Rain Bird RBACS400 User manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ, UNDERSTAND, FOLLOW AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Operation, assembly details, parts listing, maintenance guidelines, troubleshooting hints and warranty information
WARNING
DO NOT operate device out of the water. This will result in
the deforming of transducer head and will void your warranty.
Rain Bird®Algae Control System™(ACS)
Owner’s Manual
120-Volt AC Model: 210-240-Volt AC Model: 24-Volt AC Model: 24-Volt DC Model:
RBACS400 RBACS400-EU RBACS400-UK RBACS400-24-AC RBACS400-24-DC
RBACS500 RBACS500-EU RBACS500-UK RBACS500-24-AC RBACS500-24-DC
RBACS600 RBACS600-EU RBACS600-UK RBACS600-24-AC RBACS600-24-DC
42861C

Rain Bird® Algae Control System™ (ACS) • Owner’s Manual
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Table of Contents
Introduction .........................................................................2
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................2
Getting Started
Parts and Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Placement - How To Determine Where To Place The Device ................................ 4
Installation
Unlined Pond - Stakes or Poles Method...............................................5
Lined Ponds - Cement Blocks Method ................................................6
Lined Pond - Sled Mount Method ....................................................7
Operations and Maintenance
What To Expect ......................................................................8
Easy-To-Read Indicator Lights .......................................................................8
Maintenance Guide ..................................................................9
Troubleshooting ................................................................... 10
Technical Specifications............................................................ 10
Rain Bird’s Professional Customer Satisfaction Policy .................................11
Contact Information ................................................................12
Date Purchased: ___________________________________________________________
Serial Number: ____________________________________________________________
Place of Purchase: _________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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Introduction
Congratulations. You have purchased an environmentally-safe algae control system. Your Rain Bird®device uses
state-of-the-art ultrasonic technology to kill algae without harming other aquatic life such as plants or fish. Please
read and follow all of the instructions in this manual.
If you have any questions concerning your Rain Bird device, call us at 520-741-6100. Thank you.
Important Safety Information
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WHEN USING ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, BASIC PRECAUTION SHOULD ALWAYS BE PRACTICED INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
1. READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Read and follow all instructions that are on the product or provided with the product.
3. Do not use an extension cord.
4. Reference the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, for the installation of wiring and clearances from power
and lighting conductors.
5. Installation work and electrical wiring must be done by qualified person(s) in accordance with all applicable
codes and standards, including fire-rate construction.
6. Do not install power supply or use within 10 feet of a pool.
7. Do not use in a bathroom.
8. WARNING—Risk of Electric Shock. When used outdoors, install only to a covered Class A GFCI protected
receptacle that is weatherproof with the power unit connected to the receptacle. If one is not provided, con-
tact a qualified electrician for proper installation. Ensure that the power unit and cord do not interfere with
completely closing the receptacle cover.
9. WARNING—Risk of Fire. Installation involves special wiring methods to run wiring through a building struc-
ture. Consult a qualified electrician.
10. WARNING—DO NOT operate device out of the water. This will result in the deforming of transducer head and
will void your warranty.
11. WARNING—To reduce the risk of injury, DO NOT allow children to play with this device or any of its parts.
12. WARNING—Locate the cord where it will not be damaged by lawn mowers, hedge clippers, propellers, and
other equipment. If electric power to the power supply has to run underground to a pond or lake, an armored
cable should be used for this supply and run in a conduit under the ground to minimize the risk of damage.
Always check with your local regulations.
13. WARNING—To reduce the risk of electric shock, replace damaged cords (leads) immediately. Use a qualified
electrician to replace the cords (leads).
14. WARNING—Risk of Injury. May cause tissue damage. DO NOT place the transducer against your skin or body
while the device is operating.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for power units.

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Getting Started
Parts
A. Rain Bird® Transducer Unit (Note: Direction of ultrasonic waves)
B. Rain Bird® Power Supply Box
C. Rain Bird® Float Unit
D. Rain Bird® Float Shackle
Assembly
1. Position the Float Unit (C) with the white nut facing down and attach it to the Transducer Unit (A)
with the Float Shackle (D).
2. Mount the Power Supply Box to any convenient flat surface by using screws through the four mounting
holes in the corners of the box. Attach the cord (lead) from the Transducer Unit (A)
to the cord (lead) from the Power Supply Box (B) making sure the waterproof connection is securely
fastened by completely tightening each flange.
3. If you are using an optional Transducer Power Supply Extension Cord (Lead) (E), attach it to the cord
(lead) from the Power Supply Box (B) and the cord (lead) from the Transducer Unit (A) making sure
all waterproof connections are securely fastened by completely tightening each flange.
4. DO NOT CONNECT (plug in) the Power Supply Box (B) to the power source* until the Transducer
Unit (A) is in the water as this will result in the deforming of the transducer head and will void your
warranty.
*If using 24-volt DC power model with batteries see separate instruction booklet.
24 DC Solar
DC and AC
Parts Inventory
OPTIONAL PART- Purchase separately
E. Rain Bird®Transducer Power Supply Extension Cord (Lead)
Available in 50’ and 100’

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How To Determine Where To Place The Device
The Rain Bird®Algae Control device emits directional ultrasonic waves
that “fan out” at approximately 180° from the front of the transducer
(See Figure 1). It is important to install your device to provide the
optimal exposure of the ultrasonic waves to the body of water you are
treating. You should position the unit in a minimum of 2’ of water, close
to the edge of the water to minimize the area behind the unit that will
not receive the ultrasonic waves.
Large installations and certain shapes of ponds or lakes may require
installation of more than one device.
Multiple devices can be installed at
opposite sides of a lake or pond or
attached together pointing in different
directions, depending on your site
requirements (See Figure 2).
The Rain Bird device, like all ultrasonic
devices, is a “line of sight” technology.
Ultrasonic sound waves will not go
around corners or navigate around
islands that may be in your body of
water. Ultrasonic sound waves reflect or
bounce off of hard surroundings, such as
concrete, rip-rap, and large rocks, islands,
as well as submerged obstructions such
as sandbars and weirs. Even thick weeds
can block or degrade the signal strength.
(See Figures 3 and 4).
Make sure that the placement of the
device takes into account any potential
reductions in the water level. You must
have a minimum of 2’ of water at all times.
(See Figure 5)
Need help?
For FREE placement assistance, please
contact your Rain Bird dealer or Rain Bird
Customer Service at 520-741-6100. Make
sure that you have a site-plan which
includes accurate dimensions, the
shape configurations of your water body,
and identifies and locates any submerged
obstructions on your plans.
4 ft



2 ft


4 ft



2 ft


Island Island



Placement
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 5
Figure 4
Figure 3
Obstructions such as islands can block
the ultrasonic signal.
Pond completely treated by two
Rain Bird®ultrasonic units
Area ultrasonic
waves can not
reach
Water level has dropped but there
is still 2’ of water under unit.
1 unit in small pond
2 units in large pond
Pond completely treated by
two Rain Bird®ultrasonic units
Submerged obstructions such as sandbar
and weirs can block the ultrasonic signal.
Area ultrasonic waves
can not reach

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Installation
There are several different ways to install your Rain Bird®unit in the water depending on conditions. In an
unlined pond you can use the Stakes or Poles Method. You can also mount the unit to a dock or floating raft.
In a lined pond you can use the Cement Blocks Method to position the unit or use the Sled Mount Method
(purchase kit from Rain Bird).
Note: If your pond has a steep slope or is unsafe for you to wade out in it, a small boat or a raft may be needed.
Unlined Ponds - Stakes or Poles Method
Materials Needed: poles or stakes, hammer
1. Place the stakes in the water. A minimum of 2‘ of water is
required at all times. Use the float to judge the spacing of
your stakes.
2. Place the unit in the water on the stakes, leaving the cable
unconnected on the shore line. It is important to make
sure that the float can go up and down with the water
level. Make sure flat end of the transducer head (not the
side with the cord) faces out.
3. Now that the unit is in the water* you may plug the
Rain Bird power supply into the GFCI outlet.
* It is EXTREMELY important you do not connect to power
source before you put it in the water as this can result in
damage to the transducer head and will void your warranty.

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Installation
1. Cut two ropes based on your water depth and loop each
one twice around each cement block.
2. Place the cement blocks in the water with the minimum of
2’of depth and then place the device into the water. Use
the ropes to secure it to the cement blocks by tying the
ropes to the 4 corners of the float. Make sure flat end of
the transducer head (not the side with the cord) faces out.
3. Once the ropes have been secured to the four corners of
the float, reposition the blocks (if needed) to tighten up
the ropes and make sure the unit is pointed in the right
direction.
4. Now that the unit is in the water* you may plug the
Rain Bird®power supply into the GFCI outlet.
* It is EXTREMELY important you do not connect to power
source before you put it in the water as this can result in
damage to the transducer head and will void your warranty.
Lined Ponds - Cement Blocks Method
This method works in locations where there will not be changes
in depth of water. This method is designed to use the cement
(or cinder) blocks as weight to anchor the unit in place and
keep it pointed in the right direction, secured with four knots.
Materials Needed: waterproof rope (polypropylene),
2 cement blocks

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Installation continued
1. First, apply lubricant to the threads, slide bolts, and the channels of the four slides
and then loosely install the mounting poles to the sled base using the sliding-bolts.
2. Attach a waterproof rope to the sled base in the hole and anchor it to the shore
(above the high water mark and above the liner) with a stake. The rope will allow
you to position the unit the proper distance from the shore and prevent the sled
from sliding down the slope of the pond. The rope is also helpful when you need to
retrieve the unit from the water for periodic cleaning.
3. In shallow water, place a cement block on the sled mount to provide weight (place
over the mounting pole) and slide the sled assembly into the water to the proper
location.
4. Adjust angle of the poles to vertical positions by turning the poles
counter clockwise (a half turn) only to loosen them (just enough
to allow you to set the angle. Note: Be careful not to turn the poles
too far while loosening to prevent the sliding-bolts from falling off.)
Once the poles are set vertically, tighten the poles by turning them
clockwise.
5. Slide the Rain Bird unit onto the poles, facing the correct direction.
Make sure flat end of the transducer head (not the side with the
cord) faces out.
6. Adjust the anchoring rope to make sure there is no slack in the line
to prevent the unit from sliding down the pond’s slope.
7. Now that the unit is in the water* you may plug the Rain Bird power supply into
the GFCI outlet.
* It is EXTREMELY important you do not connect to power source before you put it in
the water as this can result in damage to the transducer head and will void
your warranty.
Tall Poles
attach to Slides
with Sliding-Bolts
Sled Mount
Lined Ponds - Sled Mount Method
For installing your Rain Bird®unit in a lined pond or lake, especially one with a
fluctuating water level, we recommend using the Rain Bird Sled Mount Kit. It is
simple to assemble and install, and will make it easier to access your device during
periodic routine maintenance.
Included in the Sled Mount Kit: one stainless steel sled base; two stainless steel
mounting poles; and two brass sliding-bolts.
Addition Materials Needed: waterproof rope, lubricant (such as petroleum jelly),
cement block, short stake and a hammer

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Operations and Maintenance
Easy-To-Read Indicator Lights
The Rain Bird ACS device has two lights on the power supply box. The solid “ON” green light indicates
that the Power Supply is receiving electricity. The blinking green light indicates that your transducer
is connected properly to the Power Suppy and receiving power to produce the ultrasonic waves. This
indicator light requires positive feedback from the transducer in the water and shows you that the Rain
Bird device is working properly. It will blink every other second on average.
Check that the power supply lights are lit
Blinking Green Light = Transducer is receiving power to
generate ultrasonic waves.
Solid Green Light = Power Supply is receiving electricity.
To operate effectively, the Rain Bird®Algae Control System must be on 24-hours-a-day continuously emitting
algae-killing ultrasonic waves.
What To Expect
You will begin to see results from within a few days to three weeks, depending on the type of algae and how
much algae was established in your water site. In addition, while certain algae will sink to the bottom when
killed, some forms turn brown and float on the surface in matts of dead algae. If this occurs, you should then
remove it from the water. Secondary blooms may occur due to the sunlight that can now reach the algae
spores on the bottom that previously had not received sufficient sunlight to grow. Leave your device in the
water and it will control the secondary bloom as well. This kill/bloom sequence may repeat two or three
times as the “reservoir” of spores is exhausted. After that, the water should stay clear. Occasionally, after major
rain events, you may experience algae blooms caused by large amounts of algae spores being washed into
your water site. Depending on the amount of algae in the bloom, it can take a couple of days to a week for
the Rain Bird Algae Control System to bring the algae under control and clear the water.

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Operations and Maintenance continued
Maintenance Guide
It is important to keep the transducer head clean and free of algae or other scum buildup. We recommend that
at least every 30 days you unplug your Rain Bird®device from the power source, take it out of the water, wipe
the face of the transducer off, put it back into the water and plug it back in. In most applications, once a month
cleanings are sufficient, however, in a new installation you should check your unit(s) after the first two weeks
to see if more frequent cleanings are necessary. Failure to keep the face clean will interfere with the ultrasonic
waves and result in reduced effectiveness of the device.
1. Unplug the Rain Bird power supply* from the Class A GFCI
electrical outlet.
* It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT you do not remove the
Rain Bird transducer from the water before you unplug
it from the electric outlet, as this can result in damage to
the transducer head and will void your warranty.
2. Once you have unplugged the power supply, retrieve
the unit from water.
3. Wipe the transducer head with a soft
sponge or cloth, removing dirt and build-
up. In some cases with tough organic
material or calcium deposits, it may be
necessary to use vinegar to clean the
head. Do not use abrasive cleaners that
would scratch the head.
4. Place unit back in the water facing the correct direction.
Make sure flat end of the transducer head (not the side
with the cord) faces out.
5. Once the unit is placed back in the water you may connect
the Rain Bird®power supply back into the power source.
Dirty Head Clean Head Dirty Head

Rain Bird® Algae Control System™ (ACS) • Owner’s Manual SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS 10
Troubleshooting
Check the following guide for possible cause of a problem before contacting Rain Bird®for service assistance.
* Range and coverage depends on location and conditions.
** 24 volt AC units are compatible with any 24 volt AC low voltage lighting or irrigation power source.
*** 24 Volt DC units are compatible with any 24 volt DC power source.
Solar Power System, which includes two batteries, may be purchased separately from Rain Bird
Technical Specifications
EPA Est. 074929-MA-001
Symptom Causes Solution
Both indicator lights are off Electric power failure Test and turn on power to grounded
(earthed) power supply. (For power models
install only to a Class A GFCI receptacle or
equivalent.)
Damaged power cord or damaged power
supply box
Unplug and inspect for damage. Replace if
necessary.
Both indicator lights are off (battery
powered unit)
Dead Battery Test, recharge and if necessary replace bat-
teries.
Ultrasonic operation power indicator light is
not blinking, but solid green light
indicator is on
Bad connection to transducer or unit
Damaged transducer or power unit
Unplug, inspect cord (lead) attached to
transducer. Clean and reconnect.
Algae is not dying Dirt or debris on the face of the transducer
may be interfering with the ultrasonic waves
Clean the face of the transducer
regularly (read Maintenance Guide)
Models Power Input UL Approved
Power Supply
NSF
Certification Range* Coverage*
RBACS400 US 120V AC, 60 Hz, 60 W EU/UK 240V AC, 50 Hz, 60 W RBAC-PSUP
RBAC-PSUPR NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 400 ft/121.92 m
up to
2 acres
RBACS400AC US 24V AC, 1 Amps Max** EU/UK 24V AC, 1 Amps Max —NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 400 ft/121.92 m
RBACS400DC US 24V DC, 1 Amps Max*** EU/UK 24V DC, 1 Amps Max —NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 400 ft/121.92 m
RBACS500 US 120V AC, 60 Hz, 60 W EU/UK 240V AC, 50 Hz, 60 W RBAC-PSUP
RBAC-PSUPR NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 500 ft/154 m
up to
6 acres
RBACS500AC US 24V AC, 1 Amps Max** EU/UK 24V AC, 1 Amps Max —NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 500 ft/154 m
RBACS500DC US 24V DC, 1 Amps Max*** EU/UK 24V DC, 1 Amps Max —NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 500 ft/154 m
RBACS600 US 120V AC, 60 Hz, 60 W EU/UK 240V AC, 50 Hz, 60 W RBAC-PSUP
RBAC-PSUPR NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 600 ft/182 m
up to
8 acres
RBACS600AC US 24V AC, 1 Amps Max** EU/UK 24V AC, 1 Amps Max —NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 600 ft/182 m
RBACS500DC US 24V DC, 1 Amps Max*** EU/UK 24V DC, 1 Amps Max —NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 600 ft/182 m

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Rain Bird’s Professional Customer Satisfaction Policy
Rain Bird will repair or replace at no charge any Rain Bird professional product that fails in normal use within the
warranty period stated below. You must return it to the dealer or distributor where you bought it. Product failures
due to acts of God including without limitation, lightning and flooding, are not covered by this warranty. This
commitment to repair or replace is our sole and total warranty.
Implied Warranties of Merchantability and Fitness, if Applicable, are Limited to One Year from
the Date of Sale.
We will not, under any circumstances be liable for incidental or consequential damages, no matter how they occur.
Golf Products
Golf Rotors: DR, DH, DS, ESR, EAGLE™ Series and EAGLE IC™ Series, Rain Bird Series and Rain Bird IC™ Golf rotors - 3 years.
Additionally, any DR, DH, DS, EAGLE™ Series and EAGLE IC™ Series, Rain Bird Series and Rain Bird IC™ Golf Rotor sold and
installed in conjunction with a Rain Bird Swing Joint - 5 years. Proof of concurrent installation is required.
Swing Joints – 5 years
Brass And Plastic Valves: EFB and PE-B Remote Control Valves, and Brass
Quick Coupling Valves and Keys – 3 years
Filtration system controllers – 3 years
LINK™ Radios – 3 years
TSM-3 SDI12 Soil Sensor (ISS) – 5-years
Algae Control System (ACS) – ACS400, ACS500, ACS600 – 3 years
Note: DO NOT operate device out of the water. This will result in the deforming
of transducer head and will void your warranty.
Hose Reels – 2 years
All other golf products – 1 year

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EPA Est. 074929-MA-001
Certified to NSF/ANSI
61 & 372
This algae control system employs a:
Rain Bird power supply for outdoor use.
E322023
This algae control system
employs a
power supply for
outdoor use.
®Registered Trademark of Rain Bird Corporation
© 2014 Rain Bird Corporation 7/14
Rain Bird Corporation
6991 E. Southpoint Road
Tucson, AZ 85756
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Rain Bird Technical Services
(800) RAINBIRD (1-800-724-6247)
(U.S. and Canada)
Rain Bird Corporation
970 West Sierra Madre Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Specification Hotline
800-458-3005 (U.S. and Canada)
Rain Bird International, Inc.
1000 West Sierra Madre Ave.
Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
The Intelligent Use of Water™
www.rainbird.com