Rain Bird ESPLXD-ET Installation guide

ESPLXD-ET Controller
Installation, Programming & Operation Guide
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Symbols
 NOTE:Symbolis intendedtoalert the usertoimportant operating,
functionality or maintenance or installation instructions.
 WARNING: Symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence
of electricity within the controller which may constitute a risk of
electronic shock or other hazard.
 CAUTION: Symbol is intended to alert the user to important
instructions or conditions that could seriously affect irrigation
effectivity or controller operation.
 DIAL: Symbol indicates that the user is required to turn the dial
on the controller to the appropriate setting in order to follow
subsequent instructions as described in that section.
 REPEAT: Symbol indicates that a repetition of previous steps
or actions may be required in order to continue or complete the
controller programming process.
Safety Information
 WARNING: A circuit breaker or cutoff switch must be provided
in the fixed wiring to isolate the controller.
 WARNING: The current date and time on the controller is
retained by a long-life lithium battery, which must be disposed of
in accordance with local regulations.
 WARNING: You must use special precautions when valve wires
(also known as station or solenoid wires) are located adjacent to or
share a conduit with other wires, such as wires used for landscape
lighting, other “low voltage” systems or other “high voltage”
power. Be sure to separate and insulate all conductors carefully
taking care not to damage wire insulation during installation. An
electrical “short” (contact) between the valve wires and another
source of power can damage the controller and create a fire
hazard.
 NOTE:This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including
children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or
lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a
person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play
with the appliance.
For ESPLXD-ET technical assistance contact Rain Bird at 800 RAINBIRD (1-800-724-6247) U.S. and Canada or
visit us on the web at www.rainbird.com
For ETC Manager Cartridge technical assistance contact the ET Manager Hotline at 1-877-351-6588 or
visit us on the web at www.rainbird.com/etmanager
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I
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Contents
Section A - Introduction & Overview ................... 1
Welcome to Rain Bird ....................................................... 1
ESPLXD-ET Controller ...................................................... 1
Controller Features..................................................................................1
Controls, Switches and Indicators....................................................2
ET Manager Cartridge ...................................................... 3
Cartridge Features...................................................................................3
Weather-Based Irrigation Control ....................................................3
WaterSense® Certification....................................................................4
Controls and Indicators.........................................................................5
2-Wire Path Overview.......................................................6
Star Pattern..................................................................................................6
Loop Pattern...............................................................................................7
Decoders ......................................................................................................8
Types of Decoders...............................................................................8
Field Decoder Addresses..................................................................8
Valves (Stations)........................................................................................9
Programming Overview.................................................10
Irrigation Controller Definitions.....................................................10
Programs...............................................................................................10
Watering Days ....................................................................................10
Watering Start Time .........................................................................10
Station Run Time ...............................................................................10
Programming Guide............................................................................10
Fill Out Programming Guide .......................................................10
Apply Decoder Address Labels..................................................11
Storing the Programming Guide...............................................11
Remote Programming ........................................................................11
Programming Checklist .....................................................................12
Set Up Hardware ...............................................................................12
Set Up Programs................................................................................12
Set Up Programs (Optional).........................................................12
Set Up ET Manager Cartridge .....................................................12
Review Setup ......................................................................................12
Optional Setup...................................................................................12
AUTO...............................................................................13
Automatic Operation ..........................................................................13
Alarm Conditions ..................................................................................14
Decoder Address Alarms...............................................................14
FloWatchTM Alarms............................................................................14
Review Alarm Messages ................................................................14
Resetting the Controller ....................................................................15
Resetting the ET Manager Cartridge ...........................................16
Optional Features...........................................................17
Station Expansion Module (ESP-LXD-SM75)............................17
Section B - Basic Programming.......................... 19
Set Current Date & Time .................................................19
Program Select Switch ...................................................20
Select Program .......................................................................................20
Setup Wizards.................................................................20
Valve Types Setup .................................................................................20
Master Valves Setup.............................................................................22
Weather Sensors Setup ......................................................................24
Set Up Decoder-Based Weather Sensors...............................24
Weather Sensors Bypassed/Active Switch............................25
Local Weather Sensors ...................................................................25
Custom Pause Sensors ...................................................................25
Custom Prevent Sensors ...............................................................25
Station Setup...........................................................................................26
Flow Sensors Setup..............................................................................28
Set Up Rain Bird Flow Sensor......................................................28
Set Up Custom Flow Sensor ........................................................29
Set Watering Start Times................................................31
Select Days to Water.......................................................32
Station Run Times...........................................................33
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II ESPLXD-ET Controller
ET Manager Cartridge Configuration ............................34
Programming Overview ....................................................................34
Programming Checklist .....................................................................34
Irrigation Site Assessment ................................................................35
ET Manager Scheduler Software ...................................................35
ET Manager Resource CD..............................................................35
Installing the Software ...................................................................35
Create a Schedule Report .............................................................36
EZ Setup Wizard.....................................................................................40
Complete Setup.....................................................................................41
Test Weather Signal..........................................................................41
Setup a Local Rain Gauge .............................................................41
ESPLXD-ET Controller Settings...................................................41
Section C - System Diagnostics .......................... 43
Test All Stations/Check System......................................43
Confirm Programs.................................................................................43
Program Summary ...........................................................................43
Review Program.................................................................................44
Program Run Time............................................................................47
Station Run Time ...............................................................................48
Test All Stations ......................................................................................49
2-Wire Path Diagnostics.....................................................................50
Short Finding ......................................................................................50
Decoder Test........................................................................................52
Line Survey...........................................................................................54
Calculate System Amperage...................................................54
Run a Line Survey .........................................................................54
Interpreting Line Survey Results ...........................................55
Ping Decoders ....................................................................................56
Ping Station or MV Decoder....................................................56
Interpreting Ping Results ..........................................................56
Ping Sensor Decoder ..................................................................57
Weather Sensor Status........................................................................58
Master Valve Status ..............................................................................59
ET Manager Alert Messages...........................................60
Landscape Condition Issues ..........................................63
Section D - Advanced Programming.................. 67
Seasonal Adjust %..........................................................67
Adjust Individual Program................................................................67
Adjust By Month....................................................................................68
Select Months to Adjust ................................................................68
Select Programs To Adjust............................................................69
Delay Watering ...............................................................70
Rain Delay .................................................................................................70
Calendar Day Off ...................................................................................71
Water Windows ......................................................................................72
Set Up Water Window.....................................................................72
Watering Cycles ..............................................................73
Watering Cycle Definitions...............................................................73
Custom, Odd, Odd no 31st, Even ..................................................73
Cyclical Days ............................................................................................75
Station Settings..............................................................76
Set Up Cycle+SoakTM ...........................................................................76
Set Up Station Delay............................................................................77
Set Up SimulStationsTM ......................................................................78
Set SimulStationsTM for Program................................................78
Set SimulStationsTM for Controller.............................................79
Station Sequencing..............................................................................80
ET Manager.....................................................................82
Status Menu....................................................................83
Moisture Levels ......................................................................................83
Weather Signal .......................................................................................84
ET, Rain and Adj %.................................................................................86
Logs Menu ......................................................................88
Irrigation Logs.........................................................................................88
Interrupts ..................................................................................................90
Weather Information ...........................................................................91
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III
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Settings Menu ................................................................92
Irrigation Control Menu .....................................................................92
Irrigation Amount.............................................................................92
Landscape Adjust .............................................................................94
Run Time Limits..................................................................................96
System Settings Menu........................................................................98
Data Source Menu............................................................................98
Weather Region.............................................................................98
Rain Source................................................................................... 100
Weather Signal........................................................................ 100
Local Rain Gauge................................................................... 102
Rain Region .............................................................................. 103
Signal Provider Code................................................................ 104
Control Settings Menu................................................................ 106
Effective Rain ............................................................................... 106
ET Settings Menu....................................................................... 108
ET Source................................................................................... 108
Elevation.................................................................................... 110
Wind Adjustment .................................................................. 112
Options Menu ............................................................................. 114
Units............................................................................................. 114
Signal Kc..................................................................................... 116
Clear Data.................................................................................. 118
Set Historical ET.............................................................................. 120
Weather Interrupts ............................................................................ 122
Manual Watering ..........................................................124
Backup and Recall Programs .......................................124
Section E - Options & Special Features ............ 125
Backup and Recall Programs .......................................125
Store Default Programs................................................................... 125
Recall Default Programs.................................................................. 126
Delayed Recall ..................................................................................... 127
Programming Backup Cartridge (PBC-LXD)................128
PBC-LXD Features .............................................................................. 128
Barcode Scanning Feature............................................................. 128
Installing a PBC-LXD ......................................................................... 129
Backup Programs to PBC-LXD...................................................... 131
Restore Programs from PBC-LXD................................................ 132
Reinstall the ET Manager Cartridge........................................... 133
Decoder Barcode Scanning..........................................134
Install Barcode Scanning Pen....................................................... 134
Set Up Barcode Scanning Pen ..................................................... 137
Test Barcode Scanning Pen........................................................... 138
Scan Field Decoder Addresses .................................................... 139
Reinstall the ET Manager Cartridge........................................... 141
Special Features ...........................................................142
Set Language ....................................................................................... 142
Set Hours Mode .................................................................................. 142
NOMV Cycling...................................................................................... 143
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IV ESPLXD-ET Controller
Section F - Flow Management.......................... 145
Introduction to Flow.....................................................145
FloZonesTM Overview........................................................................ 145
ESPLXD-ET Flow Management Features................................. 145
FloManagerTM Overview ............................................................. 145
FloWatchTM Overview ................................................................... 145
Set Flow Units ...................................................................................... 146
FloManagerTM ...............................................................146
Set Up and Use FloManagerTM .................................................... 147
Enable (Or Disable) FloManagerTM ........................................ 147
Set Flow Rates Manually ................................................................. 148
Set Station Rates............................................................................. 148
Set FloZoneTM Rates ...................................................................... 149
FloWatchTM ...................................................................150
Set Up and Use FloWatchTM .......................................................... 150
Enable (or Disable) FloWatchTM .............................................. 151
SEEF and SELF Settings and Actions......................................... 152
Set Up and Configure SEEF and SELF................................... 152
Learn Flow ............................................................................................. 155
Learn Flow Automatically (All Stations) .............................. 155
Learn Flow Automatically (Custom Stations) ................... 156
View and Clear Flow Alarms.......................................................... 158
View Station Flow Alarms .......................................................... 158
View FloZoneTM Flow Alarms .................................................... 159
Clear Flow Alarms.......................................................................... 160
View Flow Rates .................................................................................. 161
View Flow Rates for Stations..................................................... 161
View Flow Rates for FloZonesTM ............................................. 162
View and Clear Flow Logs .............................................................. 163
View Current Flow.............................................................................. 164
Clear Flow Rates.................................................................................. 165
Section G - Auxiliary Operation....................... 167
Module Status ..............................................................167
Smart Module Status........................................................................ 167
Check Station Module(s) ............................................................ 167
Clear Programs.............................................................168
Clear Individual Program................................................................ 168
Clear All Programs.............................................................................. 169
Restore Defaults.................................................................................. 170
Manual Watering ..........................................................171
Start Station Manually ..................................................................... 171
Start Program Manually .................................................................. 173
MV Water Window.............................................................................. 174
Set Up MV Water Window.......................................................... 174
Manually Opening a MV ............................................................ 176
Test All Stations ................................................................................... 177
OFF................................................................................178
Adjust Display Contrast................................................................... 178
Turn Off 2-Wire Path.......................................................................... 178
Close Master Valves........................................................................... 180
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V
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Section H - Installation .................................... 181
Install the Controller ....................................................181
Installation Checklist ........................................................................ 181
Check Box Contents.......................................................................... 182
Select Location for Controller...................................................... 183
Gather Installation Tools ................................................................. 183
Access Controller Cabinet.............................................................. 184
Open or Remove Controller Front Panel............................ 184
Mount the Receiver/Antenna....................................................... 185
Mount Controller................................................................................ 186
Install Modules .................................................................................... 187
Install LXD Decoder Module .................................................... 187
Install Station Expansion Modules ........................................ 188
Connect Field Wiring ....................................................188
Connecting the 2-Wire Cable....................................................... 189
Connecting Power to the Controller ............................190
Connect Ground Wire ...................................................................... 190
Connect Power Source.................................................................... 190
Complete Controller Installation .................................192
Programming Under Battery Power ......................................... 192
Connect the ET Manager Cartridge .............................193
Overview ................................................................................................ 193
Connect Cartridge Cables.............................................................. 194
Rain Gauge Installation ................................................................... 196
Install the Local Rain Gauge ..................................................... 196
Connect the Local Rain Gauge................................................ 196
Connect Decoders to Field Wiring................................197
Wire Splices ........................................................................................... 197
Field Decoder Connections........................................................... 198
Master Valves and MV Decoders................................................. 198
Surge Protection and Grounding............................................... 199
Install Lightning Surge Protectors (LSP-1s) ....................... 199
Decoder Managed Flow Sensors................................................ 199
Connect Flow Sensors................................................................. 199
Decoder Managed Weather Sensors........................................ 200
Local Weather Sensors..................................................................... 200
Connect Local Weather Sensors............................................. 200
Verifying Field Installation ............................................................. 201
Appendix ......................................................... 203
Electrical Requirement Code of Magnetic Solenoid ...203
Master Valve and Pump Set-up Tips ............................204
Irrigation Amount and Station Run Times...................205
Total Irrigation Amount................................................................... 205
Station Run Time Settings.............................................................. 206
Program Station Run Times........................................................... 206
Moisture Level Example...............................................207
ET Manager Cartridge Default Settings ......................208
ET Manager Menu Tree.................................................209
Test Cases......................................................................210
Rain Bird Support.........................................................212
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1
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Section A - Introduction & Overview
Welcome to Rain Bird
Thank you for purchasing your new state-of-the-art Rain
Bird ESPLXD-ET controller.
For over seven decades Rain Bird has led the irrigation industry in
meeting water management needs by providing the highest quality
products and services available.
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Your new Rain Bird controller is designed to provide years of
highly manageable irrigation control.
The ESPLXD-ET is an irrigation controller designed for commercial use.
It accommodates up to 50 stations and through the addition of Station
Modules can easily be expanded to address up to 200 total stations.
The ESPLXME-ET uses weather data to automatically adjust irrigation
schedules to reduce water consumption by watering only when the
plants need it.
Controller Features
The ESPLXD-ET controller has a variety of advanced features to help
you manage water efficiently, including:
 Flow, power, and priority management
 2-Wire and controller-based diagnostics
 Large variety of user-configurable irrigation program options to
meet the most demanding irrigation needs while still addressing
municipal mandates and restrictions
 Upgrade features including Station Modules, Programming Backup
Cartridge (PBC) and IQ Central Control
 Supports one local and three decoder-based sensor inputs
 Outdoor-rated plastic cabinet which can be upgraded to the
optional metal cabinet (LXMM) and pedestal (LXMMPED)
 UL and CE certified
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2ESPLXD-ET Controller
D
Display
Displays time of day during normal operation; shows commands
during programming; shows active station and remaining run
time during watering
E
Programming Buttons
Press buttons to enter and change program information.
 Press and HOLD buttons to accelerate settings for hours,
minutes and seconds, dates or percentages.
F
Alarm Light
Illuminates to indicate various types of alarm conditions. See
Alarm Conditions for more details on how to review and clear
alarms).
Controls, Switches and Indicators
Key operational features of the ESPLXD-ET Controller front panel:
A
Programming Dial
Used for programming and to turn the controller on and off.
B
Weather Sensors Switch
Set the controller to obey or ignore input from optional sensors.
See Section B, Weather Sensors Setup for more details.
C
Program Select Switch
Select watering Program A, B, C, or D. See Section B, Program
Select Switch for more details.
ESPLXD-ET Controller Front Panel Features
1
2
3
4
5
6
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3
ESPLXD-ET Controller
ET Manager Cartridge
The ET Manager Cartridge provides weather-based
irrigation control.
Real time weather information is used to automatically adjust watering
run times to meet the needs of the landscape, which significantly
reduces overwatering.
Cartridge Features
Key features of the ET Manager Cartridge include:
 Water savings of 20–50% over traditional time-based irrigation
control.
 Seasonal Adjust percentages are automatically adjusted according
to current weather conditions to efficiently manage water use.
 Weather Interrupts based on current rainfall, temperature, and
wind speed automatically cancel watering during adverse weather
conditions.
 Irrigation Logs provide total amount of water applied, number of
days watered, current weather information, and Weather Interrupt
history.
Weather-Based Irrigation Control
Watering requirements are automatically adjusted according to
landscape needs based on weather and site conditions.
The ET Manager Cartridge is programmed to receive hourly weather
information from a local Weather ReachTM Signal Provider (WRSP) and
uses this information along with site-specific settings to determine
when and how much water your landscape needs.
 NOTE: To find your local Weather ReachTM Signal Provider, you
can create a site-specific Schedule Report using the ET Manager
Scheduler software found on the ET Manager Resource CD
(included) or visit www.rainbird.com/wrsp.
The ET Manager Cartridge manages watering by changing the Seasonal
Adjust percentage value that is set in the ESPLXD-ET Controller. This
increases or decreases the programmed watering run times for each
station. When watering is not needed, the Seasonal Adjust percentage
will be set to 0% to conserve water. When watering is needed, the
Seasonal Adjust percentage will increase to meet watering needs. A
minimum and maximum limit can be set by the user.
The ET Manager uses measured ET values to determine watering needs.
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a measurement of water that evaporates
from the soil and transpires from the plant. ET represents moisture loss
from the root zone.
Weather parameters used to measure evapotranspiration (ET) include:
 Solar Radiation  Wind
 Temperature  Humidity
Local rainfall amounts are received from the weather signal or measured
by an on-site rain gauge (the ET Manager Cartridge accepts input from
both 1mm/tip and 0.01”/tip rain gauges).
The Rain Bird Local Rain Gauge (ETM-RG) is the recommended on-site
Rain Gauge for use with the ET Manager Cartridge.
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4ESPLXD-ET Controller
WaterSense® Certification
The ESPLXD-ET Controller is certified by the EPA as a product
that conserves water.
WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that labels products proven to
conserve water.
All WaterSense labeled products are independently certified to meet
the EPA’s water efficiency and performance criteria. The criteria for
irrigation controllers is based on the industry’s Smart Water Application
Technologies™ guidelines for weather-based controllers.
The presence of a WaterSense label identifies the Rain Bird ESPLXD-ET
Controller as a product proven to conserve water, save money and help
save the environment.
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5
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Controls and Indicators
Key operational features of the ET Manager Cartridge:
A
Cartridge Power Indicator
LED indicates power status.
B
Communications Indicator
LED indicates communication status between cartridge and
controller.
 NOTE: Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights appear on the right side
of the ET Manager Cartridge. LEDs provide continuous status
updates and illuminate according to the following table.
Color Indication Activity
None (dark) No Power
Upper light
Red
Blinking Power is present – communication between
ESPLXD-ET Controller and ET Manager
Cartridge is absent.
Lower light
Red
Blinking Power is present – communication between
the controller and ET Manager Cartridge is
absent.
Upper light
Green
Solid Power and communications are OK.
Lower light
Green
Solid Power and communications are OK.
Both lights
Green
Blinking A Rain Gauge input was detected.
Both lights
Yellow
Blinking Call Rain Bird Technical Support
Both lights
Amber
Blinking No connection between cartridge and
controller.
Both lights
Amber
Solid Failed to communicate.
ET Manager Cartridge Features
1
2
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6ESPLXD-ET Controller
2-Wire Path Overview
The ESPLXD-ET controller with 2-Wire path has some key
advantages over traditionally wired controllers.
In a traditionally wired system, separate wires are required for each
valve which can be no further than a few hundred yards or meters from
the controller.
The ESPLXD-ET utilizes a 2-Wire electrical path, upon which decoders
can be attached at any location. This allows greater design flexibility
and significantly greater distances to be supported. Valves in a two wire
system can be managed using up to 3.3 miles (5.5 Km) of total wire
path. Two types of 2-Wire path designs are supported:
Star Pattern
A Star Pattern allows branching as often as necessary without ever
looping the wire back to the controller.
This generally allows more design flexibility but at the expense of some
distance. The distance from the controller to the farthest decoder is
known as the critical path; the greatest distance supported with 14
AWG cable is 1.65 miles (2.66 Km).
 NOTE: The ESPLXD-ET controller has 8 connections for up to four
separate 2-Wire paths.
2-Wire Path Star Pattern Design
Valve Boxes (Typical)
2-Wire splice at branch
take-offs allow easy
breaking of loop for
troubleshooting
Decoders
(Typical)
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Critical Path
Distance from farthest
decoder back to
controller (maximum
1.65 miles (2.66 Km)
using 14 AWG cable)
First
2-Wire
Path
Second
2-Wire
Path
Branches
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7
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Loop Pattern
A Loop Pattern supports the greatest distance from controller to
decoders.
However the Loop Pattern requires that the 2-Wire path loop back and
return to the controller. The critical path for a Loop design is determined
by calculating the distance around the loop to the farthest decoder
and back to the controller. For both the Star and Loop designs, different
distances can be supported with larger gauge cable.
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 Ohms/Km 3.00 1.86 12.00 7.46
14 AWG 2.58 Ohms/1000’ 2.66 1.65 10.63 6.61
12 AWG 1.62 Ohms/1000’ 4.23 2.63 16.93 10.52
10 AWG 1.02 Ohms/1000’ 6.72 4.18 26.89 16.71
2-Wire Loop Pattern Design Decoders and Valves
Valve Boxes (Typical)
2-Wire splice at branch
take-offs allow easy
breaking of loop for
troubleshooting
Decoders
(Typical)
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Critical Path
Total cable length of
the loop’s critical path
(maximum 6.61 miles
(10.63 km) using
14 AWG cable)
Branch #2 Loop
Main Trunk Loop
2-Wire
Loop
Branch #1 Loop
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8ESPLXD-ET Controller
Decoders
The ESPLXD-ET controls your irrigation system using decoders.
A decoder is a device which attaches to the 2-Wire path and performs
a task such as opening a valve for irrigation. Some, such as sensor
decoders can be used to provide weather sensor status to the controller.
Typically a controller has several decoders connected, each with one or
more valves attached. Valve outputs at the controller are called stations
and are numbered sequentially. ESPLXD-ET controller is designed to
keep track of your decoders so that once installed and set up all you
have to do is manage irrigation for the various stations.
Types of Decoders
Field Decoders
Used to open and close valves for irrigation, these are the most
commonly used decoders.
Master Valve (MV) Decoders
Used to open and close master valves. Both Normally Open master
valves (NOMVs) and Normally Closed master valves (NCMVs) are
supported. The ESPLXD-ET controller can manage up to five Master
Valves.
Weather Sensor Decoders
Used to provide an interface between the weather device and the
controller. The ESPLXD-ET controller can support up to three weather
sensor decoders.
Local Sensor
The ESPLXD-ET controller can also interface to a local sensor, such as
a rain shutoff device. The local weather sensor connects directly to
the ESP-LXD-M50 module via a separate wired or wireless connection
rather than through a Sensor Decoder connected to the 2-Wire path.
The ESPLXD-ET controller supports one Local Sensor.
Field Decoder Addresses
Field decoders have unique five digit address identifiers. Decoder
addresses can be reprogrammed if necessary, using the Rain Bird DPU-
210 Decoder Programming Unit.
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 4
* Decoder includes Line Surge Protection.
Some decoders can support more than one valve. For example, an
FD-102 decoder has a single address, but can control 2 different
valves. However both valves would always have to open and close
simultaneously since the FD102 only has a single address. An FD-401
could manage four valves, each independently since four addresses are
available.
 NOTE: The ESPLXD-ET controller also supports setup by scanning
decoder barcode labels using the optional Programming Backup
Cartridge (PBC-LXD). See Section E for more details.
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9
ESPLXD-ET Controller
The ESPLXD-ET lets you set a delay between stations. For example, if
you set a one minute delay, station 1 will run until finished, followed
by a one minute delay. Then station 2 will run, followed by another one
minute delay, and so on. See Section D, Station Delay for more details.
The order in which stations are selected to operate depends on the
following settings:
 Station Sequencing settings
 Station priorities
 Station run times
 Station program assignment
 Station flow rate (FloManager)
 POC flow rate (FloManager)
 SimulStation settings
 NOTE: When using Station Sequencing by priorities, set station
priorities higher for stations you want selected earlier in a program
and lower for stations you want selected later in a program.
Valves (Stations)
Valves (or stations) operate at times as specified by irrigation programs.
The controller sends signals to the appropriate decoder, powering
the valve solenoid to open or close. When additional stations are
scheduled, another signal is sent to the next decoder and the cycle
continues. For example, the controller sends the first decoder a signal
to open it’s valve, allowing irrigation. When finished, the controller
signals the decoder to shut off it’s valve and then signals the second
decoder to open the valve. Then when the second station is finished,
the third station will begin watering and so on.
 NOTE: The ESPLXD-ET’s SimulStations feature allows you to
operate multiple stations at the same time. See section D for more
details.
 NOTE: The ESPLXD-ET’s Cycle+Soak feature may delay valve
operation. See Section D, Cycle+Soak for more details.
Typical Decoder and Valve Operation
2-Wire
Path
ESPLXD-ET Controller
2nd Decoder
3rd Decoder
Valves
1st Decoder
Sprinklers
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10 ESPLXD-ET Controller
Programming Overview
Irrigation Controller Definitions
Programs
The process of telling the controller exactly when and for how long
you want to water. The controller opens and closes the remote control
valves according to a program you set.
Each program contains:
Watering Days
The days of the week or calendar dates on which irrigation is allowed.
For example, specific days such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday
could be designated as your “watering days”. Or else cyclical, such as
every third day, or perhaps only on even or odd days of the month.
Watering Start Time
The time(s) of day that irrigation begins; this is the time that the
first station in the program begins watering; all other stations in the
program then follow in sequence.
 NOTE: The term “start time” refers to the time that a program
starts, not to the time that each individual station begins to run.
Station Run Time
The length of time (in hours and minutes) that each individual station
is programmed to run.
Programming Guide
Before you begin programming, fill out the Programming Guide. See
the Programming Guide instructions for more details.
A
Locate the Programming Guide that came with the ESPLXD-ET
controller.
1
Fill Out Programming Guide
B
Follow the instructions to enter information about your
system hardware and settings in the appropriate fields on the
Programming Guide.
2
Continued on next page...
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11
ESPLXD-ET Controller
Apply Decoder Address Labels
C
Follow the instructions to apply station, master valve, flow and
weather sensor decoder address labels in the appropriate fields
on the Programming Guide.
3
Storing the Programming Guide
Return the Programming Guide to a permanent, safe location when
you’re finished working with it. We recommend hanging it on the hook
inside the controller cabinet door as shown below.
Remote Programming
The ESPLXD-ET controller can be programmed while operating under
battery power.
This feature is useful if the controller is installed in an area that is not
easily accessible. It also lets you enter program information before
installing the controller at the job site. See Section H, Programming
Under Battery Power for more details.
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12 ESPLXD-ET Controller
Programming Checklist
When programming the ESPLXD-ET controller for the first time, it is
recommended that you complete the following steps in order.
For your convenience a check-off box is provided for each step.
Set Up Hardware
 Install LXD decoder module..................................................... Page 187
 Install SM Station Modules ....................................................... Page 188
 Install ET Manager Antenna..................................................... Page 185
 Install ET Manager Cartridge ................................................... Page 193
 Fill out Programming Guide (see Programming Guide instructions)
 Apply decoder address labels (see Programming Guide instructions)
 Clear program information....................................................... Page 168
 Set language.................................................................................. Page 142
 Set time............................................................................................ Page 19
 Set date............................................................................................ Page 19
 Set up valve types........................................................................ Page 20
 Set up master valves................................................................... Page 22
 Set up weather sensors (optional)......................................... Page 24
 Set up stations and decoders .................................................. Page 26
 Set up flow sensors (optional)................................................. Page 28
Set Up Programs
A B C D Select program (A, B, C or D)............................. Page 20
Set watering start times ..................................... Page 31
Select watering days *......................................... Page 32
Set station run time(s)......................................... Page 33
* See Watering Cycles dial position for Odd, Odd31, Even and
Cyclical watering cycles.
Set Up Programs (Optional)
 Set seasonal adjust ............................................................. Page 67
 Create a water window ..................................................... Page 72
 Set up a station delay ........................................................ Page 77
 Set up SimulStations.......................................................... Page 78
Set Up ET Manager Cartridge
 Create Schedule Report............................................................. Page 36
 Run EZ Setup Wizard................................................................... Page 40
 Test Weather Signal..................................................................... Page 41
Review Setup
 Confirm program ......................................................................... Page 43
 Test stations ................................................................................... Page 49
 Check 2-Wire setup ..................................................................... Page 50
 Check installed modules ........................................................... Page 167
Optional Setup
 Check weather sensor status .......................................... Page 58
 Schedule calendar days off.............................................. Page 71
 Create a MV manual water window.............................. Page 174
 Set Cycle+Soak..................................................................... Page 76
 Set flow units ........................................................................ Page 146
 Activate FloManager.......................................................... Page 147
 Activate FloWatch ............................................................... Page 151
 Set up SEEF and SELF actions ......................................... Page 152
 Set controller to AUTO ............................................................... Page 13
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