Hunter DUAL 48M Operating instructions

1
DUAL™ 48M
Two-Wire/Decoder Module
Owner’s Manual and Programming Instructions
For use with I-CORE controller
NEW

Intelligent Modular Intuitive
For use with

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SYSTEM COMPONENTS........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
OVERVIEW OF DUAL™DECODER OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Decoder Benets ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
SYSTEM OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
INSTALLATION OF DUAL DECODER MODULE .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Installation for Combined Decoder and ICM-600 Module................................................................................................................................. 7
WIRE SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Using Pre-Existing Wire...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
TYPICAL WIRE LAYOUT ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
WIRE SPECIFICATION AND INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Connecting the Two-Wire Paths ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
OVERVIEW OF DECODER PROGRAMMING....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Programing Decoder Stations.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
INSTALLING THE DECODERS.............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
LIGHTNING PROTECTION AND GROUNDING................................................................................................................................................... 17
DUAL-S Installation........................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
In-Line Surge Arrestor Installation .................................................................................................................................................................... 18
End of Line Surge Arrestor Installation............................................................................................................................................................. 18
DIAGNOSTICS...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Read Current Function .................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Find Solenoid Function .................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Operating Stations .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Important tools................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
ICD-HP Handheld Wireless Programmer ......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Faults and Fault Messages ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21

4
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Place ground plate in 6” wide trench, perpendicular to
shielding wire, 8 feet away, 36” below ground level.
Surround plate evenly with PowerSet material.
Solid bare copper
shielding wire
Decoder ground wire
DUAL 48M
iD wirE (ExAMpLE)
DUAL 1 DUAL 2 DUAL S

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OVERVIEW OF DUAL™DECODER OPERATION
DUAL™two-wire decoder technology permits control of irrigation
systems over relatively long distances by attaching waterproof
decoders as needed in a low voltage, direct burial two-wire
path. The wire is cut wherever station control is needed, and the
decoder wires are spliced into the path. The decoders are then
connected to local standard 24 VAC solenoids for individual
operation of valves and similar devices. Each decoder is uniquely
addressed, and both the signal for their address and the power
required for solenoid operation are sent over the single pair of
wires. Up to 48 decoders can be individually operated by the
I-CORE controller over a single pair of wires in this manner.
Decoder Benets
Decoder systems save wire. A signicant benet is the ability
to operate up to 48 stations with only two wires, instead of
approximately 50 wires for conventional installations. This can
also save labor associated with large numbers of individual
wire runs.
Decoder systems are exible. As long as the two-wire path
is accessible throughout an irrigation system, stations can be
added later by inserting additional decoders into the path at any
point, with minimum disruption of turf and landscape. Decoder
wire runs can even be spliced and tee’d to follow pipe trenches,
minimizing wasted wire.
Decoder systems are lightning resistant. While no irrigation
system is immune to lightning, decoder systems have less wire
in the ground and, when properly installed, have excellent
grounding and surge suppression. They are popular in regions
with high lightning exposure.
Decoder systems are relatively easy to program and
troubleshoot. There are only two wires per path and a single
DUAL-M output module for the decoder functions, equipped
with diagnostics. The controller operating system is the same as
a conventional I-CORE, which makes programming easy for those
already familiar with the I-CORE controller.
TwO-wirE pATH

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
I-CORE CONTROLLER
DUAL -1
(OnE-STATiOn DEcODEr)
DUAL-S SURGE ARRESTOR
(rEcOMMEnDED EvEry 1000 fEET, 330 M)
DUAL-2
(TwO-STATiOn DEcODEr)
DBr/y-6 wATErprOOf cOnnEcTOrS
in ALL TwO-wirE pATH SpLicES
DUAL-S
(pLAcED AT EnD Of TwO-wirE pATH)
MAX DISTANCE TO END OF TWO-WIRE PATH
ID1 WIRE (14 Ga) 5000 fEET (1500 m) Or
ID2 WIRE (12 Ga) 7500 fEET (2300 m)
GROUND PLATE
(Or GrOUnD rOD)
MAxiMUM DiSTAncE 5000 fEET (1500 M)
TO EnD Of TwO-wirE pATH

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INSTALLATION OF DUAL DECODER MODULE
The DUAL48M decoder output module is designed for use in all
Hunter I-CORE series controllers and provides two-wire decoder
outputs for the Hunter DUAL family of eld decoders.
NOTE: This module is not compatible with any
other controller or any other type of decoder.
The decoder output module installs in the rst three expansion
slots of the controller. The station size of this module is
48 maximum.
1. Turn the dial to the Run position.
2. Open the facepack door, and locate the module slide lock.
Slide the module lock to the unlocked “Power Off” position.
3. Remove any previously installed ICM-600 station output
modules. Install the DUAL48M in the rst 3 slots to the right
of the Power Module. Do not attempt to force the module
into any other position.
4. Install the module by aligning it in the rst three expansion
slots, and slide it in, pushing until the module is seated ush
with the Power Module to the left.
5. Slide the module lock to the locked “Power On” position.
The I-CORE will apply power to the module and recognize it
for decoder use (controller maximum station size is now
48 stations).
NOTE: The DUAL48M will display a line open
message if the module is installed and no two-wire
paths and decoders are wired to the controller.
Installation for Combined Decoder and
ICM-600 Module
The I-CORE will accept both the
DUAL48M decoder module and
standard ICM-600 expansion
modules (up to 2 additional
ICMs in the plastic cabinet and
up to 3 in the metal and plastic
pedestal controllers), providing
the ability to attach decoders
and conventionally wired stations to the controller. The ICM-600
module(s) must be installed to the left of the DUAL Decoder
Module with no gaps. The 48 station maximum does not change.
The decoder module will automatically recognize the number
of conventional stations (six per ICM-600). "The "Avail Station"
display will change to show the range of available decoder
stations (for example, 7-48, 13-48, etc).

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WIRE SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTALLATION
Wire and wire installation is a key factor in successful decoder
installations. Substitution of recommended wire and wire splices
is at the installer’s own risk and is a major cause of start-up
service troubles. Hunter provides two types of wire for use with
I-CORE DUAL™decoder systems.
ID1 WIRE: Two-conductor, solid-core, twisted, color-coded red
and blue, direct burial PE jacket 14AWG/1.6 mm dia. copper
wires. Suitable up to 5000 feet/1500 m.
ID2 WIRE: Two-conductor, solid-core, twisted, color-coded red
and blue, direct burial PE jacket 12AWG/2.05 mm dia. copper
wires. Suitable up to 7500 feet/2300 m.
The twisted pairs are not shielded or armored. Conduit is not
necessary unless local regulations require it (the two-wire path is
low voltage).
• Each two-wire output run of wire is called a "path". The
DUAL48M provides up to three output paths to the eld,
and decoders may be installed on any or all of them in any
combination.
• It is not necessary to connect the paths to one another. Each
path runs from the controller to the last decoder in the path,
and simply stops there.
• Never connect a wire path from one controller to the wire
paths from another controller.
Hunter requires twisted wire meeting the listed specications
on all paths. The twist in the wire is an essential part of surge
suppression. As lightning damage is never covered by warranty,
it is in the installer’s best interest to share what Hunter has
learned in nearly two decades of decoder installations, by using
twisted wire that meets all the above specications. Wire may be
substituted provided it meets or exceeds these specications.
The red/blue coding is a convenience for matching the wires to
Hunter decoders. Color coding the two different conductors is
mandatory.
Using Pre-Existing Wire
This is strongly discouraged by Hunter for the following reasons:
• It is unlikely that the pre-existing wire meets the specications
for gauge, twist, and solid copper.
• Pre-existing wire will not be color-coded correctly for the
decoder wires.
• Pre-existing wire may have invisible problems (shorts, breaks,
increased resistance, or damaged insulation) that will be
inherited by the new installation.
ID WIRE TABLES
14 AwG/2 MM2STAnDArD DEcODEr
cABLE (Up TO 5,000 fT./1,500 M) 12 AwG/3.3 MM2LOnG rAnGE, HEAvy-DUTy DEcODEr cABLE
ID1GRY Gray jacket ID2GRY Gray jacket
ID1PUR Purple jacket ID2PUR Purple jacket
ID1YLW Yellow jacket ID2YLW Yellow jacket
ID1ORG Orange jacket ID2ORG Orange jacket
ID1BLU Blue jacket ID2BLU Blue jacket
ID1TAN Tan jacket ID2TAN Tan jacket

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TYPICAL WIRE LAYOUT
Two Two-Wire Paths
Single Two-Wire Path
DUAL-S SURGE
SUpprESSiOn
NOTE: Do not loop the two-wire path
back to the controller.

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TYPICAL WIRE LAYOUT
Decoder Controller Single Two-Wire Path With T-Splices
ID1: Up TO 5000fT/ 1500 M frOM cOnTrOLLEr TO EAcH EnD Of wirE pATHS.
ID2: Up TO 7,500 fT/2300 M frOM cOnTrOLLEr TO EAcH EnD Of wirE pATHS
NOTE: Do not loop the two-wire path
back to the controller.

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WIRE SPECIFICATION AND INSTALLATION
Connecting the Two-Wire Paths
1. Turn Controller power OFF.
2. Route the red and blue wire paths from the eld up through
the wire openings or conduit into the controller wiring
compartment.
3. Connect the red and blue two-wire paths to the decoder
output screw terminals below the decoder module.
4. There are two rows of screw terminals in the controller that
are accessed through an opening in the decoder module
cover, one red and one blue, labeled 1-2-3. Each numbered
pair represents a possible two-wire path to the eld (some
systems only use one pair, others may use all three).
5. Connect the red wire from a twisted pair to a numbered red
terminal, and connect the blue wire to the blue terminal
with the same number. Do not connect more than one wire
to any of the terminals. Do not mix red from one pair with
the blue from another pair. Keep each pair separate, red to
red and blue to blue, until all pairs are connected to their
numbered terminals.
6. Turn controller power back ON and test. The decoder
output module display should show that it is ready for
programming or operation.
NOTE: If decoder(s) have not been installed on
the two-wire path(s), the decoder output
module will display “Line Open”.

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OVERVIEW OF DECODER PROGRAMMING
It is recommended that each decoder be programmed with
station address(es) at the controller before installing it in the
two-wire path. Decoders can also be programmed in the eld
with the Hunter ICD-HP Handheld Programmer, if available.
Program the station number(s) into the decoders, and then write
the station number assignments on the label on the decoders.
The decoder output module has two holes to the right of the
programming buttons.
Before programming any stations, you should have an exact plan
on paper for the location of each decoder and station in the
system. DUAL decoders are available in one- and two-station
sizes, and they may be mixed in the same system. The numbered
station assignments for each decoder can be programmed
for any station by the decoder module depending on the size
of the decoder.
NOTE: Do not program the same station
number into two different decoders!
Programing Decoder Stations
1. Turn controller power ON.
2. Insert the stripped end of the red wire from a DUAL decoder
into one of the two Programming Ports to the right of the
programming buttons on the decoder output module.
3. Insert the blue wire from the decoder into the other
Programming Port hole.
NOTE: Do not let the wires touch each other.
4. Press the mode button (center button) once. An arrow will
be displayed next to “Prog Decoder”. The decoder is now
ready to be programmed.
5. Press the button again. The display will show “Reading”
as the decoder module checks for the presence of a
decoder.

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OVERVIEW OF DECODER PROGRAMMING
6. The display will briey show “Reading DONE” when the
module has completed identication of the decoder.
7. If the decoder red/blue wires are not fully inserted into the
module, or if the decoder is defective, a “Reading ERROR”
message will be displayed.
8. Once the module has recognized the decoder, it is now
ready to be programmed. Brackets [ ] indicate the station
number for the decoder output. There will be two sets of
brackets for a two-station decoder. (There may already be a
number within the brackets indicating that the decoder has
been previously programmed.)
A new decoder out of the box will be set to station 00, and
new DUAL-2 decoders will have both stations set to 00.
9. Use the  buttons to select or change the station number
you would like to program into the decoder.
10. Press the button to begin the automatic programming
procedure.
11. The display will indicate when programming has been
completed by showing “Programming DONE”. If the
decoder has been accidentally disconnected or
malfunctions, the display will show “Programming ERROR”.
This means the decoder was not programmed (check
connection, and try again).
12. If a two-station decoder is being programmed, use the 
button to navigate to the second set of brackets [ ] which
indicate the station number for the #2 decoder output. Use
the  buttons to select the station number you would like
to program.
13. Press the button once and the module will conduct the
automatic programming procedure for the #2 decoder
output.
14. Again, if the programming (of the decoder) is successful, the
display will show “Programming DONE”.
15. When the decoder and stations have been programmed,
the module display will return to the ready mode. It is
recommended that you write the station numbers for each
decoder output on the label provided on each decoder.

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OVERVIEW OF DECODER PROGRAMMING
NOTE: Decoders may be reprogrammed at any
time. If it is necessary to change the station
numbers previously programmed into the
decoder, the decoder may be reconnected to
the Programming Port. The station number(s)
will be displayed. Conduct the programming
procedure outlined above to reprogram the
decoder. The ICD-HP provides the convenience
of reprogramming decoders without having to
remove them from the two-wire path.

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INSTALLING THE DECODERS
1. Controller power must be OFF when installing decoders in
the two-wire path.
NOTE: Decoder wire runs and connections
must be completely waterproof. Decoder
wiring is more critical than "conventional"
24 VAC solenoid wiring. Follow
instructions closely!
2. Select the decoder location (unless you are replacing an
existing decoder). Decoders should be within 100 feet/33 m
of the solenoids they will operate. Decoders are waterproof,
but should be installed in a valve box to facilitate future
service and increase longevity.
3. Locate the two-wire path. These are the red and blue wires
coming from the controller. The wire path must be cut to
insert decoder wiring, unless you are replacing an existing
decoder.
Wire slack for service
NOTE: Be sure to leave enough slack in the wire
path to allow easy connection of the decoder and
to allow for contraction of wiring due to
temperature changes. Hunter recommends at least
5 feet/1.5 m slack for each decoder to allow it to
be removed from the valve box completely for
installation, service, and inspection.

16
INSTALLING THE DECODERS
4. Identify the color-coded wires on the decoder. The red
and blue wires connect to the red and blue wire path from
the controller.
5. Strip the cut red and blue wire ends back approximately
3⁄4inch (2 cm).
6. Twist the stripped red wire ends (the ends from the two-wire
path and the decoder) together, and thread securely into
the wire nut supplied with the decoder. Seal the connection
by inserting the wire nut into the connector’s waterproof
grease until it snaps into place, and snap cap securely over
wires.
7. Repeat with the blue wires: Connect the blue end(s) from
the two-wire path with the blue wire from the decoder, and
secure in a separate waterproof connector supplied with
the decoder.
8. Each pair color-coded decoder output wires operates
one or two solenoids up to 100 feet/33 m away (greater
distances are possible, but increase susceptibility to
lightning damage).
9. Strip the insulation and connect the two black wires from the
decoder to the solenoid leads for the rst station output.
If a two-station decoder is being installed, strip back and
connect the two yellow wires to the solenoid leads for the
second station output. Insert and seal connections with DBY
or equivalent waterproof connectors.
10. Always terminate each wire path with a DUAL-S surge
suppression module. Do not leave unconnected stubs of the
two-wire path beyond the last decoder. These may affect
the current readings and cause incorrect fault messages.
NOTE: Each DUAL decoder output may
operate two solenoids simultaneously. The
solenoids must be connected in parallel, rather
than in series. Each decoder output wire
should make a three-way connection, with one
wire from each of the two solenoids. Decoder
outputs never use a “common” wire.
Wire slack for service

17
LIGHTNING PROTECTION AND GROUNDING
Proper grounding of decoder systems is part of the installation
that requires consideration. Properly grounded decoder systems
perform very well even in high-lightning regions. Poor grounding
often results in unnecessary equipment losses and irrigation
down time.
Earth grounding rules for the I-CORE decoder controllers are
the same as for conventional I-CORE controllers. A large ground
lug is provided for connection of bare copper wire to earth
grounding hardware.
Hunter DUAL-S surge arrestors must be used on all DUAL
two-wire systems. The DUAL-S surge arrestor attaches directly
to the two-wire path to minimize the damage from lightning
strikes. The amount of surge protection needed depends on how
exposed the area is to lightning and on how well the installation
needs to be protected. In addition to grounding the controller,
the minimum recommended level of protection is one DUAL-S
grounded at the end of each two-wire path and one DUAL-S
grounded every 1000 feet/300 m or twelfth decoder. For higher
levels of protection, attach surge arrestors more often.
Similar to the DUAL decoders, the DUAL-S is sealed from
moisture and should be placed in its own valve box. It is
important that both the controller and the surge arrestors are
grounded to ground rods or plates with less than 10 ohms
resistance. Use grounding electrodes that are UL listed or meet
the minimum requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
as well as local codes. At minimum, the grounding circuit for
controllers will include a copper clad steel ground rod, or copper
ground plate.
Copper ground rods should have a minimum diameter of
5⁄8"/1.5 cm and a minimum length of 8 feet/2.5 m. These are to
be driven into the ground at a location 8 to 10 feet/2.4 to 3 m
from the equipment or wires connected to it, at right angles to
the two-wire path.. Install all grounding circuit components in
straight lines. When it is necessary to make bends, do not make
sharp turns.
Copper grounding plate assemblies intended for grounding
applications have minimum dimensions of 4" x 36" x 0.0625"
(100 mm x 2.4 m x 1.58 mm). A 25-foot (8 m) continuous length
(no splices allowed unless using exothermic welding process) of 6
AWG solid bare copper wire is to be attached to the plate using
an approved welding process.
The earth-to-ground resistance measured should be no more
than 10 ohms. If the resistance is more than 10 ohms, then
additional ground plates and PowerSet®can be installed. It is
required that the soil surrounding copper electrodes be kept at a
minimum moisture level of 15 percent at all times by dedicating
an irrigation station at each controller location.
DUAL-S Installation
DUAL-S surge arrestors should be installed at the end of every
two-wire path and at intervals of 1000 feet/300 m or every
twelfth decoder.

18
LIGHTNING PROTECTION AND GROUNDING
In-Line Surge Arrestor Installation
1. Controller power must be OFF when installing surge
protection on the two-wire path.
2. Select the location for the DUAL-S surge arrestor.
3. Locate the two-wire path from the controller (typically red
and blue wires). The wire path must be cut to insert the
surge arrestor, unless you are replacing an existing arrestor.
4. Identify a pair of red/blue wires from the DUAL-S and
connect one red wire to one red from one side of the
two-wire path. Twist the red wires together and seal the
connection with the waterproof connectors supplied. Repeat
for the blue wire.
5. Connect the second pair of red/blue wires from the DUAL-S
to the other side of the two-wire path. Seal the connections
with the waterproof connectors supplied.
6. Attach grounding device to the copper wire from DUAL-S
using manufacturer’s installation recommendations. Wire to
ground hardware must be run at right angles to the two-wire
path, a minimum of 8 feet/2.5 m away from the wire path.
The ground hardware should not be in the same valve box
as the surge suppressor.
End of Line Surge Arrestor Installation
1. Controller power must be OFF when installing surge
protection in the two-wire path.
2. Locate the end of the two-wire path from the controller
(typically red and blue wires).
3. Identify the two pair of red/blue wires from the DUAL-S
surge arrestor. Twist the three red wires together and
thread them securely into the wire nut supplied. Seal the
connection by inserting the wire nut into the connector’s
waterproof grease, and snap the cap over the wires.
4. Repeat the procedure for the blue wires.
5. Attach ground plate or ground rod to the bare copper
wire from the DUAL-S per manufacturer’s installation
recommendation.

19
LIGHTNING PROTECTION AND GROUNDING
In-Line Surge Arrestor Installation
Decoder ground wire
Solid bare copper
shielding wire
Place ground plate in 6" (15 cm) wide trench,
perpendicular to shielding wire, 8 feet (2.5 m)
away, 36" (1 m) below ground level. Surround plate
evenly with PowerSet material.
End-Line Surge Arrestor Installation
Decoder ground wire
Solid bare copper
shielding wire
Place ground plate in 6" (15 cm) wide trench,
perpendicular to shielding wire, 8 feet (2.5 m)
away, 36" (1 m) below ground level. Surround plate
evenly with PowerSet material.

20
DIAGNOSTICS
The DUAL decoder module has features and diagnostics to
help you troubleshoot installation issues and check the status of
solenoid operation. Basically, two functions are available to the
user in the Diagnostic mode:
Read Current Function
Allows for real time current readings of solenoids operating on
the two-wire path.
1. Use the  buttons to select the “Read Current” function.
Press the button once and the display will show the
current draw on the two-wire path.
2. The display will show current in milliamps (mA). The display
shows typical current draw for a single solenoid.
Find Solenoid Function
The “Find Solenoid” function allows the users to activate
the solenoid of a single station in a mode the produces a
“chattering” sound. This function allows for quick identication
of valves on the site.
1. Use the  buttons to select the station you would like to
operate in the "Find Solenoid" mode.
2. Press the button once to initiate. The module will
"chatter" the solenoid for 60 seconds. Use the button at
any time to stop the "Find Solenoid" function.
Operating Stations
The I-CORE controller can operate two programs simultaneously
or up to ve solenoids in the manual station operation model. At
any time the controller is operating stations, the station numbers
will be displayed.