Irritrol RS1000 User manual

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Irritrol Wireless RainSensor. The Wireless
RainSensor components are designed for easy installation, so your sensor-controlled
irrigation system will be up and running in minutes.
Before attempting the installation, please read through these instructions in their
entirety, and refer to the installation instructions for your irrigation system
controller/timer in regards to connecting a rain sensor or rain switch. The Wireless
RainSensor is designed to work with either Normally Open or Normally Closed
sensor circuits.
Important: Please note the following information regarding installation and
use of the Wireless RainSensor components:
•The RainSensor Receiver Module is designed to operate with 24 VAC power
only. Connecting the receiver wiring to 120/240 VAC power will result in
equipment damage and may void warranty.
•Installation methods must comply with all applicable national and local
building codes. If you are unsure about proper wiring practices, have a
qualified contractor perform the installation for you.
•The Receiver cover should always be used when the Receiver is installed
outdoors.
•The Sensor/Transmitter should never be submerged in water or installed
inside a rain gutter.
Wireless RainSensorTM
Models RS1000 and RFS1000 (+Freeze)
User’s Guide
Contents Page
Component Overview . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Quick Start Installation Instructions . .3
Detailed Installation Instructions . . . .4
• Connecting the Receiver
Control Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4–5
• Connecting the Receiver
Power Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
• Initial Receiver Testing . . . . . . . . .6
• Rainfall Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .7
• Vent Ring Adjustment . . . . . . . . . .7
• Mounting the Sensor Transmitter .7
• Freeze Sensor Installation . . . . . .8
Wireless RainSensor Operation . . . .9
• Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
• Smart Bypass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
• Power Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
• Receiver Learn Mode . . . . . . . . . .9
• Attention Required . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Changing Sensor/Transmitter Code .10
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Electromagnetic Compatibility . . . . .12
Technical Assistance Numbers . . . .12
Receiver
Sensor/Transmitter

Component Overview
Receiver (Figure 1)
1 - Weather-resistant Cover:
Slides upward to remove. Protects
the receiver module when located
outdoors. Keep the cover installed
at all times other than when
manually operating the receiver.
2 - Antenna wire:
Straighten vertically for the best
reception.
3 - Sensor Status Indicator:
Steady light - Sensor is active
(either rain or freeze).
Blinking light - Indicates receiver
has been bypassed for one rain
cycle. Smart BypassTM button
pressed once. Press again to exit
bypass mode.
4 - Signal Indicator: Indicates quality of last received signal.
Steady light - good signal.
Blinking light - fair signal.
No light - poor signal (relocate Sensor Transmitter).
5 - Smart Bypass
TM Button:
Press to temporarily override the sensor when active.
Press and hold for 5–7 seconds to turn off the receiver.
6 - Power Indicator:
Steady light - 24 VAC power is connected.
Blinking light - Sensor/Transmitter battery power low, or other communication
problem.
No light - Unit is off or is disconnected from 24 VAC.
7- Multi-wire Cable: 20" (50cm) color-coded wires provided for controller connections.
Sensor/Transmitter (Figure 2)
1 - Spindle: Press down and hold to
manually test transmitter operation.
2 - Rainfall Adjustment Cap: Adjusts the
Sensor/Transmitter to signal the
receiver when the accumulated rainfall
reaches 1/8" (3mm), 1/4" (6mm), 1/2"
(12mm) or 3/4" (19mm).
3- Vent Ring:Adjust “dry-out” rate.
4 - Universal Mounting Bracket with
Quick-ClipTM:Simplifies installation on
rain gutter, or roof eaves, fences, etc.
Sensor/Transmitter adjusts easily to
the vertical position.
5 - Conduit Adapter: Alternative
mounting option for conduit mount.
6 - Antenna Wire: Straighten downward
for maximum range.
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
2
1
2
3
4
Figure 1
Figure 2
6
5

Quick Start Installation Instructions
The following instructions are provided for the experienced installer.
Refer to Figures 3–5 below.
Note: When installing Sensor/Transmitter model RFS1000 for freeze detection, refer
to additional freeze sensor installation information on page 8.
1. Disconnect power to the irrigation system controller.
2. Always mount the Receiver FIRST, adjacent to the controller with either the
provided stainless steel screws or double-sided foam tape.
3. Attach Receiver control wires to the sensor inputs OR to break the valve common:
a. Disconnect common valve wire and common pump/master valve wire (if present).
b. Attach White wire to common wire(s) with a wire connector.
c. Attach Brown wire (only) to common terminal on controller.
4. Connect the Red wires to the controller’s 24 VAC power source terminals.
5. Straighten the Receiver antenna wire upward and the Sensor/Transmitter antenna
wire downward.
6. While holding the Sensor/Transmitter at close range to the Receiver, press and
hold the spindle to test the wiring. The Power, Signal and Sensor Status indicators
should be ON.
7. Adjust the Rainfall Adjustment Cap to the desired rainfall activation amount.
8. Adjust the Vent Ring to the desired dry-out rate.
9. Mount the Sensor/Transmitter in an unobstructed location away from sprinklers.
Important: Reconfirm proper operation of the Sensor/Transmitter at the
final mounting location.
3
Red To 24 VAC
To 24 VAC
To Sensor Terminal or to Break Valve Common
To Sensor Terminal (Normally Closed)
or to Break Valve Common
To Sensor Terminal (Normally Open)
(For Normally Open sensor, see Detailed Instructions)
Red
White
Brown
Yellow
Figure 3
Antenna wire
extended
straight down
Rain gutter (cross section view)
Do not over-tighten
thumbscrew
Press and hold
down to test
Figure 4
Antenna wire
extended
straight down
Stainless Steel
Figure 5
Conduit
Mount

Detailed Installation Instructions
There are two main components of the Wireless RainSensor: the Receiver and the
Sensor/Transmitter. The Receiver is installed adjacent to or within the cabinet of the
irrigation system controller. The Sensor/Transmitter is installed outdoors where it is
exposed to unobstructed rainfall.
Mounting the Receiver
1. Always mount the Receiver FIRST, adjacent to the controller with either the
provided stainless steel screws or double-sided foam tape. The connection wire
cable is 20" (50cm) long, so before attaching the Receiver, make sure the wires
will easily reach the controller’s connection terminals.
Wiring the Receiver
There are two parts involved in wiring the Receiver:
Part 1: Attach the Receiver control wires (similar to hard-wired sensors).
Part 2: Attach the low-voltage power wires to supply 24 VAC to the Receiver.
Part 1 - Control Wire Connection
The Receiver control wires are used to interrupt the common wire of the valves or they
can be connected directly to the sensor input terminals of the controller (if provided).
1. Disconnect power to the controller.
2. Follow applicable wiring procedure Aor B or C.
Note: The following diagrams are representations only and do not depict actual
controller layouts. Refer to the installation instructions provided with your controller for
specific wire connection information.
A. Controllers with sensor inputs (with or without pump/master valve):
Refer to Figure 6. Find the controller sensor terminals (generally marked “Sensor”,
“SEN” or “S”) and directly connect the White and Brown* wires to these terminals
in any order. There may be a jumper wire or tab connecting the terminals that
must be removed and/or a sensor bypass/control switch that must be activated.
4
Figure 6
Red
Brown*
Common From Valves
To Valves
Irrigation System Controller
White
Red
*Note: Use Yellow wire in place of Brown
if a Normally Open sensor is required.

B. Controllers with no sensor inputs and no pump start or master valve:
Refer to Figure 7. Disconnect the valve common wire from the controller’s common
terminal (generally marked “C”, “Com”, or “VC”). Join this wire to the White wire
using a wire connector. Attach the Brown wire to the valve common terminal.
Note: The yellow wire is not used in this application.
C. Controllers with pump start or master valve and no sensor inputs:
Refer to Figure 8. Disconnect all common control wires from the common
terminal(s) of the controller (generally marked “C”, “Com”, or “VC”). Join these wires
to the White wire using a wire connector. (Be sure to include the common wire from
the Pump Start Relay in this connection). Attach the Brown wire to the common
terminal.
Note: The yellow wire is not used in this application.
5
Figure 7
Red
Common From Valves
To Valves
White
Wire Connector
Irrigation System Controller
Brown
Red
Figure 8
Red
Common From Valves
To Valves
White
Wire Connector
Pump Start
Relay
Irrigation System Controller
Brown
Red

Part 2 - Power Wire Connection
Note: The Receiver requires a nominal voltage of 24 VAC to operate. It should only
be connected to an irrigation controller that uses a 24 VAC UL listed Class 2
transformer to supply power.
Caution: Do not connect the Receiver directly to 120/240 VAC power as
this may result in irreversible damage. If you are in doubt, contact a
qualified installer or electrician.
1. Disconnect power to the controller.
2. Follow applicable wiring procedure Aor B.
A. Controllers with 24 VAC terminals:
Refer to Figure 8 (page 5). Terminals for 24 VAC power are present on the
majority of controllers. Typical markings are “24 VAC”, “24 and 24”, “0 and 24”
and “Hot Post and 24.” Verify correct voltage, then simply attach the two Red
power wires to these terminals leaving existing connections in place.
B. Controllers with no 24 VAC terminals:
Refer to Figure 9. On controllers that do not have 24 VAC terminals, connect the
two Red power wires to the transformer’s secondary 24 VAC power wires where
they attach to the controller’s circuit board.
Note: This procedure will require a solder or wire-splice connection. If you are unsure
how to do this correctly, contact a qualified contractor or electrician for assistance.
Initial Receiver Testing
Reconnect power to the controller and verify the Receiver’s Power Indicator is illumi-
nated. Prior to mounting the Sensor/Transmitter, hold it at close range to the Receiver,
then lightly press and hold the spindle. The Sensor Status indicator should illuminate
and remain on until the spindle is released. The Signal Indicator should also illuminate
during the test to verify good signal strength. If either indicator does not illuminate,
recheck your wiring. Verify that both antennas are fully extended and straight.
6
Figure 9
Red
Common From Valves
To Valves
White
Wire Connector
Irrigation System Controller
24 VAC UL listed
Brown
Red

Rainfall Adjustment
The Sensor/Transmitter can be adjusted to
respond when it has detected nominal rainfall in
the following amounts: 1/8" (3mm), 1/4" (6mm),
1/2" (12mm) or 3/4" (19mm). Carefully rotate the
Rainfall Adjustment Cap so the pins are positioned
in the desired slots. Be sure to align the slots and
pins properly, as this adjustment does not require
excessive force. See Figure 10.
Note: Avoid using the 1/8" (3mm) setting in high humidity conditions.
Vent Ring Adjustment
Closing the vent holes will slow the sensor dry-out rate, uncovering the holes will
accelerate the dry-out rate. For most installations, a fully closed vent is appropriate.
Installing the Sensor/Transmitter
Note: If installing Wireless RainSensor model RFS1000 for freeze detection, please
refer to additional instructions provided on page 8.
Testing Signal Strength at the Installation Site
The Receiver’s Signal Indicator provides an indication of the strength of the last valid
received signal. Prior to testing the Sensor/Transmitter in its final location, clear the
Signal Indicator first so the test will represent the signal as received during the final
check. To clear the Signal Indicator from previous tests, simply press the Smart
Bypass button once, then once again to exit the bypass mode.
Prior to final placement, test the Sensor/Transmitter signal by lightly pressing and
holding the spindle as described in “Initial Receiver Testing” on page 6.
Note: If the location of the Sensor/Transmitter is not providing a valid signal to the
Receiver, verify Sensor/Transmitter operation at close range and choose another
mounting location. For additional information, refer to “Improving Reception”
on page 10.
Tip! If the Receiver is not visible to the installer, turn on a watering zone which is
visible from the installation location and the activation of the Sensor/Transmitter will
shut off the “test” zone. Please note that the manual activation cycle of some
controllers bypasses the sensor inputs. You will need to run an automatic/timed
watering program for these types of controllers.
7
Figure 10
1/4" (6mm) 1/2" (12mm)
Vent Hole
3/4" (19mm)
1/8" (3mm)

Installation
The Sensor/Transmitter should be mounted
vertically with the antenna wire extending
straight down. Avoid installations where the
antenna wire would contact any metal
object.
Mount the Sensor/Transmitter as close to the
Receiver as possible to avoid interference of
the wireless signal. The unit should be exposed
to unobstructed rainfall, but not in contact with
sprinkler spray or runoff from the roof.
Mounting to the outside edge of a rain gutter is
simple with the Quick-ClipTM bracket.
See Figure 11.
The Sensor/Transmitter can also be mounted
on any suitable solid structure using the sup-
plied stainless steel screws. To mount the
Sensor/Transmitter to conduit using the conduit
adapter, simply remove the Quick-ClipTM
bracket, replace with the provided conduit
adapter and secure the adapter to the conduit.
See Figure 12.
Wireless RainSensor with Freeze Sensor
(model RFS1000)
Please follow the installation instructions for the
basic Wireless RainSensor with the following considerations:
Install the Sensor/Transmitter as close to the controller and Receiver as possible.
Although the Wireless RainSensor with Freeze option has a maximum range of 300',
it is highly recommended that the units be installed no greater than 100' apart. Install
the unit in the coolest location of the controlled area, out of direct sunlight and avoid-
ing direct southern exposure. A northeast to northwest shaded exposure works well.
Important: Avoid installation of the unit near a large heat storing object or
heat producing device such as a dryer vent or chimney.
Note: The installation and operation of a freeze sensor should be used in conjunction
with frequent visual checks of your sprinkler system. While freeze sensors are
designed to prevent inadvertent watering during near or below freezing conditions,
there are instances in which manual intervention is required. Air temperatures may be
above freezing while ground and vegetation temperatures remain below freezing.
Operation of your sprinkler system during these conditions may cause icing. Very
rapid air temperature changes may also result in inadvertent watering, should the
timing of sprinkling coincide with rapid temperature changes.
The Sensor/Transmitter should be inspected for damage and manually tested regularly
to ensure proper operation.
8
CAUTION: Visual checks and prudent manual watering suspension must be
used in conjunction with any freeze sensor.
Afreezesensorshouldonlyberelieduponasanaidalongwithgoodwatering
practices including frequent visual checks. This device is not intended for
farm/crop protection.
Antenna wire
extended
straight down
Rain gutter (cross section view)
Do not over-tighten
thumbscrew
Figure 11
Antenna wire
extended
straight down
Stainless
Steel
Screws
Figure 12
Conduit
Mount

Wireless RainSensor Operation
Normal Operation
When the Wireless RainSensor activates due to sufficient rainfall or freezing tempera-
tures (model RFS1000 only), the Sensor Status indicator will remain illuminated on the
Receiver. After the rain sensor dries out, the controller will resume its normal watering
schedule and the Sensor Status Indicator will turn off. The amount of rain required to
activate the sensor can be set using the cap adjustment on the Sensor/Transmitter.
Dry-out rates for the rain sensor vary dependent on ambient conditions such as
temperature, sun exposure, humidity and wind – the same conditions your soil
experiences.
Smart Bypass
Your Wireless RainSensor can be temporarily deactivated (if in active state) by using
the built-in Smart Bypass button. Simply press this button once and the Sensor Status
light will blink until the next time the Wireless RainSensor resets (dries out) -
all automatically. Pressing the Smart Bypass button again resumes the active state.
Pressing the Smart Bypass button while the sensor is not active (dry or above freezing)
will cause the sensor to ignore the next rain/freeze signal.
Power Down
In order to turn the Receiver OFF entirely, press and hold the Smart Bypass button
until the Sensor Status indicator begins blinking rapidly (5–7 seconds). Release the
Smart Bypass button and confirm the Power indicator goes out and flashes periodically.
Simply press the Smart Bypass button once to turn the unit back on.
Receiver Learn Mode
It may be necessary to set the receiver’s address code to the appropriate
Sensor/Transmitter if the units were purchased separately or if initial communication
testing fails. To do this, press and hold the Smart Bypass button until the Status and
Signal indicators blink in unison (12–15 seconds). Activate the corresponding
Sensor/Transmitter at close range (by pressing down on the spindle) to change the
existing Receiver code to that of the new Sensor/Transmitter. The indicators will stop
blinking upon learning the new code. Pressing the Smart Bypass button again will exit
the learn mode if no valid code is received.
Attention Required
When the Power indicator blinks, it indicates that one of the following conditions exists:
•The Sensor/Transmitter’s battery is getting low and should be replaced.
•If the batteries are good, a problem with communication is indicated. Relocating the
Sensor/Transmitter may be necessary to provide a better signal.
•The Sensor/Transmitter may have a dirty or jammed sensing mechanism. Check
and clean the cap and disk assembly, especially in areas prone to dirt or debris
accumulation.
9

Sensor/Transmitter Battery Replacement
1.RemovethebottomcoveroftheSensor/Transmitterbypressingdownonthe
thumb-release lever on the side of the unit. Carefully slide the circuit board out.
See Figure 13.
2.Removethebatterycoverandreplaceusingtwo
3V CR2032 (or equivalent) batteries. Install with
positive (+) side of the batteries facing up.
3.Reassembletheunitinreverseorder.
Changing the Sensor/Transmitter Code
The transmission code for the unit is identified by
stickers on the Sensor/Transmitter and Receiver.
Although, in most cases, even if two identical units
are installed, unwanted activations would only
occur if the two sensors are set for different rainfall
amounts. However, the code may be
manually changed as follows:
1.Removethebottomcoverofthe
Sensor/Transmitter by pressing down on the
thumb-release lever on the side of the unit.
Carefully slide the circuit board out.
See Figure 13.
2.Identifythecodewireloops(smallblackwire
and white wire loops) and cut one or both loops
using end-cutting pliers.
3.ReassembletheSensor/Transmitterandfollow
the procedures provided in “Receiver Learn
Mode” above.
10
CR2032
Batteries
Transmitter
Code Wire
Loops
Figure 13
Battery
Cover

Troubleshooting
Signal Indicator (Installation ValidationTM)
The Signal Indicator provides instant signal strength feedback for the installer.
The indicator always shows the strength of the last signal received. In order to clear
this signal, simply press the Smart Bypass button once; pressing the button again will
exit the bypass mode.
Improving Reception
The Wireless RainSensor operates under Part 15 of the FCC rules. This means that it
has to comply with certain standards and is only allowed to transmit up to a certain
power level. In rating transmitters of any form, typically a Line-of-Sight (LOS) value is
used in order to show the relative effectiveness of a transmitter and allow a
transmitter and receiver to be compared to one another using a fair (apples to apples)
method. The Wireless RainSensor operates up to 300' (91.4m) LOS - meaning in an
open field, with no obstructions, the Sensor/Transmitter and Receiver pair will
successfully communicate up to 300' (91.4m) apart.
However, in almost all installations, there are obstacles between the
Sensor/Transmitter and Receiver such as walls, floors, etc. The obstacles will all
affect the transmitted signal and typically reduce the radiated power that will be read
by the receiver. Different objects such as walls and floors affect the transmitted signal
differently depending on the material composition, geometry, and thickness. Typically,
most residential and light commercial construction materials do not reduce the
effective transmitted signal enough to pose problems under normal installation
conditions. However there are some installations with very thick, dense walls, or that
involve large amounts of radio frequency interference (electrical switching rooms etc.)
where the effective range of the Wireless RainSensor may be greatly reduced.
Some helpful tips on mounting the Sensor/Transmitter and Receiver for the best
Radio Frequency (RF) performance:
• Always try to keep the antennas straight and fully extended (straight up on the
Receiver and straight down on the Sensor/Transmitter).
• Try to maintain a parallel orientation of one antenna to the other. Avoid installing
either unit where the antennas are in close proximity to large metal objects.
• Attempt to mount the units as close together as possible to reduce the potential for
interference or signal reduction. If the signal strength is not good in one location,
try another location - even as little as a few feet of movement can change from a
weak spot to a strong spot. Interior locations where cell phones or cordless phones
have trouble with reception may indicate areas with poor RF signal transmission.
• If possible avoid an installation where the Sensor/Transmitter is located exactly
above the Receiver. Move the Sensor/Transmitter slightly offset to one side.
When the RF signal is passing through walls, keep in mind that it has less thickness
to penetrate when it passes straight through the wall. In other words, passing
diagonally through a wall increases its effective thickness. Because every installation
is different, the ONLY guaranteed method to verify an installation is to
physically TRY IT!
11

Specifications:
Model Numbers: RS1000 - Wireless RainSensor
RFS1000 - Wireless RainSensor + Freeze
Receiver Mounting Options: Stainless steel screws and/or double-sided foam tape.
Sensor/Transmitter Mounting Options: Quick-ClipTM rain gutter bracket, roof
eaves/fascia mounting bracket with stainless steel screws and conduit adapter for
conduit mount.
Sensor/Transmitter Range: Up to 300' (91.4m) LOS (line-of-sight).
Sensor Type: Industry-standard hygroscopic disc stack with adjustable rainfall sensitivity.
Transmitter Battery Type: (2) 3V cells - CR2032 (or equivalent).
Average Battery Life: Five years
Operating Temperature Range: -20°F to 120°F (-29°C to 49°C)
Receiver Power Input: 22–28 VAC/VDC, 100mA (from existing controller/timer with
Class 2, UL-approved transformer).
Relay Contacts Output: Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC) 3A at 24 VAC.
Receiver Controls: Sensor Status Indicator, Signal Indicator, Smart Bypass Switch,
Power Indicator with low battery/poor communication warning.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Domestic: This device complies with FCC rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any
interference that may be received, including interference that may cause undesirable operation.
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly,
that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a FCC Class B
computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which
are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna, relocate the remote control receiver with respect to the radio/TV
antenna or plug the irrigation controller into a different outlet so that the irrigation controller and
radio/TV are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission helpful:
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems". This booklet is available from the
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
International: This is a CISPR 22 Class B product.
FCC ID: OF7WRS1
IC: 3949104244A
©2005Irritrol Form Number 373-0287 Rev. B
For Technical Assistance:
951-785-3623 or 800-634-8873
www.irritrol.com