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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page I
User’s Guide
Wireless Rain Sensor Series
Rain Sensor, Model TWRS-I and
Rain/Freeze Sensor, Model TWRFS-I
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page II Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Contents Page Water Delay Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Signal Strength Display Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Receiver Module Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Battery Strength Display Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Installing the Receiver Mod
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 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 landscape’
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 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 first.
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 3 Step 4 Step 3 A sensor installation site is chosen and the system The sensor is adjusted to the preferred rainfall activation level. See page 11. is tested again to verify operation. See page 10. Step 6 Step 5 The operating features are set to your The sensor module is installed. See page 11. preferences. See page 14. 3 English
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 4 Receiver Module Features 1– Setup Button–Accesses the receiver setup and operating features. 3 4 2– Adjust Button–Selects settings within the receiver setup 5 and operating features. 3– Mast Antenna–Adjusts easily for best signal reception. 6 4– Digital Display–High-resolution LCD screen provides visual 2 7 reference for sensor system operating features. 5– Sensor Status Indicators– Rain status and Freeze status 1 (TWRFS-I only) indicators illuminate wh
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 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 accessed
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Red Red White Brown 373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 6 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 Procedu
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Red Red Red Red White White Yellow 373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 7 For a Normally-Open sensor type, attach the Figure 3 - Normally-open Sensor 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 Red for sensor connection provide a switch to Red To Valves White control the sensor circuit. Check the Yellow switch setting to ensure that it is not in B
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 8 Initial Sensor System Test Before installing the sensor module, test the sensor system 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. Check controller operation to confirm that it is working properly. 2. When power is applied to the receiver, Figure 5 Figure 6 the “Min” Water
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 9 Sensor Module Features 1– Rain Threshold Adjustment–Adjusts the rain sensor to accumulate 3mm, 6mm,12mm or 19mm of rainfall before 2 1 signaling the receiver to hold watering. The factory default setting 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 years of service under normal use condi
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 10 Rain Sensor Site Selection Choosing the right installation site for the sensor module is key to obtaining the maximum benefit from your sensor system. For best results, choose a sensor installation site that provides: • 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 the landscape
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 11 Installing the Sensor Module 1. Adjust the sensor module to the preferred rainfall threshold activation point. Figure 11 The settings, provided in metric on one side of the cap and U.S. standard on the other, include 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and 19mm. The factory setting is 6mm and is generally a good starting point. The 3mm setting is not recommended for high humidity or foggy locations. To adjust, turn the cap to align the stationary pin with the vertical slot.
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 12 3. To install the sensor on a length of thick-walled PVC pipe, remove and replace the Quick Clip bracket with the pipe-mount adapter. To provide friction between the components, ensure the star washer is installed between the adapter and housing tab as shown in Figure 14. 4. Check the sensor module for vertical alignment. To adjust, loosen the bracket screw slightly, align vertically and tighten screw. See Figure 15. Figure 14 Figure 15 Star Washer 12
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 13 Freeze Sensor (model TWRFS-I) Site Selection To ensure optimum freeze sensor operation, the sensor module installation site should meet the site criteria of the rain sensor in addition to the following conditions: • 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 vent pipe.
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 14 Set Temperature Activation Threshold (TWRFS-I models only) The freeze sensor temperature activation threshold is adjustable from 2°C to 7°C ( 35°F to 45°F). When the air temperature reaches the threshold setting, the freeze sensor activates the receiver, and the Freeze 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 Centigrade or Fahrenh
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 15 Water Conservation Feature – By simply choosing the Minimum (Min), Medium (Med) or Maximum (Max) conservation level that corresponds to your landscape’s soil type and the sensor location, a dry-out period, adjusted for actual rainfall duration, is Figure 18 inserted after the sensor system resets to delay the resumption of automatic watering. Each conservation level represents a baseline value that is automatically adjusted to compensate for rainfall dur
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 16 Smart Bypass Feature Figure 20 Once the rain sensor becomes active, it can be easily bypassed by pressing the Smart Bypass button. When the rain sensor is bypassed, the Sensor Status indicator and Smart Bypass icon will begin flashing. See Figure 20. The controller will resume automatic watering operations as scheduled. The rain sensor will stay in the Bypass mode until it automatically resets to the Monitor mode, or is returned to the active mode by
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 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 may cause inconsistent operation. Relocate the sensor as needed to increase the signal strength. See “Trouble
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373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 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 with more accuracy from 0.5 to 4.0 days in 0.5-day increments. 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 the Dry Out icons. Figure 24 The display will indicate the current Dry Ou
