Hunter Hydrawise Ready User manual

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Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3!
Configuring from the Controller Touchscreen .................................................................................. 3!
Touchscreen Navigation.....................................................................................................................................3!
Connecting to a WiFi Network............................................................................................................................4!
Wireless Connection Status Messages .............................................................................................................6!
Viewing Controller Status ...................................................................................................................................6!
Viewing Network Information and Testing Internet Connectivity.....................................................................8!
Viewing Time and Date.......................................................................................................................................9!
Operating Zones From the Controller ................................................................................................................9!
Configuring from the Hydrawise App or Website ........................................................................... 12!
Getting Started Wizard .................................................................................................................................... 12!
Linking your Controller to your Account.......................................................................................................... 15!
Zones & Schedules.......................................................................................................................................... 15!
Controller Weather Stations............................................................................................................................ 23!
Sensors............................................................................................................................................................. 24!
Watering Triggers............................................................................................................................................. 27!
Creating Alerts.................................................................................................................................................. 28!
Controller Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 30!
My Account ....................................................................................................................................................... 32!
Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................... 35!
Controller Dashboard ...................................................................................................................................... 35!
Changing your Current Controller ................................................................................................................... 38!
Reports ............................................................................................................................................................. 38!
Using Hydrawise as an Irrigation Contractor .................................................................................. 41!
Registering as a Contractor............................................................................................................................. 41!
The Hydrawise Contractor Portal .................................................................................................................... 43!
Managing Customers and Controllers............................................................................................................ 46!
Configuring Customer Controllers................................................................................................................... 52!
Adding a Controller .......................................................................................................................................... 56!
Managing Customer Plans .............................................................................................................................. 57!
Managing Users ............................................................................................................................................... 60!
Managing Customer Files................................................................................................................................ 63!
Creating Customer Wide Settings................................................................................................................... 65!
Monitoring Customer Controllers from the Contractor Dashboard .............................................................. 67!
Limiting Changes a Customer Can Make ....................................................................................................... 68!
Viewing Changes to Customer Controllers..................................................................................................... 69!
Getting Help ................................................................................................................................... 70!
Certifications ................................................................................................................................... 70!
Canadian FCC Statement ................................................................................................................................ 70!
US FCC Statement ........................................................................................................................................... 70!
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Introduction
This guide covers configuration of your Hydrawise™ Ready controller using the Hydrawise App for Apple or
Android or configuration using your web browser.!
Because each Hydrawise™ Ready controller model is slightly different, please consult the Quick Start
Guide supplied with your model for information on hardware installation and connection to your irrigation
system.!
Configuring from the Controller Touchscreen
Touchscreen Navigation
The controller features a full color touchscreen making navigation easy.
The Home screen, shown below, has 3 buttons allowing you to view and run your irrigation zones, change
controller settings, or view status information.
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!!! Touch to view all Zones!

Touch to change controller settings

Touch to view controller status information

Go to previous screen (changes not saved)

Green items indicate settings that can be changed

Go to Home screen (changes not saved)
Grey items indicate status information
Each screen (except for the home screen) has two buttons at the top of the page that allow you to quickly
navigate to the Home screen or the previous screen.
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All items on each screen are color coded to
indicate which screen elements are buttons
and which screen elements indicate status
information.
GREEN screen items indicate settings that can
be changed. If you touch on the GREEN color
item, then you'll be able to change that setting.
GREY colored items indicate status information.
Touching on these has no effect.
Connecting to a WiFi Network
When your controller is first powered on, it will run a short wizard to connect your controller to your wireless
router.
If you’re not using the initial startup wizard then go to the Viewing Wireless Settings section, to change your
wireless settings.
Using the Wizard
1. Select your wireless network from the list shown on the controller display and press the Confirm
button on screen. If your network is not listed then check that the unit is within wireless range.
2. Enter your wireless password and press the OK button on keyboard. Make sure you press the OK
button after you’ve entered your password. Pressing the Home or Back buttons will not save
your changes.
When connecting to your wireless network, the WiFi Icon at the bottom right of the controller screen will
flash. Connecting takes about 30 seconds and when successfully connected the WiFi Icon will stop
flashing and stay on.
If you have issues connecting to wireless then the Viewing Wireless Settings section has more
troubleshooting information.
Viewing Wireless Settings
From the Home screen navigate to the Wireless Settings by pressing Settings > Wireless Settings.
To successfully connect the Hydrawise unit to your wireless router you will need to correctly select your
wireless router, wireless security mode, and enter your wireless password.
The current status of the controller’s connection to your wireless router is shown at the top of the screen.
The controller will automatically attempt to connect to the configured access point if a connection is lost (for
example, after power failure).
If you’re entering information into
the controller and use the Home or
Back buttons, then your changes
on that screen will not be changed.
Always use the OK or Conrm
buttons to conrm your changes.

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Touch on any of the green buttons to change the wireless type, security type, or password.
Configuring Wireless Name
Touching on the currently configured Wireless Name will automatically start a scan of all local wireless
routers and allow you to choose a new one.
After about 5 seconds, a list of found wireless networks will be listed. To select a wireless name, touch on
the wireless name and then touch Confirm. Do not press the Home or Back buttons after selecting your
wireless router name – these options will not save your router name.
Each time you touch a wireless name the signal strength will be shown at the bottom of the screen.
If your wireless router is not shown then check the following:
• Your Hydrawise controller is within range of your wireless router.
• Your access point is configured to accept connections from 802.11b/g wireless clients.
If your wireless router is hidden you may manually enter it by selecting Manually Enter Wireless and
typing in the name.
Configuring the Security Type
The security type configured on the controller must match the security type configured in your wireless
router. The Hydrawise unit can attempt to automatically detect this if you choose Auto Detect as the
security type.
Hydrawise supports the following security types:
• Open
• WPA Personal
• WPA2 Personal
• WPA Auto
After choosing the security type press the Confirm button.

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Setting your Password
For any security mode (except for Open) your wireless router password must be entered. Wireless
passwords are a minimum of 8 characters and are case sensitive.
After typing in your password press the OK button. Do not press the Home or Back buttons – these options
will not save your password.
Wireless Connection Status Messages
The controller will show different status messages while connecting to your wireless router.
Looking for Wireless Controller is currently scanning for local wireless networks.
Connecting to Controller is currently trying to connect to your wireless router.
Waiting for IP Controller has connected to your wireless router and is waiting for your
wireless router to give it an IP address. Your wireless router must be
configured as a DHCP server.
Connected Controller has successfully connected to your wireless router.
Local Connection Only Controller is acting as a local wireless router.
Troubleshooting Wireless Connection Issues
After entering your wireless settings, the controller will connect to your access point. The connection
process takes about 30 seconds.
Upon successful connection the wireless status will show Connected.
If your controller fails to connect to your wireless router check the following:
• Your password is entered correctly. It is case sensitive and must be at least 8 characters long.
• Check that the wireless security types match between the controller and your wireless router. Hydrawise
recommends use of WPA2 security between the controller and your wireless router.
• We have additional troubleshooting steps at https://support.hydrawise.com/
Viewing Controller Status
From the Home screen navigate to the Controller Status by pressing Status > Controller Status.
Enter Wireless Password
qw e r t y u i o p
z x c v b n m
.,
as d f g h j k l
OK?123
hydrawiserocks

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The controller status screen shows your controller’s connection to Hydrawise servers for synchronizing
schedule and weather information.
Server Status
A successful connection to the Hydrawise servers is indicated by Sync’d as the Server Status.
Different types of status messages are shown below:
Sync’d
Controller has a connection to Hydrawise servers.
No Internet
Controller has connected to wireless but is unable to connect to Hydrawise servers.
Check that your internet is OK by connecting another device to the same wireless
router. If this is OK then go to Status > Network and select Test Network to perform a
diagnostics test.
Wireless Down
Controller has not connected successfully to your wireless. Go to Settings > Wireless
Settings to check the wireless status.
Checking
The controller is checking connection to Hydrawise.
Error XXX
The controller received an error while connecting to the Hydrawise server.
The success percentage shows the percentage of time the controller successfully connects to Hydrawise
servers to synchronise weather and schedule-related information.
A low success percentage will indicate a poor wireless connection between the controller and your access
point.
To improve your wireless signal strength you could try the following:
• Move the controller closer to your wireless router.
• Remove any obstacles in a direct line of sight between the controller and your wireless router such as
metal items (metal interferes with WiFi signals).
• Move your wireless router closer to the controller.
• Install a higher gain antenna on your wireless router.
• Use Ethernet in a location closer to the controller and install a new wireless router.
• Consider a WiFi repeater between your wireless router and the Hydrawise controller to boost the signal
strength.
• Consider moving the controller away from potential sources of interference, including
• Microwave ovens
Controller Status
Server Status
Sync’d 5 seconds ago
Serial Number
C012556
Version
1.89
Model
HWC-006
Success
100%
Uptime
1day 3 hr
Status of connection
to Hydrawise Servers
Your serial number. Used
to link your controller to
your account
Connection to Hydrawise
success rate

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• Cordless telephones operating in the 2.4GHz range – you could also change the channel your phone
uses
• Nearby base stations using adjacent channels
Note that the Hydrawise unit is designed to work in poor wireless environments. However, if you wish to
manually run or stop a zone and the wireless signal is down then these actions will fail.
Offline Mode
If the controller loses internet for more than 24 hours you’ll receive a notification email.
The controller will go into an offline mode. In offline mode your controller won’t be able to access local
weather conditions such as rainfall or evaporation and will revert to a pre-defined program.
• For Smart (ET) Watering zones, the controller will adjust each zone’s watering length based on your
offline watering budget and will water at each zone’s configured peak watering frequency.
• For Time Based watering zones, the controller will adjust each zone’s watering length based on your
offline watering budget and will water at each zone’s configured watering frequency.
• Note that Cycle & Soak is not supported in Offline Mode and each zone will water for its full watering
length without pausing.
• The controller will water only at your configured Program Start Times.
Saving Your Controller Configuration
The controller doesn’t have a battery backup – your configuration settings are stored in non-volatile RAM
which is preferable as batteries need to be periodically replaced.
Configuration settings are automatically saved.
Serial Number
The serial number is used to link your actual controller with your Hydrawise account. This number is also
printed on the controller.
Viewing Network Information and Testing Internet Connectivity
From the Home screen navigate to the Network Status by pressing Status > Controller Status.
All settings on this page are provided to the controller by your wireless router when it first connects via a
protocol known as DHCP. If any of these settings appear incorrect please change them in your wireless
router.
Network Status
IP Address
192.168.10.1
DNS
8.8.8.8
Connected for
1 day 23 hr Test Network
Netmask
255.255.255.0
Gateway
192.168.10.254
IP Address, set by
your wireless router
DNS Address, set by
your wireless router
Network test button

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Once the controller has successfully connected to your wireless router the Test Network button can be
used to test network connectivity for troubleshooting purposes. The network test will verify connectivity to
4 destinations:
Checking WiFi
Performs a ping test to the Gateway address listed in the Network Status
screen. If this test fails, check that you don’t have MAC address filtering
enabled on your router.
Checking DNS
Performs a ping test to the DNS address listed in the Network Status screen. If
this test fails, check that the DNS address is correct – if it is wrong then correct
the DNS address under DHCP Settings on your wireless router. It is possible
that this test may fail if the DNS server doesn’t not accept ping requests which
does not indicate an issue.
Checking Internet
Performs a ping test to the Google server at IP address 8.8.8.8. This is a well
known server which accepts ping requests on the internet. If this test fails then it
indicates an issue with the internet configuration of your wireless router.
Checking Hydrawise
Performs a ping test to the Hydrawise servers. If this test fails, then it may
indicate an issue with the internet configuration of your wireless router.!
Viewing Time and Date
Time and date settings are synchronised with the settings that you configure in the Hydrawise app. The
timezone is set based on the location you entered during the app wizard.
If your controller is running as a stand-alone controller (ie. WiFi is disabled) then the date, time and
timezone will be shown on a GREEN background can be changed.
Operating Zones From the Controller
Zone Summary
From the Home screen navigate to the Zone Summary screen by pressing Zones.
The Zone summary screen shows the status of 6 zones at a time. To view the next or previous group of
zones use the Next and Previous buttons. The current range of zones that you are viewing is indicated at
the top of the screen.

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Each zone is color coded to indicate the current status of the zone as follows:
Green
Zone is scheduled to run at some time in the future.
Grey
This zone is not scheduled to run in the future.
Blue (dark)
Zone is current active.
Blue (light
Zone is waiting for another zone to finish watering and then will start immediately.
Gold
This zone is a master zone.
Viewing zone information
From the Zone Summary screen touch the zone you wish to view.
The!Zone!Status!screen!allows!you!to!view!the!following!information:!
Zone Name
This is the name of the Zone you’ve configured in the Hydrawise app.
Sensor
The current sensor state if configured in the Hydrawise app.
Water Usage
Water usage for this zone run. This is shown only if you have a flow meter installed and
the zone is currently running.
Current Indicates the current that all solenoids are using (including a master solenoid if
configured). Generally speaking, this value ranges from 200mA to 600mA depending on
the number of solenoids attached to a single zone output. The controller has a built-in
failsafe to automatically stop your zone if more than approximately 800mA is detected as
this may indicate a faulty solenoid or wiring. The!Zone!Status!screen!also!allows!you!to!
manually!start!a!zone!using!the!Run$Now!button.!When!started,!the!zone!will!run!for!the!
zone’s!default!configured!run!length.!This!can!be!overridden!by!clicking!on!Run$Time!prior!
to!manually!starting!the!zone.!
When a zone is running the Run Now button will change to Stop, allowing you to stop a running zone.
Vegetables Zone 6

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!
Current Zone Number
Type of Watering
Schedule
Sensor State
(if congured)
Water Usage
(if congured)
Current measured
for Zone (supported
models only)
Next Run Time
and Length
Zone Name
Press to Start, Stop,
or Manually Modify
a Zone

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Configuring from the Hydrawise App or Website
Getting Started Wizard
To be able to configure your controller from the Hydrawise App or website you will need to connect your
controller to the internet and link the serial number of the controller to your account.
The controller does not need to be connected to the internet when you’re making your configuration
changes – if it isn’t connected at the time the changes are made the new configuration will be loaded once
the controller connects to the internet.
The Getting Started wizard is shown when you first create a new account or when you select Settings ->
Setup Wizard in the app.
1. If you have not already done so, create an account at the Hydrawise web site. Go to
http://hydrawise.com/try-now and register for an account.
2. Log into your account. If this is the first time that you have logged in you will be guided through a setup
wizard to help you with initial configuration of your controller.
Setting the Controller Model
The wizard will ask you to choose the model of your controller. You can search by SKU or simply select the
model from the list.
If you’re setting up a trial account, choose the closest model to the one you want – you can always change
it later.
Setting the Controller Name and Serial Number
The wizard will ask you to give your controller a name and also to enter the serial number. If you’re setting
up a test account and you don’t yet have a controller you can leave the serial number blank.

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Controller Location
Set the address where your controller is located. Your controller will use this address for weather forecasts.
When you click Update Address you will see local weather stations to which you can subscribe.
You can subscribe to one or more weather stations by clicking on them and choosing Subscribe. The
weather stations that you’ve subscribed to will display in blue.
You can subscribe to one of the two closest airport stations for free – these will be updated daily.
If you have an Enthusiast plan you can subscribe to up to 5 personal, airport or other official stations. The
advantage of subscribing to multiple weather stations is that the results will be evaluated to remove any
particularly high or low readings which might be inaccurate.

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Configuring the Master Valve
If your irrigation system has a master valve then configure it here. For more details on what a master valve
is see Configuring a Master Valve.
Adding Zones
Now you can add the zones for the various parts of your garden. For more detail on how to add zones, see
Adding a Zone.
Setting Program Start Times
The last step in configuring your controller is to set up your Program Start Times. These will tell your
controller when it’s allowed to water. You can set specific days of the week or use odd/even watering days.
You can also set the time of day and then link the program start times to particular zones and schedules.

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Your controller is now configured and ready for use.
Linking your Controller to your Account
You must link your Hydrawise controller to your account before it will start watering.
If you entered your controller’s serial number during the wizard then your controller is already linked and
you don’t need to follow these steps.
1. In the Hydrawise App or web browser, go to your Dashboard. Click on the Settings icon on the blue
‘Watering Schedule’ bar and then click the Link to controller menu item (see below).
2. Enter the serial number of your controller. The serial number can be found on the unit or on the
Controller Status screen in the Hydrawise unit.
Zones & Schedules
Hydrawise supports 2 types of watering - Smart (ET) watering or Time Based watering. Choosing which
style of watering depends on a number of things, including your type of irrigation zone, if any watering
restrictions exist in your area and personal preference (for example, for people who like to know that their
irrigation will start on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays then Time Based Watering is ideal).

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Time Based Watering
For Time Based watering you decide the watering frequency and irrigation run time, either by entering the
information directly or choosing a preconfigured watering schedule. The controller will use the Watering
Triggers you’ve set to automatically adjust its watering schedule.
Time based watering will water on specific days (unless delayed by rainfall or forecast rainfall) and will vary
the watering length based on your watering triggers.
Smart (ET) Watering
Smart (ET) watering is an automated watering schedule that uses information about environmental
conditions to ensure your plants get the optimal amount of water. Evaporation will draw moisture from your
garden, while rainfall and irrigation will add moisture. Understanding these conditions allows Hydrawise to
decide when the time is right to water your garden. ET stands for evapotranspiration and is explained
further in the diagram below.
For each zone, we’ll ask you to specify the watering length and peak watering frequency:
• The watering length is how long watering needs to run to fully water your zone.
• The peak watering frequency is how often you would normally water this zone during your peak irrigation
period.
The controller will vary your watering frequency based on actual evaporation and rainfall in your area on a
day to day basis.
In contrast to Time Based Watering, Smart Watering will always water a zone for the same length of time
and it will vary the frequency of watering based on temperature and rainfall.
$
Readily
available
water
Precipitation
Absorption
Evaporation
Transpiration
Evapotranspiration
Determined by -
Temperature
Humidity
Wind
Soil
Plant type
Root depth Available
water

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Adding a Zone
To add an irrigation zone, navigate to the Zones & Schedules page in your Hydrawise account and click
on Add a New Zone. The Zone wizard will be displayed.
Fill in the Zone Details:
Zone Name
Use a meaningful name for each irrigation zone. Zone names are displayed on the
Hydrawise controller and are used in your Hydrawise account to show run times and
allow manual modification of watering schedules.
Zone Number
The zone number for each irrigation zone should match the number you have used
when wiring the controller.
Zone Icon
Choose an icon which will be used to display the zone on the dashboard. If you have
uploaded an image for this zone you can choose it to be displayed on the dashboard
instead.
Watering Type
Select a watering mode for this zone. A zone can use Smart (ET) watering or Time
Based watering, which are described below.
Depending on the type of watering you chose, fill in the details for Smart (ET) watering or Time Based
watering.
Smart (ET) Watering
Watering Type Choose whether to set the information manually or choose from a list of preconfigured
watering schedules.
Enter Time and Frequency: allows you to manually set the watering length and
frequency.
Use a preconfigured Watering Schedule: add a preconfigured watering schedule or
use one you’ve previously created. If your controllers are managed by a contractor, you

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may see preconfigured watering schedules that your contractor has created, which you
can also use.
Enter Time and Frequency
If you choose to enter the time and frequency, the following fields are available:
Watering Length The number of minutes this zone will run for each time.
Peak Season Watering Frequency How often the zone will normally run during your
peak irrigation period. This frequency will be automatically adjusted throughout the year
based on actual evaporation and rainfall.
Use a Preconfigured Watering Schedule
If you choose to use a preconfigured Watering Schedule you can either choose from a
list of schedules you’ve previously created, or add a preconfigured watering schedule by
entering the watering length and frequency and schedule modifications. If your
controllers are managed by a contractor, you may see preconfigured watering schedules
that your contractor has created, which you can also use.
Note that the Schedule Adjustment option in a preconfigured Watering Schedule is not
used for Smart (ET) watering zones.
Cycle and Soak
Cycle and Soak is the ability to break the watering time into periods of watering (cycle)
and pause (soak) to allow the water to soak into the soil without runoff.
You can enable or disable Cycle and Soak. If you enable it, you need to specify the
cycle and soak periods:
• Cycle Time- the maximum number of minutes the zone can run
• Soak Time- the minimum time between zone waterings to allow the water to soak
into the soil
Tuning Adjust the watering time for this zone from the calculated time. This allows you to fine
tune your watering if your zone appears to be too dry or wet.
Time Based Watering
Watering Type Choose whether to set the information manually or choose from a list of preconfigured
watering schedules.
Enter Time and Frequency: allows you to manually set the watering length and
frequency.
Use a Preconfigured Watering Schedule: add a preconfigured watering schedule or
use one you’ve previously created. If your controllers are managed by a contractor, you
may see preconfigured watering schedules that your contractor has created, which you
can also use.
Enter Time and Frequency
If you choose to enter the time and frequency, the following fields are available:
Watering Length- The number of minutes this zone will run for each time.
Watering Frequency- Choose how often to water the zone.

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Schedule Adjustment- Choose how to adjust the watering time based on your
weather triggers.
Use a Preconfigured Watering Schedule
If you choose to use a preconfigured Watering Schedule you can either choose from a
list of schedules you’ve previously created, or add a preconfigured watering schedule by
entering the watering length and frequency and schedule modifications as per the fields
above. If your controllers are managed by a contractor, you may see preconfigured
watering schedules that your contractor has created, which you can also use.
Cycle and Soak
Cycle and Soak is the ability to break the watering time for a zone into periods of
watering (cycle) and pause (soak) to allow the water to soak into the soil without runoff.
You can enable or disable Cycle and Soak. If you enable it, you need to specify the
cycle and soak periods:
• Cycle Time: the maximum number of minutes the zone can run for
• Soak Time: the minimum time between zone waterings to allow the water to soak
into the soil
Tuning Adjust the watering time for this zone from the calculated time. This allows you to fine
tune your watering if your zone appears to be too dry or wet.
Adding Zone Images
You can upload multiple pictures of each of your irrigation zones to the Hydrawise system. To upload an
image click on the Image Add button next to the Zone Edit button.
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You can upload multiple images per zone. The total number of images that can be uploaded is based on the
images size and is different for each account’s Plan Subscription.
After an image is uploaded you can select an image to be displayed on the Dashboard by editing the zone
and selecting the image in the Zone Icon list.
Configuring a Master Valve
A master valve is an automatic valve that is installed at the point where the irrigation system connects to
the water supply. (Sometimes this circuit is called a “pump start circuit.” Both types of circuits work similarly
and can be used for a pump and/or a master valve.) The controller turns the master valve on and off.
Zone valves are the individual valves that operate a group of sprinklers or drip emitters. Typically one zone
valve is turned on at a time, and controls the irrigation in a specific area of your garden. Whenever one of
the irrigation zone valves is told to open by the controller, the controller also signals the master valve to
open - the master valve acts like a back up valve, or a fail-safe valve. The purpose of the master valve is to
shut off the water to the irrigation system when none of the zone valves are operating.
The image below shows a master valve operating connected to Zone 12 on a Hunter HC controller.

Water main

Master valve (optional)
Solenoid Valves
Water to zones
Common wires
24V AC plug pack
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Different Hydrawise-Ready controller models have different options when selecting a master valve. With a
Hunter HC controller, any one of your ordinary zones can be configured to act as a master valve, with all
other Hydrawise-Ready controller models there is a dedicated master valve.
The master zone is configured on the Zones & Schedules page underneath your list of irrigation zones as
highlighted in the image below.
➊
➋➌
➍
➎
➏