Hunter XC Hybrid Operating instructions

XC Hybrid
For use with XCH Plastic, XCH Stainless Steel,
and XCH Solar Panel controllers
Owner’s Manual and
Installation Instructions
PRG
ACTIVE
SENSOR BYPASS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................... 1
XC HYBRID COMPONENTS ......................................... 2
MOUNTING THE CONTROLLER TO THE WALL............5
CONNECTING VALVES..................................................5
INSTALLING BATTERIES............................................. 6
CONNECTING A MASTER VALVE.................................7
CONNECTING A WEATHER SENSOR .......................... 8
Testing the Weather Sensor .................................... 8
Manually Bypassing the Weather Sensor ................ 8
POWER FAILURES....................................................... 9
INSTALLING THE TRANSFORMER (OPTIONAL) ........ 9
WATERING SCHEDULE............................................... 10
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER ..........................11
Setting the Date and Time .....................................11
Setting the Program Start Time(s) .........................11
Eliminating a Program Start Time .......................... 12
Setting Station Run Times ..................................... 12
Setting Days To Water ........................................... 12
Selecting Specific Days of the Week to Water........ 12
Selecting Odd or Even Days to Water .................... 13
Selecting Interval Watering ................................... 13
Setting Event Day(s) Off ........................................ 13
Automatic Watering............................................... 14
System Off ............................................................. 14
Programmable Rain Off ......................................... 14
Seasonal Adjustment ............................................ 14
Manually Run a Single Station ............................... 15
Manually Run All Stations ...................................... 15
One Touch Manual Start and Advance.................... 15
ADVANCED FEATURES .............................................. 16
Programmable Sensor Override............................. 16
Test Program of All Stations................................... 16
Easy Retrieve™ Program Memory.......................... 17
Programmable Delay Between Stations................. 17
Clearing the Controller's Memory/
Resetting the Controller......................................... 17
POLE MOUNT INSTRUCTIONS................................... 18
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ......................................20
SPECIFICATIONS........................................................ 21
Operating Specifications........................................ 21
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................. 21
Explanation of Symbols.......................................... 21
CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY TO EUROPEAN
DIRECTIVES ...............................................................22
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1
INTRODUCTION
The XC Hybrid is a full-featured irrigation
controller that combines maximum programming
exibility with the versatility of battery operation
for a wide range of installations. Using DC latching
solenoid technology, the XCH is ideal for remote
or isolated installations that do not have access to
AC power. The XCH is truly a hybrid controller that
can operate from a wide variety of power sources.
In situations where AC power is available, a plug-in
transformer can be used to supply power to the
controller. A factory-installed solar panel version
(XCH-XXX-SSP) allows for a continuous supply
of power to the controller without the need for
replaceable batteries.
PRG
ACTIVE
SENSOR BYPASS

2
XC HYBRID COMPONENTS
PRG
18
17
AC
MO TU WE TH FR SA SU ODD
EVEN
AM PM
%24HR
2,4...30
1,3...29
2 3 911
4618
7
12 13 5 10 14
15
16 B
ACTIVE
SENSOR BYPASS
PLASTIC VERSION
STAINLESS STEEL VERSION
STAINLESS STEEL SOLAR
VERSION

3
A – LCD DISPLAY
1. Run Times – Allows user to set each valve station
run time from 1 minute to 4 hours.
2. Start Times – Allows 1 to 4 start times to be set in
each program.
3. Station Number – Indicates currently selected station
number.
4. Program Designator – Identifies program (A, B, or C)
in use.
5. Day of the Week – Identifies day of the week.
6. Interval Watering – Identifies month when
programming current date.
7. Odd/Even Watering – Identifies if Odd or Even
watering has been selected.
8. Flashing Sprinkler – Indicates that watering is
taking place.
9. System Off – Allows user to discontinue all
programs and watering. Also allows the user to
set the programmable "rain off," which stops
watering for a period from 1 to 7 days.
10. Umbrella – Indicates that the rain sensor is active.
11. Seasonal Adjustment – Allows the user to make
run time changes according to the seasons without
reprogramming the controller. Bars on the left allow
quick visual reference to the seasonal adjustment
percentage.
12. Rain Drop – Indicates watering will occur on the
selected day.
13. Crossed Rain Drop – Indicates the watering will
NOT occur on the selected day.
14. Calendar – Indicates interval watering schedule
has been programmed. Icon also appears when
programming the current day.
B – WIRING COMPARTMENT
15. Terminal Strip – Use to attach transformer, sensor,
and valve wires from their source to the controller.
16. Reset Button – Use to reset the controller.
17. Battery Holder – Holds six AA alkaline batteries.
C CONTROL BUTTONS
Button – Increases the selected item ashing in the
display.
Button – Decreases the selected item flashing in the
display.
Button – Returns selected flashing display to previous
item.
Button – Advances the selected flashing display to the
next item.
Button – Selects program A, B, or C for different
watering zone requirements.
18. Sensor Bypass Switch.

4
XC HYBRID COMPONENTS CONTINUED
D DIAL SETTINGS
Run – Normal dial position for all controller automatic
and manual operation.
Current Time/Day – Allows current day and clock
time to be set.
Start Times – Allows 1 to 4 start times to be set in
each program.
Run Times – Allows user to set each valve station
run time from 1 minute to 4 hours.
Water Days – Allows the user to select interval
days to water.
Seasonal Adjustment – Allows user to make run
time changes according to the seasons without
reprogramming the controller. Bars on the left
allow quick visual reference to the seasonal
adjustment percentage.
1Manual-One Station – Allows user to activate a
one-time watering of a single valve.
ALL Manual-All Stations – Allows user to activate a
one-time watering of all valve stations or a few
selected stations.
System Off – Allows user to discontinue all
programs and watering. Also allows the user
to set the programmable rain off, which stops
watering for a period from 1 to 7 days.
E EXTERNAL TRANSFORMER OPTIONAL
A plug-in transformer can be used to supply AC power
to the controller.

5
MOUNTING THE CONTROLLER TO THE WALL
1. Secure one screw into the wall. Install screw anchors if
attaching to drywall or masonry wall.
2. Slide the keyhole on top of the controller over the screw.
3. Secure the controller in place by installing screws in the
holes below the terminal strip.
CONNECTING VALVES
NOTE: The XCH operates DC latching solenoids only (order
Hunter P/N: 458200). 24 VAC solenoids will NOT operate
with the XCH. DC solenoids can be easily identied by red
and black leads. The red lead is attached to the station
output, while the black lead is attached to the common wire.
1. Route valve wires between the control valve location and controller.
2. At valves, attach a common wire to the black solenoid wire on all
valves. Attach a separate control wire to the remaining red wire
of each valve. All wire connections should be done using
waterproof connectors.
3. Route the valve wires through the conduit. Attach the conduit
through the bottom right side of the controller.
4. Secure the valve common wire to the C (Common) screw on the
terminal strip. Attach each of the individual valve control wires
to the appropriate station terminals and tighten their screws.
Valve Common Wire (Black Leads)
Valve 1
Valve 2
Valve 3
Valve 4
Station Wires
(Red Leads)
WIRE SIZE DISTANCE FROM VALVE TO
CONTROLLER
18 AWG (0.8 mm2)550' (168 m)
16 AWG (1.3 mm) 870' (265 m)
14 AWG (2.1 mm) 1,380' (421 m)
12 AWG (3.3 mm) 2,200' (671 m)

6
Battery Power
The XC Hybrid Plastic operates on six AA alkaline batteries,
and the XC Hybrid Stainless uses six alkaline C batteries. A
battery carrier is supplied with your controller. Insert the
batteries as indicated on the battery carrier.
• XC Hybrid-Plastic Battery Install Connect the battery
connector inside the access compartment to the battery
carrier and insert the carrier into the lower le side of the
controller as shown.
• To access battery carrier on the XC Hybrid Stainless,
remove the screw in the top center of the controller and
swing the facepack down as shown.
• XC Hybrid Stainless Steel Solar comes out-of-the-box
ready to install and program. Place the controller in full
sunlight. Turn the dial to the Run position to activate solar
charging.
INSTALLING BATTERIES
PRG
ACTIVE
SENSOR BYPASS
Battery Carrier
XC Hybrid Stainless
XC Hybrid-Plastic
XC Hybrid Stainless
Steel Solar

7
CONNECTING A MASTER VALVE
NOTE: Complete this section only if you have a
master valve installed in your irrigation system. A
master valve is a “normally closed”valve installed
at the supply point of the main line that opens only
when the controller initiates a watering program.
1. At the Master Valve, attach the common wire to the black
solenoid wire of the valve. Attach a separate control wire
to the remaining red solenoid wire.
2. The common wire should be attached to the Cterminal
inside the controller. The other wire coming from the
master valve should be attached to the MV terminal inside
the controller. Tighten each terminal screw.
Valve Common Wire
Valve 1
Valve 2
Valve 3
Valve 4
Valve
Wires
Master Valves
Master Valve Wire
(Black Lead)
(Red Lead)

8
CONNECTING A WEATHER SENSOR
A Hunter weather sensor or other micro-switch-type
weather sensors can be connected to the controller. The
purpose of this sensor is to stop automatic watering when
weather conditions dictate. WRC (Wireless Rain-Clik®) is not
compatible with XC Hybrid.
1. Remove the metal jumper plate that is attached across the
two SEN terminals inside the controller.
2. Connect one wire to one SEN terminal and the other wire to
the other SEN terminal.
When the weather sensor has
deactivated automatic watering,
the OFF, and icon will appear on
the display.
Testing the Weather Sensor
The XC Hybrid provides simplied testing of
a rain sensor when the sensor is wired
into the sensor circuit. You can manually
test proper operation of the rain sensor by
running a MANUAL ALL STATIONS cycle
or by activating the system using the ONE
TOUCH MANUAL START (see page 15). During
the Manual cycle, pressing the test button on
the Mini-Clikwill interrupt watering.
Manually Bypassing the Weather Sensor
If the rain sensor is interrupting irrigation you can bypass it
by using the bypass switch on the front of the controller. Slide
the switch to the SENSOR BYPASS position to disable the rain
sensor from the system to allow for controller operation. You
can also bypass the weather sensor for manual operation by
using the MANUAL – ONE STATION function.
Mini-Clik Rain Sensor
/DAY
ACTIVE
BYPASS

9
INSTALLING THE TRANSFORMER (OPTIONAL)
The XC Hybrid is designed to operate on batteries or a
permanent plug-in transformer, if AC power is available. If
AC power is available. A 24 VAC output plug-in transformer
can be attached to the two 24 VAC terminals inside the lower
access area.
POWER FAILURES
The controller has non-volatile memory. Programmed
information will never be lost due to a power outage
(when using AC power) or if the AA alkaline batteries
go dead.
IN / OUT VERSION CATALOG
NUMBER
120/24 VAC U.S. 526500
230/24 VAC European 545700
240/24 VAC Australian 545500

10
PROGRAM A PROGRAM B PROGRAM C
LOCATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
STATION
STATION RUN TIME STATION RUN TIME STATION RUN TIME
1
2
3
4
PROGRAM
STAR T TIMES
HUNTER XC Hybrid
NOTES:
DAY OF THE WEEK
ODD/EVEN OR INTERVAL
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SUSA
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SUSA
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SUSA
WATERING SCHEDULE

11
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER
4. The day will be ashing and the icon
will be displayed. Use the or
buttons to change the day. Press the
button to proceed to setting the time.
5. The time will be displayed. Use the
and buttons to select AM, PM, or 24
hour. Press the
button to move to
hours. Hours will be ashing. Use the
and buttons to change the hour
shown on the display. Press the
button
to move to minute. Minutes will be
ashing. Use the and buttons to
change the minutes shown on the display.
The date, day, and time have now been set.
Setting the Program Start Time(s)
1. Turn the dial to the START TIMES
position.
2. The factory preset is set on program A.
If necessary, you can select program B
or C by pressing the button.
3. Use the or button to change the
start time. (The start times advance
in 15-minute increments).
4. Press the button to add an additional
start time, or button for the next program.
The XC Hybrid display shows the time and day when the
controller is idle. The display changes when the dial is rotated
to indicate the specic programming information to enter.
When programming, the ashing portion of the display can
be changed by pressing the
or buttons. To change
something that is not ashing, press the or buttons until
the desired eld is ashing.
Three programs (A, B, and C — each with the ability to have
four daily start times) permit plants with dierent watering
requirements to be separated on dierent day schedules.
NOTE: A basic programming rule is that whatever
symbol or character is ashing will be the item
programmed. For instance, if the hour is ashing
when setting the time, the hour can be changed or
programmed. For illustration purposes in this manual,
ashing characters are in GRAY type.
Setting the Date and Time
1. Turn the dial to the CURRENT TIME/DAY
position.
2. The current year will be flashing. Use
the or buttons to change the
year. After setting the year, press the
button to proceed to setting the month.
3. The month and day will be in the display.
The month will be ashing and the
icon will be displayed. Use the or
buttons to change the month. Press the
button to proceed to setting the day.
CURRENT TIME/DAY
START TIMES
CURRENT TIME/DAY

12
Setting Days To Water
1. Turn the dial to the WATER DAYS position.
2. The display will show the last program
selected (A, B, or C). You can switch to
another program by pressing the button.
3. The controller will display the seven days of the
week (MO, TU, WE, TH, FR, SA, SU). Each day will
have a icon or a icon above the day. The icon
would represent an “On” water day, while a icon
would represent an “O” watering day.
Selecting Specic Days of the Week to Water
1. With the cursor on a specic day (the
cursor will always start with MO), press
the button to activate a particular
day of the week to water. Press the
button to cancel watering for that
day. Aer pressing a button the cursor
automatically advances to the next day.
2. Repeat step 1 until all desired days have been
selected. The selected days will show a to
indicate their status is ON. The last is the
last day of watering for that program.
NOTE: One start time will activate all stations sequen-
tially in that program. This eliminates the need to enter
each station’s start time. Multiple start times in a
program can be used for separate morning, aernoon,
or evening watering cycles. Start times may be entered
in any order. The XC Hybrid will automatically sort them.
Eliminating a Program Start Time
With the dial set to the START TIMES
position, push the or button until
you reach 12:00 AM (midnight). From
here, push the button once to reach
the OFF position.
Setting Station Run Times
1. Turn the dial to the RUN TIMES
position.
2. The display will show the last program
selected (A, B, or C), the station
number selected, icon, and the
station will be ashing. You can switch
to another program by pressing the
button.
3. Use the or button to change the
station run time on the display. You can
set the run times from 0 to 4 hours.
4. Press the
button to advance to the
next station.
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER
START TIMES
RUN TIMES
WATER DA
YS
SuSuMoMo TuTu WeWe ThTh FrFr SaSa

13
The controller will water the selected program at the next
start time and will then water at the interval programmed.
Setting Event Day(s) O
The XC allows you to program a No Water Day(s). This
feature is useful to inhibit watering on specic day(s). For
example, if you always mow the lawn on Saturdays, you
would designate Saturday as a No Water Day so that you
are not mowing wet grass.
1. Turn the dial to the WATER DAYS position.
2. Enter an interval watering schedule as described
previously on this page.
3. Press the button to scroll to the NO WATER DAYS at the
bottom of the display. MO will be ashing.
4. Use the button until the cursor is at the day of the week
you wish to set as a No Water Day.
5. Press the button to set this day as a no water day. The
will illuminate over this day.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all desired event day(s) are o.
NOTE: You also have the option in the interval watering
schedule to program Odd or Even days o.
Selecting Odd or Even Days to Water
This feature uses numbered day(s) of the month for watering
instead of specic days of the week (odd days: 1st, 3rd, 5th,
etc.; even days: 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.).
1. With the cursor on Su, press the
button once. The icon and odd will
be displayed.
2. If odd day watering is desired, turn
the dial back to the run position.
3. If even day watering is desired, press
the button once. The icon and
EVEN will be displayed. You can move
back and forth from ODD to EVEN by
pressing the and buttons.
NOTE: The 31st of any month and February 29th are
always “o” days if Odd watering is selected.
Selecting Interval Watering
With this option you can select interval
watering from 1 to 31 days.
1. With the cursor on EVEN, press the
button once and the
icon will appear
and a 1 ashing in the display. Interval
watering schedule appears on the display.
2. Press the or button to select the
number of days between watering days
(from 1 to 31 days). This is called the interval.
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER
Even
2, 4,...30
Odd Day Watering
Even Day Watering

14
the display will show normal time of day and normal irrigation
will resume at the next scheduled start time.
Seasonal Adjustment
Seasonal Adjust is used to make global
run time changes without re-program-
ming the entire controller. To use the
seasonal adjustment feature:
1. Turn the dial to the SEASONAL
ADJUSTMENT position.
2. The display will now show a flashing
number followed by a %, as well as the
bar graph which always remains on the display. Press the
or button to adjust the percentage of the seasonal
adjustment. Each bar on the graph represents 10%. This
feature can adjust the controller from 10% to 150% of the
original program.
To view the adjusted run times, simply turn the dial to the
RUN TIMES position. The displayed run time will be updated
accordingly as the seasonal adjustment is made.
NOTE: The controller should always be initially
programmed in the 100% position.
Automatic Watering
Aer programming, set the dial to the RUN
position to enable automatic execution of all
selected watering programs and start times.
System O
Valves currently watering will be shut o aer
the dial is turned to the SYSTEM OFF position
for two seconds. All active programs are dis-
continued and watering is stopped. To return
the controller to normal automatic operation,
simply return the dial to the RUN position.
Programmable Rain O
This feature permits the user to stop all
programmed waterings for a designated
period from 1 to 7 days. At the end of the
programmed rain o period, the controller
will resume normal automatic operation.
1. Turn the dial to the SYSTEM OFF
position. Wait for OFF to be displayed.
2. Press the button as many times as
needed to set the number of days o
(up to 7 days).
3. Turn the dial back to the RUN position
at which OFF, a number, the and
icons will be displayed.
The days o remaining will decrease at
midnight each day. When it goes to zero,
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER
SEASONAL
ADJUSTMENT
SYSTEM OFF
RUN
RUN
SYSTEM OFF

15
Manually Run a Single Station 1
1. Turn the dial to MANUAL – ONE
STATION position.
2. Station run time will ash in the display.
Use the button to move to the desired
station. You may use the or button
to select the amount of time for a station
to water.
3. Turn the dial clockwise to the RUN position to run
the station (only the designated station will water,
then the controller will return to automatic mode
with no change to the previously set program).
Also see One Touch Start and Advance.
Manually Run All Stations ALL
1. Turn dial to MANUAL – ALL
STATIONS position.
2. Select program A, B, or C by pressing the
button.
3. Station run time will ash in the display. Use the
or button to select the amount of time for
a station to water if dierent from the run time
displayed.
4. Use the button to move to the next station.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to customize each station.
6. Press the button until you reach the station at
which you would like watering to begin.
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER
MANUAL-ONE STATION 1
Turn the dial clockwise to the RUN position (the
controller will water the entire program beginning with
the station number last le in the display, then return
to the automatic mode with no change in the previously
set program).
One Touch Manual Start and Advance
You can also activate all stations to water without using
the dial.
1. Hold down the button for 2 seconds.
2. This feature automatically defaults to program A. You
can select program B or C by pressing the button.
3. The station number will be ashing. Press the
button to scroll through the stations and use the or
button to adjust station run times. (If no buttons
are pressed for a few seconds during step 2 or 3, the
controller will automatically begin watering).
4. Press the button scroll to the station you wish to
begin with. Aer a 2-second pause, the program will
begin. At any time during the manual cycle, you can
use the
or buttons to navigate from station to
station manually.
MANUAL-ALL STATIONS ALL

16
Programmable Sensor Override
The XC Hybrid allows the user to program the controller so
that the sensor disables watering on only desired stations. For
example, patio gardens that have pots under overhangs and
roofs may not receive water when it rains and will continue to
need to be watered during periods of rain.
To program sensor override:
1. Turn the dial to the RUN position.
2. Press and hold the button down while turning
the dial to START TIMES position.
3. Release the button. At this point, the
display will show the station number, ON,
and the icon, will be ashing.
4. Press the or button to enable or
disable the sensor for the station shown.
ON = Sensor enabled (will suspend irrigation)
OFF = Sensor disabled (will allow watering)
5. Use the or buttons to scroll to the
next station that you would like to
program the sensor override.
NOTE: The controller default is for the sensor to disable
watering on all zones when rain occurs.
When the XC Hybrid receives an input from
the sensor to disable watering, the display
will indicate those stations that have been
programmed to override the sensor.
A station that is running in the sensor override mode will ash
the and icons alternately.
Test Program of All Stations
The XC Hybrid allows the user a simplied method for running
a test program. This feature will operate each station in
numerical sequence, from the lowest to the highest.
1. With the dial in the RUN position, press and hold the
button. The station number will be displayed and the time
will be ashing.
2. Use the or buttons to set the run time from 1 to 15
minutes. The run time needs to be entered only once.
3. Aer a 2-second pause, the test program will start.
ADVANCED FEATURES
Sensor Enable
Sensor Disabled
RUN

17
ADVANCED FEATURES
Easy Retrieve™Program Memory
The XC Hybrid is capable of saving the preferred watering
program into memory for retrieval at a later time. This
feature allows for a quick way of resetting the controller
to the original programmed watering schedule.
To save the program into the memory
1. With the dial in the RUN position, press and hold the
and buttons for 5 seconds. The display will scroll
three segments from le to right across the display
indicating the program is being saved into memory.
2. Release the and buttons.
To retrieve a program that was previously saved into
memory.
1. With the dial in the RUN position, press and hold the
and buttons for 5 seconds. The display will scroll
three segments from right to le across the display
indicating the program is being saved into memory.
2. Release the and buttons.
Programmable Delay Between Stations
This feature allows the user to insert a delay between
stations between when one station turns o and the next
one turns on.
1. Start with the dial in the RUN position.
2. Press and hold the button down while turning the dial
to the RUN TIMES position.
3. Release the button. At this point the display will show
a delay time for all stations in seconds, which will be
ashing.
4. Press the or buttons to increase or decrease the
delay time between 20 seconds and 4 hours.
5. Return the dial to the RUN position.
Clearing the Controller's Memory/Resetting
the Controller
If you feel you have misprogrammed the controller, there
is a process that will reset the memory to the factory
defaults and erase all programs and data that have been
entered into the controller.
1. Press and hold down the button.
2. Press and release the reset button in the lower
wiring compartment.
3. Wait 2 seconds and release the button. The display
should now show 12:00 AM. All the memory has been
cleared and the controller may now be reprogrammed.

18
POLE MOUNT INSTRUCTIONS
① ②
• Dig a 12" x 12" x 18"
(30 x 30 x 45 cm) hole.
• Mix and pour in three 90 lb.
(40 kg) bags of cement.
• Make sure the pole is
vertical and the opening in
the wire sweep is accessible
and unclogged.
NOTE: Make sure the cement
pad is dry before continuing
with the installation.
• Place the mounting plate
on top of the pole.
• Secure the mounting
plate with two carriage
bolts and two nuts until
the plate does not twist
or turn.
Included:
• Six carriage bolts – ⁄ " (5 mm approx.) diameter • Six nuts – ⁄ " (5 mm approx.) diameter
18"
(45 cm)
12"
(30 cm)
18"
(45 cm)
12"
(30 cm)
Other manuals for XC Hybrid
4
Table of contents
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