Plaid Systems Spruce PS-SPRWIFI16-01 User manual

spruce
Spruce Controller Gen 2
Instruction Manual
support.spruceirrigation.com

FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 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 or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Plaid Systems could void the electromagnetic compatibility and wireless compliance and negate your
authority to operate the product.
Canada Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
Spruce™ WiFi Smart Irrigation Controller 16
Model Number: PS-SPRWIFI16-01
Contains FCC IDs:
XFF-Z357PA20
COFWMNVM11
©2019 Plaid Systems
PS-SPRWIFI16-01
Designed and assembled in USA.
Spruce and Plaid Systems are trademarks of Plaid Systems.
Third party trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
App guidance is for instructional purposes only and may
differ from actual product. Subject to change without
notice.
spruceirrigation.com/terms

3

4
Inside the Box.............................................................................................4
Tools Needed..............................................................................................4
Connect Spruce to Wi-Fi........................................................................5
Physical Installation..................................................................................6
Wiring...........................................................................................................8
Connecting Other Devices......................................................................11
Troubleshooting.........................................................................................12
App Basics..................................................................................................14
Manual Control via Physical Buttons..................................................17
LED Codes...................................................................................................18
Specifications.............................................................................................19
Table of Contents

5
Spruce Controller
Inside the Box
Tools Needed
AC Adaptor
Mounting Hardware
4x screws, 4x drywall anchors
Phillips (+) Screwdriver
Drill & 3/16” drill bit
(if mounting to drywall)
Smartphone, Tablet, or Desktop
Computer 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Network and password

6
1. Download the Spruce App (or navigate to the Spruce Web App)
Connect Spruce to the Wi-Fi Network
Create a Spruce Account
Search for "Spruce Irrigation" in
the app marketplace
Navigate to
app.spruceirrigation.com
in your browser
3. Remove the cover from the Spruce Controller and plug in the power using the
included AC adapter
4. Navigate to the controller connection wizard
• If this is a new account, the app will automatically direct you to the
connection menu. Tap on the Spruce Controller image to continue.
• If you are adding a second controller, navigate to the Add Devices screen
and tap on the Spruce Controller image to continue.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process.
2. Register for an account and log in
Connect Spruce

7
Physical Installation
Remove the existing controller
1. Before disconnecting any zone wires, test your existing system by toggling all
zones and observing proper water flow. This ensures that all valves and wiring are
currently operational.
2. Take a picture of the existing wiring. Take note of which zone wires correspond
to which zones. Use the table below to record wire color and description, for future
reference.
3. Remove all wires from the existing controller.
19
210
311
412
513
614
715
816

8
1. Remove the faceplate from the Controller. If necessary, install drywall anchors: drill
holes in alignment with the mounting holes, and insert the provided drywall anchors.
2. Using the screws provided, screw the Spruce Controller Base into the drywall
anchors, or directly into bare wood.
Physical Installation
Mount Spruce
Spruce is not weatherproof. If installing Spruce outdoors, you must
mount Spruce in a weatherproof enclosure. Failure to do so will void the
warranty.
!

9
Wiring

10
Wiring
Master Valve (optional)
The master valve is installed on the main line, close to the water source. It provides
additional insurance that no water is flowing when the valves are off. The master
valve opens any time another valve is opened. Connect the master wire to the port
labeled "M".
Pump Relay (optional)
Some irrigation systems have the option of drawing water directly from a well, tank,
creek or pond, rather than using a municipal source. In these situations, the water
must be pumped through the system using a pump relay each time the control box
turns on a valve. Pumps require a 24VAC pump relay to switch on the 120/240VAC
pump. Connect the pump relay wire to the port labeled "M".
Zone Valves (required)
Up to 16 valves can be independently wired and controlled. Each valve will control
the water to a specific irrigation zone. The valves must be 24VAC and below 750
milliamps each. Connect each zone wire to the numbered port of your choice. In
the sample diagram shown, 2 zone valves exist, and are wired to ports 1 and 2.
Common Wire (required)
The common is a shared wire between all the valves in its wire bundle. Your system
may utilize more than one common wire; it is not required to populate all of the
common ports. Connect the common wire(s) to either "C" port on the left terminal
block. The C ports on the left terminal block must only be used for zone valves, and
the C port on the right terminal block must only be used for the S1 and S2 (external
sensor) inputs.
Power must be supplied to the barrel plug jack using the provided AC adaptor.
Power cannot be supplied to the 24V terminal on the right terminal block.
!

11
Wiring Other Devices
Flow Meter (optional)
Flow meters or flow sensors are installed on the main line close to the water
source. They measure GPM (gallons per minute) to monitor water use and detect
leaks. A sample wiring plan is shown in the diagram, but may vary by flow meter
manufacturer. Refer to the online support page for more information.
Rain Sensor (optional) (not shown)
Rain sensors are modules that are mounted outdoors, typically on a roof or gutter.
Feedback from the rain sensor can be used in schedules to prevent watering if rain
is detected. Wired and wireless (which are still wired to the controller, but do not
require wire out to the sensor) rain sensors are supported by Spruce. Wiring
instructions for rain sensors can vary greatly by manufacturer - refer to the online
support page for more information.
Return back to the app to complete the setup wizard for the Spruce Controller. As
part of this wizard, the app will step you through each zone and toggle the zones
on and off.
While this is happening, check that each zone is watering as expected. If there are
any problems, reference the troubleshooting section of this booklet.
Test That Installation Was Successful
Setup is complete!

12
Connecting Other Devices
Wireless Zigbee devices such as Spruce Sensors or Zigbee Outlets can be
connected to Spruce's Zigbee network. Navigate to the "Add Device" section of the
app, select the device you wish to connect, and follow the instructions in the
connection wizard.
Wired devices like flow meters and rain sensors can also be added and configured
via connection wizards from the "Add Device" section of the app.
For other third party integrations, such as SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Google
Assistant, and more, refer to the online support page for more information.

13
Troubleshooting
•Remove all wires from the right terminal block (S1, S2, C, and 24V terminals). If
this resolves the issue, check the support page for additional instruction on
wiring for external sensors.
•Remove the common wires from all C terminals. If this resolves the issue, verify
that the common and zone wire colors match between the controller and the
valves.
No Power
1. Hold down both arrow keys until the indicator flashes rapid blue.
2. Power off the controller by unplugging the power supply, then power back on.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi on your device, wait a few seconds, then turn Wi-Fi back on.
4. Attempt to connect Spruce to Wi-Fi again.
•After entering the connection wizard, put your smartphone to airplane
mode. You may exit airplane mode after credentials are sent to the
controller.
•Verify your Wi-Fi password is correct. The password must be the 2.4GHz
password - this may be different than your 5GHz password.
Issues Connecting to Wi-Fi

14
Controller is Offline
The Spruce Controller is offline when the LED indicator breathes blue and red. In
the event that the controller goes offline:
•Check your Wi-Fi network - see if other devices are properly connected to
Wi-Fi.
•Restart your controller by unplugging it and plugging it back in. It should
return online immediately after boot up.
•Check the Wi-Fi strength indicator is between 0dB & -65dB
No Zones Turn On
•Check the common wire is installed correctly. Try moving the common wire
to a new terminal; normally the issue is the common wire is not fully
inserted in the terminal.
•If you have a master valve or pump, check that it is wired correctly, and
turning on as expected.
•Ensure that the water main is turned on.
•Check that the zone wire matches the specific zone; try swapping zone
wires and see if the issue moves or changes.
•Check the Spruce App event log for overcurrent message. This would
indicate a short or valve drawing too much current. This can also be a
result of manually turning on too many valves at once.
Individual Zone Doesn't Turn On
Troubleshooting

15
App Basics
Manual Zone Control
Zones can be turned on or off instantly via the Spruce App. In the Control section
of the app, tap on the zone of interest to toggle a zone on or off.
Alternatively, if a schedule is currently running, the remainder of the schedule can
be discontinued from the Control section of the app.
Zones can also be toggled via third party integrations, like Amazon Alexa or Google
Assistant. Refer to the Spruce Support online documentation for more details.
Zone Settings
Spruce will ask you to enter various zone settings during controller setup. These
settings determine the recommended watering duration, frequency, and cycles.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you enter these settings to the best of
your knowledge.

16
App Basics
Schedules
A schedule is a program that will water one or multiple zones at a user-specified
time, on user-specified days. Spruce schedules can accommodate variable day
intervals, such as even or odd dates, or at a regular interval (for example, every 3
days). When multiple zones are scheduled to run, the zones will run in serial until all
zones are completed.
Cycles
All schedules can set cycles, which break watering for any zone into segments. This
gives the soil time to absorb the applied water. In subsequent rounds of watering,
the moistened soil allows water to travel even deeper, creating a healthier root
system.
Weather Inputs
If set, Spruce can use actual and predicted weather to improve watering efficiency
and reduce waste. Various predicted weather metrics (precipitation amount,
freezing temperatures, and high wind) can skip watering for the day. As well,
Connected Schedules can utilize weather information to calculate daily moisture
loss, and schedule watering accordingly.
Interested in more details on various schedule types and options?
Visit
support.spruceirrigation.com
for full documentation.

17
Buttons Schematic

18
Manual Control ia Physical Buttons
•Use the left or right arrows to select the desired zone to activate.
•The zone LED will flash blue, indicating that the zone is selected.
•Press the circle button to toggle the zone on or off.
•When the zone is running, its LED indicator will stay solid blue.
•When the zone is flashing blue rapidly, this indicates that the zone is both
selected and active
Other Button Functions
Wi-Fi Search Mode
Hold down both arrow buttons for 10 seconds to initiate Wi-Fi search mode. When
the LED indicator flashes blue, Spruce is ready to start the connect routine in the
App.
Factory Reset
Hold down both arrow buttons for 20 seconds to perform a factory reset. When
the factory reset is complete, the LED indicator will rapidly flash blue.

19
LED Codes
Breathing Light Blue: Normal status. Spruce is connected to the Wi-
Fi network, and idle.
Breathing Light Blue with Red Flashes: Controller is disconnected
from a WiFi network, but credentials are stored and will reconnect
when WiFi is available
Flashing Blue: Spruce is listening for Wi-Fi credentials.
Flashing Red: Controller is looking for devices to join its Zigbee
network. When a device is found, the logo will turn blue before going
back to the normal status
Breathing Green: Spruce is running a schedule.
Solid Green: A zone is on from a manual toggle; a schedule is not
running.
Breathing Purple: Listening for Wi-Fi credentials (flashing blue) has
timed out. Unplug and re-plug in the controller to reset this state.
Flashing Purple: The sensor network is being created. This should
only happen the first time a sensor is joined and should last for about
10 seconds.
Flashing Yellow: An invalid state. Unplug and re-plug in the
controller to reset the controller.

20
Specifications
Certification EPA WaterSense®, FCC, IC
AccessibilityAndroid App, iPhone App, Web App
Valve Terminals 16x Zones, AWG 14-22
Additional Terminals 1x Master / Pump, 2x common
Wired Sensor Ports 2x Rain or Flow Sensor, 24VAC output and common
ConnectivityWi-Fi 2.GHz 802.11 b/g/n, 802.15.4 (Zigbee HA compatible)
Mesh Specification 802.15.4, 2.4GHz wireless mesh. Connect 16 Spruce Soil Moisture
Sensors, also compatible with select Zigbee HA devices.
Valve Detection Monitors valve current for disconnects or over-current
Installation Indoors: -5F to 140F; Outdoors: non-condensing enclosure required,
not to exceed indoor temperature and humidity specs
Included 1 Amp 120/24VAC 60Hz power adapter, 4x mounting screws &
drywall inserts, instruction manual
Dimensions 6.5 x 6.5 x 1.4 in (165 x 165 x 35 mm)
Weight 0.75 lbs (340g)
Warranty2 Year Limited Warranty