Jain Technology HERMITCRAB PRO User manual

HERMITCRABPRO™CONTROLLER
USER GUIDE
PHONE [phone]
EMAIL [e-mail]
ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANY
2851 East Florence Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721 www.jainsusa.com/ETWater

2ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANYHERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pg 3 How it Works
5Landscape Profile Checklist
6Considerations Before Installing + Connecting Your HermitCrab Pro Controller
7HermitCrab Pro Controller Installation Instructions
8Rain Bird® STPi and SST Series (5 Pin)
8Rain Bird® ESP Modular (6 Pin)
8Rain Bird® LX Modular (6 Pin)
9Rain Bird® LX Plus (6 Pin)
9Hunter® SRC, I-Core, Pro-C, ICC, and ACC*
9Rain Master ® Sentar™, Eagle, Hawk, and Evolution™ DX2
10 Irritrol® MC Plus B HermitCrab 2®
10 Irritrol® MC-E Original and 2011 Versions
10 Irritrol® MC-E 2011
11 Superior Sterling
11 Weathermatic® SmartLine + Proline Models
13 KEY FACTS TO REMEMBER:
14 Using Your HermitCrab Pro Controller
15 The Action Menus
17 HermitCrab Pro Controller Service Registration
19 Troubleshooting Guide
21 Limited Warranty

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ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANY HERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
HOW IT WORKS
What is a HermitCrab® Controller?
The HermitCrab is an innovative device that converts a conventional (host) irrigation
controller into a “smart irrigation controller.” It combines web-based technology with
horticultural science to optimize your irrigation schedules and enable remote management
of watering needs.
1. Customer enters the landscape profile online www.jainsunity.com
2. Local cluster of weather stations capture weather and rainfall data.
3. The JAIN Unity server computes ideal watering schedule.
4. HermitCrab communicates wirelessly with the JAIN Unity server to receive schedule and
report field activity.
5. Acting as a “Smart Remote,” HermitCrab Pro takes control of the Host Controller, and
instructs the controller to open and close sprinkler valves as necessary.
The watering schedule is based on the science of evapotranspiration, or “ET,” the most widely
accepted scientific method for determining plant water requirements. ET is the combined rate at
which water is lost through soil evaporation and used by plants through transpiration.
Unity combines multiple data sources of daily and hourly historical, current and forecast weath-
er, including wind, humidity, pressure, solar irradiation, ET, and more. Weather data source
aggregation streamed to Unity is based on more than 250,000 personal weather stations in
addition to traditional sources. Government-issued weather sensors are augmented by personal
weather stations and near real-time observational data. The watering schedule is customized
for your landscape based on profile information you provide using our convenient, web-based
interface to select irrigation type, plant and soil type, slope, and sun exposure. The JAIN Unity
server combines this site information with weather data hourly to create a custom irrigation
schedule for maintaining a water-ecient healthy landscape.
HERMITCRAB PRO CONTROLLER USER GUIDE
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4ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANYHERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
Once the HermitCrab Pro controller is con-
nected to your existing, conventional (host)
controller, it will make a daily, wireless con-
nection to the JAIN Unity server to retrieve the
weather-adjusted irrigation schedule for each
of the watering stations in your landscape.
Then, using this schedule, the HermitCrab Pro
controller will signal the host controller to
open and close irrigation valves as necessary.
In addition to water conservation and runo
reduction, remote management of the
installation with a computer or smart phone
reduces labor costs. A typical HermitCrab
Pro controller installation has a payback of
less than one year. When connected to
HermitCrab Pro controllers, an array of
controller brands at multiple sites can be
eciently managed from a single online
account—using the award-winning JAIN
Unity service.
BENEFITS:
• Water savings from upgrading to
JAIN Unity internet-based irrigation
control.
• Lowest Cost: Retrofitting an existing
conventional controller with a HermitCrab
Pro Controller costs much less than pur-
chasing and installing a new smart control-
ler.
• Fast payback means customers can
upgrade to smart control today, rather
than waiting for existing controllers to
reach end-of-life.
• Labor saving convenience of remote
monitoring and management via the web.
• Plug-and-play installation in less than
10 minutes. No valve rewiring or power
connection required.
For more information on the science of ET irrigation and how each of your schedules
is generated, please visit our website at: www.jainsusa.com/blog/beginners-guide-how-
much-water-does-my-landscape-need/

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ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANY HERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
LANDSCAPE PROFILE CHECKLIST
To simplify the creation of a landscape profile for the HermitCrab Pro controller, JAIN
Irrigation recommends all customers perform a landscape audit before installing and
programming a new controller. Below is an JAIN Irrigation landscape audit form. Fill out the
form and keep this user guide by your computer for easy access. We also recommend you
make a copy of the completed landscape profile and leave it at the controller.
Station Number
Mark the applicable row using the checkboxes at right,
and use a new sheet as needed.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
Irrigation Method
Spray Head
Rotor
Impact
Stream
Drip
Bubbler
Precipitation: inches or gallons per hour
Distribution Uniformity (Percent)
Rooth Depth (Inches)
Plant Type* (Choose as many as apply)
Cool Season Grass
Warm Season Grass
Flowers/Bedding Plants
Shrubs (Native)
Shrubs (Non-native)
Groundcover/Vines
Trees (Native)
Trees (Non-native)
Ornamental Grasses
Vegetables/Herbs
Cactus/Succulents
Slope
Flat/Negligible (0-5%)
Gentle (6-8%)
Medium (9 to 12%)
Steep (13-20%)
Very Steep (over 20%)
Soil
Sandy (porous)
Sandy Loam
Loam (medium)
Loamy Clay
Clay (dense)
Sun Exposure
Sunny all day
Shady part of the day
Shady all day
Current Watering Schedule
Sessions per week
Minutes per session
Total minutes per week
New schedule: approx. minutes per week
* Plant types: Please note the approximate age of your plants and whether they are deciduous or evergreen. Also, for plants over one year old, our system
will assume they have the normal mature root depth for the type of plant indicated. If you believe your plants have not achieved their normal root depth,
you may change this value using the Advanced Setup page or Edit Station feature on the website.
Use this form to record your current station configurations (irrigation method, plant type, slope, soil, sun exposure, etc.) At the bottom, also record the
current watering schedule for each station. For example, Station #1 may now water twice a week (2 sessions) for one hour each, for a total watering time
of 2 hours per week. This information will help you configure your stations on our website, and also allow you to compare your current watering schedule
and usage with your new JAIN Unity schedule.

6ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANYHERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE INSTALLING AND
CONNECTING YOUR HERMITCRAB PRO CONTROLLER
Do you have the correct communications cable?
Each host controller requires its own specially designed cable. Cables can be purchased
separately.
• Is there sucient mounting space?
The communications cable that connects your HermitCrab Pro Controller to the host
controller is 3 feet long. You will need to mount or hang your HermitCrab Pro Controller
so the communications cable can easily reach from the HermitCrab Pro Controller to the
connection point(s) on your host controller.
• Is your host controller mounted in an enclosure or pedestal?
If your host controller is inside a pedestal or other enclosure you may decide to mount
your HermitCrab Pro Controller inside the enclosure. Please note that the wireless cellu-
lar signal strength inside the enclosure may be too low to ensure consistent and reliable
communication. You may need to purchase a separate external antenna.
• Will you need extra conduit?
If you use conduit to protect your cables from vandalism it must have a ¾inch or larger
inside diameter to accept the connectors on each end of the communications cable.
You may also need a junction box and any related conduit/box connectors.
• Do you have a rain sensor?
If you use a rain sensor you may need some 18 or 20 gauge wire to extend your rain
sensor’s existing wires so they reach the HermitCrab controller.
• Do you want to lock the HermitCrab Pro Controller cover?
Find the round plastic link above the lower clasp. You can slide a thin padlock hasp
through the link to lock the cover.

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ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANY HERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
HERMITCRAB PRO CONTROLLER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PRE-INSTALL REQUIREMENTS
• The HermitCrab Pro uses a cellular signal
to connect to the JAIN Unity server for
program updates. The area where the
HermitCrab Pro is installed must have a
strong cellular signal.
• Required Tools (drill and spare battery,
bits (including masonry or stainless steel),
Phillips screwdriver, crescent wrench,
voltmeter, extra wire (for wireless rain
sensor installations).
• HermitCrab Pro mounting hardware.
• Activate each zone on original controller
to ensure all zones work, as you complete
the landscape checklist. Or, skip the land-
scape checklist and configure the
stations via Smart phone, laptop or tablet.
Step 1: Install Your HermitCrab Pro Controller
1. HermitCrab controller needs to be installed no more than two feet away from the host
controller to insure that the HermitCrab Pro communications cable can reach both
controllers.
2. Attach the mounting brackets (included with the HermitCrab Pro controller) to the corners of
the plastic enclosure.
3. Position the HermitCrab Pro controller on the mounting
surface and anchor it using the included screws.
Step 2: Connect the Communications Cable to your
HermitCrab Pro Controller
Plug the communications cable into the 9-pin connector
located at the base of your HermitCrab controller, with the
▲ symbol on the plug facing up. Program the Host controller
and attach the HermitCrab Pro controller communications
cable to the appropriate Host controller model according to
the directions on the following page.
A. Liquid Crystal Display
B. Menu Knob
C. Communications Connector
D. Communications Cable
E. Rain Switch
NOTE: For anchoring to a
pedestal, use self-tapping
metal screws. For stain-
less steel enclosures, drill
a pilot hole, and then use a
tapered bit to increase the
size of the hole.
A
B
C
DE

8ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANYHERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
RAIN BIRD® STPI AND SST SERIES (5 PIN)
PREPARING YOUR RAIN BIRD CONTROLLER:
1. Turn the selector dial on your Rain Bird controller to select station “1” and press the
“ZONE OFF” button. Repeat for all stations in use.
2. Turn the selector dial to “AUTO.”
3. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Remove the factory two-pronged 24VAC connector from its connection on the Rain Bird.
2. Attach the separate black wire on the HermitCrab Pro communications cable to the 24 VAC
connector on the left side of the host controller.
3. Plug the HermitCrab Pro controller 5 Pin communications cable into the accessory plug
on the right side of the host controller.
4. Reconnect the factory 24VAC connector.
RAIN BIRD® ESP MODULAR (6 PIN)
PREPARING YOUR RAIN BIRD CONTROLLER:
1. Turn the selector dial to “OFF.” Dial will be left in “OFF” position.
2. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Connect the 6 Pin plug on the communications cable to the “remote” connector on the
back of the host controller’s front panel.
2. Connect the red and black wires to the AC power output terminals. Either wire can connect
to either terminal.
RAIN BIRD® LX MODULAR (6 PIN)
PREPARING YOUR RAIN BIRD CONTROLLER:
1. Leave the Dial in the “OFF” position. Dial will be left in the “OFF” position.
2. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Connect the 6 Pin plug on the communications cable to the “REMOTE”connector on the
right side of the transformer.
2. Connect the red and black wires to the terminal labeled “24 VAC.” Either wire can connect
to either terminal.

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ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANY HERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
RAIN BIRD® LX PLUS (6 PIN)
PREPARING YOUR RAIN BIRD CONTROLLER:
1. Leave the dial in the “OFF” position.
2. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB PRO COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Connect the 6 Pin plug on the communications cable to the “REMOTE”connector on the
right side of the transformer.
2. Connect the red and black wires to the terminal labeled “24 VAC.” Either wire can connect
to either terminal.
HUNTER® SRC, I-CORE*, PRO-C, ICC, AND ACC*
PREPARING YOUR HUNTER CONTROLLER:
1. Set the controller to the “System O” position.
2. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB PRO COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Connect the three loose wires as follows:
a) Connect the Green or Brown wire to the terminal labeled “REM” or “R”.”
b) Connect the Black or White wire to the terminal labeled “AC2.”
c) Connect the Red wire to the terminal labeled “AC1.”* The Hunter ACC requires custom
installation with an ET Water engineer. Please call Customer Care for installation assis-
tance.
RAIN MASTER ® SENTAR™, EAGLE, HAWK,
AND EVOLUTION™ DX2
PREPARING YOUR RAIN MASTER HOST CONTROLLER:
1. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB PRO COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Plug the HermitCrab Pro controller communications cable into the remote connector on
the upper left hand side of the front panel.
NOTE: All Rain Master Controllers will display the word “REMOTE” once they are powered
on with the HermitCrab controller attached.
*I-CORE must be pre 2015 model.

10 ETWATER | A JAIN IRRIGATION COMPANYHERMITCRAB PRO | USER GUIDE
IRRITROL® MC PLUS
PREPARING YOUR MC PLUS B CONTROLLER:
1. Set the controller to the “Rain O” position.
2. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB PRO COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Remove the two screws securing the front panel in the controller.
2. Carefully remove the front panel and locate the 6-pin connector located on the back
of the front panel, next to the display.
3. Connect the plug on the communications cable to this 6-pin connector.
IRRITROL® MC-E ORIGINAL AND 2011 VERSIONS
PREPARING YOUR IRRITROL MC-E ORIGINAL CONTROLLER:
1. Set the controller to the “Rain O” position.
2. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Connect the HermitCrab Pro communications cable to the 6-pin connector located
at the bottom right corner of the controller’s upper panel.
IRRITROL® MC-E 2011
PREPARING YOUR IRRITROL MC-E 2011 CONTROLLER:
The newer MC-E Irritrol defaults to an “Eicon Remote” setting. The HermitCrab Pro controller
requires the setting to be changed to “T.R.C Remote”. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Turn the knob of the Irritrol to the ”Options” selection.
2. Press the “next” button to scroll to option #4 which will say “Retrolink Remote”. Press the
button labeled “+” to change the selection to T.R.C Remote.
3. Turn the Irritrol dial to “Sentinel/Eicon Remote”. The Irritrol will show a brief countdown
and then display “T.R.C Remote Start Receiving”.
4. Power o the controller.
ATTACHING THE HERMITCRAB Pro COMMUNICATIONS CABLE:
1. Connect the HermitCrab Pro communications cable to the 6-pin connector located
at the bottom right corner of the controller’s upper panel.