Rain Bird RMX-1R User manual

© 2000 Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp. 3/00
Contents
FEATURES AND BENEFITS .......................................... 2
COMPONENTS OF THE RMX-1R RECEIVER ................ 4
INSTALLATION ............................................................ 6
REGISTERING TRANSMITTERS ................................. 13
CHECK RECEIVERS MEMORY ................................ 14
ERASE RECEIVERS MEMORY .................................. 15
RMX-1R Multi-Function Remote
Control Receiver (with STX Security)
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Page 2 RMX-1R Receiver
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Description
The Rain Bird RMX-1R Multi-Function Remote Control
Receiver is a two-channel radio-frequency (RF) receiver
that lets you send remote commands to Rain Bird
remote-ready irrigation controllers.
This function can be useful when you are:
 installing and debugging an irrigation system
 winterizing an irrigation system
 spot-watering
 performing routine maintenance.
This manual describes how to install, test, and
troubleshoot the RMX-1R Receiver. The RMX-1R
receiver works with either the One-Button Transmitter
(RM-1T) or the Keypad Transmitter (RMX-1T).
Instructions for using these transmitters are contained
in the manual that accompanies each transmitter.
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System Components
To run the Rain Bird RMX-1R Multi-Function Remote
System, you need four major components, as shown in
the illustration:
➊a receiver
➋a transmitter
➌dual antennae
➍a connection to a Rain Bird remote-
ready controller.
NOTE: All Rain Bird remote-ready
controllers have a radio antenna icon
on the face plate (see illustration).
Tools Required
To install and use the RMX-1R receiver,
you will need the following:
 small Phillips-head screwdriver
 pencil
 fasteners, drill bit, and / or screwdriver appropriate for
the surface where you are mounting the receiver.
Look for this
icon on remote-
ready Rain Bird
controllers
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➋
➌
COMPONENTS OF THE RMX-1R RECEIVER
The cover of the receiver is secured to the body with a
screw ( ➊ ).
Internal Components
Important internal components of the receiver are the
LED indicator ( ➋) and the Channel 1 button ( ➌).
The LED indicator lights when the unit detects RF
signals from either a Rain Bird transmitter or other RF
sources. The LED also provides information about the
number of transmitters registered in the receiver.
NOTE: The system uses the proprietary STX
communication protocol, which prevents the receiver
from responding to random RF signals. For example, a
neighbors garage door opener will not start the
sprinklers.
The Channel 1 button is used to register transmitters in
the receiver. Registering a transmitter allows the
transmitter to be used with the receiver.
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Each transmitter can be registered in multiple receivers,
and multiple transmitters can be registered in the same
receiver. An RMX-1R Receiver can work with up to 16
transmitters.
Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket attaches to a wall or post,
providing a convenient docking station for the
receiver. The mounting bracket offers a variety of
installation options:
 When mounting the RMX-1R on a flat surface, use
holes 4, 5, and 7.
 If you need to mount the RMX-1R on a narrow post
or exposed wall stud, use holes 6 and 7.
 Use holes 8 and 9 for permanent mounting. You can
drive two screws through the rear of the receiver
cabinet and through the mounting bracket.
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Antennae
Dual 9-inch (23 cm) wire whip antennae ( ➊) come
with the RMX-1R Receiver. An optional remote antenna
(RM-1E) may be purchased separately to improve
operating range.
Controller Connection
The controller cable connection ( ➋) links the receiver
to the controller.
INSTALLATION
Decide on Location for Receiver
You may install the RMX-1R Receiver either indoors or
outdoors. Indoor installation provides better security for
the receiver, while outdoor installation typically results in
better reception.
Regardless of the installation you choose:
 Keep the receiver and antenna away from RF sources
such as motors, fans, and other devices that may
cause interference.
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Wallboard &
wood studs
90% - 100% 65% - 95% 10% - 70%
Light concrete
or brick
Steel-reinforced
concrete or metal
lath & plaster
•When using the dual local whip antennae, DO NOT
install the receiver near metal objects, which can
shield the signal and decrease radio range.
•DO NOT splice additional wire into the line. Wire
splices add noise to the line.
•Construction materials such as concrete, brick,
steel reinforcements, and plaster can decrease the
radio range.
•Place the RMX-1R as high above ground level as
possible.
•The RMX-1R comes with a stand-
ard 36" (92 cm) cable. If you need
to position the receiver more than
36" (92 cm) from the controller,
use a Rain Bird Remote Control
Extra Length cable with bracket
(EXB), which will allow you to
place the receiver up to 30' (9 m)
from the controller.
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Page 8 RMX-1R Receiver
36"
6"
Mount the RMX-1R
➊Position the bracket at about eye level, or as high
above ground level as possible. If you need to
position the receiver more than 36" (92 cm) from
the controller, use a Rain Bird Remote Control Extra
Cable Length with bracket (EXB), which will allow
you to place the receiver up to 30' (9 m) from the
controller.
Leave about 6" (15 cm) of space above the bracket to
slide the receiver down over the bracket guides.
➋The RMX-1R Receiver can be mounted on either a flat
surface or a narrow post or exposed wall stud. Mark
the locations of the mounting holes as shown in the
illustrations.
➌For a flat-surface installation, drive two fasteners into
the upper marks. Leave about ¼" (6 mm) of the screw
exposed. The mounting points are sized for a #8 self
tapping screw; however, use the appropriate type of
fasteners for your surface.
Flat surface Narrow surface
Flat surface
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RMX-1R Receiver Page 9
➍On a flat surface, hang the bracket
on the fasteners. Tighten down
the upper fasteners. Then drive a
fastener into the lower mark.
➎For a narrow surface, position the
bracket over the marks and drive
in two fasteners.
➏Using the guides on the back of
the receiver, slide the receiver
down onto the bracket until the
connection is complete.
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Page 10 RMX-1R Receiver
Connect Receiver Cable to Controller
➊Open the front door of the controller.
➋Open the face panel of the controller. Refer to the
drawing for the remote-ready Rain Bird controller
you are using.
➌Run the cable from the RMX-1R
through the wiring opening in
the controller case to the
controller connector.
On the ESP-Si, route the cable
through the notch provided in
the wiring skirt.
On the ESP-LX+, route the cable
through the battery holder.
Align the pins on the connectors
and plug the cable in.
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