RainMaster DX3 User manual

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................... 3
About the Controller.............................................................................3
About This Manual...............................................................................6
Getting Help.........................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Overview........................................................................... 9
The Faceplate ........................................................................................9
The Buttons ........................................................................................10
The LEDs............................................................................................11
The Screen ..........................................................................................11
Menu Navigation ................................................................................12
Chapter 3: Quick Start ..................................................................... 13
Setting the Language ...........................................................................14
Setting Current Date and Time ..........................................................14
Creating a New Irrigation Schedule ....................................................14
Program Start Time.............................................................................15
Water Days .........................................................................................16
Station Run Times ..............................................................................17
Program Hold .....................................................................................18
% Adjust .............................................................................................19
Manual Operation...............................................................................20
Chapter 4: Main Menu..................................................................... 21
Chapter 5: Setup............................................................................... 23
Flow ....................................................................................................24
Language .............................................................................................27
Omit by Date......................................................................................27
Communications.................................................................................28
Current Checks ...................................................................................30
Time/Date...........................................................................................31
Firmware Update.................................................................................31
Learn Flow/Current.............................................................................32
FLOW MAX.......................................................................................33
Station Count......................................................................................33
Master Valves & Pumps......................................................................34
Program Decoder ................................................................................34
Weather Limits....................................................................................34
Chapter 6: Program Entry................................................................ 35
Start Times..........................................................................................36
Water Days .........................................................................................36
Run Times ..........................................................................................37
Quick Stations.....................................................................................37
Program Hold .....................................................................................38
OPT IN’s ............................................................................................39
Erase/Reset ..........................................................................................41
% Adjust .............................................................................................41
Chapter 7: Stations........................................................................... 43
Flow ....................................................................................................43
Current................................................................................................44
Cycle & Soak ......................................................................................45
Chapter 8: Reports and Diagnostics................................................. 47
Reports................................................................................................47
Diagnostics - General ..........................................................................49

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Table of Contents
Diagnostics - Communications ...........................................................51
Chapter 9: Alerts............................................................................... 53
Anaylzing an Alert...............................................................................54
The Alerts............................................................................................55
Chapter 10: Rain Hold..................................................................... 61
Chapter 11: Manual Operation ........................................................ 63
Station.................................................................................................64
Simultaneous.......................................................................................65
Sequence .............................................................................................66
Program...............................................................................................67
Chapter 12: Review .......................................................................... 69
System.................................................................................................69
Program...............................................................................................70
Station ................................................................................................72
Flow ....................................................................................................72
About ..................................................................................................73
Weather ..............................................................................................73
Chapter 13: Troubleshooting ........................................................... 75
Communications Wiring issues: ..........................................................75
Directory of Flow Chart Diagnostic Problems ....................................77
Control Devices (Rain Sensors, Freeze sensors, Etc.)...........................89
Appendix A: Specifications ............................................................... 91
Appendix B: Flow Sensors ................................................................ 92
Installation Instructions.......................................................................93
Overview .............................................................................................93
Offset and K Values ............................................................................94
Flow Limit Checking ..........................................................................95
Flow Limit Violations .........................................................................98
Appendix C: Current Monitoring................................................... 101
Current Monitor Setup .....................................................................101
Current Limit Detection ...................................................................102
Appendix D: Setting Up a FLOW MAX System............................. 103
Overview ...........................................................................................104
Physical Configuration ......................................................................106
Flow Max Setup Procedure ...............................................................109
Flow Max Flow Limits ......................................................................111
Satellite Controllers ...........................................................................111
Flow Max Worksheet ........................................................................113
Flow Max Diagnostic Tools ..............................................................116
Flow Max Warnings and Exception Conditions................................118
Glossary.......................................................................................... 119
Index............................................................................................... 125

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for supporting Rain Master® and the Laguna™ / DX3™ central control
platform. As the long-awaited successor to the Evolution™ DX2 controller, we hope
the DX3 will exceed your expectations and contribute to Rain Master's legacy of
innovation and service.
About the Controller
Rain Master believes in minimizing waste by maximizing water application efficiency.
The DX3 provides precise control of irrigation delivery systems through a flexible
network that could fit almost any application. DX3 will work with your Rain Master
Laguna software to monitor, adjust, and report on irrigation schedules to your
technical comfort level.
Hardware Features
Capacity:
• Up to 96 stations per satellite in conventional configurations, 200 stations per
controller in two-wire (TWICE™) configurations.
• Up to 48 conventional stations and 152 two-wire stations in our hybrid models
(for TWICE two-wire conversion projects).
• Three dedicated master valve (MV) outputs, either normally closed or normally
open.
• Two auxiliary 24VAC relays for pumps, lights, etc.
• Three inputs to connect flow sensors/meters and three inputs for pulse-
data devices such as rain, wind, and ET. Note that these devices would be
independent of the optional LAGUNA wireless weather solutions, which are all
wireless.
• Three alarm inputs

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
• An expansive, 4.4” LCD back-lit display with rapid menu navigation and “digital
ink” for high visibility in the sun.
• Integrated cabinet access lighting or “fridge light” and pivoting brackets for
improved setup and service access (select models)
• Transparent, custom – fit plastic covers for all circuit boards for added protection
against the elements and pests.
• Many system communication options, including 3G cellular, UHF Radio,
Ethernet-to-Radio, Ethernet, Hardwire, WiFi and more!
• Lightning protection up to 18kV
• Integrated amperage meter to enhance internal diagnostics and troubleshooting
• Up to nine simultaneous station-related operations (six valve and three MV)
Scheduling and Programming Features
• 16 conventional programs with up to 12 start times per program
• Exclusive DX series Individual Station Control (ISC™):
Treat every active station as an individual program
• Customizable scheduling calendar with up to 48 exclusion days
• Programmable MV and Station Delay
• Global water window (ISC & Manual can override)
• English and Spanish language settings
Program Setup Options
Setup Menu Option Default
Time/Date 12:00:00am
Language English / Spanish English
Flow
Omit by Date
Communication
Current Checks
Firmware Update
Learn Flow / Current
Weather Limits
FLOW MAX
Station Count

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Maintenance and Alarm Diagnostic Capabilities
• Flow monitoring. Overflow, underflow, unscheduled flow, and catastrophic
occurrence monitoring and reporting.
• Electrical alarm with station shutdown and program advance for station/s over
current, shorts, damaged wires, and/or faulty solenoids.
• Power outage restoration alarms.
• LED indication for station outputs.
• Electrical self diagnostic test to verify communication between the timing
mechanism (TM) and all modules.
• Manual test mode that can advance stations while displaying valve electrical
current and station flow data.
Communication Features
The DX3 is capable of communicating with the Central computer over a variety of
communication technologies.
Cellular 3G Optional accessory for Central to sub-master
communication.
WiFi “Short range” standard WiFi to Central, sold as an
optional accessory.
Ethernet Standard on all DX3 systems.
Ethernet-to-Radio Sold as an optional stand-alone accessory.
UHF Radio Sold as an optional stand-alone or embedded accessory.
Serial cable Serial communication to Central or Diagnostic PC.

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
About This Manual
This manual is divided into five sections:
1. A Quick Start tutorial on quickly getting an irrigation program going and other
common irrigation tasks.
2. A Reference section, with every command explained.
3. A Maintenance and Troubleshooting section to help you, the operator, resolve
any problems or questions you might have quickly and effectively.
4. Appendices
• A: Specification
• B: Flow Meters
• C: Current Monitoring
• D: Flow Max
5. A glossary and index.

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Icons Explained
A note to clarify.
!
Important
Warning! Risk of electric shock
BUTTON Press the specified button.
Rotate the Control Dial.
Press the Control Dial.
001 The box indicates which field can be changed.
When the value flashes, it is ready to be changed.
Station Range 001 - 010
Run Time 00:10
Apply Changes
Program 1 Quick Stations WED 5:43:40 PM
Adjustable Fields.
to switch between the different fields.
to switch between values in
date, time, and run time fields.
Press the Control Dial to adjust values in this field.
There are typically two values in a field like this.
Change values in this field with the Control Dial.
For numeric fields only.
Change number values with the Control Dial.
option 1
option 2
option 1
option 2
option 3
001

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Getting Help
Rain Master strives to build safe, durable, and easy to use product. If, however, you
encounter a problem that is not easily resolved with the troubleshooting solutions
offered in "Chapter 13: Troubleshooting" on page 77, please contact an
authorized Rain Master product expert for assistance via phone or email.
U.S./Canada:
Phone: [phone] (7:30 am–4 pm, M–F, PT)
E-mail: [email protected]

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 2: Overview
Chapter 2: Overview
Because not all irrigation applications are identical, the DX3 controller has been
designed to allow users to establish a wide variety of individual programmable options.
These options include changing configuration of programs, Individual Station
Control (ISC), irrigation stations, the controller, and sensors.
The Faceplate
(0) Active Programs
(0) Active Stations
(2) Alerts
SAT: 239-239 WED 5:43:40 PM
A: Power reset
24 (GPM) Expected 0

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 2: Overview
The Buttons
Button Function
Control Dial
Rotate to switch between fields on a screen and change values
within those fields.
Press to enter a desired field and to save the value.
Left, Right, and Back buttons
To navigate screen and menu selections.
“A” button
To...
“B” button
To...
Command button
To execute the on-screen command closest to
that particular command button.
All Stop
To stop all current irrigation activity.
Manual
To manually operate the controller.
Dashboard
To return the controller to the “Dashboard” screen.
Review
To review irrigation program settings.

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 2: Overview
The LEDs
The DX3 has three LEDs beneath the main LCD screen. Each LED illuminates for a
specific reason:
(0) Active Programs
(0) Active Stations
(2) Alerts
SAT: 239-239 WED 5:43:40 PM
A: Power reset
24 (GPM) Expected 0
Rain Off
(blue)
Illuminated when the Rain Off command is active.
All irrigation activity is suspended when this light is on.
Alert
(red)
Illuminated when a user alert for the operator has been triggered,
such as after a loss of power or loss of pressure.
Alerts must be manually cleared in the Alert submenu.
Irrigation
(green,
blue, no
illumination)
Illuminates green when irrigation is actively in operation.
Illuminates blue when no valid program is scheduled to irrigate
today.
No illumination when a valid program is scheduled to irrigate
today, but is not actively irrigating.
The Screen
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen on the DX3 controller is 4.4” QVGA
monochrome display screen capable of 320 x 240 pixels.
The main menu
On both sides of the screen are three command buttons for quick and easy execution
of the button’s assigned command.
Setup Reports &
Diagnostics
Program Alerts
Stations Rain Hold
Main Menu WED 5:43:40 PM

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 2: Overview
Menu Navigation
Navigating menus and executing commands in the DX3 is easy with the various
buttons and the Control Dial.
To navigate the typical DX3 screen, we will use the below as an example.
Navigating and Executing
1. to navigate between adjustable fields.
The “active” field will have a black box around it.
2. to enter the “active” field.
3. to adjust the value.
Some fields have preset options like “Custom” vs. “Data Ind”. Other fields are
numeric and are adjusted incrementally.
4. to set desired option.
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 for all adjustable fields.
Sensor 1 Type Custom
K Factor 003.001
Offset 8.001
Include In Total Flow YES
Setup Flow Sensors WED 5:43:40 PM
|Sensor 1|Sensor 2 | Sensor 3
Press and
to move between the different
“top” screens.
Some fields have
preset options.
Press to switch
between them.
Number fields must be
adjusted by .

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 3: Quick Start
Chapter 3: Quick Start
This chapter is a step-by-step tutorial for rapid and basic controller setup. For the
demonstration, we will set up an irrigation schedule with 2 start times: 6:15am and
8pm daily, 1 cycle at 10 minutes per station.
The Quick Start guide does not address advanced features such as sensors
(Chapter 4), flow (Appendix B), ET, or FLOWMAX (Appendix C).
Before we can program an irrigation schedule, we must enter the date and time.
To get to the Setup screen from the Dashboard, press
the Control dial or any one of the Command buttons .
The Setup Screen
Flow Communication
Language Current Checks
Omit by Date Time/Date
Setup WED 5:43:40 PM
|Page 1|Page 2|

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 3: Quick Start
Setting the Language
1) Setup 2) Language
3) to change language. 4) When done, press .
Setting Current Date and Time
1) Setup 2) Time/Date
3) Switch between the 3 time/date fields.
4) Using the navigation techniques from page 14, adjust fields as necessary.
5) Repeat as necessary for the other fields. When done, press
Creating a New Irrigation Schedule
Now that the language and date and time are set,
we can set up the irrigation schedule.
Language English
Setup Language WED 5:43:40 PM
English
Espanol
Time Format 24-Hour
Time 5:43PM
Date 02/08/17
Setup Time/Date WED 5:43:40 PM
24-Hour
AM/PM

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 3: Quick Start
Program Start Time
1) Program 2) Program 1
3) Start Times
It is possible to have 12 start times per program.
4) and to adjust the first start time to 6:15am.
5) and to adjust Start Time 2 to 8:00pm.
Press 'A' to clear start times.
Start times set!
6) When done, press .
Start Times Quick Stns
Water Days Program Hold
Run Times OPT IN’s
Program 1 Menu WED 5:43:40 PM
|Page 1|Page 2|
Start Time 1 Start Time 4
06:15AM --:--AM
Start Time 2 Start Time 5
08:00PM --:--AM
Start Time 3 Start Time 6
--:--AM --:--AM
Program 1 Start Times
WED 5:43:40 PM
|1-6|7-12|
Start Time 1 Start Time 4
--:--AM --:--AM
Start Time 2 Start Time 5
--:--AM --:--AM
Start Time 3 Start Time 6
--:--AM --:--AM
Program 1 Start Times WED 5:43:40 PM
|1-6|7-12|

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 3: Quick Start
Water Days
1) Water Days
2) Enter Schedule Type field. 3) Change to desired
schedule. I chose 31-DAY.
4) Set Schedule Type. 5) to Alternate.
6) Set Alternate. 7) When done, press .
Alternate days are active.
Start Times Quick Stns
Water Days Program Hold
Run Times OPT IN’s
Program 1 Menu WED 5:43:40 PM
|Page 1|Page 2|
Schedule Type: 14-DAY
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Apply: Alternate Reverse
Program 1 Watering Days WED 5:43:40 PM
14-DAY
31-DAY
INTERVAL
Schedule Type: 31-DAY
Apply: Alternate Reverse
Program 1 Watering Days WED 5:43:40 PM
□1□2□3□4□5□6□7
□8□9□10 □11 □12 □13 □14
□15 □16 □17 □18 □19 □20 □21
□22 □23 □24 □25 □26 □27 □28
□29 □30 □31
Schedule Type: 31-DAY
Apply: Alternate Reverse
Program 1 Watering Days WED 5:43:40 PM
□1□2□3□4□5□6□7
□8□9□10 □11 □12 □13 □14
□15 □16 □17 □18 □19 □20 □21
□22 □23 □24 □25 □26 □27 □28
□29 □30 □31

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 3: Quick Start
Station Run Times
1) Run Times
2) Enter Station 1 hours field. Our run time will only be for ten
minutes, so we can switch to the minutes
field.
3) Switch to minutes field. 4) Adjust desired run time in
minutes.
5) Set Station 1 run time. 6) Switch to next Station field.
7) Repeat steps 2-6 for as necessary for as many stations as desired.
Press 'A' to clear run times.
Stations 1 - 6 set with ten minute run-times.
Start Times Quick Stns
Water Days Program Hold
Run Times OPT IN’s
Program 1 Menu WED 5:43:40 PM
|Page 1|Page 2|
Station 1 Station 4
00:00 00:00
Station 2 Station 5
00:00 00:00
Station 3 Station 6
00:00 00:00
Program 1 Run Times WED 5:43:40 PM
|1-6|7-12|13-18|19-24|25-30|>
Station 1 Station 4
00:10 00:10
Station 2 Station 5
00:10 00:10
Station 3 Station 6
00:10 00:10
Program 1 Run Times WED 5:43:40 PM
|1-6|7-12|13-18|19-24|25-30|>

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RAINMASTER
®DX3 User Manual
Chapter 3: Quick Start
Program Hold
A storm is coming! Irrigation will not be needed for a few days. Let’s activate a
Program Hold on Program 1.
1) Program 2) Program 1
3) Program Hold
4) Enter Set Day(s) field. 5) Change to desired
days. 4 days to dry out.
6) Set value. 7) When done, press .
Start Times Quick Stns
Water Days Program Hold
Run Times OPT IN’s
Program 1 Menu WED 5:43:40 PM
|Page 1|Page 2|
Hold Duration 04 Day(s)
Cancel Hold
Program 1 Hold WED 5:43:40 PM