Toro TWRS-I, TWRFS-I User Manual

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

User’s Guide

English

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Introduction

Contents Page

Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

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

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

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

Rain Sensor Site Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Installing the Sensor Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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

Set Centigrade or Fahrenheit Scale. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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

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

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

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page

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

Signal Strength Display Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

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English

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 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.

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Getting Started

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 help, call Toro Irrigation at 1-951-688-9221 or contact your local Toro
distributor for assistance. For more information on this and other Toro irrigation products, visit
the Toro web site at www.toro.com.

Here’s all there is to it:

Step 1

Step 2

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The sensor is adjusted to the preferred
rainfall activation level. See page 11.

A sensor installation site is chosen and the system
is tested again to verify operation. See page 10.

Step 5

Step 4

Step 6

Step 3

English

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Receiver Module Features

1– Setup Button–Accesses the receiver setup and operating

features.

2– Adjust Button–Selects settings within the receiver setup

and 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– Rain status and Freeze status

(TWRFS-I only) indicators illuminate when the sensor
system is active and automatic watering is on hold.

6– Smart Bypass

TM

Button–Multi-functional use. Pressed

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

2

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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 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

English

Figure 1

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Connecting the Receiver Wires

CAUTION: The receiver requires continuous 24 Vac power for operation. Connecting to
higher power will result in irreparable damage. Ensure that 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 a sensor connection, follow the steps in Wiring Procedure I.

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

Wiring Procedure I (sensor-ready)
Note: Refer to your controller user’s guide

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

1. Locate the sensor connection terminals,

usually labeled “SENSOR” or “SN.”

COM

PUMP/

MV

24 VAC

21

34

SENSOR

TWRFS-I

Jumper

Figure 2 - Normally-closed Sensor

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For a Normally-Open sensor type, attach the
Yellow wire to the remaining Sensor terminal.

Tape back the Brown wire. See Figure 3.

4. Attach the two Red wires to the 24 Vac

terminals in either order.

Important: Most controllers equipped
for sensor connection provide a switch to
control the sensor circuit. Check the
switch setting to ensure that it is not in
the Bypass or Off position.

Wiring Procedure II (no Sensor terminals)

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

English

TWRFS-I

Figure 3 - Normally-open Sensor

Figure 4 - Splice Valve Common

Red

White

Brown

Yellow

To Valves

Red

Red

White

Yellow

Red

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