HYDRO-RAIN HRM-4 Operating instructions

BEI Hydro Rain.
Single-Program Mechanical Controller
Installation and Operation
Guide
+ For Models HRM-4/HRM-6/HRM-4i/HRM-6i
+ Please read instructions completely before
attempting to install or operate controller
I
b
In
P
El Hydro Rain,

Contents
This manual explains
how to install your
Hydro Rain sprinkler
controller and
program it for the
watering schedule
that’s right for your
garden. The follo wing
sections are arranged
to match the most
efficient installation
sequence. Refer to
them in the order
presented for best
results.
2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Installation
Installing the Controller . . . . . . . 8
Connecting the valves
. . . . . . 11
Connecting the
transformer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Programming
Selecting the right program . . . 16
Setting the day schedules
. . . . 17
Setting the current time
and start times
. . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting the run times
. . . . . . . 19
Typical program for
lawn and garden . . . . . . . . . . 21
Additional information
Installing a pump-start relay . . 22
Trouble-shooting
. . . . . . . . . . 24
Special functions
. . . . . . . . . . 25
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Your
Hydro Rain
sprinkler controller is
the heart of your
automated watering
system. It lets you
supply different parts
of your lawn and
garden with precisely
the water they
require, exactly when
they require it. All
without any effort on
your part once you’ve
programmed your
system. The Hydro
Rain HRM-4,
HRM-4i,
HRM-6, and HRM-6i
controllers give you
four ways to control
how you distribute
water to various parts
of your yard. Here’s
how they work:
Station Control
Lawns, shrubs,
flower beds and other
foliage all need
different amounts of Wednesday, and
water. You can tailor Saturday of every
the water delivered to week (using 7-day
different parts of your dial). Start
Times
Yard by assigning a
You can set up to six
different run time to different times a day
one or more sprinkler to repeat the watering
heads controlled by a cycle you’ve
single valve. Each valve
programmed. For
and the sprinklers it example, once at 6
controls are called a
AM and again at 10
Station. The HRM-4 AM and 2 PM on an
and HRM-4i let you every day watering
divide your yard into as schedule.
many as four Stations; Watering run times
the HRM-6 and HRM-6i To deliver the correct
allow as many as six. amount of water to
Day Schedules
the foliage within each
You can program your
Station, you can set
controller to water each Station to shut
either by day interval or
off after a specified
on specific days of the period of time-from 5
week. For instance, youto 45 minutes with
might choose to water the HRM-4 and
HRM-
every other day fusing
4i and 5 to 30
6-day
dial), or perhaps minutes with the
on Monday,
HRM-6 and HRM-6i.
Introduction
Here’s how the controller connects to your system
Plug-in Automatic Automatic
transformer anti-siphon in-line valve
valve
(some Installations)
Sprinkler
head

(illustration of outdoor controller)
Features of outdoor model
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Tripper gear
Activates watering cycle; optional additional gears let you set up
to six start times a day.
Time dial
For setting current time of day.
Skip-a-day dial
For setting which days to water
; use six-spoke dial for regular
intervals, seven-spoke dial for specific days of the week.
Circuit breaker
Shuts down system in case of electrical problem in wiring or
valves; resets with push of a button.
Station selector knob/time-of-day index
For selecting desired station to water manually and for setting
current hour on time dial (2).
Rain shutoff
For shutting down system in case of rain, or selecting manual or
automatic modes.
Internal transformer
For converting 120~volt household current into safe, low-voltage
power.
Circuit indicator light
Indicates watering in progress; remains lit when timer is in
manual mode.
Terminal screws
For connecting valve wires to controller.
10. Station alignment dot
Aligns with Station number on Station selector when manually
watering a selected Station.
11. Run time selector
For setting separate watering run times for each Station-from 5
to 45 minutes with the HRM-4 and HRM-4i and 5 to 30 minutes
with the HRM-6 and HRM-6i.
12. Hanger
For mounting case to wall.

Features of indoor model
1. Tripper gear
2.
3.
Activates watering cycle; optional additional gears let you set up
to six start times a day.
Time dial
For setting current time of day.
Skip-a-day dial
4.
5.
6.
For setting which days to water
; use six-spoke dial for regular
intervals, seven-spoke dial for specific days of the week.
Circuit breaker
Shuts down system in case of electrical problem in wiring or
valves; resets with push of a button.
Station selector knob/time-of-day index
For selecting desired station to water manually and for setting
current hour on time dial (2).
Rain shutoff
For shutting down system in case of rain, or selecting manual or
automatic modes.
7.
8.
9.
10
External transformer
For converting 120-volt household current into safe, low-voltage
power.
Circuit indicator light
Indicates watering in progress: remains lit when timer is in
manual mode.
Terminal screws
.
For connecting valve wires to controller.
Station alignment dot
Aligns with Station number on Station selector when manually
watering a selected Station.
11. Run time selector
For setting separate watering run times for each Station-from 5
to 45 minutes with the HRM-4 and HRM-4i and 5 to 30 minutes
with the HRM-6 and HRM-6i.
7

Installing the Controller Mount the Controller
The HRM Series Controllers are operated by electric
motor and require 24 volt AC current from the plug-in or
internal transformer to operate. Plug-in transformer
models are NOT weather protected and must be
installed indoors (garage, work shed,
etc). Internal
transformer models have a lockable weather resistant
case and may be installed outdoors.
Select the Location
A. For the HRM-4i and HRM-6i,
choose an indoor location near a
standard 120 volt dual electrical
outlet.
6. For the HRM-4 and HRM-6, if
the controller is installed
outdoors, choose a location that
is dry and away from direct water
spray. A dry shaded location is
best.
CAUTION: Don’t place the
controller where temperatures
may exceed 130° F (55 C), on a
circuit controlled by a switch, or
on the same circuit as a high
power user (refrigerator, air
conditioner, etc.). Malfunctions
may result.
For indoor models HRM-4i and
HRM-6i
A. Install a No. 8 screw at eye
level in the wall leaving
1/8" of
screw head projecting.
B. Slip the keyhole opening on
the back of the controller over
the screw head.
C. Open the controller case and
install two screws through the
holes in the wiring compartment
at the bottom of the controller.

For outdoor models HRM-4 and
HRM-6
A. Screw the enclosed wall
hanger into the top backside of
the controller.
B. Install a No. 8 screw at eye
level in the wall leaving
1/8" of
screw head projecting.
C. Place wall hanger over screw
to hold the controller.
D. Open the controller door and
remove the lower wiring cover
plate marked CAUTION HIGH
VOLTAGE. Install additional
screw in the lower wiring
compartment to stabilize the
controller.
NOTE: To install controller on a
plaster or masonry wall, use
plaster or lead anchors to secure
screws.
Connecting the Valves
Wire the valves
A. Run valve wiring underground wherever possible.
For line runs less than 800 feet long, use
18-gauge
plastic jacketed thermostat control wire; over 800 feet,
use 14-gauge wire. Your dealer can provide this wire
in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8-wire color-coded strands.
B. Connect a single common wire to one of the wires
from each valve.
C. Solder or join all splices with wire nuts; then seal
with vinyl or waterproof cement to assure a
water-
resistant connection.
IMPORTANT: The power transformer is protected
by an electronic circuit breaker. Do not connect a
combination of valves requiring an inrush current
of more than 1 amp at 24 VAC.
Wires to individual timer terminals
One
wire from each valve connects to
a single common we running to timer
11
10

Connect the valve wires to controller
A. Run all valve wires up through hole in bottom right
side of controller.
B. Connect the wire from valve number 1
to the terminal screw marked 1 on the controller;
the wire from valve number 2 to the terminal 2,
and so on. This allows your controller to selectively
water the Station controlled by each valve.
NOTE: On the HRM-6 and
HRM-6i, terminal
designations are marked on the inside of the wiring
cover.
C. Connect the common wire to the terminal marked
COM.
D. If using a water pump or master valve, refer to
page 16 for installation details.
Connecting the transformer
Connect the transformer
For indoor models HRM-4i and
HRM-6i
A. Connect one lead of the
power cable from the
controller to each terminal
screw on the transformer.
Make sure terminals at end of
cable do not touch.
B. Plug in the transformer.
C. If your controller must be
mounted a greater distance
from the outlet, replace the
supplied power cord with a
similar electrical cord
(available from hardware and
electrical supply stores).
CAUTION: Use with supplied
transformer ONLY!
NOTE: Due to varying
regulations, check your local
codes.
12 13

For outdoor models HRM-4 and HRM-6
A. The 120 volt power wires
to the transformer must be
fed through conduit piping
whether the controller is
installed indoors or outdoors.
B. Secure a conduit to the
controller by an appropriate
conduit fastener.
C. Use wire nuts to make the
electrical connections. Green
wire is earth ground, black is
hot and white is neutral.
D. Replace the high voltage
cover plate and screw after
connections are made.
CAUTION: Switch the
electrical power off at the
circuit breaker panel before
making connection. A
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN CAN
MAKE THESE CONNECTIONS
FOR YOU.
RESET
Circuit breaker
0
0
To removecontroller chassis
If an electrical fault occurs in
any valve or the wiring that
controls it, the circuit breaker
will shut down the system on
the Station where the problem
has occurred. After correcting
the fault, reset the breaker by
pushing the reset button.
To withdraw the controller
chassis from its case for repair
or other reasons, remove the
three screws that hold it in
place as shown.
14
15

Selecting the right program
Setting the day schedule
Dividing up your yard
Stations let you assign a specific run time to one or
more sprinkler heads controlled by a single valve. This
makes it possible to deliver the correct volume of water
to areas of your yard with different watering needs.
For example, you might assign Stations 1, 2, and 3 to
lawn areas on the sunny side of your home and Stations
4 and 5 to lawn areas in the shade. You might then
assign Station 6 to a flower garden.
In the example above, you might set run times of 30
minutes for Stations 1, 2,
and 3; 20 minutes
for
Stations 4 and 5; and 15
minutes for Station
6.
NOTE: You need not use all Stations available on the
controller.
STATION 1
LAWN AREA
LAWN AREA
Ej
STATION 5 LAWN AREA (SHADE)
16
Set skip-a-day dial
The skip-a-day dial lets you choose how
to program the days on which your
controller will water. Use the pre-
installed six-day dial to water at day
intervals (e.g., every 2nd or 3rd day).
Use the
7-day dial supplied in your
accessory pack to water on specific days
(e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Saturday).
A. Install the appropriate skip-a-day dial,
using the screw provided. Use the
six-
spoke dial for interval programs, or the
seven-spoke dial for days of the week.
B. Insert skip-a-day pins in spokes for
days on which you DON’T want to
water.
C. Rotate skip-a-day dial clockwise until
spoke you’ve chosen for today is directly
on top of Day Set switch.
Set current time of day
A. Rotate the time dial counterclockwise
until proper time of day (note AM and
PM markings) is opposite arrow on
Station selector knob.
B. Gently rotate time dial clockwise until
you feel firm resistance. This eliminates
17

backlash in the clutch and gears that can
delay initial rotation of the time dial by
up to an hour.
CAUTION: Time dial rotates free/y only
in counterclockwise direction. DO NOT
FORCE DIAL CLOCK WISE.
Setting current time and start times
Set the start time
The tripper gear lets you set your controller to begin
watering at the time of day you desire every hour on the
half hour. If more than one watering cycle per day is
desired, you can add additional gears (up to five) to set
up to six start times a day. Simply fasten the tripper
gear to the time dial beneath the three hours that run
clockwise from the desired start time.
IMPORTANT:If only one start time per day is desired,
install tripper gear with post on its underside. If multiple
start times are desired tripper gear with post must be
installed as the last start time of the day, since it will
turn the skip-a-day dial advancing your schedule to the
next day.
NOTE: The tripper gear requires
three hours to cycle through all
four 45-minute Stations on the
HRM-4 and
HRM-4i and all six
30-minute Stations on the HRM-6
and
HRM-6i, regardless of the
actual run times you’ve set or
how many Stations are in use.
Setting additional start times
To set up to five more watering start times, install
additional tripper gears available from Hardie Irrigation,
Customer Service, 9455 Railroad Drive, El Paso, TX
79924. You must allow one hour between the end of
one watering period and the beginning of the next (four
hours between start times).
start times.
HAM-4, HRM-4i
HRM-6.
HRM-6i
Setting the run times
Set automatic run times
You can set each Station with its
own specific run time-from 5 to
45 minutes on the HRM-4,
HRM-
4i and from 5 to 30 minutes on
the HRM-6 and HRM-6i.
A. Place slide switch in OFF
position. Rotate Station selector
knob until run time selector is
visible. Insert dime or screwdriver
into slot in run time selector and
turn to align arrow with required
run time. (Run times are
approximate and may vary.)
B. After setting all desired
Stations, rotate Station selector
knob until it clicks into position
with index arrow pointing directly
at time dial. Move slide switch to
AUTOMATIC position.
18
19

A
AUTO
OFF
v
MAN
I!
AUTO
NOTE: Regardless of the specific
watering run time you select for a
Station, your controller will wait
the maximum run time setting
possible before watering will
begin in the next consecutive
Station. For example, if you
select a run time of 15 minutes
for Station
1, your HRM4 or
HRM-4i controller will wait 30
minutes (your HRM-6 or HRM-6i
15 minutes) before watering will
begin in Station 2.
Manual operations and shutoff
A. For system shutdown in case
of rain or other reasons, move
switch to OFF. This turns off
power to valves while clock
continues to keep time.
B. For manual operation, first
move switch to OFF. Rotate
Station selector knob until
desired Station aligns with dot on
chassis, then move switch to
MANUAL. The Station will water
and indicator light will remain on
as long as controller is in manual
mode. You must shut off
watering manually by resetting
the selector knob to another
Station or switching to OFF or
Automatic positions.
NOTE: After manual operation,
always turn Station selector knob
so index arrow points directly at
time dial, then move switch to
AUTOMATIC or OFF.
Typical program for lawn and garden
Here’s how you might set your Hydro Rain controller to
handle a watering schedule for a typical lawn and
garden. Please refer to instructions on the preceding
pages for programming details.
To set a watering cycle
to start at 6:00 PM,
/ fasten a tripper gear to
the time
dial beneath the
three how time span
beginning with 6:00 PM
through 7:00 PM time
span.
To set . second
start
time at 1O:OO PM, fasten
an additional tripper gear
to the tims dial beneath
the 10:00 PM through
1 2:00 AM time span.
To set stations to water
every other day, install
Skip-a-Day
pins in spokes
for
days on which you
DON’T want
watering to
occur.
To set stations to run for
16 minutes each, turn
run time selector to align
arrows with 15 minute
marks.
20
21

Installing a pump-start relay
To connect your controller to a well pump or master
valve:
If your water doesn’t come from
the pipes of a standard public
water supply, you may be using
an electrically operated master
valve or pump to draw directly
from a well, pond, or similar
source. In these cases, you’ll need
to make the following wiring
connections so your sprinkler
controller can activate the valve
or pump.
A. Bring two wires up through
the same hole in the controller
cabinet used for the valve wiring.
B. Connect one wire to the
terminal marked PUMP.
C. Connect the second wire to
the unused terminal marked COM
on the HRM-4 and HRM-4i, or to
the COM terminal shared with the
valve common wire on the HRM-6
and HRM-6i.
D. For master valve installations,
connect both wires to a master
valve rated at 24 VAC and a
current no greater than 9 VA, as
in A through C above.
E. For pump start relay
installations, connect the two
wires to an auxiliary relay with a
coil rated at 24 VAC and a
current no greater than 9 VA.
Then wire the relay’s contact to
supply voltage to the pump’s
contactor. A licensed electrician
can make these connections for
you. For best results, use a
Hydro Rain HSR-1 Pump Starter to
control a pump up to 2 HP at 240
volts.
NOTE: The controller’s pump
output will turn on whenever a
Station is watering manually or
automatically.
IMPORTANT: The power
transformer is protected by an
electronic circuit breaker. Do not
connect a combination of pump
relay and valves requiring an
inrush current of more than 1
AMP at 24 VAC.
CAUTION: Stations cannot be set
to “OFF”-5 minutes is the
minimum run time. On unused
stations, set run time to 5
minutes and place a jumper wire
to an active station to prevent
pump motor damage.
CAUTION: When in manual
operation with a pump start relay,
if the tripper gear engages the
selector knob for a run cycle,
pump damage may occur.
22 23

Trouble-shooting
Malfunctions aren’t common,
but when they occur, they’re
often due to one of these
frequently overlooked causes.
Problem
Possible Cause
One or more valves
do not water
1.
:*
4:
Circuit breaker
is tripped
::
Time dial won’t keep 1.
correct time
V$tering cycle starts 1.
Clock has correct time 1.
but no valve will
turn on
2.
3.
One Station won’t shut
1.
off electrically
;:
First or last station
continues to run
1.
~%I%Iz~ solenoids and/or
Poor wire connection
Possible break in wire
Valve flow stem screwed
down too far
Faulty solenoid
Poor or shorted wire
connection
Controller on circuit
controlled by switch
Less than one hour between
start times
Slide switch is in “OFF”
osition
7
he common wire is not
connected
Valve/solenoid failure
Station switch is in “MAN”
p
osition
aulty valve
Particles of dirt or debris are
stuck in valve
Station selector knob is bent
out of en agement with
time dial.
5
urn selector knob
clockwise until it clicks into
locked position
WARNING: Do not link two or more controllers using a
common transformer or common wire.
24
Special functions
Turning off the system
To prevent automatic watering (for example, if rain is
expected), move slide switch to OFF position. This turns
off power to the valves but permits clock to continue
running.
Manual watering
To water a single station at a time, first move slide
switch to OFF position. Rotate zone selector knob until
desired station number aligns with dot on chassis, then
move switch to MANUAL position. The circuit indicator
light will remain on to indicate that switch is in the
MANUAL watering position. You must shut off watering
manually.
Voltage Specifications
Input
120 VAC
60 HERTZ
37 WATTS
output
24 VAC
1 AMP
25

1-Year Limited Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY
Hydro Rain warrants to the purchaser of its products for a period of
one (1) Year from the date of original purchase that any defective
product proved to be caused by faulty workmanship or faulty
materials, when installed per instructions and used in a normal manner,
will be repaired or replaced at Hydro Rain’s option at no charge,
providing the product is received at the Hydro Rain factory or
authorized factory service canter with all transportation charges
prepaid within one year of the data of original purchase. This warranty
does not apply to damages or malfunctions resulting from accidents,
misuse, or neglect. Hydro Rain will not pay labor or other costs of
removal or reinstallation of any so-called defective products.
NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO)
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHERE APPLICABLE, AND
MERCHANTABILITY SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE PERIOD OF THE
EXPRESS WARRANTY DESCRIBED ABOVE. IN NO EVENT SHALL
HYDRO RAIN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES TO PROPERTY WHICH MAY ARISE
FROM OR RELATE TO THE PURCHASE OF ANY HYDRO RAIN
PRODUCT.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so one or both of the above limitations may not apply to
YOU.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and You may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
To exercise your warranty, send unit with photocopy of dated receipt
postage prepaid to:
Hydro Rain
9455 Railroad Drive
El Paso TX 79924
800-231-5117
915-757-2586
26

Your watering schedule
Station Watering Days*
Run Time
Location
Start
Times
1
2
3
4
5
6
* Applies only when /-spoke dial IS installed.
q Hardie Irrigation
TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE CALL:
l-800-231-51 17
PIN 696501 9455 RAILROAD DRIVE
EL PASO, TX 79924