Rain Bird ESP-Me User manual


1020
MMHH
Rain+Birdt
ESP-Me Controller User Manual
Manual del usuario del Controlador ESP-Me
Manuel d’utilisation du programmateur ESP-Me
Manual do utilizador do programador ESP-Me
ENG
ESP
FRA
English ...............................2
Español ............................36
Français............................70
Português..................... 104
POR
LNKTM Ready
* sold separately
Compatible con LNKTM
Compatible LNKTM
LNKTM Pronto

ESP-Me Controller
2
ENG Disposal of Electronic Waste
In compliance with European Directive 2002/96/
CE and EURONORM EN50419:2005, this device
must not be thrown away with household gar-
bage. This device must be the object of an
appropriate, selective removal procedure in
order to recuperate it.
Technical Support
Questions?
For help setting up and operating
the Rain Bird ESP-Me Controller,
scan the QR code to visit
www.rainbird.com/espme
Additional user documentation is available under the
Manuals & Literature tab, including:
• User Manual (this document)
• Quick Reference Guide
• Programming Guide
• Foreign Language Support
To learn more about Rain Bird irrigation systems and
our Rain Bird Academy training programs, visit:
www.rainbirdservices.com/training
To see instructional videos for the ESP-Me, visit
www.youtube.com/
English

Contents
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 3
Technical Support......................................................... 2
Disposal of Electronic Waste...........................................2
Introduction..................................................5
Welcome to Rain Bird................................................... 5
The Intelligent Use of Water® .........................................5
ESP-Me Controller Features ........................................ 5
WiFi Enabled.........................................................................6
Installation ...................................................7
Mount Controller .......................................................... 7
Wiring Connections...................................................... 8
Connect Valves ....................................................................8
Connect Master Valve (optional)...................................8
Connect Pump Start Relay (optional)..........................9
Connect Rain/Freeze Sensor (optional)................... 10
Connect Power ................................................................. 11
Station Expansion Modules...................................... 13
Install Modules ................................................................. 13
Station Numbering ......................................................... 14
Module Conguration ................................................... 14
Complete Controller Installation.............................15
Normal Operation ......................................16
Controls and Indicators .............................................16
AUTO RUN .......................................................................... 17
OFF........................................................................................ 17
Program-Based Scheduling ...................................... 18
Program Stacking ............................................................ 18
Common Programming Error ..................................... 19
Basic Programming ....................................20
1. Set Date and Time.................................................. 20
2. Set Watering Start Times ...................................... 20
3. Set Station Run Times ........................................... 21
4. Set Watering Days..................................................21
Custom Days of the Week............................................. 21
Manual Watering Options..........................22
Test All Stations........................................................... 22
Run a Single Station ................................................... 22
Run a Single Program ................................................ 23
ESP-Me Controller User Manual English

Contents
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
4
Advanced Programming ............................24
Odd or Even Calendar Days ......................................24
Cyclic Days.................................................................... 24
Rain Sensor .................................................................. 25
Seasonal Adjust...........................................................26
Delay Watering............................................................ 26
Permanent Days O ...................................................27
Total Run Time Calculator
By Program .................................................................. 27
Special Features .........................................28
Options .......................................................29
Reset Button ................................................................29
Remote Accessories.................................................... 29
Remote Programming ...............................................30
Battery Life................................................................... 30
Troubleshooting .........................................31
Error Detection............................................................31
Programming Errors (blinking LED).......................... 31
Electrical Errors (non-blinking LED) .......................... 31
Clearing Electrical Error Alarms .................................. 31
Watering Issues ........................................................... 32
Electrical Issues (solid LED illuminated) ................. 34
Safety Information........................................................... 35

Introduction
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 5
Introduction
Welcome to Rain Bird
Thank you for choosing Rain Bird’s ESP-Me controller.
In this manual are step by step instructions for how to
install and operate the ESP-Me.

830
PGM
A
The Intelligent Use of Water®
We believe it is our responsibility at Rain Bird to
develop products that use water eciently.
ESP-Me Controller Features
Feature Description
Maximum Stations 22 (with optional Station Modules)
Master Valve or Pump Start
Relay
Supported
Start Times 6
Programs 4
Program Cycles Custom Days, Odd, Even and Cyclic
Permanent Days Off Supported
Master Valve Control On/Off per station
Rain Delay Supported
Rain/Freeze Sensor Supported
Sensor Bypass By station
Seasonal Adjust Global or by program
Manual Station Run Yes
Manual Program Run Yes
Manual Test All Stations Yes
Short Detect Yes
Delay Between Stations Yes
Accessory Port Yes (5 pin)
Save & Restore Programming Yes
WiFi Enabled Yes

Introduction
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
6
WiFi Enabled
The LNK WiFi Module allows remote connection to a Rain Bird
ESP-Me Controller using an Apple iOS or Android compatible
smart device. The mobile application allows remote access
and conguration of one or more irrigation controllers.
For more information on the LNK WiFi Module and the value
this product can provide for your ESP-Me controller, please
visit: http://wi-pro.rainbird.com
LNK WiFi Module
(sold separately)
Manage Sites
Remotely

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 7
Installation
Mount Controller
A
Drive a mounting screw into the wall, leaving an
1/8 inch gap between the screw head and the
wall surface (use the supplied wall anchors if
necessary), as shown.
B
Locate the keyhole slot on back of the controller
unit and hang it securely on the mounting screw.
1/8 IN.
AB
C
Open the front panel, and drive three additional
screws through the open holes inside the
controller and into the wall, as shown.
1234
VT =VALVE TEST
VT MV COM
24 VAC
GND
SENS
VT MV COM567 11 12 13 17 18 19
1234 8910141516202122
CONNECT
120 VAC
C

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
8
Wiring Connections
Connect Valves
A
Route all eld wires through the opening at the
bottom or back of the unit. Attach conduit if
desired, as shown.
WARNING: Do not route the valve wires through
the same opening as the power wiring.
B
Connect one wire from each valve to the terminal
on the base module or Station Module that
corresponds to the desired station number (1-22).
C
Connect a eld common wire (C) to the common
terminal (C) on the base module. Then connect
the remaining wire from each valve to the eld
common wire, as shown.
D
To perform a Valve Test, connect the common wire
to the“COM”terminal and the power wire to the“VT”
terminal. This will immediately turn the valve“ON”.
Connect Master Valve (optional)
E
Connect a wire from the master valve to the master
valve terminal (MV) on the base module. Then
connect the remaining wire from the master valve
to the eld common wire, as shown.
A
B
MASTER
VALVE
C
MV
1
2
SENS
E C

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 9
Connect Pump Start Relay (optional)
The ESP-Me can control a pump start relay, to turn the
pump on and o as needed.
A
Connect a wire from the pump start relay (PSR)
to the master valve terminal (MV) on the base
module. Then connect another wire from the
pump start relay to the eld common wire, as
shown.
B
To avoid the possibility of damage to the pump,
connect a short jumper wire from any unused
terminal(s) to the nearest terminal in use, as
shown.
NOTE: The ESP-Me controller DOES NOT pro-
vide power for a pump. The relay must be wired
according to manufacturer instructions.
For the most up to date compatibility list of pump
start relays, visit our website at:
www.rainbird.com/controllersupport:
A
NOTE: Connec-
tion to pump
and external
power not
shown. Refer to
pump instal-
lation instruc-
tions.
PUMP START
RELAY
B
C
PSR 1
2

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
10
Connect Rain/Freeze Sensor (optional)
The ESP-Me controller can be set to obey or ignore a
rain sensor. Refer to the Rain Sensor section under
Advanced Programming.
A
Remove the yellow jumper wire from the SENS
terminals on the controller.
NOTE: Do not remove the yellow jumper wire
unless connecting a rain sensor.
B
Connect both rain sensor wires to the SENS
terminals, as shown.
WARNING: Do not route the rain sensor wires
through the same opening as the power wiring.
NOTE: Rain Bird controllers are only compatible
with normally closed rain sensors.
NOTE: For wireless rain/freeze sensors, refer to
installation instructions for sensor.
B

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 11
Connect Power
WARNING: DO NOT plug in the transformer or
connect external power until you have com-
pleted and checked all wiring connections.
WARNING: Electric shock can cause severe injury
or death. Make sure power supply is turned OFF
before connecting power wires.
Electrical Specications
Input 230VAC, 0.2AMP, 50/60Hz
Output 25.5VAC, 1.0AMP, 50/60Hz
Power Wiring Connections
230 VAC (International)
Brown supply wire (hot) to the brown transformer wire
labeled with“L”
Blue supply wire (neutral) to the blue transformer wire
labeled with“N”
Green-with-yellow-stripe supply wire (ground) to the
green-with-yellow-stripe transformer wire

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
12
A
Locate the transformer wiring compartment in
the lower left corner of the controller unit. Use a
screwdriver to remove the cover and expose the
transformer connection wires.
B
Route the three external power source wires
through the conduit opening at the bottom of
the unit and into the wiring compartment.
C
Connect the external power source wires (two
power and one ground) to the transformer
connection wires inside the wiring compartment.
WARNING: Ground wire must be connected to
provide electrical surge protection. Permanently
mounted conduit shall be used for connecting
main voltage to the controller.
NOTE: Use either the provided wire nuts or the
installed connector for this step.
D
Verify that all wiring connections are secure,
then replace the wiring compartment cover and
secure it with the screw.
L
N
A
C
B

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 13
Station Expansion Modules
Optional Station Modules are installed in the empty
slots to the right of the base module to increase the
station capacity up to 22 stations.
NOTE: 6-Station module is compatible only with
the ESP-Me. They are not backwards compatible
with the previous ESP-M vintage controller.
NOTE: For ideal station sequencing, it is rec-
ommended that a 6-Station module always be
installed in Bay 2. For more details see the Station
Numbering section.
VT MV COM
 
3-STATION
(ESPSM3) 6-STATION
(ESPSM6)
Expansion Modules
(sold separately)
Base Module
(included)
Install Modules
A
Verify the securing lever on the module is in the
unlocked position (slide to the left).
B
Place the module under the desired slot between
the plastic rails.
C
Push the module up into the slot until secure.
D
Slide the securing lever to the locked position
(slide to the right).
 REPEAT for additional modules.
NOTE: Modules can be installed or removed with
OR without AC power connected. They are con-
sidered“hot-swappable”.
BC
D

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
14
Station Numbering
Fixed Station Numbering Description
The controller is congured with Fixed Station Num-
bering. Each bay is set up to accept a 6 station module
and reserve the station number for future use if a 6 sta-
tion module is NOT installed in Bays 2, 3 or 4.
Station numbers are pre-assigned as follows:
Bay 1 Bay 2 Bay 3 Bay 4
VT MV COM 

VT MV COM567 11 12 13 17 18 19
1234 8910141516202122
Example Of Recommended Installation For 19 Stations
Module Conguration
Example of installation with station numbering gaps:
• A total of 19 stations are installed.
• The Base Module is installed in Bay 1 and uses Sta-
tions 1 through 4.
• A 6-Station Expansion Module is installed in Bays 2
and 3 using Stations 5 through 16.
• A 3-Station module is installed in Bay 4 and uses
stations numbered 17 through 19.
Because a 3-Station module is installed in Bay 4, only
the rst three station numbers assigned to that bay will
be used and the unused numbers will be“reserved”for
future use.
NOTE: During programming, the controller will
skip any unused station numbers, creating a gap
in station numbering.

Installation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 15
As an example: a 3-Station module was installed in
Bay 4, so stations 20-22 will be unavailable for pro-
gramming. During programming the missing stations
will show on the display as 20SKIP, 21SKIP, etc.
The screen displays “20SKIP” with the “20” ashing to
indicate that Station 20 (and also 21-22) are unused
and unavailable for programming.
Complete Controller Installation
A
Reinstall and reconnect the front panel.
B
Apply power to the controller and test the system.
NOTE: The electrical connections can be checked
even if water is not available. If water is available
and you would like to test some or all of your sta-
tions, use the Test All Stations feature of the con-
troller.

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830
PGM
A
Normal Operation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
16
PROGRAM
SELECT
BUTTON
Select Program
A, B, C or D
START TIMES
Set up to 6 Start
Times per program
RUN TIMES
Set Run Times for
each program
MANUAL WATERING
Start watering any or all
stations immediately
WATER DAY(S) OPTIONS
By Day, Odd, Even or Cyclic
RAIN SENSOR
Set controller to obey
or ignore a rain sensor
SEASONAL ADJUST
Adjust Run Times
from 5% up to 200%
BACK/NEXT BUTTONS
Select programming
options
– / + BUTTONS
Adjust program
settings
OFF
Disables automatic
irrigation
AUTO RUN
Watering occurs
automatically
DATE/TIME
Set the current
Date and Time
TEST ALL STATIONS
DELAY WATERING
Up to 14 days
ALARM
INDICATOR
HOLD TO START
Manual irrigation
Normal Operation
Controls and Indicators Key operational features of the ESP-Me Controller:
WATERING DAYS
Select days to
allow watering

Normal Operation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 17
AUTO RUN
AUTO RUN is the normal operating mode. Return the
dial to AUTO RUN when programming is complete..
During Watering:
The display shows a blinking sprinkler symbol, the
active Station Number or Program, and the Remaining
Run Time.
• To cancel watering, turn the dial to OFF for three
seconds until the screen shows OFF.
To Manually Start a Program:
A
Press the PROGRAM SELECT button to select a
program.
B
Press the HOLD TO START button to immediately
run the displayed program.
OFF
Turn the dial to OFF to stop automatic irrigation or to
cancel all active watering immediately.
CAUTION: Watering will NOT occur if the controller
remains in OFF.

Program START Station Scheduled Start Actual Start Run Times
A 1st
1
8:00 AM
8:00 AM 30 MIN
2 8:30 AM 30 MIN
3 9:00 AM 30 MIN
4 9:30 AM 30 MIN
B 1st
5
8:00 AM
10:00 AM 30 MIN
6 10:30 AM 30 MIN
7 11:00 AM 30 MIN
8 11:30 AM 30 MIN
Normal Operation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
18
Program-Based Scheduling
The ESP-Me uses a programmed-based scheduling
method to create irrigation schedules.
For each Program (A, B, C and D):
A
Select Watering Days (Custom, Odd/Even, Cyclic)
and Start Times that apply globally to the entire
program.
B
Assign a Run Time to each available station
number to run during the selected program.
Program Stacking
If any programs have Start Times that overlap, the ESP-
Me will “stack” the Start Times. When all Stations have
run in Program A, then Program B will start watering.
Individual stations will water in sequential order.
As an example: Program A and B are both set to start
at 8:00 AM. But Program B will not run until Program A
is nished.
With Program Stacking,
Program B only starts
when Program A is
nished

Program START Station Scheduled Start Actual Start Run Times
A 1st
1
8:00 AM
8:00 AM 30 MIN
2 8:30 AM 30 MIN
3 9:00 AM 30 MIN
4 9:30 AM 30 MIN
A 2nd
1
8:30 AM
10:00 AM 30 MIN
2 10:30 AM 30 MIN
3 11:00 AM 30 MIN
4 11:30 AM 30 MIN
Normal Operation
ENG
ESP-Me Controller 19
Common Programming Error
The most common programming error for any pro-
gram-based controller is multiple Program Start Times
that cause watering cycles to repeat.
As an example: Program A has a 1st Start Time set to
run at 8:00 AM. With program stacking, each Station
will run in order, until all zones are watered. There’s no
need to set each Station to run separately.
In this example, a 2nd Start Time has mistakenly been
set for 8:30 AM, which means that some zones would
be watered twice that morning.
NOTE: Only assign Run Times in a Program for sta-
tions you want to water. If you do not want a spe-
cic station to run in a selected program then set
the Run Time to zero.
Multiple Start Times
cause Stations to
water repeatedly.
To x, remove the
additional 2nd Start
Time

Basic Programming
ENG
ESP-Me Controller
20
Basic Programming
1. Set Date and Time
Turn the dial to SET DATE
A
Press or to select the setting to change.
B
Press or to change the setting value.
C
Press and hold or to accelerate adjustments.
Turn the dial to SET TIME.
A
Press or to select the setting to change.
B
Press or to change the setting value.
C
Press and hold or to accelerate adjustments.
To change the time format (12 hour or 24 hour):
A
With MINUTES blinking, press .
B
Press or to select the desired time format,
then press to return to the time setting.
2. Set Watering Start Times
Up to six Start Times are available for each program.
Turn the dial to SET WATERING START TIMES
A
Press PROGRAM SELECT to choose the desired
Program (if necessary).
B
Press or to select an available Start Time.
C
Press or to set the selected Start Time
(ensure the AM/PM setting is correct).
D
Press to set additional Start Times.
NOTE: The OFF Position for any start time is
between 11:45 PM and 12:00 AM.