Rain Bird ESP-LXD User manual

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System
Installation & Troubleshooting Guide

2ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Copyright © 2013 Rain Bird Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of these materials may be reproduced by any means, nor trans-
lated into machine language, without written permission of the publisher. Rain Bird®, ET Manager™, IQ Central Control System™,
FloWatch™, FloManager™, FloZone™, and SimulStations™ are trademarks of the Rain Bird Corporation. All rights reserved.
Rain Bird Global Support Plan (GSP)
ESP-LXD Controller purchase includes a 6-month GSP Phone Support Plan. Contact GSP at 877-351-6588 (U.S.
and Canada) for support. Ask about free pre-construction training to get your crew up to speed and avoid
common pitfalls.
Rain Bird Spec Hotline
Please call the Rain Bird Spec Hotline number at 800-458-3005 (U.S. and Canada) for assistance with specifying an
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder System. You may also send an email with questions to: www[email protected]om
For information contained in this guide related to troubleshooting, please contact GSP support (see above).
Specifications Tools
Specification tools including CAD Details and Written Specifications for the Rain Bird ESP-LXD Series 2-Wire
Control System can be found at www.rainbird.com/esplxseries
2-Wire Decoder System Overview..............................................3
Advantages of a 2-Wire Decoder System ......................................4
2-Wire Path Layout and Connections ..........................................5
Valve Types ......................................................................7
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller ...........................................8
ESP-LXD Controller Option Cartridges.........................................8
Rain Bird LIMR Controller Remote .............................................9
ESP-LXD Control System Flow & Weather Sensors ............................9
Rain Bird Weather Sensors.....................................................10
Rain Bird ESP-LXD Series Controller Enclosures..............................11
FD-Series Decoders ............................................................12
2-Wire Cable & Splices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Grounding & Surge Protection ................................................19
Flow & Station Management ..................................................21
Rain Bird ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller Installation Checklist........26
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Diagnostics .......................28
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Troubleshooting .................31
Contents

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 3
2-Wire Decoder System Overview
A Rain Bird ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System provides modular control of small to large
irrigation systems. Unlike traditionally-wired controllers that power the valve solenoids directly
through individual valve wires, a 2-wire decoder controller uses a 2-wire cable to interconnect
decoders that in turn control the valve solenoids.
An ESP-LXD controller is programmed similar to a traditional-wired controller. The difference
is factory assigned decoder addresses are assigned to stations, master valves, and sensors. As
irrigation programs execute, the controller sends commands via the 2-wire path cable to the
decoders located at each valve and sensor. The decoders directly activate the solenoids on the
valves and monitor the sensors.
Typical 2-Wire Decoder to Valve Connections

4ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Advantages of a 2-Wire Decoder System
Aesthetics
An ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller provides transparent automatic control of the irrigation
system. There are fewer above ground obstructions, making a 2-wire decoder system ideal for an
application in which the environmental elegance of the site is to remain undisturbed. Automatic
irrigation control can be installed on a site with fewer above ground enclosures. The higher station
capacity of the ESP-LXD controller (up to 200 stations) can replace multiple traditionally-wired
controllers (usually a maximum of 48 stations) and required power drops.
Designed for Protection from the Elements
The field components of a Rain Bird ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder System are designed for underground
burial, so they are all completely weatherproof. This makes a 2-wire decoder system a perfect
application for a site that can be affected by flooding. Anywhere that an automatic control system
can be damaged by the elements of nature a 2-wire decoder system can be buried without fear of
damage.
Vandal Resistant
Since all the 2-wire decoders are underground, it is an ideal solution to the problem of vandal
damage on an irrigation system. On a site where vandalism is a concern, a 2-wire decoder system
allows all of the field components to be put underground and out of sight in potentially lockable
valve boxes, therefore, out of the reach of vandals. A single 2-wire cable can replace as many as 200
individual wires in a traditionally-wired control system making it a much lower target for copper wire
thefts.
Flexible Installation and Simple Expansion
A Rain Bird ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller System controls the field decoders through a
2-wire path interconnecting the controller and all the decoders. This 2-wire path carries both the
communication and power to operate the decoders and the irrigation valves. 2-wire decoders
can be added to the field in any type of layout desired. This flexible installation simplifies the
installation process, and also allows the installation to be done in multiple phases. When additional
areas are being prepared for irrigation, they can be connected to the rest of the system simply by
splicing into the two-wire path on the existing layout. If a valve needs to be added simply wire
the new valve to a 2-wire decoder, wire the decoder to the existing 2-wire path, and program the
address for this decoder into the controller. This provides for simple expansion or changes to the
decoder system in the future.

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 5
2-Wire Path Layout and Connections
The design of a Rain Bird ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller system requires careful consideration
to the layout of the decoders on the 2-Wire path. Since a decoder system powers the electric
solenoids through the 2-wire path, the 2-wire path must be able to provide enough voltage to
power the solenoids. There are design specifications limiting the length of the 2-wire Critical Path.
Refer to page eight of this guide for design specifications.
2-Wire Configurations
There are two types of configurations that can be used for the layout of 2-wire paths: STAR or
LOOP. The controller will supply up to four separate 2-wire paths for a STAR configuration and up
to two separate 2-wire paths for LOOP configurations. Depending upon the design of the site,
it is preferable to separate the 2-wire paths into multiple wire runs rather than install a single
2-wire path throughout the site. These wire paths can be configured in either the STAR or LOOP
layout or a combination of the two types. For ease of troubleshooting, the STAR configuration is
recommended.
Star Configuration
For normal installations with 2-wire path runs that are not excessively long, the recommended
layout for the 2-wire path is the STAR configuration. This is to facilitate ease of troubleshooting
the system should it experience a wire fault or short. The distance of the farthest decoder from
controller measured along the 2-wire path is considered the Critical Path of the 2-wire cable for a
STAR configuration. The maximum distance for the Critical Path is 1.65 miles for 14 AWG Maxi Cable,
and 2.63 miles for 12 AWG Maxi Cable. For metric cable the maximum distance for the Critical Path
is 3.0 Kilometers for 2.5 mm² cable.
2-Wire Path Star Pattern Design

6ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Loop Configuration
If the installation requires longer wire runs than are possible with the STAR configuration (farther
than 1.65 miles away from the controller) then a LOOP configuration may be used. A LOOP
configuration requires looping the 2-wire path out to the farthest decoder then back to the
controller. In a LOOP configuration, the Critical Path is the distance measured by following the
2-wire path around the loop out to the farthest decoder and back to the controller. The maximum
distance for the Critical Path for a LOOP configuration is 6.61 miles for 14 AWG Maxi Cable and 10.52
miles for 12 AWG Maxi Cable. For metric cable the maximum distance for the Critical Path is 12.0
Kilometers for 2.5 mm² cable.
2-Wire Path Loop Pattern Design
Maximum Critical Path Lengths for 2-Wire Paths
Nominal
Wire Size
Ohms per 1000' or
Ohms per Km (per
conductor)
Max. Length For Critical Path
Star Loop
Km Miles Km Miles
2.5 mm2 7.5 0hms/Km 3.00 1.86 12.00 7.46
14 AWG 2.58 0hms/1000' 2.66 1.65 10.63 6.61
12 AWG 1.62 0hms/1000' 4.23 2.63 16.93 10.52

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 7
Decoder to Solenoid Layout
All valves must be connected to field decoders for irrigation management by the controller.
Decoders must be wired both to a valve and by splicing to the 2-wire path. Splices and field
decoders should always be placed in valve boxes (except when valve-in-head sprinklers are used,
which can be directly buried).
NOTE: For secondary wire run, the distance between the field decoder and the solenoid (valve)
can not exceed 450 feet (137 meters) using 14 gauge wire.
Valve Types
The ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller is compatible with the following Rain Bird Commercial
Valves:
PGA Series
PEB/PESB/PESBR Series
GB Series
EFB-CP Series
BPE/BPES Series
NOTE: The ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller will not work with Rain Bird Residential Valves
including DV, JTV, HV, ASVF Series Valves.
The ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller is also compatible with Rain Bird Golf Valve-in-Head Rotors
and Rain Bird Commercial PSR-Series Pump Start Relays.

8ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller
The ESP-LXD has a standard capacity of 50 stations and is expandable to 125 or 200 stations
increments using the ESPLXD-SM75 75-station modules.
ESPLXD-M50 2-Wire Decoder Module
Included with every ESP-LXD is the ESPLXD-M50 2-Wire Decoder and Flow Smart Module, a “double-
wide” module which snaps onto two adjacent mounts on the controller backplane. The ESPLXD-M50
Module includes the lugs for attachment of the two-wire path cables.
FloWatch™ logs flow and quickly identifies and isolates high or low flow situations, such
as mainline breaks. Manages up to five (5) Points of Connection each through separate or
combined Master Valves and FloZones – See Appendix for various configurations.
FloManager™ Manages flow demand and ensures you don’t overtax your water supply. Finds
combinations of stations to operate simultaneously to use all available capacity from the water
supply.
ESPLXD-SM75 75-Station Expansion Module
Adds an additional 75 stations in the ESP-LXD and snaps onto the controller backplane. One
ESPLXD-SM75 module increases the station capacity to 125 stations and two increases the station
capacity to 200 stations.
ESP-LXD Controller Option Cartridges
PBC-LXD Programming Backup Cartridge
Backup and restore programming for up to eight ESP-LXD Decoder Controllers.
Option: Attach a barcode scanning pen (sold separately) and scan the peel-off barcode labels
from the Programming Chart included with the controller. Your decoder addresses are entered
for you automatically saving you time. MS100-2 Barcode Scanning Pen - Unitech www.ute.com
ETC-LX ET Manager™ Cartridge
The Rain Bird ET Manager Cartridge easily upgrades the ESP-LXD Controller to an ET/Weather-based
irrigation smart controller. Available in most part of North America only, and requires a signal
provider for your geographic area.
IQ Central Control Compatible
Through the incorporation of an IQ-NCC Communication Cartridge, the ESP-LXD controller can
be controlled from the Rain Bird IQ™ Central Control System. Communication options: -GP GPRS/
Cellular, -PH Phone, -EN Ethernet, -WF Wi-Fi, and -RS RS-232 (RS-232 used for Radio or Direct
Connect)

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 9
Rain Bird LIMR Controller Remote
ESP-LXD Control System Flow & Weather Sensors
Flow Sensors
Up to five (5) flow sensors can be installed on the 2-Wire path. SD-210 Sensor Decoder are required
for each sensor. Rain Bird FS-Series Flow Sensors are available in ½” to 4” PVC Tee, 1” to 2” Brass Tee,
and Brass and Stainless Steel Insert Style models.
Rain Bird FS-Series Flow Sensors
LIMR-KIT
900MHz Transmitter,
Receiver, Quick-Connects,
Carrying Case
LIMR-TX
900MHz Transmitter Only
LIMR-RX
900MHz Receiver Only
LIMR-QC603
6-Pin Quick Connect
Cable, 3 feet
LIMR-QC630
6-Pin Quick Connect
Cable, 30 feet
FS050P
½” Slip x Slip, PVC Tee
Flow Sensor
FS075P
¾” Slip x Slip, PVC Tee
Flow Sensor
FS100P
1” Slip x Slip, PVC Tee Flow
Sensor
FS150P
1-½” Slip x Slip, PVC Tee
Flow Sensor
FS200P
2” Slip x Slip, PVC Tee Flow
Sensor
FS300P
3” Slip x Slip, PVC Tee Flow
Sensor
FS400P
4” Slip x Slip, PVC Tee Flow
Sensor
FS100B
1”Threaded, Brass Tee
Flow Sensor
FS150B
1-½”Threaded, Brass Tee
Flow Sensor
FS200B
2”Threaded, Brass Tee
Flow Sensor
FS350B
Brass Insert (for Pipe
Saddle) Flow Sensor for 3”
to 12” Pipe Diameters
Pipe Inside Diameter
entry required
FS350SS
Stainless Steel Insert
(for Pipe Saddle) Flow
Sensor for 3” to 12” Pipe
Diameters
Pipe Inside Diameter
entry required
Custom
3rd-party flow sensor or
meter
K-Factor and Offset entry
required (supplied by
3rd-party manufacturer)
Reed-Switch 2-wire
output only with
minimum 2 pulses per 10
seconds for the lowest
station flow rate

10 ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Rain Bird Weather Sensors
One locally wired (to the decoder module) and up to 3 installed on the 2-wire path. SD-210 Sensor
Decoder required for each 2-wire path weather sensor.
Notes:
1. Operates only with switch-type normally closed sensors.
2. Not compatible with tipping rain-can sensors.
3. Compatible with Rain Bird Anemometer Wind Speed Sensor when used with a Rain Bird
PT-3002 Pulse Transmitter.
RSDBEX
Wired Rain Shutoff Sensor, Bracket Mount
Configure as Rain Sensor
RSDCEX
Wired Rain Shutoff Sensor, Conduit Mount
Configure as Rain Sensor
WR2RC
Wireless Rain Shutoff Sensor
Configure as Rain Sensor
WR2RFC
Wireless Rain/Freeze Shutoff Sensor
Configure as Rain/Freeze Sensor
ANEMOMETER
Wind Speed Sensor (WSS)
Requires Rain Bird PT3002 Pulse Monitor
Configure as Wind Sensor
WS1
Soil Moisture Sensor (SMS)
Irrometer Water Switch - www.irrometer.com
Configure as Soil Moisture Sensor
Custom Prevent
Normally-closed sensor that prevents station operation when sensor circuit opens
Custom Pause
Normally-closed sensor that pauses station operation when sensor circuit opens

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 11
Rain Bird ESP-LXD Series Controller Enclosures
The ESP-LXD Series 2-Wire Decoder Controller standard enclosure is a NEMA 3R rated, plastic,
locking, wall-mount enclosure. Optional painted metal and Stainless Steel enclosures include:
LXMM
Painted metal, locking, wall-mount enclosure, NEMA 3R
LXMM-PED
Painted metal, locking pedestal for LXMM enclosure, NEMA 3R
LXMM-SS
Stainless Steel, locking, wall-mount enclosure, NEMA 3R
LXMM-PEDSS
Stainless Steel, locking pedestal for LXMM-SS enclosure, NEMA 3R
Metal Cabinet & Pedestal
The ESP-LXD controller standard plastic case field installs into the LXMM or LXMM-SS enclosure for
wall-mount applications. Add the LXMM-PED or LXMM-PEDSS pedestal for free-standing controller
applications.

12 ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
FD-Series Decoders
Field Decoders - FD-TURF Series (Grey) & FD-Series (Black)
Field Decoders are used to control station and master valves. The decoder model number first
digit represents the number of decoder addresses (stations or master valves) and the last digit the
quantity of solenoids that can be activated per address. Each decoder is factory programmed with
a unique three, four or five digit address that is utilized to associate with a station or master valve.
There are five types of field decoders:
Rain Bird Field Decoder Models
Decoder
Model
Number of
Addresses
Per Decoder
Maximum
Number Of
Solenoids
Per Address
Maximum
Addresses
Operating
At Once
FD-101 1 1 1
FD-102 1 2 1
FD-202 2 2 2
FD-401 4 1 4
FD-601 6 1 6
Note: When activating valves and pump start relays that are not manufactured by Rain Bird,
there may be exceptions to the maximum number of solenoids per address that can be energized.
Contact Rain Bird for more details..
Notes:

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 13
FD-101 One address – controlling one valve
FD-102 One address – controlling two valves simultaneously
Notes:
Example Address # 12345
Example Address # 12346

14 ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
FD-202 Two addresses – each controlling two valves simultaneously
Example Address # 12348
Example Address # 12347
Notes:

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 15
FD-401 Four addresses – each controlling one valve
Example Address # 12352
Example Address # 12351
Example Address # 12350
Example Address # 12349
Notes:

16 ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
FD-601 – Six addresses – each controlling one valve
Example Address # 12365
Example Address # 12364
Example Address # 12363
Example Address # 12362
Example Address # 12361
Example Address # 12360

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 17
Field Decoders – FD-TURF-Series (Grey) or FD-Series (Black)
The Rain Bird ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller is compatible with two types of FD Series Field
Decoders.
FD-TURF Series (Grey) Field Decoders are sold in the U.S. and Canada.
FD Series (Black) Field Decoders are sold in the rest of the world.
The ESP-LXD controller automatically configures itself, by measuring the incoming voltage
frequency, to operate with the correct type of decoder.
Note: FD-TURF Series (Grey) and FD-Series (Black) Field Decoders cannot be used on the same
system.
Examples:
1. The ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller has been installed at a site in the U.S. where the incoming
power is 120 VAC @ 60 Hz. When the controller is powered, it will automatically be configured to
operate FD-TURF (Grey) Field Decoders.
2. The ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller has been installed at a site in Europe where the incoming
power is 230 VAC @ 50 Hz. When the controller is powered, it will automatically be configured to
operate FD-Series (Black) Field Decoders.
Sensor Decoder – SD-210 (Green)
The Rain Bird ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller integrates the use of select flow and weather
sensors. The SD-210 Sensor Decoder is pre-programmed with a unique five digit address that is
utilized to associate with a flow or weather sensor input.
Note: SD-210TURF Sensor Decoders are required for use in U.S. and Canada (60 Hz power).
SD210 Sensor Decoders are required for use in the rest of the world (50 Hz power).

18 ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Lightning Surge Protector – LSP-1 (Yellow)
The ESP-LXD controller and the 2-wire path must be properly surge protected and grounded. Doing
so can help prevent damage to the controller and irrigation system and also significantly reduce
troubleshooting, repair time and expense. Failure to do so could result in failure of your controller
and voiding the warranty.
Refer to page 24 of this guide for recommended location and quantity of LSP-1 Lightning Surge
Protectors.
2-Wire Cable & Splices
MAXI Cable
Use only MAXI Cable for 2-Wire path applications.
Construction: Special irrigation control wire
Conductor: Tin coated, soft drawn bare copper (ASTM Spec. 33)
Two (2) conductors Solid (14awg and 12 awg)
Insulation: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Outer Jacket: Polyethylene (PE)
Colors: Red, White, Black, Orange, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Brown, Pink, Grey, & Green
Temperature: 60°C
Voltage: 600 volts

ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide 19
Wire Splices
Use only 3M DBR/Y-6 splice kits for all electrical wiring connections to the 2-wire path. Improper
wiring can cause serious damage to your controller or irrigation system.
Grounding & Surge Protection
The ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller and the 2-wire path must be properly surge protected and
grounded. Doing so can help prevent damage to the controller and irrigation system and also
significantly reduce troubleshooting, repair time and expense. Failure to do so could result in failure
of your controller and voiding the warranty.
To comply with proper installation specifications, the following components should be grounded:
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller
ESPLXD-M50 2-Wire Decoder Module
LSP-1 Lightning Surge Protector
SD-210 Sensor Decoder
FD-401 Field Decoder
FD-601 Field Decoder
Notes:
1. Each installed grounding system shall maintain a maximum ground resistance of 10 ohms,
or less.
2. Refer to the Rain Bird Grounding Recommendations document for proper specifications on
Grounding System Installation and Grounding System Design.
ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller
TThe ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller is protected against electrical surges through the ground
provided by the primary ground of the incoming power to the controller.
ESPLXD-M50 2-Wire Decoder Module
The ESPLXD-M50 2-Wire Decoder Module provides a ground lug on the front of the module that
accepts a #6 AWG Bare Copper Wire that is connected to a ground rod or plate.
A grounding wire on the module should be connected to the ground (GND) spade connector on the
small terminal strip above the transformer. It is not necessary to connect this ground lug to an earth
ground.

20 ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Control System Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
LSP-1 Line Surge Protector
The LSP-1 Line Surge Protector provides surge protection for the ESP-LXD controller and the 2-wire
path and should be spliced into the 2-wire path in three distinct areas:
1. ESP-LXD 2-Wire Decoder Controller – The LSP-1 Line Surge Protector provides surge
protection for the ESP-LXD controller against electrical surges originating from each 2-Wire
Path utilized. The LSP-1 Line Surge Protector shall be spliced into each 2-Wire Path in close
proximity to the ESP-LXD controller.
2. 2-Wire Path – The LSP-1 Line Surge Protector provides surge protection for the following
FD-Series Field Decoders installed on the 2-Wire Path:
FD-101
FD-102
FD-202
Note: The 2-wire path shall be surge protected and grounded with one LSP-1 Line Surge Protector
every 500 feet or every 8 decoders, whichever is smaller.
3. Termination of 2-Wire Path – An LSP-1 Line Surge Protector shall be installed at the end of
the 2-wire path in a STAR configuration.
SD-210 Sensor Decoder
SD-210 Sensor Decoders have a built-in line surge protector to provide surge protection for each
sensor installed on the 2-Wire path.
FD-401 and FD-601 Field Decoder
The FD-401 and FD-601 Field Decoders have a built-in line surge protector to provide surge
protection for Field Decoders installed on the 2-Wire Path:
FD-101
FD-102
FD-202
Note: Because the FD-401 & FD-601 Field Decoders and SD-210 Sensor Decoder have built-in
surge protection, the 2-wire path surge protection requirement could be stated in the following
manner: The 2-wire path shall be surge protected and grounded with one LSP-1, FD-401, FD-601
or SD-210 every 500 feet or every 8 decoders, whichever is smaller.