Rain Bird ESP-ME3 User manual

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ESP-ME3 Controller User Manual
LNKTM Ready

ESP-ME3 Controller
2
EN ESP-ME3 Controller User Manual
Technical Support
Questions?
Call Rain Bird toll free Technical Support at
1-800-724-6247 (USA and Canada only)
Hazardous Warnings
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates information considered important, but not hazard-re-
lated (e.g., messages relating to property damage).
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Specific safety-related instructions or procedures are described.
Symbols & User Operation
A
NUMBERS define a series of steps for the user to follow in
order to operate the controller.
NOTE: Notifies the user of important operating instructions
related to controller functionality, installation or mainte-
nance.
REPEAT: Indicates that a repetition of previous steps or
actions may be required for further operation, or to complete
a process.
Introduction..................................................3
Welcome to Rain Bird................................................... 3
The Intelligent Use of Water® .........................................3
ESP-ME3 Controller Features...................................... 3
WiFi Enabled.........................................................................3
Installation ...................................................4
Mount Controller .......................................................... 4
Connect Valves ....................................................................4
Connect Master Valve (optional)...................................4
Connect Pump Start Relay (optional)..........................5
Connect Flow Sensor (optional)....................................5
Connect Weather Sensor (optional).............................6
Connect Power ....................................................................6
Station Expansion Modules........................................ 7
Install Modules ....................................................................7
Station Numbering ............................................................8
Complete Controller Installation ............................... 8
Normal Operation ........................................8
Controls and Features.................................................. 8
AUTO .......................................................................................9
OFF...........................................................................................9
Display Indicators......................................................... 9
Basic Programming ....................................10
1. Set Date and Time..................................................10
2. Set Watering Start Times ...................................... 10
3. Set Station Run Times ........................................... 10
4. Set Water Days........................................................ 10
Custom Days of the Week............................................. 10
Program-Based Scheduling ...................................... 11
Common Programming Error ..................................... 11
Manual Watering Options ..........................11
Test All Stations...........................................................11
Run a Single Station ...................................................11
Run a Single Program ................................................12
Advanced Programming ............................12
Odd or Even Calendar Days ...................................... 12
Cyclic Days....................................................................12
Seasonal Adjust...........................................................13
Delay Watering............................................................13
Permanent Days Off ...................................................13
Special Features..........................................14
Options .......................................................14
Reset Button ................................................................14
Remote Accessories....................................................14
Detached Programming............................................ 15
Battery Life................................................................... 15
Appendix.....................................................15
Troubleshooting .........................................................15
Error Detection ................................................................. 15
Programming Errors (blinking LED) .......................... 15
Electrical Errors (non-blinking LED) .......................... 15
Flow Alarms ....................................................................... 16
Watering Issues................................................................. 16
Electrical Issues (solid LED illuminated)................... 17

ESP-ME3 Controller
3
EN Introduction
Welcome to Rain Bird
Thank you for choosing Rain Bird’s ESP-ME3 controller.
In this manual are step by step instructions for how to
install and operate the ESP-ME3.
The Intelligent Use of Water®
We believe it is our responsibility at Rain Bird to
develop products that use water efficiently.
ESP-ME3 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 By program
Master Valve Control On/Off per station
Rain Delay Supported
Rain/Freeze Sensor Supported
Rain Sensor Control Global or by station
Seasonal Adjust Global or by program
Manual Watering Run Yes
Manual Program Run Yes
Manual Test All Stations Yes
Short Detect Yes
Delay Between Stations Set by program
Accessory Port Yes (5 pin)
Save & Restore Programming Yes
Station Advance Yes
LNKTM WiFi Module Supported
Flow Sensor Supported
Cycle+SoakTM Supported in Rain Bird App via
LNKTM WiFi Module
WiFi Enabled
The LNKTM WiFi Module allows remote connection to
a Rain Bird ESP-ME3 Controller using an Apple iOS or
Android compatible smart device. The mobile applica-
tion allows remote access and configuration of one or
more irrigation controllers.
For more information on the LNKTM WiFi Module and
the value this product can provide for your ESP-ME3
controller, please visit: http://wifi-pro.rainbird.com
LNKTM WiFi Module
(sold separately)
Manage Sites Remotely

ESP-ME3 Controller
4
EN Installation
Mount Controller
NOTE: Choose a suitable mounting location close
to a 120VAC wall outlet.
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
VT MV COM567 11 12 13 17 18 19
1234 8910 14 15 16 20 21 22
CONNECT
120 VAC
C
A
B
MASTER
VALVE
COM
MV
1
2
SENS
E C
Connect Valves
A
Route all field wires through the opening at the
bottom or back of the unit. Attach conduit if
desired, as shown.
WARNING
Do not route valve wires through the same opening as power wires.
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 field common wire to the COM
(common)terminal on the Base Module. Then
connect the remaining wire from each valve to
the field 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 MV
(master valve) terminal on the Base Module.
Then connect the remaining wire from the master
valve to the field common wire, as shown.

ESP-ME3 Controller
5
EN Connect Pump Start Relay (optional)
A
Connect a wire from the PSR (pump start relay)
to the MV (master valve) terminal on the Base
Module. Then connect another wire from the
pump start relay to the field 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.
NOTICE
The ESP-ME3 controller DOES NOT provide power for a pump. The relay
must be wired according to manufacturer instructions.
Only the following Rain Bird pump start relay models
are compatible with the ESP-ME3:
Description Note Model No.
Universal Pump Relay 110 volt only PSR110IC
Universal Pump Relay 220 volt only PSR220IC
Connect Flow Sensor (optional)
NOTE: Install the flow sensor in the field accord-
ing to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A
Run the flow sensor wires to the controller.
WARNING
Do not route valve wires through the same opening as power wires.
B
Connect both flow sensor wires to the Flow
terminals, as shown. Be sure to connect the
positive (sometimes red) sensor wire to the red
(+) terminal and the negative (sometimes black)
sensor wire to the grey (-) terminal.
B
Flow Sensor Settings
Set the controller to obey or ignore a flow sensor.
When set to Sensor ON, automatic irrigation will
be suspended per station if detected flow exceeds
learned flow by more than 30%. When set to Sensor
OFF, all stations will ignore the flow sensor.
Turn the dial to Flow Sensor.
• Press or to select SENS ON (sensor on) or SENS
OFF (sensor off).
Sensor ON Sensor OFF Flow detected
(flashing)
NOTE: When switching from Sensor OFF to Sen-
sor ON, the controller will begin to LEARN FLOW.
It will run each station for short period to set the
expected station flow.
NOTE: SeeTroubleshooting section of the Appen-
dix for Flow Alarms information.
A
NOTE: Connection to
pump and external
power not shown.
Refer to pump instal-
lation instructions.
PUMP START
RELAY
B
COM
PSR
1
2

ESP-ME3 Controller
6
EN Connect Weather Sensor (optional)
A
Remove the yellow jumper wire from the SENSOR
terminals on the controller.
NOTICE
Do not remove the yellow jumper wire unless connecting a rain sensor.
B
Connect both rain sensor wires to the SENSOR
terminals as shown.
WARNING
Do not route the rain sensor wires through the same opening as the
power wiring
NOTE: Rain Bird ESP-ME3 controllers are only
compatible with normally closed rain sensors.
NOTE: For wireless rain/freeze sensors, refer to
the sensor installation instructions.
B
Connect Power
WARNING
DO NOT plug in the transformer or connect external power until you
have completed and checked all wiring connections.
Installation with Pre-attached Cord
• Plug the attached power cord into a nearby 120VAC
electrical outlet.
1234
VT VALVETEST=
VT MV COM
VT MV COM567 11 12 13 17 18 19
1234 8910 14 15 16 20 21 22
CONNECT
120 VAC
Weather Sensor Settings
Set the controller to obey or ignore a weather sensor.
When set to Sensor ON, automatic irrigation will be
suspended if rainfall is detected. When set to Sensor
OFF all stations will ignore the rain sensor.
Turn the dial to Weather Sensors.
• Press or to select SENS ON (sensor on) or SENS
OFF (sensor off).
Sensor ON Sensor OFF Rain detected
(flashing)

ESP-ME3 Controller
7
EN Outdoor Installation with Direct Wiring
WARNING
Electric shock can cause severe injury or death. Make sure power supply
is turned OFF before connecting power wires.
POWER WIRING CONNECTIONS
Black supply wire (hot) to the black transformer wire
White supply wire (neutral) to the white transformer wire
Green supply wire (ground) to the green transformer wire
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
Using the provided wire nuts, 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
D
Verify that all wiring connections are secure,
then replace the wiring compartment cover and
secure it with the screw.
1234
VT VALVE TEST=
VT MV COM
VT MV COM567 11 12 13 17 18 19
1234 8910 14 15 16 20 21 22
A
C
B
Station Expansion Modules
Optional Station Modules can be installed in the empty
slots to the right of the Base Module to increase the
station capacity up to 22 stations.
NOTE: 6-Station Modules are compatible with
ESP-ME3 and ESP-Me. They are not backwards
compatible with the ESP-M vintage controller.
NOTE: For ideal station sequencing, insert 3-Sta-
tion module after inserting all 6-station modules.
For more details see the Station Numbering sec-
tion.
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).
B C D
A
REPEAT for additional modules.
NOTE: Modules can be installed or removed with
OR without AC power connected. They are con-
sidered “hot-swappable”.
NOTE: It take about 30 seconds for stations to
become available for configuration after install-
ing a new module.

ESP-ME3 Controller
8
EN Station Numbering
The controller is configured with “fixed station num-
bering”, meaning that Bays Two, Three and Four can
accept either a 3 or a 6-Station Module. If a 6-Station
Module is NOT installed then the unused stations are
reserved for future use.
Example of Station Numbering when using two
3-Station Modules. A total of 10 stations are installed.
Bay One Bay Two Bay Three Bay Four
VT MV COM 
VT MV COM567 11 12 13 17 18 19
1234 8910141516202122
• The Base Module is installed in Bay One and uses
Stations 1 through 4.
• A 3-Station Module is installed in Bay Two and
uses stations 5 through 7. Stations 8 through 10 are
skipped and will be unavailable.
• A 3-Station Module is installed in Bay Three and
uses stations 11 through 13.
During programming, the controller will skip any
unused stations, creating a gap in station numbering.
The unused stations will show on the display as 8SKIP,
9SKIP, etc.
If the screen displays 20NOMOD where the 20 is flash-
ing, then there is no module installed for that station
number.
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
stations, use the Test All Stations feature of the
controller.
Normal Operation
Controls and Features Program
Select Button
Select Program
A, B, C or D
Start Times
Up to 6 Start
Times per
program
Run Times
Set station
Run Times
Manual Watering
Start watering for
one or all stations
Weather Sensors
Set controller to
obey or ignore a
weather sensor
Seasonal Adjust
Adjust Run Times
from 5% up to 200% Back/Next
Buttons
Select
programming
options
– / + Buttons
Adjust feature
settings
OFF
Disables automatic
irrigation
AUTO
Watering occurs
automatically
Date/Time
Set the current
Date and Time
ALARM
Indicator
Hold to Start
Manual
irrigation
Water Days
Select days to
allow watering
Flow Sensor
Set the controller to
obey or ignore
a flow sensor

ESP-ME3 Controller
9
EN AUTO
AUTO is the normal operating mode. Return the dial to
AUTO 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 and hold the Hold to Start button to
immediately start manual watering for the
selected program.
Program
Select
A · B · C ·
D
Hold to Start
Advance Station
OFF
Turn the dial to OFF to stop automatic irrigation or to
cancel all active watering immediately.
NOTICE
Watering will NOT occur if the controller remains in the OFF position.
NOTE: Manual watering can be started using
mobile apps or LIMR when dial is in OFF position.
Display Indicators
Display Function Description
ALL ALL All stations
CLEARED CLEARED Programming was cleared
CYCLIC CYCLIC Watering occurs at specific
intervals, such as every 2 days
DELAY DELAY Delay Watering Active
EVEN EVEN Even days watering
FLOW FLOW Flow Sensor
MV ON MV ON Master or Pump-start relay
is active
NOMOD NOMOD No station modules installed
for that station
ODD ODD Odd days watering
OFF OFF Controller will not water
PERMOFF PERMOFF Permanent days off for Odd,
Even, Cyclic watering
RAIN RAIN Rain Sensor
RESTORD RESTORD Programming restored
SAVED SAVED Save programming
SENS ON SENS ON Sensor will function if wired
SEN OFF SEN OFF Sensor is ignored even if wired
SKIP SKIP Station not used due to sta-
tion module configuration
SOAK SOAK
Soak time between watering
times - supported through
the Rain Bird app.

ESP-ME3 Controller
10
EN Basic Programming
1. Set Date and Time
Turn the dial to Date / 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 Day of Month blinking, press .
B
Press or to select the desired time format,
then press to return to the date setting.
2. Set Watering Start Times
Up to six Start Times are available for each program.
Turn the dial to 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.
3. Set Station Run Times
Run Times can be set from one minute up to six hours.
Turn the dial to Run Times
A
Press Program Select to choose the desired
Program (if necessary).
B
Press or to select a Station.
C
Press or to set the Run Time for the selected
Station.
D
Press to set additional Station Run Times.
NOTE: Only assign Run Times in a Program for
stations you want to water. If you do not want a
specific station to run in a selected program then
set the Run Time to zero.
NOTE: Rain Bird recommends that the maximum
irrigation station cycle time be less than the time
required for runoff to begin and that there be
adequate soak time before the next irrigation
cycle of that same station begins again.
4. Set Water Days
Custom Days of the Week
Set watering to occur on specific days of the week.
Turn the dial to Water Days
A
Press Program Select to choose the desired
Program (if necessary).
B
Press or to set the selected (blinking) day as
either ON or OFF, and to automatically move to
the next day.
C
Press or at any time to move the cursor to the
previous or next day.
NOTE: With Sunday selected, press the button
to enter and activate Cyclic Watering (see the
Advanced Programming section). If this is not
desired, press the button to return to watering
by Custom Days.