R&D Wireless Rain Sensor User manual

TM
The Wireless RainSensor
For Irrigation Systems
INTRODUCTION:
Congratulations on your purchase of the Wireless Rain Sensor. No spe-
cial tools are required to install the Wireless Rain Sensor, so you’ll be up
and running in minutes.
Please read through these instructions in their entirety before attempting
to install the Wireless RainSensor. If you are unsure about the proper
wiring, please have a qualified contractor perform the installation for
you. Installation should also be performed with adherence to local codes.
Additional information is available at www.rainsensor.com.
R&D Engineering, Inc., Manasquan, NJ
Transmitter Receiver
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Este manual de instrucción está también disponible en español. Por
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PLEASE NOTE:
The Receiver should NOT be directly connected to 120/240VAC.
The Receiver SHOULD be mounted indoors or in a protective enclosure.
The Transmitter should NOT be submerged in water.

QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS:
For the experienced installer, the following instructions can be used.
1. Mount Receiver adjacent to controller with screws provided.
2. Turn off or disconnect power to the timer/controller.
3. Attach Receiver control wires to the sensor inputs OR
a. Disconnect common valve wire and common pump/master
valve wire, if present.
b. Attach white wire to common wire(s).
c. Attach brown wire to common terminal on controller.
4. Connect the red & black Receiver wires to the controller’s low volt-
age power source (24V)
5. Test wiring by pressing & holding the Transmitter spindle.
6. Adjust Transmitter cap to desired activation rainfall amount.
7. Mount Transmitter in an unobstructed location away from sprinklers.
8. Re-confirm operation of Transmitter at mounting location.
** DETAILED INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS **
There are two main components,
the Transmitter and the Receiver.
The Transmitter is installed out-
doors where it is exposed to all
rainfall. The Receiver is installed
in a weatherproof location adjacent
to the sprinkler valve controller.
Install the Receiver first, at a loca-
tion in close proximity to the irri-
gation controller. Extend the An-
tenna straight up. (See Fig. 2).
WIRING THE RECEIVER: (TWO STEPS INVOLVED)
There are two steps involved:
Step 1: Attach the control wires
Step 2: Attach the low voltage power wires
Step 1. Control Wires (Disconnect power to the Controller):
The Receiver control wires (White, Brown, and Green) are used to inter-
rupt the common wire of the valves or they can be hooked up directly to
the sensor input of the controller itself, if present.
Antenna
5 conductor wire
Valve Controller / Timer
Receiver
Antenna
5 conductor wire
Valve Controller / Timer
Receiver
Fig. 2
2

A. Controllers with NO Sensor Inputs, NO Pump Start or
Master Valve: (Fig. 3)
Disconnect the common con-
trol wire from the common
terminal of the controller.
Join this wire to the White
Receiver control wire using a
wire nut. Attach the Brown
control wire (N/C) to the
common terminal on the con-
troller.
B. Controllers WITH Sensor Inputs: (Fig. 4)
Find the controller terminals marked “Sensor” or “SEN” and
directly connect the White & Brown wires to these two termi-
nals, in any order. There may be a jumper tab or wire that must
be removed from between the
terminals, or a “sensor con-
nected” switch that must be
activated. Note: If the con-
troller requires a Normally
Open sensor circuit (such as
the Toro GreenkeeperTM or
Toro ECxTM), attach the White
and Green wires to the termi-
nals.
C. Controllers WITH Pump Start or Master Valve: (Fig. 5)
Similar to Step A, discon-
nect All the common control
wires from the common ter-
minal(s) of the controller.
Join these wires to the
White Receiver control wire
using a wire nut. Be sure to
include the common wire
from the Pump Start Relay
with these. Next attach the
Brown Receiver control
wire to the common termi-
nal on the controller.
Step 2. Power Wires (low voltage):
1 2 3 4
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves
White
Yellow*
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MV
24 VAC
24 VAC
Black Red
S
S
C
* Use Green wire (in place of Yellow) if a normally open circuit is required
1 2 3 4
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves
White
Yellow*
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MVPump / MV
24 VAC24 VAC
24 VAC24 VAC
Black Red
SS
SS
CC
* Use Green wire (in place of Yellow) if a normally open circuit is required
Fig. 4
!
1234
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves White
Yellow
Wire Nut
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MV
24 VAC
24 VAC
Black
Red
C1234
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves White
Yellow
Wire Nut
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MVPump / MV
24 VAC24 VAC
24 VAC24 VAC
Black
Red
CC
Fig. 3
Brown
Brown
1 2 3 4
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves
White
Yellow
Wire Nut
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MV
C
24 VAC
24 VAC
Black Red
Pump
Start
Relay
1 2 3 4
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves
White
Yellow
Wire Nut
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MVPump / MV
CC
24 VAC24 VAC
24 VAC24 VAC
Black Red
Pump
Start
Relay
Pump
Start
Relay
Fig. 5
Brown
Brown)*Use Green wire (in place of Brown) if a normally open circuit is required.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT connect the Receiver directly to 120/240VAC
as this will result in irreversible damage. If you are in doubt, contact a
qualified installer or electrician.
3

The Receiver requires a nominal voltage of 24V to power the unit.
∗∗Turn off / Disconnect Power to the Controller/timer before proceeding!
A. Controllers WITH 24V Terminals: (Fig. 3)
24V terminals are present on the majority of controllers. Simply
attach the Red and Black Receiver wires to these two terminals
(order does not matter).
B. Controllers with NO 24V Terminals: (Fig. 6)
On controllers that do not have 24V terminals, “piggy-back” the
Red and Black wires to the controller’s 24VAC supply wires.
C. Using the Optional Transformer: (Fig. 7)
In rare cases where a controller does not
use 24V as its power supply, or access to
it is not convenient, it is best to use an
optional 24V Transformer to power the
Receiver unit. Order R&D part #
TRN120 from your distributor or R&D
directly. (Available at a nominal cost).
INITIAL RECEIVER TESTING:
Reconnect power to Controller. Test the Receiver installation by lightly
pressing & holding the Spindle at the top of the Transmitter unit -the
“System Off -Rain” light should illuminate on the Receiver for the dura-
tion of the actuation. (The Battery Low light will also briefly flicker
when a valid transmission has been received.) If the light does not illu-
minate, please recheck your wiring. Also make sure the Antennas are
fully extended and straight.
4
1 2 3 4
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves White
Yellow
Wire Nut
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MV
Black Red
C24 VAC
“Piggy-back” connections
1 2 3 4
Valve
Terminals
To Valves
Common From Valves White
Yellow
Wire Nut
Valve Controller / Timer
Pump / MVPump / MV
Black Red
CC 24 VAC
“Piggy-back” connections
Fig. 6
Black
Red
24 VAC
Optional Transformer
Black
Red
24 VAC
Optional Transformer
Fig. 7
Brown

RAIN FALL ADJUSTMENT: (Fig. 8)
The Wireless RainSensor can be adjusted to
detect rainfall quantities of 1/8", 1/4", 1/2",
3/4" or 1". Rotate the cap on the Transmitter
body so the pins are located in the desired rain-
fall amount slot. Be sure to align the slots and
pins properly as this adjustment should not re-
quire excessive force .
MOUNTING THE TRANSMITTER/SENSOR: (Figs 9, 10, & 11)
Mount the Transmitter as close to the Receiver as possible to avoid inter-
ference of the wireless signal. The Transmitter should be mounted where
it will be exposed to unobstructed rain-
fall, but not in the path of sprinkler
spray. Gutters are ideal locations and
the specially designed bracket makes this
installation as simple as tightening the
supplied thumbscrew under the gutter lip
(see Fig. 9). The Transmitter can also be
mounted on any suitable surface using
the enclosed screws (see Fig. 10). The
Transmitter may also be mounted to a
PVC pipe using a 1-1/4” coupling or optional adapter (Fig. 11). NOTE:
The unit should be mounted in a vertical orientation with the Antenna
wire protruding straight down from the housing,
avoiding installations where the antenna wire comes
in contact with any metal objects.
Prior to final placement, the Transmitter
should be tested again by lightly pressing
& holding the spindle as described in
“Initial Receiver Testing”.
If the Receiver is not visible to
the installer, turn on a watering
zone which is visible from the
installation location and the acti-
vation of the Transmitter will
shut off the “test” zone.
Note: If the location of the Transmitter is not providing a valid signal to
the Receiver, verify the Transmitter operation at close range and choose
another mounting location.
Also, make sure the Antennas are fully extended and straight.
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
5
Fig. 10
TIP!
Fig. 11
1/4
3/4
1/8
1/2
1
ANTENNA

OPERATION:
Normal Operation:
When the Wireless RainSensor activates due to sufficient rainfall, the
“System Off -Rain” light will remain illuminated on the Receiver. After
the rain sensor “dries out”, the controller will resume its normal watering
schedule.
Smart BypassTM:
Your Wireless RainSensor can be temporarily deactivated by using the
built in Smart Bypass button. Simply tap this switch once and the
“System Off -Rain” light will go out until the next time the Wireless
RainSensor resets -all automatically.
Battery Low Indicator:
When the “Battery Low” indicator light illuminates constantly, it serves
as a warning that the Transmitter’s battery is getting low and it should be
replaced when convenient. The Wireless RainSensor will function prop-
erly for some time after this indicator is present. Note: A brief “Battery
Low” light illumination is used to indicate a valid transmission from the
Transmitter. This is a diagnostic tool and does not indicate that the bat-
tery is low.
Battery Replacement: To replace the batteries, simply remove the Trans-
mitter from the bracket, slide the bottom from the housing by first de-
pressing the two opposing clips, and gently pull the circuit board out of
the unit. Replace using two 3V CR2032 cells or equivalent, paying close
attention to polarity (+/-).
CODE CHANGING:
The transmission code for the unit is identified by stickers on the Trans-
mitter & Receiver. Although, in most cases, even if two identical units
are installed, unwanted activations would only occur if the two sensors
are set for different rainfall amounts.
However, the code may be manually changed as follows:
1. Remove the Transmitter’s Bottom cover by pressing the tabs in and
slide the circuit board out.
2. Identify the code wire loops (black and white small loops) & cut one
or both wires with end cutting pliers.
3. Disconnect the power from the Receiver and remove the cover.
4. Cut the SAME colored wire(s) as was done for the Transmitter.
5. Re-assemble and test the operation.
6

TROUBLESHOOTING / SUPPORT:
Please visit our website at www.rainsensor.com for troubleshooting
help. You may also contact R&D Engineering directly through our
help-line at 888-301-3818.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT / ACCESORIES:
The following are optional components that may be purchased from
your local supplier or from R&D Engineering directly.
1. Combination Rain/Freeze sensor model (part # WRS1-F)
2. 120 -24VAC Transformer (part # TRN120)
3. 240 -24VAC Transformer (part # TRN240)
4. Wire piggy back clips (part #CLP1)
5. PVC pipe mount adapter (part #AD125)
6. Replacement batteries (part # CR2032)
7. Bracket extension (part # BRK40)
8. Contact R&D Engineering directly for other parts/special orders.
7

SPECIFICATIONS:
Mounting: “Quick-Clip”TM Gutter Bracket, Screws or Pole mount.
Rain Sensor Transmitting Range: up to 300 feet LOS
Sensor: Industry Standard Hygroscopic discs with adjustable
rain sensitivity
Optional Freeze Sensor available now!
Transmitter Average Battery Life: 5 years
Battery Type: (2) CR2032 -3V cells
Operating Temperature: -20oF to 120oF
Receiver Power: 22-28 VAC/VDC, 100mA (from existing timer
or optional transformer)
Relay Contacts Output: Normally Open & Normally Closed
3A@24VAC
Receiver Controls: Status indicator, built-in Smart Bypass
Switch™, Repairman Assist™compatible, low transmitter battery
indicator
Warranty: 3 Years Limited (contact R&D for details)
Patents Pending
Over 13 Years of Irrigation Experience
R&D Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 414
Manasquan, NJ 08736-0414
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Visit us on the Internet at:
www.rainsensor.com
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
©
2000 R&D Engineering, Inc.