Rain Bird ESP-LXME Installation guide

ESP-LXME Controller
Installation, Programming & Operation Guide

Symbols
 NOTE: Symbol is intended to alert the user to important
operating functionality, installation or maintenance instructions.
 WARNING: Symbol alerts the user to the presence of electricity
or electromagnetic energy which may constitute a risk of electric
shock, radiation exposure or other hazard.
 CAUTION: Symbol is intended to alert the user to important
instructions or conditions that could seriously aect irrigation
eectivity 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 cuto switch must be provided
in the xed 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.
Regulatory Information
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 the equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by the
following measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from
that to which the receiver is connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modications not expressly approved by Rain Bird
Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This product was FCC certied under test conditions that included the
use of shielded I/O cables and connectors between system components.
To be in compliance with FCC regulations, the user must use shielded
cables and connectors and install them per instructions.
For technical assistance contact Rain Bird at 800 RAINBIRD (1-800-724-6247) U.S. and Canada
Visit us on the web at www.rainbird.com

I
ESP-LXME Controller
Contents
Section A - Introduction & Overview ................... 1
Welcome to Rain Bird ....................................................... 1
ESP-LXME Controller........................................................ 1
Controller Features..................................................................................1
Controls, Switches and Indicators....................................................2
Basic Operation.........................................................................................3
ESP-LXME Model Variants................................................4
Base Modules .............................................................................................4
BM-LXME Base Module .....................................................................4
FSM-LXME Flow Smart Module.....................................................4
ESPLXM-SM Station Modules.............................................................5
Programming Overview................................................... 6
Irrigation Controller Definitions........................................................6
Programs..................................................................................................6
Watering Days .......................................................................................6
Watering Start Time ............................................................................6
Station Run Time ..................................................................................6
Programming Chart ................................................................................6
Fill Out Programming Chart ...........................................................6
Storing the Programming Chart...................................................7
Remote Programming ...........................................................................7
Programming Checklist ........................................................................8
Set Up Hardware ..................................................................................8
Set Up Programs...................................................................................8
Set Up Programs (Optional)............................................................8
Review Setup .........................................................................................8
Optional Setup......................................................................................8
AUTO................................................................................. 9
Automatic Operation .............................................................................9
Alarm Conditions ..................................................................................10
FloWatchTM Alarms............................................................................10
Review Alarm Messages ................................................................10
Resetting the Controller ....................................................................11
Section B - Basic Programming.......................... 13
Program Select Switch ...................................................13
Select Program .......................................................................................13
Weather Sensor Bypassed/Active Switch ......................13
Bypass or Activate Weather Sensor..............................................13
Set Current Date .............................................................14
Set Current Time .............................................................15
Set Watering Start Times................................................16
Select Days to Water.......................................................17
Station Run Times...........................................................18
Section C - System Diagnostics .......................... 19
Test All Stations/Check System......................................19
Confirm Programs.................................................................................19
Program Summary ...........................................................................19
Review Program.................................................................................20
Program Run Time............................................................................23
Station Run Time ...............................................................................24
Test All Stations......................................................................................25
Wiring Diagnostics .........................................................26
Raster Wiring Test..................................................................................26
Weather Sensor Status........................................................................28
Master Valve Status ..............................................................................29

II ESP-LXME Controller
Section D - Advanced Programming.................. 31
Seasonal Adjust %..........................................................31
Adjust Individual Program................................................................31
Adjust By Month....................................................................................32
Select Months to Adjust ................................................................32
Select Programs To Adjust............................................................33
Delay Watering ...............................................................34
Rain Delay .................................................................................................34
Calendar Day Off ...................................................................................35
Water Windows ......................................................................................36
Station Delay ...........................................................................................37
Weather Sensor......................................................................................38
Local Weather Sensor Types ........................................................38
Custom Pause Sensors ...................................................................38
Custom Prevent Sensors ...............................................................38
Weather Sensor Setup....................................................................39
Advanced Settings .........................................................40
Watering Day Cycles............................................................................40
Watering Cycle Definitions...........................................................40
Custom, Odd, Odd no 31st, Even..............................................40
Cyclical Days........................................................................................41
Set Up SimulStationsTM ......................................................................43
Set SimulStationsTM for Program................................................43
Set SimulStationsTM for Controller.............................................44
Station Sequencing..............................................................................45
Station/MV Settings .......................................................46
Station Settings......................................................................................46
Set Up Cycle+SoakTM ...........................................................................48
Module Status.........................................................................................49
MV Settings ..............................................................................................50
Section E - Flow Management ........................... 51
Set Flow Units.................................................................51
FloManagerTM Overview.................................................52
FloManagerTM Requirements...........................................................52
Set Up and Use FloManagerTM .......................................52
Enable (Or Disable) FloManagerTM ...............................................52
Set FloManagerTM Flow Rate ............................................................54
Set Station Flow Rates Manually....................................................55
FloWatchTM Overview .....................................................56
FloWatchTM Configuration.................................................................56
Flow Sensor Hardware Installation................................56
Flow Smart Module..............................................................................56
Connect Flow Sensor ..........................................................................58
Module Programming....................................................58
Setup Flow Sensor................................................................................58
SEEF and SELF Settings and Actions............................................60
Station Flow Rates ................................................................................63
Learn Flow Automatically (All Stations) .................................63
Learn Flow Automatically (Custom Stations) ......................65
Set Station Flow Rates Manually ...............................................67
Clear Flow Rates ................................................................................68
Enable (or Disable) FloWatchTM ......................................................69
Module Status ................................................................70
View and Clear Flow Alarms.............................................................70
View Station Flow Alarms .............................................................70
View Mainline Flow Alarms ..........................................................71
Clear Flow Alarms.............................................................................72
View Flow Rates .....................................................................................73
View and Clear Flow Logs .................................................................74
View Current Flow.................................................................................75

III
ESP-LXME Controller
Section F - Options & Special Features .............. 77
Set Language..................................................................77
Set Hours Mode ..............................................................77
Backup and Recall Programs .........................................78
Store Default Programs......................................................................78
Recall Default Programs.....................................................................79
Delayed Recall ........................................................................................80
Section G - Auxiliary Operation......................... 81
Clear Programs...............................................................81
Clear Individual Program...................................................................81
Clear All Programs.................................................................................82
Restore Defaults.....................................................................................83
Manual Watering ............................................................84
Start Station Manually ........................................................................84
Start Program Manually .....................................................................85
MV Water Window.................................................................................86
Set Up MV Water Window.............................................................86
Manually Opening a MV ...............................................................88
Test All Stations......................................................................................89
OFF..................................................................................90
Adjust Display Contrast......................................................................90
Close the Master Valve........................................................................91
Section H - Installation ...................................... 93
Prepare For Installation .................................................93
Installation Checklist ...........................................................................93
Check Box Contents.............................................................................93
Gather Installation Tools....................................................................94
Install the Controller ......................................................95
Select Location for Controller .........................................................95
Access Controller Cabinet.................................................................96
Remove Cabinet Door and Front Panel .................................96
Remove Modules ..............................................................................97
Mount Controller...................................................................................98
Connect Power to the Controller....................................99
Surge Protection and Grounding..................................................99
Connect Power Source.......................................................................99
Re-install Front Panel........................................................................ 101
Install Modules .............................................................102
Install BM-LXME Base Module...................................................... 102
Install Station Module...................................................................... 103
Dynamic Station Numbering ....................................................... 104
Connect Field Wiring ....................................................105
Connect Valve Wires ......................................................................... 105
Connect Local Weather Sensor ................................................... 106
Complete Installation...................................................108
Install Front Door ............................................................................... 108
Verify Field Installation .................................................................... 108

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1
ESP-LXME Controller
Section A - Introduction & Overview
Welcome to Rain Bird
Thank you for purchasing your new state-of-the-art Rain Bird ESP-
LXME 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.
ESP-LXME Controller
Your new Rain Bird controller is designed to provide years of highly
manageable irrigation control.
The ESP-LXME is an irrigation controller designed for commercial use.
It accommodates up to 8 or 12 stations and through the addition of
Station Modules can easily be expanded to address up to 48 total
stations.
Controller Features
The ESP-LXME controller has a variety of advanced features to help
you manage water eciently, including:
 Flow, power, and station priority management
 Large variety of user-congurable irrigation program options to
meet the most demanding irrigation needs while still addressing
municipal mandates and restrictions
 Upgrade features including Station Modules, IQ Central Control
Communication and ET Manager Cartridges.
 Supports one local weather sensor input.
 Outdoor-rated plastic cabinet which can be upgraded to the
optional metal cabinet (LXMM) and pedestal (LXMMPED).
 UL, CUL, CE and C-TICK certied.

2ESP-LXME 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 ESP-LXME Controller front panel:
A
Programming Dial
Used for programming and to turn the controller on and o.
B
Weather Sensor Switch
Set the controller to obey or ignore input from an optional sensor.
See Section B, Weather Sensor Bypassed/Active Switch for more
details.
C
Program Select Switch
Select Watering Program A, B, C, or D. See Section B, Program
Select Switch for more details.
ESP-LXME Controller Front Panel Features
1
2
3
4
5
6

Controller
Power
Wires
Common
Wire
Valves
Sprinklers
1
2
3
3
ESP-LXME Controller
Basic Operation
Valves (or stations) operate at times as specified by irrigation programs.
The controller sends power to the rst valve solenoid to open. When
nished, the controller signals the solenoid to shut o its valve and
then signals the second valve solenoid to open. Then when the second
valve is nished, the third valve will begin watering and so on.
 NOTE: The ESP-LXME’s SimulStations feature allows you to operate
multiple stations at the same time. See section D for more details.
 NOTE: The ESP-LXME’s Cycle+Soak feature may delay valve
operation. See Section D, Set Up Cycle+Soak for more details.
The ESP-LXME lets you set a delay between stations. For example, if
you set a one minute delay, station 1 will run until nished, 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 ow rate (FloManager)
 POC ow 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.
LXME System Wiring Diagram

4ESP-LXME Controller
ESP-LXME Model Variants
Rain Bird oers dierent variants of the ESP-LXME controller,
depending on your irrigation requirements.
Available options include:
Model Modules Included
ESP8LXME BM-LXME Base Module
ESP-LXM-SM8 Station Module
ESP12LXME BM-LXME Base Module
ESP-LXM-SM12 Station Module
ESP8LXMEF FSM-LXME Flow Smart Module
ESP-LXM-SM8 Station Module
ESP12LXMEF FSM-LXME Flow Smart Module
ESP-LXM-SM12 Station Module
Base Modules
Base Modules install in module slot 0 and provide wiring terminals
for multiple controller inputs and outputs including valve common,
master valve, weather sensor, and 24 VAC.
BM-LXME Base Module
The BM-LXME Base Module is the standard base module for ESP-LXME
Controller models.
FSM-LXME Flow Smart Module
The FSM-LXME Flow Smart Module is the standard base module for
ESP-LXMEF Controller models. The FSM-LXME provides the standard
Base Module inputs and outputs and also includes a ow sensor input.
 NOTE: The Base and Flow Smart Module include a jumper wire
connecting the weather sensor (SEN) terminals. Do not remove
the jumper wire unless you install a weather sensor. Do not
remove the jumper wire unless you install a weather sensor. See
Section H, Installation, Connect Local Weather Sensor for more
details.

5
ESP-LXME Controller
ESPLXM-SM Station Modules
ESPLXM-SM Station Modules install in module slots 1 through 4 and
provide wiring terminals for irrigation valves and a valve common.
Each ESP-LXME controller comes standard with either an 8 or 12 station
module. This can easily be expanded by adding one to three additional
Station Expansion Modules. Each station module adds 4, 8, or 12
additional stations to increase capacity to a maximum of 48 stations.
Station Modules can be identied by the blue stripe on the middle of
the module.
ESP-LXM-SM8 Station Module
ESP-LXM-SM12 Station Module

6ESP-LXME 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, specic days such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday
could be designated as your “watering days”. Alternatively, the Cyclical
watering cycle can be used to water at a regular interval, such as every
third day.
Watering Start Time
The time(s) of day that irrigation begins; this is the time that the
rst 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 Chart
Before you begin programming, ll out the Programming Chart. See
the Programming Chart instructions for more details.
A
Locate the Programming Chart that came with the ESP-LXME
controller.
Fill Out Programming Chart
B
Follow the instructions to enter information about your
system hardware and settings in the appropriate elds on the
Programming Chart.
2

7
ESP-LXME Controller
Storing the Programming Chart
Return the Programming Chart to a permanent, safe location when
you’re nished working with it. We recommend hanging it on the hook
inside the controller cabinet door as shown below.
Remote Programming
The ESP-LXME controller front panel 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. All program information is stored
in nonvolatile memory so it will be preserved indenitely in the event
of a power outage or removal of the battery.
 NOTE: Under battery power, all programs in progress will
continue to run in the controller memory, but irrigation will not
occur until power is restored. Without battery power, programs in
progress are cancelled.
A
Install a new 9-volt battery in the battery compartment in the
back of the front panel.
1
 NOTE: To perform remote programming under battery power,
detach the front panel from the cabinet. See Access Controller
Cabinet in Section H for more details.
 CAUTION: The controller can not run irrigation or system
diagnostics with the front panel detached. Re-connect the front
panel to the controller’s AC power source as soon as remote
programming is completed.

8ESP-LXME Controller
Set Up Programs (Optional)
 Set seasonal adjust ............................................................. Page 31
 Create a water window ..................................................... Page 36
 Set up a station delay ........................................................ Page 37
 Set up SimulStations.......................................................... Page 43
Review Setup
 Conrm program ......................................................................... Page 19
 Test stations ................................................................................... Page 25
 Check installed modules ........................................................... Page 49
Optional Setup
 Schedule calendar days o.............................................. Page 35
 Create an MV manual water window........................... Page 86
 Set Cycle+Soak..................................................................... Page 48
 Set ow units ........................................................................ Page 51
 Activate FloManager.......................................................... Page 52
 Activate FloWatch ............................................................... Page 69
 Set up SEEF and SELF actions ......................................... Page 60
 Set controller to AUTO ............................................................... Page 9
Programming Checklist
When programming the ESP-LXME controller for the rst time, it is
recommended that you complete the following steps in order.
For your convenience a check-o box is provided for each step.
Set Up Hardware
 Install SM Station Modules ....................................................... Page 102
 Fill out Programming Chart (see Programming Chart instructions)
 Clear program information....................................................... Page 81
 Set language.................................................................................. Page 77
 Set date............................................................................................ Page 14
 Set time............................................................................................ Page 15
 Set up master valve (optional)..................................................... Page 50
 Set up weather sensor (optional) ............................................... Page 39
 Set up stations ............................................................................. Page 46
 Set up ow sensor with Flow Smart Module (optional)..... Page 56
Set Up Programs
A B C D Select program (A, B, C or D)............................. Page 13
Set watering start times ..................................... Page 16
Select watering days *......................................... Page 17
Set station run time(s)......................................... Page 18
* See Advanced Settings dial position for Odd, Odd31, Even and
Cyclical watering cycles.

9
ESP-LXME Controller
AUTO
Automatic Operation
The controller will operate automatically with the controller dial set
to AUTO.
If you forget to return the dial to AUTO, the controller will automatically
continue to run programs, unless the dial is set to the OFF position
when all irrigation is canceled.
 Turn the controller dial to AUTO.
A
The Auto screen is displayed with the current day and time shown.
B
When a program is running in AUTO mode, the station number will
display on the screen. Press the + or – buttons to add or subtract
minutes from the run time for the currently running station. To
advance to the next station in a program, press the Adv button.
1 2
 To cancel a currently running program, turn the controller dial to
OFF for three seconds and then return the dial to AUTO.

10 ESP-LXME Controller
Alarm Conditions
An alarm condition can occur when programming omissions or other
issues prevent normal irrigation.
FloWatchTM Alarms
The controller will alarm for certain ow conditions if you have the
optional Flow Smart Module installed. See Section E, FloWatch for
more details.
Review Alarm Messages
A
When an alarm condition is detected, the alarm light on the
controller front panel will illuminate.
1
 Turn the controller dial to AUTO.
B
When an alarm condition is present, the Alarm button label will be
present on screen. Press the Alarm button to view alarm details.
C
Any current alarm conditions will then be displayed. Press the
Next button if necessary, to advance to the next page.
23
 NOTE: Take the appropriate action to address each alarm
condition. When all alarms have been addressed, the alarm light
on the front panel will no longer be illuminated.

11
ESP-LXME Controller
Resetting the Controller
Sometimes you may want to reset (or reboot) the ESP-LXME controller.
Using the controller’s reset feature does not change or delete the
programs you have programmed into the controller.
 Turn the controller dial to AUTO.
A
Open the controller outer cabinet door and inner front panel.
B
Locate the RESET button on the back of the front panel.
1
2
C
Use a pen or pencil to depress the RESET button.
D
The “Rain Bird” screen appears, conrming reset.
3 4

12 ESP-LXME Controller
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13
ESP-LXME Controller
Section B - Basic Programming
Program Select Switch
Always begin programming by setting the Program Select switch to
the desired program.
Four independent Programs, A, B, C and D are available in the ESP-
LXME controller. Multiple programs allow you to set watering schedules
to meet dierent requirements for plant materials, soils, slopes, and
shady or sunny areas. Programs can operate simultaneously with
the only limitation being the number of stations you program to run
simultaneously.
Select Program
On the controller front panel, slide the Program Select switch under
the A, B, C, or D, then begin programming.
Program
Select
Switch
 NOTE: When programming the controller, any program-specic
information you enter, such as start times or watering days, will
aect only the selected program.
Weather Sensor Bypassed/Active Switch
A weather sensor is not required for the ESP-LXME controller, but can
increase functionality by allowing you to prevent or pause irrigation
based on changing weather conditions.
You can set the controller to ignore or obey input from one supported
weather sensor, which connects to the LXME base module via a separate
wired or wireless connection. See Section H, Local Weather Sensor for
more details.
Bypass or Activate Weather Sensor
On the controller front panel, slide the Weather Sensor switch to
Bypassed (to ignore) or Active (to obey).
Weather
Sensor
Switch

14 ESP-LXME Controller
Set Current Date
 Turn the controller dial to Set Current Date.
A
The Set Current Date screen appears. Press the + and – buttons to
set the current day; then press Next.
B
Press the + and – buttons to set the current month; then press
Next.
1 2
C
Press + and – to set the current year.
3