Irritrol Rain Dial Plus 6 User manual

Irrigation System Controller
User’s Guide
Rain Dial Plus 6, 9 and 12 Station
Indoor and Outdoor Models
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Contents & Specifications 3
Remote Control Compatibility 3
Getting the Most Out of Your Rain Dial Plus 4–5
Installations 6–9
“Anywhere Programming” 10
Memory Protection 10
Rain Sensor Operation 10
What the Buttons and Switches Do 11–12
How the Dial Works 13
Getting Started 14
Automatic Operation, Step By Step 14–15
Special Features: Clear Program, Select Language 16
Water Budget 16
Review Your Program 17
Manual Program Start 17
Manual Valve Start 17
Stop Watering 18
What the Display Means 18–21
Documenting Your Watering Schedules 21
Checking for Valve Shorts or Open Circuits 21
Troubleshooting the System 22–23
Replacing the Fuse 23
Electromagnetic Compatibility 24
Table of Contents
2

Congratulations. You have purchased the easiest-to-use landscape control system
available today. Please read through this guide before you begin installing or
programming your Rain Dial Plus controller.
Your Rain Dial Plus package includes:
Outdoor models Indoor models
•Controller • Controller
•2 keys • Plug-in transformer (domestic models only)
•3 mounting screws • 3 mounting screws
•Installation & Programming Guide • Installation & Programming Guide
•Mounting template • Mounting template
•One 9-volt alkaline battery • One 9-volt alkaline battery
(domestic models only) (domestic models only)
Specifications
Outdoor Models (Internal Transformer):
• Input: 120 V a.c., 60 Hz, 30 VA (domestic), 230 V a.c., 50 Hz, 30 VA (export)
240 V a.c., 50 Hz, 30VA (Australia)
Indoor Models (External Transformer):
• Input: 24 V a.c., 60 Hz, 30 VA (domestic) or 24 V a.c., 50 Hz, 30 VA (export and
Australian) Note: Plug-in transformer supplied with domestic models only.
All Models:
•Output: 24 V a.c. at 1.0A total maximum output; 0.5A maximum per station
•Master Valve/Pump Start Relay Output: 24 V a.c. at 0.375A (maximum)
•Operating temperature range: 32˚F to 140˚F (0˚C to 60˚C)
•Battery back-up: One 9-volt alkaline
Rain Dial Plus controllers, manufactured on or after October 4th, 2000 (date code
100400 or later printed in the battery compartment) or marked with the “R/R” symbol
are “Remote Ready.” The optional KwikStart system allows remote activation
of the controller from as far as 160 feet to 100 yards away. The KSR-KIT,
connected to your Rain Dial Plus controller allows you to remotely run the
valves while out in your yard or garden for system “checkout”, fall air
“blowout” in freeze-prone areas or system troubleshooting.
Contents & Specifications
3
New Freature: Remote Control Compatibility

•The Basic Cycle: Once a program is given a start time, it causes all valves with run
times entered to operate in sequence beginning with the lowest numbered valve.
When all valves having run times are finished, the cycle is over.
•Avoid Unexpected StartTime Delays: It is possible to set a second start time that
begins before the cycle from the first start time has finished. When this happens, the
start of the second cycle will be delayed until the first is complete. The start time may
not occur when you expect it. Even when you have planned enough time to avoid this,
increases in the water budget feature may cause an overlap and delay the start of the
second cycle.
•Avoid Unexpected Short Cycles: If you use Odd/Even scheduling, watering will stop
at midnight to avoid watering on the wrong day. Be careful when planning start times
to allow enough time to run the entire cycle before midnight.
•Avoid ExcessiveWatering: All three programs,A, B, & C, are always on. Start times
entered for any program will begin automatically when that time occurs. They are
meant to water different zones or to supplement watering if one program is not
enough. If you need extra water, use more than one start time and/or use the Water
Budget Special Feature.
•Avoid Creating a LowWater Pressure Condition: Start times operated by different
programs are independent. If you select identical or overlapping start times, all can turn
on at the same time. The maximum flow might exceed the water supply available. A
precaution is to allow more time between start times to reduce the number of valves
running at one time. Make sure that different programs have different start times.
•Dealing with New Lawns: Having multiple start times in one day is especially useful
for newly seeded lawns.
•Help with Electrical Problems: Rain Dial Plus will detect (during a watering cycle)
and display (after the cycle) a short circuit as “FUS” or an open circuit as “OPN” in
addition to the problem valve number. “OPN” also appears when a valve run time has
been scheduled but no valve is connected. In addition, if a Rain Sensor is connected
and has shut off watering due to rain, “OPN” may continue to be displayed even
though the rain has stopped and automatic watering has resumed. To clear the display,
simply press the + or - Button while the function switch is in the Run position.
Getting the Most Out ofYour Rain Dial Plus
4

Getting the Most Out ofYour Rain Dial Plus
5
5
4
2
3
1
4
Here is a SampleWatering Plan
Program StartTime Valve # Location RunTime Schedule
A (#1) 5:00 a.m. 1 Front Lawn 15 min. Odd
2 Back yard 15 min. Odd
3 Side Yard 10 min. Odd
B (#1) 3:00 p.m. 4 Trees drip 2 hrs. Mon
C (#1) 4:00 a.m. 5 Garden 5 min. Skip Days, 1
(#2) 7:30 a.m. 5 Garden 5 min. Skip Days, 1

Installations
Installing the Battery
CAUTION: To avoid hazards from improper
battery usage, always replace the battery with the
same or equivalent alkaline battery type. Properly
dispose of used batteries as recommended by the
battery manufacturer.
Open the controller door. Carefully swing the control module open by pulling it from the
right edge. Locate the battery compartment at the top of the module. Press down on
top of the the cover while pulling it outward to remove. Attach the battery wire clip to a
standard 9-volt alkaline battery. Position the battery in the compartment and reinstall
the cover. A flashing “12:00 AM” should show on the display. See Figure 1.
Note: The battery will power the clock, but it will not operate the valves.
Mounting the Controller
Locate your Rain Dial Plus indoor model in an area protected from weather, such as a
garage, within 5' (1.5m) of a grounded electrical outlet. The outdoor model can be
installed almost anywhere, but try avoiding exposure to direct sprinkler spray. The
controller must be powered by a grounded AC circuit which is not shared with
motorized equipment.
Use the mounting template (provided) to locate the mounting holes. Drive the top #10
screw into a wall stud, leaving about 1/4" (6.5 mm) exposed. Open the door to your
controller and pull forward on the right edge of the control module. Hang the controller
on the screw using the keyhole slot provided. To secure the controller, drive screws
through the lower mounting holes provided.
Note: The lower mounting hole locations on the outdoor cabinet have thin webbing
which can be easily removed with a 5/32" (4 mm) drill. Also, be sure to use screw
anchors if installing the controller on drywall or masonry.
CAUTION: The outdoor controller cover
must be closed and locked to protect the
electronic components from moisture damage.
Two keys are provided with each controller.
Be sure to keep the keys in a safe location.
9V
Key
Figure 1
Figure 2
6

Connecting an Earth Ground
CAUTION: The built-in circuit
protection in all Rain Dial Plus
controllers must have an earth
ground path to help protect the
controller from power surges. This
is especially important in lightning-
prone areas. A 12–16-gauge
(2.0–1.0 mm2) solid copper ground
wire must be connected to the
ground lug located on the
controller’s terminal board and a
ground source such as a metal
water pipe or copper-clad ground
rod.
Connecting the Valves
Route one valve solenoid lead from
each valve through the large hole in the
bottom of the controller. Secure each
wire to a separate numbered terminal.
Attach the remaining wire from each
valve to a single common wire and attach that wire to the “VC” (Valve Common)
terminal.
CAUTION: Do not link the common wire of two or more controllers together.
Use a separate, independent valve common wire for each controller. Linking two
or more controllers with a single common wire can cause disruptions or even
serious product damage.
Note: This controller is designed to work with 24 V a.c., 0.25A (6 VA) solenoid operated
valves. A maximum of two solenoids per terminal may be used (not to
exceed 0.5A per station), and no more than three solenoids should be on at
any one time plus the master valve and/or pump start, if one is being used.
Load requirements must not exceed 1.0A maximum total current draw.
Installations continued...
7
MV
1
2
3
Master Valve or
Pump Start Relay
Valve Common
Earth
Ground
Rain Sensor
Switch
2-Amp Fuse
Ground Lug
Rain Sensor
Plug-In
Transformer
Figure 3

Connecting a Master Valve or Pump Start Relay
To use a master valve which operates throughout the watering cycle, connect one
solenoid lead to “MV” terminal and the remaining lead to the “VC” terminal. Refer to
Figure 3 on page 7.
Note: The master valve must be equipped with a 24 V a.c., 0.2 A, 5VA solenoid.
To use a pump start relay, connect one relay lead to the “MV / Pump” terminal and the
remaining lead to the “VC” terminal. Refer to Figure 3, page 7.
Note: The pump relay should have a nominal coil voltage of 24 V a.c. at 0.375A
maximum. The controller should not be installed within 5' (1.5m) of a pump, pool
equipment or other motorized equipment. Consult with a pump dealer for detailed
instructions.
Connecting a Rain Sensor
The Rain Dial Plus is designed for use with a normally-closed rain sensor or rain
switch. Refer to page 10 for important rain sensor operation information.
1. Route the two wires from the sensor into the cabinet through the valve wire opening.
2. Remove the jumper wire from the two Sensor terminals. Connect the sensor wires to
the terminals in either order. Refer to Figure 3, page 7.
Note: Refer to the instructions supplied with the rain sensor or switch for additional
installation information.
Connecting the Power Source – Indoor Model
After you have mounted your controller and completed all field wire connections, route
the two leads from your transformer through the small hole provided in the cabinet
bottom and connect to the terminals labeled “24 VAC”. Refer to Figure 3 on page 7.
Close the control module and plug the transformer into a wall outlet.
Note: The plug-in transformer is supplied with the domestic controller models only.
Connecting the Power Source – Outdoor Model
Outdoor controller models have a built-in transformer which must be
connected to a grounded AC power source.
Note: Australian controller models are equipped with a plug-in power cord.
For installation, insert the plug into a grounded 240 V a.c. 50 Hz outlet.
Installations continued...
8

Note: Electrical conduit and adapters are not supplied with the controller but are
generally required.Check local building codes and install conduit accordingly.
1. For the power wire connection, install a 1/2" NPT threaded conduit body to the
transformer assembly nipple. From the conduit body, install electrical conduit to the
AC power source circuit breaker panel. Note: Does not apply to Australian models.
CAUTION: Do not connect the
controller to one phase of a 3-phase
power system used by a pump or
other electrical equipment.
2. Ensure the power source is off.
Verify that power has been turned off
at the power source by using an
appropriate AC voltage meter.
3. Route the Hot (or Line 1), Neutral (or
Line 2) and Equipment Ground wires
through the conduit into the conduit
body.
4. Using the properly size insulated wire connectors, splice the mating wires as shown
in Figure 4.
5. Close and secure the conduit body cover.
6. Apply power to the controller and check controller operation. If the
controller is not operating, disconnect the power at the source and
have a qualified electrician check for possible short circuit.
Installations continued...
WARNING: All electrical components must meet applicable national and
local electrical codes including installation by qualified personnel.
On outdoor models, these codes may require an external junction box
mounted on the transformer 1/2" NPT nipple and a means in the fixed wiring of
disconnecting AC power having a contact separation of at least 0.120" (3mm)
in the line and neutral poles.
Ensure the AC power source is OFF prior to connecting to the controller.
The wire used for connection to the controller must have insulation rated at
105° C minimum.
Figure 4
Ground to Green
or Green/Yellow
Conduit Body
Hot or Line 1 to
Black or Brown
Neutral or Line 2 to
White or Blue
9

The Rain Dial Plus control module is designed to be easily removed for complete
programming in a more convenient setting, or for servicing. The battery keeps the
current time and allows changes to settings until the module is connected to AC power.
To remove the module, pull forward
on the right edge of the module as if
you were going to replace the battery.
Unplug the ribbon cable connector
from the printed circuit board, as
shown in Figure 5, then unsnap the
module from it’s hinges. To reinstall
the module, simply reverse the order
of the removal steps.
Program settings are stored in a unique electronic device called “non-volatile” memory
and retained for up to 10 years even without battery power. The battery maintains the
current date and time.
A two-position sensor switch (as shown in Figure 3 on page 7) is provided to bypass
the (optional) rain sensor function if necessary.
IMPORTANT: If a rain sensor is NOT connected to the controller, the sensor
switch must be in the BYPASS position or the jumper wire attached to
both sensor terminals to enable controller operation.The controller will not
operate automatically if the sensor switch is in the ACTIVE position
without a sensor or jumper wire installed.
“Anywhere Programming”
10
Memory Protection
Rain Sensor Operation
Figure 5

Program Selector Switch
• Schedule up to three, totally independent PROGRAMS to allow custom watering of
your landscaping.
Note: Regardless of Program Selector position, all three programs (A, B and C)
always run in Automatic operation.
• Use to select a program (A, B, or C) for programming an automatic watering
schedules and for manual operation of an automatic watering program (Semi-Auto
operation).
Function Switch
• Use Run for automatic operation.
• Use Set Program to set programs and select special features.
• Use Off to cancel all active watering or suspend all planned watering.
What the Buttons and Switches Do
11
Program Selector
Switch
Function
Switch
Next
Button
Dial
+ and –
Buttons
Display
Manual
Start Button

Semi-Auto/Manual Button
• Manually starts an automatic program (semi-auto) or an individual valve.
Next Button
• Advances to the next option for setting time/date and special features.
Dial
• Sets changes or checks program information.
+/- (Plus/Minus) Buttons
• Changes the values of program information. Can be used one step at a time or held
down longer to rapidly advance to another setting. Holding down either button for
longer than 3 seconds causes the display to rapidly scroll through the digits.
Display
• Shows the value of the selected information.
Time
• Sets the correct time of day on the controller. Note the AM/PM display.
Date
• Sets the correct year, month and day on the controller.
Rain Sensor Switch (located on the circuit board)
• Bypass position disables rain sensor function and allows the controller to operate
without a rain sensor connected.
What the Buttons and Switches Do continued...
12

Schedule
• Determines the days watering occurs by selecting:
• Specific days of the week (e.g. watering every MON and THU),
• Skip Days intervals, e.g., watering every 4 days, or
• ODD-numbered or EVN-(even) numbered days of the month.
Start Times
• Selects up to 3 different start times for each program.
Valve Run Times
• Sets how long each valve will water.
• The valve numbers correspond to the numbered terminals behind the module. The
valves run in numerical order; when one finishes, another begins. You can set each
valve to run from 0 to 59 minutes in 1 minute increments, or 1.0 to 5.9 hours in 0.1
hour (6 minute) increments.
SPL FUNC (Special Functions)
• Clears all settings from a selected program
• Selects from among 5 different languages.
“%” (Water Budget)
• Increases or decreases all valve run times for a selected program. Watering can be
changed from 0% to 200% in 10% increments.
How the DialWorks
13

Set the Time
• Turn the Dial to Time .
• Press the +/- Buttons to set the current time (note AM or PM).
Set the Date
• Turn the Dial to Date.
• Press the +/-Buttons to change the year shown on the display.
• Press the Next Button; then press the +/- Buttons to change the month
(JAN, FEB, etc.) shown on the display.
• Press the Next Button; then press the +/- Buttons to change the date.
• Press the Next Button to display the day of the week that automatically
corresponds to the date you have set.
1. Set the Function Switch to Set Program .
2. Set the Program Selector Switch to A, Bor Cprogram.
3. Turn the Dial as follows to select ONE of the watering day schedule options:
Daily Schedule
Turn the Dial to Sun (Sunday). Press the +/-Buttons for ON or OFF.
Repeat for each day of the week.
Note: If a Skip Days or Odd/Evn schedule is in use, it must be set to “OFF” before a
Daily schedule can be set.(See page 19, “What the Display Means.”)
Skip Days Schedule
Turn the Dial to Skip Days. “SKIP” is displayed. Press the +/-Buttons to
set the day interval between watering (01 – 15 days). For example, to
water every day, set 01. To water every third day, set 03, etc.
Getting Started
Automatic Operation, Step by Step
14

Press the Next Button to select the current DAY (1–15) of the Skip Days
schedule. This determines when the watering interval will begin. At the day change
(midnight), the DAY number automatically increases by one. When the SKIP and
DAY numbers are equal, watering will occur at the first scheduled start time.
Note: If an Odd/Evn schedule is in use, it must be set to “OFF” before a Skip Days
schedule can be set.(See page 19, “What the Display Means.”)
Odd/Even Days Schedule
Turn the Dial to ODD/EVEN. Press the +/-Buttons to select ODD, EVN or OFF.
Note: Odd/Evn schedule overrides the Skip Days or Daily schedules and must be set
to “OFF” to use another type of schedule.
Note: ODD days will not water on the 31st of a month or Feb. 29 during leap year.
4. Turn the Dial to StartTimes
.
Turn the Dial to Start Time 1. Press the +/-Buttons to the time you want this
Program to start.
Note: OFF settings are located between 11:59 a.m./12:00 p.m., and
11:59 p.m./12:00 a.m.
If desired, add second and third Start Times to this PROGRAM by changing the Dial
position to 2 or 3 and repeating the above procedure.
5. Turn the Dial to Valve RunTimes
.
Turn the Dial to the number of the valve you want to operate. Press the +/- Buttons
to set the number of minutes to water. The values larger than one hour show as
hours and tenths of hours, for example, 1.1 hour means 1 hour and 6 minutes.
Repeat for each valve you want to operate within the selected Program.
To set another PROGRAM, repeat steps 2 through 5.
Set the Function Switch to Run and your system will run when the
clock reaches the next start time.
Automatic Operation, Step by Step continued...
15
Your program is now complete and ready to run.

CLEAR A PROGRAM
Note: The Clear Program process restores the default program. All scheduled
watering days, start times and valve run times are eliminated. Water Budget becomes
100%.
1. Set the Function Switch to Set Program .
2 Turn the Dial to Spl Func. When the display shows “CLR”, the controller is ready to
clear the program.
3. Set the Program Selector to A, B, or C(the program you want to clear).
4. Press the +Button. “OK?” is displayed.
5. Press the +Button again. “CLR” is displayed and the program is reset.
6. To clear another program, repeat steps 3, 4 & 5.
7.Turn the Dial to another position when you have completed the Clear Program
process.
SELECT LANGUAGE
1. Set the Function Switch to Set Program .
2. Turn the Dial to Spl Func.
3. Press the Next Button.
4.Press the +/-Buttons until the desired language appears. The display shows the
abbreviation of either the default or selected language, ENG = English,
ESP = Spanish, FRA= French, DEU = German, ITA = Italian. English is default.
WATER BUDGET adjusts all watering times in a selected program by a fixed
percentage, from 0 - 200% in 10% increments. Each program can have a different
Water Budget.
1.Set the Function Switch to Set Program .
2.Set the Program Selector to the program you wish to budget, A, B, or C.
3.Turn the Dial to %.
4.Press the +/-Buttons to select the desired Water Budget %.
Special Features
16
Water Budget

1.Set the Function Switch to Off .
2.Set the Program Selector to the program you wish to review, A, B, or C.
3.Turn the Dial to the setting you wish to check. This features reviews settings but
cannot change them.
4.Return the Dial to the Time position when your review is complete.
Use MANUAL PROGRAM START to run an entire program immediately as well as when
scheduled, for example, to supplement regular watering cycles on especially hot days.
1. Set the Function Switch to Run
.
2. Set the Program Selector to the program you wish to run, A, B, or C.
3. Turn the Dial to the Time position.
4.Press the Semi-Auto / ManualButton to start the selected program.
5. Press the Next Button to advance through all active stations within a program.
Only stations that have run times will operate.
6. When complete, the Automatic schedule resumes.
Use MANUAL VALVE START to run a valve immediately as well as when scheduled,
for example, to supplement regular watering on especially hot or dry days.
1. Set the Function Switch to Run
.
2. Turn the Dial to the valve number you want to run.
Note: The Program Selector is not used in this feature.
3. Press the +/-Buttons to SET THEAMOUNT OF TIME TO RUN.
4. Press the Semi-Auto / Manual Button to start the selected valve.
Note: The display shows “M” for MANUAL, the valve number in
operation and its remaining watering time.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to start more valves.
ReviewYour Program
Manual PROGRAM Start
ManualVALVE Start
17

1. Set the Function Switch to OFF. After 3 seconds, all watering stops .
• Suspends but does not erase programs.
• The display flashes “OFF”.
Note: Watering remains off in this Function Switch position. Set the Function Switch
to RUN to resume all automatic schedules.
Information Displayed When Changing Settings
With the Function Switch set to SET PROGRAM, each Dial position shows:
Time
Displays the current time in hours and minutes, and
indicates AM or PM.
Date
Displays the current date as year, month (JAN - DEC), or
date.
Valve RunTimes
The selected watering time is displayed in minutes, e.g.,
10 MIN, or in hours, e.g., 1.9 HR ( the same as 1 hour and
54 minutes). If no watering time is programmed for the
valve, “OFF” is displayed.
StartTimes
The selected start time is displayed in hours, minutes and
AM/PM. If a start time has not been selected or is
removed, “OFF”is displayed.
What the Display Means
StopWatering
18

Daily Schedule
Each day of the week dial position displays either “ON”or
“OFF”. If “SKIP DAYS” has been selected, the word
“SKIP” followed by three dashes is displayed for each of
the 7 watering day settings. If an odd or even schedule is
in effect, “ODD”or “EVN” is displayed.
Skip Days Schedule
“Skip”is displayed along with a number from 01 to 15
which establishes the watering day interval. When NEXT
is pressed, the current DAY within the selected interval is
displayed with “:DA”. This number automatically
increases by one each day. A watering day occurs when
the DAY and SKIP numbers are equal. If a DAILY
schedule has been selected, “OFF”is displayed.
Odd/Even Schedule
“ODD”or “EVN” is displayed. If a DAILY or a SKIP
DAYS schedule has been selected, “OFF” is displayed.
%Water Budget
The current water budget percentage is displayed for the
selected program. If water budget has been set to 0%,
“OFF” flashes to alert you that no watering will occur.
Special Features: Clear a Program
“CLR”is displayed. When the clear process is started, as
a safeguard, “OK?”is displayed. Pressing the + or -
button clears the program and “CLR”is displayed again.
Special Features: Language
The available languages are displayed in order. English,
Spanish, French, German and Italian, are displayed as
“ENG”,“ESP”,“FRA”,“DEU” and “ITA”.
What the Display Means continued...
19

Information DisplayedWhen Operating
With the Function Switch set to RUN, each Dial setting shows:
No Program Running – Automatic Mode
The current time with a flashing colon (:) is displayed. If
the entire display is flashing, the controller has just been
plugged in or there has been a power outage and no
battery power was available during the outage. To stop
the flashing, press the + or - Buttons. If the colon is steady
and not flashing, the controller is using battery power.
Program Running –Automatic Mode or Manual Program
Start shows the current time and all active valves running.
Turn the Dial to an active valve to display the Program
which activated the valve, and the remaining run time. If
you turn the Dial to a valve that is not running, it will show
“OFF”even though time may be scheduled on a program.
ManualValve Running
With the Dial pointing to the appropriate valve, the display
shows “M” for MANUAL, the valve number, and the time
remaining for the valve to run.
Short Circuit – Your Rain Dial Plus controller will detect a
short or an excessive total electrical load, automatically
advancing to the next valve with scheduled run time.
When the cycle is over, the display flashes “FUS” and
shows the valve number.
Rain Sensor – If automatic operation is suspended by the
rain sensor, “SEN” will flash on the display in all dial
positions. The “SEN” display can be disabled for two
minutes by pressing the + or - Button, however this will not
allow automatic watering operation. Manual operation is
not inhibited by the rain sensor. When the sensor
is no longer activated and automatic operation
has resumed, “SEN” will no longer be displayed.
What the Display Means continued...
20