Toro Wireless RainSensor TWRS, Wireless RainSensor TWRFS Installation And Operation Manual
Introduction
The Toro Wireless RainSensor, models TWRS and TWRFS (rain/freeze sensor),
working in conjunction with your irrigation controller, will automatically suspend
watering when a predetermined rainfall amount or temperature is met.
The Wireless RainSensor system consists
of two components: A digital, programmable receiver and a remote sensor
module. The receiver installs next to the
controller and connects to the 24 VAC
power source and sensor terminals
(if included) or splices into the valve
common circuit. The sensor module is
attached to a rain gutter, roof edge, fence,
etc. within 500 feet (line of sight) of the
receiver. Sensor information is sent to the
receiver using an ultra high-frequency
radio signal.
To compensate for variations in soil type
and sensor location, the receiver is easily
programmed to delay the controller from
resuming operation up to 4 days. This
feature also enables controller operation
to be placed in “Rain Delay” mode from 1
to 5 days when inclement weather conditions are expected.
Now, take a moment to browse completely through this guide before starting the
installation. Since the Wireless RainSensors is an accessory for your irrigation
controller, it will be helpful have the controller user’s guide on hand for reference.
Receiver
Sensor
Table of Contents
RainSensor Component Overview......2
Install and Connect the Receiver .........2
Initial Receiver Testing .........................3
Sensor Threshold Adjustment..............1
Installing the Sensor Module ...............1
Testing System Operation ....................5
Receiver Set Up...................................6
Rain/Freeze Sensor Operation.............7
Using the Smart Bypass Feature .........7
Power Down.........................................7
Receiver Learn Mode ...........................7
Sensor Battery Replacement...............8
Solving Reception Problems................9
FCC Information...................................1
Specifications.......................................1
Warranty...............................................1
Wireless RainSensor
™
Models TWRS and TWRFS
Installation and Operation Guide
Doc 5 12/21/04 6:51 PM Page 1
RainSensor Component Overview
Receiver Module
1 -Weather-resistant Cover - Provides protection
from rain and dust. (Keep closed when not
using the receiver).
2 -Setup Button - Accesses the various setup
and operating features.
3 -Smart Bypass
TM
Button - Pressed to bypass
sensor control after it has been activated.
4 -Antenna - Position antenna straight up for
optimum signal reception.
5 -Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) - Provides visual
reference for setup and operation.
6 -Rain and Freeze Sensor Status Indicators -
Illuminate when the RainSensor is active and
watering is on hold.
7 -Water Conservation LED’s - Indicate the water
conservation level selected.
9 -Adjust Button - Pressed to adjust or select values within the setup and oper-
ating features.
10-Connection Cable - Multi-wire cable for connection to controller.
Sensor Module
1 -Test Spindle - Pressed to manually activate
the RainSensor system.
2 -Rain Threshold Adjustment - Adjustable cap
enables the rainfall threshold to be set for
1/8",1/4",1/2"or 3/4" of accumulated rainfall
before the sensor is activated.
3 -Quick-Clip
TM
Mounting Bracket - Simplifies
installation of the sensor module to a rain
gutter, edge of roof, fence post, etc.
4 -Antenna Wire - Position antenna straight down
for optimum signal transmission.
2
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
3
1
2
4
10
3
1
Figure 1
Figure 2
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CAUTION: The receiver requires 24 VAC for operation. Connecting the
receiver to a 120/240 VAC power source will result in severe damage.
The sensor module must not be installed inside a rain gutter or any water
collection vessel. Allowing the sensor to become submerged will result in
severe damage.
Important: Installation of this equipment must comply with all applicable
national and local building and electrical codes. Consult local codes prior to
installation.
Install and Connect the Receiver
1. Install the receiver module next to the controller using the stainless steel
screws or double-sided foam tape provided. Position the antenna straight up.
2. Make sure power to the controller has been disconnected.
3. Route the connection cable into the controller cabinet.
Note: The Wireless RainSensor can operate with either normally-open or
normally-closed sensor circuits. Refer to the controller specifications for
the sensor type required. If the controller is not equipped for direct sensor
connection, skip step 4 and continue at step 5.
4. Locate the controller’s sensor connection terminals (generally labeled
“SENSOR” or “SEN”) and connect the receiver wires as follows:
For normally-open circuit: Attach the WHITE and BROWN wires.
For normally-closed circuit: Attach the WHITE and YELLOW wires.
Note: Disregard plus (+ ) and minus ( –) polarity labels on the sensor terminals
(if present). Cut or tape back the unused wire.
5. Remove the valve common wire(s) from the terminal labeled “COM”, “C” or “VC.”
6. Attach the BROWN receiver wire to this terminal.
7. Twist the WHITE receiver wire to the valve common wire(s) and secure with the
provided wire nut.
7. Cut or tape back the YELLOW wire.7. Connect the Red power wires to the
controller’s 24 VAC power source terminals.
Note: The receiver requires a constant source of 24 VAC. The controller may
have two terminals dedicated to 24 VAC input, or a 24 VAC Hot Post and
common terminal. Either connection is acceptable. The receiver will not
function properly if connected to a 24 VAC source that is switched on and
off, such as a master valve or pump start circuit.
3
Red – 24 VAC
Red – 24 VAC
White – Sensor Terminal or Valve Common Wire(s)
Brown – Sensor Terminal (Normally-closed)
or Valve Common Terminal
Yellow – Sensor Terminal (Normally-open)
or Valve Common Terminal
Figure 3
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Initial Receiver Testing
1. Apply power to the controller. The receiver will display
two dashes (flashing) indicating that power is present.
2. While holding the sensor module at close range to the
receiver, lightly press and hold down the sensor test
spindle. The receiver will display the following:
• The Sensor Status LED will turn on.
The signal indicator and strength strength bar scale will
be indicated
The current outside air temperature (°F) –
(TWRFS models only).
3. Select an installation site for the sensor module as close to the receiver as
possible to avoid interference of the wireless signal (within 500' line of sight).
Note: The sensor module must be installed where it has unobstructed exposure to rainfall and the sunlight conditions are similar to those of the landscape
being watered. Make sure the sensor module will not be in contact with spray
from the sprinklers or runoff from the roof.
4. Before installing the sensor module, test the signal strength again from the
selected installation site as follows:
To test the Wireless RainSensor operation with the irrigation system controller,
activate a watering zone which is visible from the sensor module location.
Note: The manual activation cycle of some controllers bypasses the sensor
inputs. If the Receiver is connected to the controller’s sensor inputs, you will
need to run an automatic/timed watering program for these types of
controllers.
With the sprinklers on, manually activate the sensor module by pressing and
holding the test spindle. The sprinklers should shut off within a short time. If
they do not shut off, recheck the receiver wiring connections at the controller.
If the controller has a sensor control or bypass switch, make sure the switch is
set to the position that will enable the sensor circuit to be active
5. Prior to installing the sensor module check the current setting on the Rainfall
Adjustment Cap. The sensor module can be adjusted to detect average rainfall
amounts of 1/8", 1/4", 1/2"or 3/4" before signaling the receiver.
To adjust, turn the cap from the current setting and engage the stationary pins
with the desired slot position. Be sure to align the slot and pin properly as this
adjustment does not require excessive force.
The cap indicates measurements in inches on
one side of the cap and millimeters on the
opposite side.
Note: Avoid using the 1/8" setting in highhumidity conditions.
4
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
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3/4
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