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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page I
User’s Guide
Wireless Rain Sensor Series
Rain Sensor, Model TWRS and
Rain/Freeze Sensor, Model TWRFS
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page II Contents Page Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Signal Strength Display Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Battery Strength Display Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Receiver Module Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Installing the Receiver Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Dry Out Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fail Safe Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 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 landsc
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 2 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 fi
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 3 Step 4 Step 3 A sensor installation site is chosen and the The sensor is adjusted to the preferred rainfall activation level. system is tested again to verify operation. Step 6 Step 5 TM The sensor is installed using the Quick Clip The operating features are set to your mounting bracket or pipe-mount adapter. preferences. 3
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 4 Receiver Module Features 1– Setup Button–Accesses the sensor system operating features. 3 4 2– Adjust Button–Scrolls through and selects settings within the system operating features. 5 3– Mast Antenna–Adjusts easily for best signal reception. 6 4– Digital Display–High-resolution LCD screen provides visual reference for sensor system operating features. 7 2 5– Sensor Status Indicators–Illuminates when sensor system is active and automatic watering i
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 5 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 acce
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 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 c
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 7 For a normally-open sensor, attach the Figure 3 - Normally-open Sensor Yellow wire to the remaining sensor terminal. PUMP/ SENSOR 24 VAC 1 2 34 MV COM 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 Red Red bypass sensor operation if necessary. Check To Valves White the switch setting to make sure it is not in Yellow the Bypass
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 8 Initial System Test Before installing the sensor module, test the sensor at close range to verify operation. Once this test has been completed satisfactorily, the sensor module can be installed. If a problem occurs during the test procedure, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 22. 1. Apply power to the controller and check its operation to confirm that it works properly. 2. When power to the receiver is first applied, the “Min” Figure 5 Figure 6 Water
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 9 Sensor Module Features 1– Rain Threshold Adjustment–Adjusts the rain sensor to accumulate 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" or 3/4" (3mm, 6mm,12mm or 1 2 19mm) of rainfall before signaling the receiver to hold watering. (Factory default setting 1/4" (6mm). 2– Sensor Test Spindle–Pressed to manually activate the sensor for setup and test procedures. 3– Batteries (not shown)–Two 3V lithium batteries, installed at time of manufacture, will provide approximately five year
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 10 Installing the Sensor Module Choosing the right installation site for the sensor module is the key to getting the maximum benefit from your sensor system. Select a sensor installation site that provides the following conditions: • Unobstructed exposure to rainfall–away from overhangs, tree branches, etc. • Protected from irrigation spray, rainwater accumulation and the possibility of submersion. • Exposure to sunlight and shade conditions similar to
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 11 3. Adjust the Rain sensor to the preferred rainfall threshold activation point. Figure 11 The settings are indicated in 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" on one side of the cap, and 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and 19mm on the other. First, turn the cap to align 1/8 1/4 the stationary pin with the vertical slot. Guide the cap to the preferred 1/2 3/4 horizontal slot position, then turn it just enough to engage the pin. Note: The 1/8" (3mm) setting is not recommended for
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 12 A pipe-mount adapter is provided to enable sensor installation on a secured section of 1/2" (13mm) diameter Schedule 40 PVC pipe. Note: Metal pipe or conduit may interfere with radio signal transmission and is not recommended. Remove and replace the Quick Clip bracket with the pipe-mount adapter. Ensure the friction washer is installed between the adapter and housing tabs as shown in Figure 14. Check the sensor for vertical alignment. To Figure 14
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 13 Freeze Sensor Site Selection In addition to the rain sensor site conditions listed on page 10, the following conditions are necessary to ensure optimum freeze sensor operation. For best results, the sensor should be: • Located in the coldest portion of the landscape. • Away from direct exposure to morning sunlight. • Away from any heat producing or storing device, equipment or appliance such as a pool/spa, heater, water heater, chimney or hot air ven
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 14 Set Temperature Activation Threshold (TWRFS models only) The freeze sensor temperature activation threshold is adjustable from 35°F to 45°F or 2°C to 7°C. When the air temperature reaches the threshold setting, the freeze sensor activates the receiver. The Freeze Sensor Status indicator will turn on. The sensor system will return to the Monitor mode when the outside air temperature rises above the sensor threshold temperature. Select Temperature Thre
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 15 Water Conservation Feature – By simply choosing the Minimum, Medium or Maximum conservation level that corresponds to your landscape’s soil type and the sensor location, a dry-out period, adjusted for actual rainfall duration, is inserted after the Figure 18 sensor system resets to delay the resumption of automatic watering. Each Water Conservation level represents a baseline value that is automatically adjusted to compensate for rainfall duration.
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 16 Smart Bypass Feature Pressing the Smart Bypass button switches an active sensor system Figure 20 Off and places it in the Bypass mode. When the sensor is bypassed, the controller resumes automatic watering operations as scheduled. The Sensor Status indicator and the Bypass display prompt will flash to indicate when the sensor system is in the Bypass mode. See Figure 20. The Bypass mode will remain in effect until the sensor system automatically re
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 17 Signal Strength Display This feature displays sensor signal strength on a digital scale ranging from 0.0 to 10.2 1. Press the Setup button as needed to display the antenna icon and the Figure 22 digital readout. The display will indicate the strength of the last received signal. See Figure 22. Important: A signal strength value less than 2.0 is not reliable and may cause inconsistent operation. Relocate the sensor as needed to increase the signal s
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RainSensorAlpha7 3/10/2005 3:31 PM Page 18 Dry Out Feature The Dry Out feature is provided to override the Water Conservation baseline level, allowing the dry-out delay period to be set in 0.5-day increments from 0.5 to 4.0 days. Note: Before using the Dry Out feature, allow the sensor system to normalize by cycling through rain and/or freeze activation several times. 1. Press the Setup button to display Dry Out. The display will indicate the current Dry Out day setting (factory default is 0.
