RainMaster PROMAX User manual

FM Remote Control
System
User Manual
Models:
PROMAX
PROMAX-UA
March 2001 Document No. 500055 Rev. C
Pro Max

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
Page ii
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.............................................................................................................2
1.1 Pro Max Features...................................................................................................2
1.2 Ranges and Method of Transmission.....................................................................3
1.3 Licensing Information.............................................................................................4
2.0 Model PROMAX Remote Control System (Rain Master Only).............................5
2.1 Using the Receiver with a Rain Master Controller..................................................6
2.1.1 Connecting the Receiver to a Rain Master Controller .....................................6
2.1.2 Disconnecting the Receiver from a Rain Master Controller.............................7
2.2 Permanent Mount Pro Max Receiver .....................................................................7
2.3 Keystroke Operation.............................................................................................10
2.3.1 Evolution DX2 Keystroke Operations............................................................12
3.0 Model PROMAX-UA Remote Control System (Universal) .................................13
3.1 Using the Promax-UA Universal Adapter with a Non Rain Master Controller.......14
3.2 Installing the PROMAX-UA System......................................................................14
3.3 Temporary Connector Installation ........................................................................16
3.4 Disconnecting the PROMAX-UA from a Non-Rain Master Controller ..................17
3.5 Non-Rain Master Controllers Lacking 24 Volts AC...............................................17
3.6 Disconnecting the PROMAX-UA from a Non-Rain Master Controller ..................17
3.7 Non-Rain Master Controllers Lacking 24 Volts AC...............................................18
3.8 Permanent Wire Connections ..............................................................................18
3.9 Keystroke Operation.............................................................................................18
4.0 Detailed Operation................................................................................................19
4.1 Remote Operation................................................................................................19
4.2 Stations On and Off..............................................................................................20
4.3 Auto Up and Auto Down Keys..............................................................................20
4.4 On and Off Keys...................................................................................................21
4.5 Master Valve/Pump Key.......................................................................................21
4.6 Controller Access Code........................................................................................21
4.7 Add Stations.........................................................................................................22
4.7.1 Add Stations – On Key..................................................................................23
4.7.2 Add Stations – Auto Up and Auto Down Keys...............................................23
4.7.3 Add Stations - Off Key...................................................................................23
4.8 Program Function.................................................................................................23
4.8.1 Program – Off Key.........................................................................................24
4.8.2 Program – Auto Up Key.................................................................................24
4.8.3 Program - Sensor Switches...........................................................................24
4.9 Minutes Function..................................................................................................24
4.10 Beeper Operation..........................................................................................25
4.10.1 Power On Beeper Operation.........................................................................25
4.10.2 Universal Adapter Over-Current Detection Beeper .......................................25
4.11 Transmitter Battery Replacement..................................................................25

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
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5.0 Checking Out Electrical Problems ......................................................................26
5.1 Field Wiring Shorts, the Receiver, and Rain Master Controllers ..........................26
5.2 Field Wiring Shorts, the Receiver, and Non Rain Master Controllers...................27
5.3 A Note About Solenoids.......................................................................................27
6.0 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................28
7.0 Pro Max Specifications.........................................................................................30
7.1 Pro Max Transmitter.............................................................................................30
7.2 Pro Max Receiver.................................................................................................30
7.3 Pro Max Universal Adapter ..................................................................................30
7.4 Pro Max Carrying Case........................................................................................31
8.0 Pro Max Series Parts List.....................................................................................31
Rain Master Limited Warranty....................................................................................33
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Pro Max FM Remote Control System..............................................................1
Figure 2: Complete PROMAX System ............................................................................5
Figure 3: Pro Max Receiver to Rain Master Controller....................................................7
Figure 4: Permanent Mount Pro Max Receiver...............................................................8
Figure 5: Pro Max Transmitter (PM-XMTR).....................................................................9
Figure 6: Complete PROMAX-UA System....................................................................13
Figure 7: Relay (such as Rain Master RLY1)................................................................15
Figure 8: PROMAX-UA Installation to a Non-Rain Master Controller............................17
Figure 9: Non-Rain Master Controller 24 Volts AC........................................................18
Figure 10: PROMAX-UA Permanent Connection..........................................................19
Figure 11: Battery Replacement....................................................................................26
Notice:
Information furnished by Rain Master Irrigation Systems Inc. is believed to be
accurate and reliable. However, Rain Master shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with
the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Pro Max
Congratulations… you have chosen one of the ultimate weapons to use in keeping
maintenance costs down and satisfaction high – the Rain Master Pro Max Remote
Control System. Rain Master engineers take great pride in all their work, but they are
especially proud of Pro Max. You’ll find it packed with features you’ve been looking for
and it’s extremely easy for everyone to use. Pro Max has been designed to give you
years of dependable service.
To take full advantage of all the ways Pro Max can help you do your job more efficiently
and economically, please take a few minutes and read your User Manual. It won’t be
long before your best friend in the field is Pro Max.
Figure 1: Pro Max FM Remote Control System

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
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1.0 Introduction
The Pro Max Remote Control System is designed to save valuable time and energy,
which would have been spent walking back and forth between the controller and the
irrigation field zone location. It makes light work of system checkouts and service work,
providing field personnel with complete control over the irrigation controller.
Controllers may be operated remotely from watering zone sites allowing immediate
evaluation of the irrigation configuration and performance. Using the hand-held battery
operated Pro Max Transmitter from a remote zone location; the operator may turn ON a
single station or any number of stations with the push of a few simple keys.
An access code feature allows independent control of multiple Pro Max receivers
permanently installed in up to 999 controllers. In addition to the maintenance features,
the Pro Max system provides specialized irrigation functions, which are described in
Section 1.1.
The Pro Max remote control system is composed of two model numbers:
Model No. Description
PROMAX Used with Rain Master only controllers. (See Section 2.0)
PROMAX-UA Used with any manufacturers’ 24-volt AC controller. (See
Section 3.0)
1.1 Pro Max Features
Simplicity
•The industries easiest remote to use.
•Fits in shirt or pants pocket or can be attached using the convenient belt clip.
•Large dedicated feature keys allow most functions to be performed with a single
key operation.
•Auto-up and auto-down station operation.
Flexibility
•Can be used with any manufacturers’ 24-volt AC controller (Model PROMAX-
UA).
•Independent control of the master valve and/or pump.
•Single or multi-station capabilities for testing system hydraulics.
•Timed station operation selectable from 1 to 60 minutes.
•Control up to 999 individual Pro Max receivers from a single Pro Max
transmitter.
•Ability to turn a program ON or OFF (when used with RME Sentar, RME Hawk,
or Evolution DX2 controllers).
•Small and compact Pro Max receiver design facilities permanent internal
controller mount.
•Compatibility with Rain Master RT5/RRAD remote.

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
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Intelligence
•Detects and provides an audible alert against field wiring short circuits (Model
PROMAX-UA).
•No more tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses during installation checkout.
•Receiver has built-in safety default to automatically turn station OFF after 60
minutes.
•Audible Pro Max transmitter and Pro Max receiver tones verify proper Pro Max
remote control operations at all times.
•High tech power saver circuitry means no more battery recharging required (no
down time).
•Transmitter has a single replacement lithium battery that can be purchased
locally and field replaced. The battery will last an entire season, under normal
conditions.
•Audible low battery alert.
•No fuses required.
Durability
•Tough, rugged all metal construction with shock absorbing rubber bumpers.
•Hard cover case for carefree transportation.
Reliability
•Utilizes three mechanisms to insure reliable, interference-free communications.
-Digital filters
-Factory set coding
-VHF FM communications
1.2 Ranges and Method of Transmission
It is not possible to exactly predict the distance over which the Pro Max system will
perform. Several factors may affect the distance and reliability of any radio
transmission:
•Frequency used •Transmission Power
•Terrain •Antenna placement
•Building Structures •Weather conditions
•On channel interference •Atmospheric disturbances
•Antenna types •Mode of operation (AM, FM, etc.)
Your Pro Max system has been designed to operate at distances up to one mile. Under
ideal open field conditions, it can readily operate up to 5 miles.
When attempting to use Pro Max over extended distances, it is important to ensure that
the receiving antenna is properly located. If possible, avoid Pro Max receiver antenna

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
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locations, which are indoors, especially basements, or structures, which are concrete
and steel. It may be possible to remotely locate an external antenna whenever poor Pro
Max receiver locations exist. Call Rain Master Technical support for assistance,
telephone [phone]. Moving the Pro Max transmitter to a more favorable location
or usage of optional high gain antennas on both the Pro Max transmitter and Pro Max
receiver may improve operations.
The Pro Max system utilizes VHF/FM communications and the Pro Max receiver/Pro
Max transmitter pair are factory encoded to insure that other services including other
Rain Master remotes, do not interfere or false trigger the Pro Max receiver. Digital
filtering further enhances operation in interference prone environments. FM
transmission is employed for its inherent quality and immunity to atmospheric, static,
and electrical interference which are commonly found in AM types of equipment such as
citizen’s band radio, garage door openers, etc. Usage of FM transmissions also insures
that the stronger signal prevails (capture ratio), meaning that all received signals, which
are weaker than the Pro Max transmission, are completely overridden.
Note: Antennas are not just a piece of wire; they are cut for a precise
frequency of operation in order to ensure optimal performance. When
using antennas with the Pro Max system, only utilize Rain Master
specified parts, which are available through your authorized Rain Master
distributor.
1.3 Licensing Information
Your Rain Master Pro Max radio operates on FM radio communication frequencies and
is subject to the rules and regulations of the local communications governing agencies.
These agencies may require that all operators using private land mobile or general
mobile radio frequencies obtain a radio license before operating their equipment. The
operator receives a license for use of the radio equipment under a specific eligibility and
ON a particular frequency or set of frequencies. To determine eligibility for use of private
land mobile service frequencies, contact your local communications governing agency.
This agency can supply information required to properly obtain and complete the license
application form.
For U.S. License Applications, contact:
FCC Forms Distribution Center
1 [phone]
Request form 600 and all schedules and instructions.
For license questions call the FCC at 1 [phone].
The following are addresses of communications agencies in North America:

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
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United States
Federal Communications
Commission
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
1-800-322-1117
Canada
Department of Communications
1241 Clyde Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K2C 143
Mexico
Sectretaria De Comunicaciones
Y Transportes
Direccion General de Politicas Y Normas de Comunicaciones
Av. Eugenia No. 197-5o. Piso
Mexico, D.F. 06700
2.0 Model PROMAX Remote Control System (Rain Master Only)
The PROMAX Pro Max receiver is designed to connect directly to any Rain Master
controller by plugging the 9-pin connector from the Pro Max receiver into the front panel
remote control jack found ON Rain Master controllers.
Figure 2: Complete PROMAX System

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
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PROMAX Parts List
Part No. Ref. Description
PM-XMTR 1 Pro Max Remote radio transmitter
PM-RCVR 2 Pro Max Remote receiver
PM-SER99 3 36” remote cable
500055 4 Pro Max User’s manual
PM-CASE 5 Pro Max carrying case
PM-ANT-XMTR 6 Antenna, BNC
PM-ANT-RCVR 7 Antenna, hinged, BNC
2.1 Using the Receiver with a Rain Master Controller
One of the unique and patented features of Rain Master Controllers is the built-in
capability for remote control. Making the connections between the hand held remote
transmitter and the Pro Max receiver, which is attached to the controller, takes just a
few seconds.
2.1.1 Connecting the Receiver to a Rain Master Controller
Connecting the Pro Max receiver to the controller is a very simple operation. The
following procedure steps are all that is required. Please refer to Figure 3: Pro Max
Receiver to Rain Master Controller.
Step 1 Make sure the controller is in the Automatic mode press the controllers’
QUIT key.
Step 2 Make sure the controller’s Rain Switch, if so equipped, is in the
automatic watering position.
Step 3 Place the Pro Max receiver on top of the controller with the antenna
pointing straight up. Do not allow the antenna to touch any metal objects
or wire.
Step 4 Connect the female end of the PM-SER99 cable to the Pro Max receiver
and secure with lock screws. Hand tighten only. Connect the other end
of the cable to the remote control receptacle on the front panel of the
controller (it is keyed to fit only in one way).
The controller’s display will either go blank or indicate that the remote is
active. The Pro Max receiver will beep to indicate that it is ready for use.
Note: NEVER operate the Pro Max transmitter without the
CORRECT antenna properly installed.

Rain Master Irrigation Systems Pro Max User’s Manual
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Upon Receiver Connection
Beep Response Description
1 Beep (1/2 sec) Ready
2 Beeps Multi-Pro Max receiver mode:
•Requires corresponding access code
to enable Pro Max receiver operation.
3 Beeps Failed internal diagnostic tests. Contact Rain
Master.
Figure 3: Pro Max Receiver to Rain Master Controller
2.1.2 Disconnecting the Receiver from a Rain Master Controller
To disconnect the Pro Max Pro Max receiver, follow the procedure below.
Step 1 Disconnect the Pro Max receiver’s plug from the controller’s front panel
by grasping the plug housing, not the cable, and pulling straight out. The
controller display should now return to the automatic screen display.
2.2 Permanent Mount Pro Max Receiver
Pro Max Receivers may be permanently installed into any Rain Master controller.
Two items are required for permanent controller installation: