Rain Bird IC System Guide

IC System
TM
Design Guide v 2.3
Updated August 2016

2
IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2
.
3
IC System
TM
– Product Definitions 3
Integrated Control Interface (ICI) 4
Integrated Control Module (ICM) 5
Integrated Control Surge Device (ICSD) 5
Components of the IC Interface (ICI) 6
Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) 7
How the System Works 8
Basic Design Data 9
System Capacity 10
Flexible Design 10
Wire Path 11
Wire Sizing Charts 12
Examples 13 - 15
Grounding 16
Types of Pipe Networks 17
Wire Path “Field Fuses” 18
Looping Communication Wire 18
Combining Wire Paths at the Interface 18
Remotely Locating an Integrated Control Interface (ICI) 18

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 3
Introduction
This Design Guide is presented to help clarify standard design questions for the IC System
TM
If there are
any questions or specific examples that may not be adequately addressed within this guide, please
contact your Rain Bird sales or service manager for additional clarification to aid in the proper design for
the specific application
IC System– Product Definitions
Central Control Software
Cirrus
TM
, Nimbus II
TM
, Stratus II
TM
and Stratus LT
TM
are the Central Control applications that are available
to operate with the IC System The software is used to establish the irrigation system parameters,
operate the system and perform troubleshooting tasks There are many troubleshooting diagnostic
features within the software that enable the user to quickly diagnose and identify the location of field
related issues on the course

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IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2
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ICI
The Integrated Control Interface (ICI) is the electronic hardware and firmware that accepts commands
from the Central Control Software and directs them to the field The ICI also communicates intelligently
with the field in order to update the status back to the Central Control Software

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 5
ICM
The Integrated Control Module (ICM) is mounted on Rain Bird manufactured valve-in-head golf rotors or
electric in-line valves The ICM communicates directly to the Rain Bird central control software via Rain
Bird MAXI
TM
cable two-wire path and the ICI interface The central control software automatically
operates the rotors and valves throughout the golf course by activating each individual ICM as needed
If the ICM is installed on Rain Bird electric in-line valves, an ICM valve adapter (ICMA) is required
ICSD
The Integrated Control Surge Device (ICSD) provides surge protection for the system in case of lightning
strikes

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IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2
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Components of the Integrated Control Interface (ICI)
CPU Board
The CPU Board provides communication between the Central Control Computer and each of the wire
paths
Driver Board
The Driver Board provides communication
between the CPU board and the ICMs in the
field Depending upon the model, there may be
one or two Driver Boards in the ICI

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 7
Uninterruptable Power Suppl (UPS)
Rain Bird recommends the use of a UPS to provide battery backup in cases of fluctuating or loss of
power to the Integrated Control Interface (ICI) When operated by battery the IC System
TM
requires a
“pure sine wave” signal and not a modified, square or PWM wave
The computer running the Central Control software and ICI should be powered through a UPS Rain Bird
has verified APC model Smart UPS 1500 for the IC System Different countries may have differing
requirements and APC typically makes a Smart-UPS for each country according to the needs of that
country If sourcing a Smart-UPS for a different country, please source the UPS in the country in which
the system will be operated For example, do not purchase a Smart-UPS in the United States and ship it
to Asia The local Rain Bird distributor can source the appropriate UPS in-country
Less expensive UPS models are available in a variety of stores but it has been proven that these do not
produce the “pure sine wave” signal required by the IC System Please purchase the APC Smart-UPS
1500 model for an IC System

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TM
Design Guide, v2
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How the s stem works
The IC System
TM
uses a data transfer method that sends packets of information across a two-wire path
Each ICM has a unique address that allows the central control software to communicate with each ICM
individually
The ICM has a unique “Long Address” pre-assigned from the factory that identifies it in the central
control software The Long Address is like having a phone number for each ICM Each ICM has a label
on the outside of the housing with a barcode and the printed Long Address The user must enter the
Long Address into the central control software at initial start-up
The central control software communicates with the ICMs in the field through a high-speed method of
communication that requires that each ICM is assigned a Fast Connect Address The Fast Connect
Address is assigned automatically by the central control software based on its location in the Central
Control Database
The Fast Connect Address is a method by which the Central Control Software can quickly communicate
with more than one ICM at a time This is like having a speed dial for a phone number The Central
Control Software can manage up to 750 ICMs on a single wire path by utilizing this communication
scheme

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 9
Basic Design Data
1 The IC System
TM
can operate up to 750 individually controlled ICMs per wire path
2. The central control software communicates via the Integrated Control Interface (ICI) to the ICMs
on the course The ICI is mounted indoors and located near the central control computer It is
possible to remotely locate an ICI by radio, cellular or Ethernet communication See page 18 for
additional details System capacity is determined by the level of central control software as well
as the hardware within the ICI.
3 Each ICI contains a maximum of two (2) Driver Boards Each Driver Board has a maximum
capacity of two (2) wire path inputs
4 A single Driver Board has a maximum capacity of 1,500 stations when both wire paths are used
5 The ICI has a maximum capacity of 3,000 stations when all four (4) wire paths are used on the
two (2) Driver Boards
6 The IC System can be expanded above 3,000 stations with the optional hybrid capability of the
central control software Using the optional hybrid feature, multiple ICIs can be integrated into
the system, each with a capacity of 3,000 stations Consult the Rain Bird central control
brochure for additional information regarding the optional hybrid feature
7 An ICI-1500 has the capacity of 1,500 stations using two (2) wire path outputs on a single driver
board
8 An ICI-3000 has the capacity of 3,000 stations using four (4) wire path outputs on two (2) driver
boards

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IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2
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S stem Capacit
The System Capacities are as follows:
Wire Path
Maximum
of 750 ICMs
per wire path
Driver Board
Two (2) separate wire paths
Maximum
1
,
500 ICMs
per driver board
ICI
Two (2) dri
ver boards
Maximum
3
,
000 ICMs
per interface
Central
Control
Software
Software
Standard
Configuration*
Maximum
Number of
Stations**
Stratus LT 1 ICI and 1 wire path
(750 ICMs)
750 ICMs
Stratus II
1 ICI and
1
wire path
(750 ICMs)
6
,000 ICMs
(with Wire Path
Keycode and 2 ICIs)
Nimbus II
1 ICI and 4 wire paths
(3,000 ICMs)
24,000
ICMs
(with 8 ICIs)
Cirrus
12 ICIs and 48 wire paths
(36,000 ICMs)
36,000 ICMs
(with 12 ICIs)
* Standard configuration is number of stations and ICIs available in the software without purchasing a
Hybrid Software Module ICIs are purchased separately as needed and are not included with the central
control software
** Maximum stations available for each level of software when additional ICIs and Hybrid Software
Module are purchased
Flexible Design
The IC System
TM
was designed to be as flexible as possible to accommodate the future needs of the golf
course
While each wire path can accommodate 750 ICMs, if the wire path is expected to be at maximum
capacity, installing an additional wire path will create extra capacity for future expansion When
designing with multiple wire paths, try to balance the load between the wire paths in order to ensure
there is room for future expansion on the wire path

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 11
Example – Total golf course need is 1,100 ICMs We would suggest you plan on implementing two
primary wire paths with approximately 550 on each path The purpose for this is to leave room for
expansion in the future
Wire Path
The IC System
TM
has been designed to provide great flexibility on each wire path The low power
requirements of each ICM ensure that it is easy to design wire paths There are three considerations
when sizing the wire path for an IC System
•Number of ICMs on the wire path
•Total length of wire path from the interface to the farthest ICM
•The initial length of wire path between the ICI and the first ICM on the wire path
Take the time to carefully plan out the wire path and utilize the following documentation to aide in
planning A properly designed and installed wire path will help to eliminate unnecessary problems after
installation
Wire Sizing Charts
The following wire sizing charts provide the proper guidelines for wire sizing on the wire path The most
important calculation is that of the primary Trunk wire length on each wire path The Trunk wire length
is considered to be the “longest single run of wire” that will be needed for accommodating the design
quantity of ICMs on the wire path The Trunk wire length does not consider any branches from the main
wire run in the calculation of wire length Branches are wire runs that branch out from the Trunk wire in
the field, and they should be sized accordingly
If an individual branch wire is less than 25% of the entire Trunk wire length, it can be one size smaller
than the gauge of the Trunk wire A minimum of 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) wire size is required
When the following chart indicates that the Trunk wire length requires 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) wire, the
branches can still utilize 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) wire minimum
When the following chart indicates that the Trunk wire length requires 12 AWG (4 mm
2
) wire, the
branches can still utilize 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) wire
When the following chart indicates that the Trunk wire length requires 10 AWG (6 mm
2
) wire, the
branches can still utilize 12 AWG (4 mm
2
) wire

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IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2
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If an individual branch exceeds 25% of the total Trunk wire length, that branch shall be designed with
the same gauge wire as the Trunk wire Other branches less than 25% can be designed with a wire size
no more than 1 size smaller than the Trunk wire size
Wire Sizing Charts – (last updated April 2013)
Number
of
Units 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000 15000
50 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG
100 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG
150 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG
200 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG
250 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG
300 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG
350 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG
400 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG
450 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG
500 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG
550 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG
600 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG
650 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG - -
700 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG - - -
750 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 12 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG 10 AWG - - -
April 2013
Wire distance in feet
Number
of
Units 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500
50 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2
100 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2
150 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2
200 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2
250 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2
300 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2
350 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2
400 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2
450 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2
500 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2
550 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 6 0mm^2
600 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2
650 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2
700 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 -
750 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 2 5mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 4 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 6 0mm^2 - -
April 2013
Wire distance in meters
Initial Length of Run from Interface to First ICM
In addition to the above wire sizing chart, if the chart recommends 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) wire path and the
initial run of wire between the Interface and the first ICM on the wire path is greater than 2,500 feet
(750m) then the initial length of wire (from interface to the first ICM) should be upsized by one
additional wire size to 12 AWG (4 0mm
2
) This is only necessary when 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) is the
recommended wire size If the chart recommends 12 AWG (4 0 mm
2
) based on number of units and
total length of run of the wire path, then additional upsizing in a long initial run of wire is not necessary

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 13
Example 1 – An installation requires 300 ICMs on a single wire path and the Trunk wire length will be up
to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) Utilizing the sizing chart the Trunk wire should use 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
)
MAXI
TM
wire for the installation Although there are multiple branches off of the main Trunk wire, these
are not part of the calculation when determining the size of the Trunk wire Each branch will also be 14
AWG (2 5 mm
2
) wire

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IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2
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Example 2 – An installation requires 500 ICMs on a single wire path and the Trunk wire length will be up
to 9,000 feet (2,700 meters) Utilizing the sizing chart the Trunk wire should be designed using 12 AWG
(4 0 mm
2
) wire NOTE: 12 AWG (4 0 mm
2
) wire will be used for the Trunk wire only 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
)
wire can be used for all branch lines as long as each branch does not exceed 25% of the total Trunk wire
length In this example, any branch that is less than 2250 feet (685 meters), 25% of the Trunk wire
length, can be installed with 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) wire

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 15
Example 3 – An installation requires 400 ICMs on a wire path and the trunk wire length will be up to
8,000 feet (2,439 meters) The length of run from the ICI to the first ICM on the wire path is 3,500 feet
(1,067 meters) Utilizing the sizing chart the Trunk wire should use 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
) MAXI
TM
wire for
the installation As the initial 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) is greater than 2,500 feet it requires an increase
in wire size to 12 AWG (4 0mm
2
) The initial 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) of Trunk wire should be sized at
12 AWG (4 0mm
2
) from the ICI to the first ICM After the first ICM, the Trunk wire can continue at 14
AWG (2 5mm
2
)
Although there are multiple branches off of the main Trunk wire, these are not part of the calculation
when determining the size of the Trunk wire Each branch will also be 14 AWG (2 5 mm
2
)

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TM
Design Guide, v2
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Grounding
Proper grounding is very important for the IC system
TM
The system grounding is accomplished through
the ICSD surge devices that are installed on the wire path Rain Bird MSP surge devices are installed on
each wire path prior to entering the Integrated Control Interface (ICI) at the central
Important!
An Integrated Control Surge Device “ICSD” should be located every 15 ICMs or every 500 feet (150
meters), whichever condition is reached first This is a guideline for design purposes and designers
should try to stay as close to these guidelines as possible However in the example of a herringbone
system with 4 stations per pipe lateral, an ICSD could be installed every fourth lateral (therefore every
16
th
station) as a normal design practice
The purpose of field surge devices is to offer “containment” of surge during an event so that damage
caused by the event will be limited by an ICSD located on either side of the event The key for successful
containment is proper installation of ground rods or plates so that the desired Ohms resistance level is
achieved
During long runs of wire where there are no ICMs, an ICSD is not required every 500 feet (150 meters)
For example, if there is a wire length run of 2,000 feet (609 meters) between ICMs, an ISCD should be
installed immediately after the last ICM and just prior to the next ICM ICSDs are not required at 500
foot (150 meter) intervals on the 2,000 foot (609 meter) run of wire
At the ICI, for a long run (greater than 500 feet or 150 meters) at the beginning of the wire path, the
MSP should be installed at the interface and an ICSD installed just prior to the first ICM on the wire path
Grounding Requirements - Field
The IC System must have grounding throughout the wire path to allow any transient surges the
opportunity to leave the wire path The following requirements must be followed to properly ground
the IC System:
1 Each ICSD must have an earth ground resistance of less than 50 ohms and be no more than 500
feet (150 meters) from the next ICSD
2 Each ICSD can be located either next to a valve-in-head rotor or in-line valve The ICSD should
be accessible in case of maintenance Either a ground rod or plate can be utilized to obtain an
earth ground reading of 50 ohms or less
3 The grounding requirement at the central control is to have less than 10 ohms of earth ground
resistance 5 ohms or less of ground resistance is preferable The central control shall utilize

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 17
MAXI
TM
Surge Protectors (MSP-1) on each wire path with MAXI Ground Plates (MGP-1) as
required in the system
4 Although not required, an optional shielding wire can also be utilized to improve the grounding
of the system If used, the shielding wire should be a 10 AWG (6 mm
2
) bare copper wire that
connects to each of the grounding rods or plates in the system The purpose of the shielding
wire is to provide shielding for the MAXI wire path by attracting surges to the shielding wire It
also can reduce the overall earth ground resistance of the system by connecting the ground rods
together Rain Bird believes the decision to use a shielding wire on a project should be based on
the localized conditions at the project and is not specific to a control system type or
manufacturer type A course would have a shielding wire regardless of control system, or it does
not It should be the decision of the irrigation designer
5 If a shielding wire is used, the ground rods or plates should be tested independently, prior to
connecting the shielding wire to the rods or plates This will ensure that the rods or plates
provide a good earth ground at the ICSD A measurement with the shield connected does not
give a true reading of the individual ground location at the ICSD and will give a reading that is
considerably lower than the actual grounding at that location
6 The primary objective of grounding is to achieve the desired earth ground reading for the rods
or plates regardless of which method is used Rain Bird has had good success with ground rods
when soil conditions allow them to be driven completely into the soil profile An 8 foot (2 4 m)
rod will help distribute a surge into lower layers of the soil profile, away from the soil surface
and equipment
7 ICSDs should be located at dead ends on long wire runs, approaching 500 feet (150m ) Short
wire runs do not require ICSDs at the dead ends In particular, herringbone pipe layouts do not
require ICSDs at the end of each herringbone lateral
T pes of Pipe Networks
The IC System
TM
works equally well with “herringbone” or “sub-loop lateral” pipe network designs Rain
Bird looks to the irrigation designer to select the best pipe network layout for the irrigation system
design and then apply the IC System wire path on that layout Each type of pipe network design offers
different advantages depending upon the location and size of the irrigation system There is no
preference for the IC System wire path

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TM
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Wire Path “Field Fuses” (aka “Switches”)
Third-party, fused wire path “field fuse” devices are available on the market that provide the ability to
isolate one leg of a wire path for troubleshooting purposes These switch devices have proven effective
on DECODER type control systems to facilitate easy troubleshooting when a wire path has gone down
due to a failed decoder However it is extremely rare for an IC System
TM
to experience this type of
failure because the ICM is specifically designed to fail offline by itself and not bring down the wire path
when damaged For this reason, Rain Bird strongly discourages the use of third-party switches on the IC
System Third-party switches are an unnecessary, extra device on the wire path with the potential to act
as an additional failure point to be investigated Third-party switches may prevent the Rain Bird central
control software system diagnostics from properly identifying a failed ICM
Looping Communication Wire
The IC System communication wire should NOT be looped Dead ends are highly preferred and
recommended While the system will work with looped communication wire, troubleshooting will be
more difficult so looping is not recommended
Combining Wire Paths at the Interface
While a single IC wire path can easily handle 750 ICMs when sized according to the design guide table,
there are times when it may make sense to bring separate wire paths (with fewer ICMs) directly back to
the interface When combining two or more distinct wire paths into a single output terminal at the ICI, it
is not necessary to calculate the total length of all of the wire paths combined when calculating Trunk
wire size Each distinct path is viewed separately as a Trunk and not a Branch Therefore, size each of the
Trunk wires paths separately, considering the number of ICMs and length of that path to calculate the
wire size NOTE: The combined number of ICMs on a single terminal output still cannot exceed 750
ICMs
Remotel Locating Integrated Control Interfaces (ICI)
Rain Bird has had great success with remotely located interfaces for many years Designers may wish to
consider remotely locating the Integrated Control Interface (ICI) in the field to reduce long wire runs or
address localized conditions For example, the central control computer can be located at the
maintenance building and the ICI can be remotely located in a pump station, clubhouse or other secure,
weatherproof location that is more conveniently located to the golf course irrigation system

IC System
TM
Design Guide, v2.3 19
Radio, cellular and Ethernet connections exist to connect the irrigation computer to a remotely located
interface
All Rain Bird interfaces, including remotely located interfaces are always online and maintain continuous
real-time two-way communication between the central and each interface The central does not
download programs to remote interfaces This ensures that all of the Rain Bird central control software
advanced technologies remain active and operational with all devices attached to the control system
For example, dynamic flow management is always active on all stations regardless of whether the
interface is local or remotely located Water-saving products like RainWatch
TM
devices are always online
and active When activated on a central, MI Series Mobile Controller
TM
is online with all stations
regardless of whether the interface is local or remote There are no limitations with the remotely
located interfaces compared to systems where the interface is located at the irrigation computer
900MHz Spread Spectrum Radios:
An MRLK 900 Remote Location Kit should be used to provide wireless 900MHz radio communication
between the central control computer and the remotely located ICI The MRLK900 Kit includes two
radios that operate in the 902-928MHz range and automatically hop between frequencies to avoid
interference
Please note the following:
•An MRLK900 Kit is required for each remotely located ICI
•A site survey should be completed by the authorized Rain Bird golf distributor or
manufacturer to ensure that the system will communicate between the desired points
A repeater may be required to ensure good quality communication
•900MHz radios are NOT approved for use in some countries This should be verified
prior to completing the irrigation design
•Remotely located interfaces require a UPS device, just as if they were located with the
central control computer The APC model Smart-UPS 1500 is the approved device
Please contact your distributor or Rain Bird representative to verify the above information and obtain
more details regarding the use of MRLK900 kits to remotely locate an ICI on your project
Ethernet or Cellular Connection:
It is possible to remotely configure an IC interface to communicate via Ethernet or cellular with the
irrigation central This has been done successfully on Rain Bird control systems in a number of locations
Please contact your Rain Bird Golf Distributor or Rain Bird sales manager for additional information

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TM
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