Skydrop Halo User manual

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Smart Sprinkler Controller
Installation and Quick Start Guide

Contents
Before You Begin ........................................................ 2
Package Contents ....................................................... 3
Removing Your Existing Controller .............................. 4
Mounting and Wiring Your New Controller ................ 5
Initial Setup ................................................................ 6
Mobile Control ........................................................... 6
Day-to-Day Use .......................................................... 7

Start saving money, time, and water with
your new Smart Sprinkler Controller!
Questions?
Please contact Skydrop Support
for installation assistance:
skydrop.com/support
[email protected]
1-844-SKYDROP (759-3767)
This guide will help you set up your controller. Your new Smart
Sprinkler Controller is powered by Skydrop. Watch the Skydrop
step-by-step installation video at skydrop.com/install-video, or visit
the Skydrop website to learn more about your new controller at
skydrop.com/features.
Before You Begin
Wireless Access.
The controller uses Wi-Fi, and
must be installed close to a
strong signal source for optimal
performance.
If the Wi-Fi signal strength is low,
you may need to relocate your
wireless router or install a Wi-Fi
range extender.
Outdoor Installation.
Your Smart Sprinkler Controller is
designed to be installed indoors. If
you need to place your controller
outside, ensure that it is encased
in a weather-resistant enclosure.
Visit skydrop.com/outdoors for
additional information.
Power Down.
If you need to remove your Smart
Sprinkler Controller at any time,
it is highly recommended that
you power the device down
by hand. To power down your
controller, press and hold the
power button located on the
bottom of the device until the
jog dial glows yellow, then wait
for ten seconds. Now it is safe to
detach the controller from the
wall plate.
2

Package Contents
Controller
Wall Plate
Power Supply
Wall Screws
Installation Guide
3

9.5 mm
to
12.7mm
3/8"
to
1/2"
2
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Step 1: Remove Existing Sprinkler Controller
a) Take note of your existing valve wire
numbering and common wire(s), these
are usually white.
TIP: Snap a photo of your existing wiring
sequence with your smartphone.
b) Disconnect all wiring and remove the
existing sprinkler controller from the wall.
c) Straighten and strip the disconnected wire ends
to expose leads to the recommended length. We
recommend that you strip each lead to expose
anywhere between 3/8” and ½” (9.5mm- 12.7mm).
TIP: Exposing as much
wire as possible will
simplify future steps
during installation.
4

Insert the power supply cable through the wiring
slot found on the bottom of the mounted wall
plate (or through the breakaway tab on the rear
of the wall plate). Secure the power cable into the
top, center plug.
Push each valve wire firmly into a designated zone
position (1-8) and pull back gently to verify that
each wire is secure. The “C” positions are for
common wire(s). To remove a valve wire, depress its
corresponding button and pull the wire out.
Step 2: Mount Your Controller Wall Plate
Common Master Valve
(optional)
Common
Hot Position
(for testing)
Step 3: Power and Wiring
5
NOTE: Wall anchors are not necessary when mounting your Smart
Sprinkler Controller to drywall. Pre-drilling with a 1/8” (3mm) bit is
recommended when mounting to wood studs. Do not over-tighten
screws. Hand tightening is recommended.
Position the wall plate using the integrated level, and secure using anchor screws (included).
TIP: Mount your controller
at eye level for optimal
screen viewing.

Align the snap pegs on the back of the Smart Sprinkler
Controller with their corresponding positions on the
wall plate. Once aligned, push the controller firmly
into place. The Skydrop logo will illuminate when the
controller is powered.
Step 4: Place Controller onto Wall Plate
Step 5: Initial Setup
The first time you power up your Smart Sprinkler Controller, you will be guided
through the initial setup process. This setup process aids in connecting the
controller to your Wi-Fi network and helps you to configure settings for each of
your watering zones.
Create Your Skydrop Account.
Visit my.skydrop.com to create your
user account and to manage your Smart
Sprinkler Controller online.
Using the Jog Dial.
You can manually make selections on
your Smart Sprinkler Controller by using
the illuminated jog dial. Rotate the dial
to navigate through menus and modules,
and push the ring to select a highlighted
choice. Press and hold the jog dial to
return to a previous screen.
Step 6: Mobile Control
You can manage your Smart Sprinkler Controller configuration
and settings directly on the device itself, via the web, or through
any iOS or Android device.
Download the Skydrop Mobile App. Visit skydrop.com/mobile.
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In most cases, smart watering will handle all daily watering needs across all zones.
CAUTION: Battery May Explode If Mistreated. Do Not Recharge, Disassemble Or Dispose Of In Fire. TM and © 2014 Skydrop, LLC
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Day-to-Day Use
Your Smart Sprinkler Isn’t
Watering Enough.
A visibly stressed lawn, or dry, discolored plants
indicate that your Smart Sprinkler may not be
watering enough. You may find that this is only in
specific areas in your landscape. Unfortunately, if
this is the case you will probably have to water more
than is required in the rest of a particular watering
zone to make up for the isolated spot in question.
Determine which zone(s) is not receiving enough
water and enter the Zone Settings Menu to adjust
the “Water More / Water Less” slider. Move the
slider to “Water More”.
If more drastic adjustments are needed, select
the cog found in the “Settings” menu and adjust
frequency and duration directly.
Your Smart Sprinkler Is Watering
Too Much.
Over-watering can be more difficult to diagnose. If
it hasn’t rained and you find a lot of mushrooms in
your landscape, this can be a good sign that your
Smart Sprinkler Controller is watering an area too
much. Seasonal change is another good reason to
adjust your controller to water less.
Determine which zone(s) is receiving too much
water and enter the Zone Settings Menu to adjust
the “Water More / Water Less” slider. Move the
slider to “Water Less”.
If more drastic adjustments are needed, select
the cog found in the “Settings” menu and adjust
frequency and duration directly.
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