Rain Bird FG100 User manual

Features - Install - Setup - Troubleshooting
FG100 User Guide
Flow Sensing - Redefined
Designed to make water conservation simpler, more aordable, hassle free
©2023 Rain Bird Corporation D42452W

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Introduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3
System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . .4
Feature Overview � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
Learn Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Mechanical Installation � � � � � � � � � � 8
Pick a Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Retrofit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Recommended Configurations . . . . . . .11
Gather Your Tools . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Before you dig . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Prepare a Section Of Pipe . . . . . . . . 15
Threaded Fiing Install . . . . . . . . . 16
Slip Fiing Install . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Electrical Install � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 21
Wiring the FG100 to the Controller . . . . 21
ESP-ME3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Setup � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 24
ESP-ME3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Turn a flow sensor on or o by station. . . 25
Rain Bird App (ESP-ME3) . . . . . . . . 26
LX controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Non- Rain Bird Controllers . . . . . . . . 28
Advanced Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Installation Test Procedure . . . . . . . . 30
Maintenance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 31
Troubleshooting � � � � � � � � � � � � � 32
ESP-ME3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Appendix� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 34
Operating Specifications . . . . . . . . 35
Contents

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Introduction
This guide provides instructions for installing and operating the FG100 flow
sensor.
Designed for residential and smallercommercial applications, the FG100
monitors irrigation and instantlyidentifies when there is a leak or line break
so it can be addressedearly. This durable flow sensor manages water
eciency, protects homeowners from potential damages and positions you
as a guardian of your customers’ property and landscape—earning you a
stronger reputation over time.
Maximize convenience by combining with the ESP-ME3 controller and an
LNK2 Module, which allows you to monitor flow remotely. This can be done
conveniently via the Rain Bird Mobile App, which is accessible on both
iPhone and Android devices once the LNK2 module is installed.

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
System Configuration
The FG100 Flow Sensor is intended to be installed with the Rain Bird ESP-
ME3 and ESP-LX controllers. Performance has not been confirmed with
non-Rain Bird controllers. Additional functionality can be unlocked by pairing
a compatible controller with the LNK2 WiFi module and the Rain Bird App.
Rain Bird App
LNK2
LNK2
LNK2
ESP-LXME2PRO
LXIVMSEN
ESP-LXIVM
FG100
ESP-ME3/
ESP-2WIRE
LNK2 and Rain Bird App
Connect the FG100 to a controller equipped with the LNK2 WiFi Module
to remotely monitor system health and manage advanced flow seings
through the Rain Bird Mobile App.

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Other Rain Bird Controllers
Other Rain Bird Controllers: The FG100 is compatible with the additional Rain
Bird controllers. For some 2-Wire controllers such as the ESP-LXIVM and
ESP-LXD, a sensor decoder (LXIVMSEN, SD210TURF) is also required. For
detailed instructions, please refer to the specific controller’s documentation.
Third-Party Controllers
The FG100 may be compatble with third-party irrigation controllers that can
be configured using K-factor and oset, or pulses per gallon.

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Feature Overview
The features described here refer to functionality of the ESP-ME3 controller.
Some features require the ESP-ME3 to be connected to the Rain Bird app
using the LNK2. Flow sensing features will vary by controller. Please refer to
the documentation of your specific controller.
Learn Flow
Rain Bird controllers use Learn Flow technology to establish a baseline
expected flow rate for each station. The controller does this by running each
station for several minutes when you first set up the FG100 and recording
the flow data.

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Flow Sensor Detects High Flow
If the FG100 detects a flow exceeding 130% of the Learned Flow, automatic
irrigation is shut o station by station, and an alarm is activated. The
threshold and behavior can be adjusted from within the Rain Bird app.
Flow Sensor Detects Low Flow
If your flow sensor detects flow below 70% of the Learned Flow then
automatic irrigation will be shut o by station, and an alarm will be activated.
The threshold and behavior can be adjusted from within the Rain Bird app.

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Mechanical Installation
Pick a Spot
The flow sensor should be installed between the back-flow prevention
device and the first irrigation valve. The FG100 has no straight pipe
requirement meaning it can be installed immediately aer the master valve
in the same valve box.
Water
Meter
Master
Valve FG100
Irrigation
station valves
Point of
connection
Back-flow
Prevention

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Do I have a Master Valve?
If there is a wire connected to the MV (Master Valve) terminal of your
controller then there is a master valve in your system. The diagram below
shows how this would look in the ESP-ME3.
NOTE
2-Wire controllers (e.g. ESP-LXIVM) use decoders and may not feature a MV terminal.

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Retrofit
If you are installing the FG100 into an existing irrigation system then Rain Bird
recommends you start by walking your property and making a rough sketch
of showing the location of the components shown above. This will help you
to determine the ideal location for the flow sensor. This will minimize how
much digging you will need to do.
Keep in mind that you will need to bury the wire that connects the flow
sensor to the controller, so the further the installation location is from the
controller, the more digging you’ll need to do!

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Recommended Configurations
Once you have picked a spot to install your flow sensor you should now be
able to choose an install configuration from the 3 shown below. Installing the
FG100 vertically may negatively eect performance.
With Master valve (Configuration 1)
If your system has a master valve then we recommend installing the FG100
immediately aer the master valve in the same valve box.
NOTE
You may experience a slight drop in accuracy with this configuration. To help with this
condition, please use the custom K-factor and oset.
NPT/BSP Fiing
2x Male BSP/
NPT adapter
1X Male to male BSP/
NPT “Nipple” adapter

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Slip Fiing
With First Irrigation Valve (Configuration 2)
If your system does not have a master valve or it is impracticable to install
the FG100 with the master valve, then we recommend installing the FG100
immediately before the first irrigation valve in the same valve box.
NOTE
You may experience a slight drop in accuracy with this configuration. To help with this
condition, please use the custom K-factor and oset.
NPT/BSP Fiing
2x Male BSP/
NPT adapter

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Slip Fiing
On its own (Configuration 3)
If it is impractical to install the FG100 with the master valve or first irrigation
valve then you should install it in its own valve box, downstream from the
master valve and upstream from the first irrigation valve.
NPT/BSP Fiing
2x Male BSP/
NPT adapter

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Slip Fiing

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Gather Your Tools
Trowel/
shovel
Tape
Measure
1” Tube
Cuer
PVC
Cement
Teflon
Tape
HOMEOWNERS
If you do not feel comfortable performing any of the steps listed below we
recommend hiring a professorial irrigation contractor to complete the installation.
CAUTION
Always shut o your water and power supply before working on an irrigation system.
Before you dig
To avoid accidental damage to underground utilities, it’s advised to consult
your local utility company or relevant authorities for any essential procedures
or guidelines before starting excavation work. They can provide you with
information on how to check for buried utilities, ensuring a safe and trouble-
free digging experience.
USA
811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig
should call 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website before digging to request that
the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you
don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.

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1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting
Prepare a Section Of Pipe
If you are retrofiing the FG100 into an existing system it may fit into an
existing valve box at your chosen location. If not then you will need to
excavate a section of pipe large enough for your valve box at the chosen
install location.

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Threaded Fiing Install
The steps below describe how to install the FG100 using the threaded (BSP/
NPT) union fiings provided.
1. Measure and cut a 7 ⁄” (189mm) section of pipe to accommodate the
FG100, Couplings and PVC fiing. If your installation includes an in-line valve
then you will need to calculate the length of the section to remove based on
your components. Make sure the cut is clean, free from burrs, and straight.
2. Glue the 1” male threaded union fiings to the cut ends of the pipe using
PVC cement.
1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting

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3. Apply Teflon tape to the male threaded unions.
4. Place the union nuts onto the glued male NPT/BSP adapters.
5. Make sure that the pipes are aligned properly to avoid cross-threading.
Carefully thread the included NPT/BSP end connector onto the adapters, be
careful not to over-tighten.
1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting

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6. Make sure the red filter basket is installed on the upstream side of the flow
sensor. Check that the green o-rings are installed properly in the channels
on each side of the flow sensor as shown before aaching the flow sensor.
7. Align the FG100 with the union fiings ensuring that the “Flow” arrow is
facing in the same direction that water will flow through your system.
8. Slide the nut over the female end and hand-tighten onto the male end.
Avoid over-tightening as this can damage the threads or fiing.
1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting

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Slip Fiing Install
The steps below describe how to install the FG100 using the threaded (BSP/
NPT) union fiings provided.
1. Measure and cut a 7 ⁄” (183mm) section of pipe to accommodate the
FG100, Couplings and PVC fiing. If your installation includes an in-line valve
then you will need to calculate the length of the section to remove based on
your components. Make sure the cut is clean, free from burrs, and straight.
2. Place the union nuts onto the cut pipe ends.
1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting