water
icon.
5. To exclude additional days (7 maximum), repeat steps 4 and 5.
To Set Interval Days:
1. Turn the Function Dial to Interval Days .
2. The CYCLE LENGTH prompt and the current Interval (01–31 DAY or -- -- -- [Off]) will be
displayed.
3. Press the or button to select the Interval cycle length.
NOTE: The cycle length can be set from 01 (water every day) to 31 (water once every 31 days).
The Interval cycle starts at 01 and increases by 1 digit each day. The watering day occurs when
the selected Interval cycle length is reached.
To specify when the first watering day will occur, the current day within the Interval cycle must be
selected. For example, if a 04 DAY Interval is entered and watering is to begin in one day, select
03 as the Current Day.
4. To select the Current Day in the Interval cycle, press the
button to display the
CURRENT DAY prompt.
5. Press the or button to select the value (01–selected Interval number).
6. To exclude specific days from watering (7 maximum), press the
button to select the day.
7. To exclude the day from the schedule, press the or button to display the
No Water icon.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to continue excluding days.
STOP – This concludes the basic program setup procedures. Repeat these procedures
starting at “Select the Program” on page 6 for each program you wish set up at this
time.
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