VIET GARDEN FX Operating instructions

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1. LX - Troubleshooting Overview
Problem
No power at plug
Cause
Tripped breaker or GFCI
Solution
Reset circuit breaker in main panel or the GFCI usually
located in a bathroom, garage, or kitchen.
Problem
GFCI keeps tripping
Cause
Ground problem or defective GFCI
Solution
Use a high-grade model such as the Hubbell #GF5252I.
Problem
One cable run not
working
Cause
Cut cable or short
Solution
Test cable for voltage. If none, it is cut. If there is very low
voltage and the cable is hot, there is a short. Check all
fixtures and splices for defects
Problem
Lamps are burning
out prematurely
Cause
Excessive voltage at lamp
Solution
Drop the affected cable run down to the next lower voltage
tap or increase wattage load on that cable to drop voltage.
Also, some lamps are rated for a very short life such as the
4414 (300 hours). Use halogen lamps.
Problem
The closest lamp to
the transformer is
burning out
prematurely
Cause
Excessive voltage at lamp
Solution
The closest lamp will always have a higher voltage reading
than the last lamp. Cable fixtures so that there is about 40'
from first to last within a lighting zone. See system layout for
details.
VIET GARDEN CO., LTD
Hunter's Distributor in Vietnam
205 Dao Duy Tu St., Dist.10, HCM City, Vietnam
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Website: www.vietgardens.vn
LX - TROUBLESHOOTING

A Hunter Industries Company
Problem
Lamps have a
yellow or golden
tone
Cause
Voltage too low
Solution
Move affected cable to the next higher voltage tap or reduce
load on cable. If possible, run additional cable to first fixture
to reduce voltage loss.
Problem
Lamp goes on and
off when fixture is
moved
Cause
Too much tension on socket leads
Solution
With spring type sockets, it is important to leave some slack
so the socket contacts make a good connection to the lamp
base.
Problem
System is getting
dimmer with age
Cause
Splices are corroding
Solution
As non-waterproof splices corrode, they create electrical
resistance, which reduces voltage.
Problem
Photocell
transformer is
coming on too soon
Cause
Transformer is in dark location
Solution
In order to operate properly, the photocell must have a good
look at daylight. Move to a brighter location.
Problem
Fixtures have a
white mineral
deposit on them
Cause
Irrigation water is hitting them
Solution
Schedule the irrigation to come on after the lights have gone
off. This is especially true with the 50 W spots —very hot.

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Checking Voltage at Outlet
Checking Voltage at Transformer Lugs
Checking Voltage at Fixture Splice
2. LX - Checking Voltage Using Voltmeter
Using a digital voltmeter allows you to take important voltage readings at the transformer, at
each fixture and at the receptacle the transformer will be plugged into. Dial the digital
voltmeter to the 200 ~ setting for measuring AC voltage.
Each lug should read no more than +/–0.3 to 0.9 volts of rated
output. Both the LX-150 and LX-300 models have a 12V, 13V,
and 14V lug inside the controller. The FX MultiTap Transformer
allows you the opportunity to utilize the voltage tap that will
provide each circuit with the proper voltage. For cable runs in the
“distant zone” you would typically select the 13 or 14 volt tap. For
cable runs in the “close zone,” you would typically install the cable
run into the 12 volt tap depending upon the wattage load and
size of cable.
This tool tells you whether or not the 120 volt receptacle you
are plugging the FX Transformer into is wired properly. Follow
the tool manufacturers instruction manual to assure proper wiring
on the receptacle you will be using.
This procedure should only be performed by a licensed
electrician.
electrician.
Insert voltmeter probes into each wire connector (Optimum
reading between 10.5 and 11.5 VAC for incandescant fixtures
and 10-15 VAC for LED fixtures).

A Hunter Industries Company
3. LX - Incoming Power to the Transformer
The quickest way to see if the Transformer is receiving power is to plug a working lamp or
radio into the outlet to see if outlet is providing power.
If unit is hardwired to power supply, testing power should only be performed by a
licensed electrician.
If the outlet is not providing power check to see that the GFCI receptacle has been tripped.
Note that sometimes the GFCI that protects the circuit for your Transformer is NOT the one
the Transformer is plugged into! It may be found in the kitchen, laundry room or other location
within the house! If the GFCI has tripped, reset it and test your Transformer again.
If the GFCI is set properly, next check the Circuit Breaker in the Electrical Panel. If tripped,
reset it and test your Transformer.
If you have a Receptacle Tester (RT), insert it into the Receptacle in which your Transformer
is plugged. The RT will tell you if the wiring from the Electrical Panel to the receptacle is OK or
not. If it does not indicate two orange lights, something is wrong with the wiring. Consult an
electrician!
4. LX - Testing Transformer Power
The first test to perform will determine if power is passing through the Transformer to
the low voltage taps.
Turn your volt meter on and place one of the probes on the lug labeled “C” and the other
probe on the voltage tap labeled “12V”. Repeat this test on the 13 volt and 14 volt AC taps. If
your readings are 12 volts +/- 0.5, etc, you will have determined that the Transformer and all
switching devices are operating properly.
If your Low Voltage taps are getting power and your lights still don’t work, most likely there is
a problem with the circuit wire (cut wire), a problem with the lamps or a problem with the wire
connectors.
If you’ve determined that the transformer is getting proper voltage from the electrical panel to
the receptacle on the face of the transformer and your system still isn’t working, we will next
test to see if your timer has malfunctioned.
Note: If your Transformer includes a PhotoCell (PC) you must cover electrical tape in
order to assimilate night time.

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5. LX - Hard Reset
Electrical surges and voltage spikes can cause anomalies in a transformers face pack.
6. LX - Moving the Photocell
FX manufactures an extended version of the LX Photocell with a lead to mount photocell up to
26' from transformer
To return the face pack to its original setting
complete the reset procedure listed below:
1. Hold down the GREY ENTER and
DOWN button on the face pack.
2. As you are holding the buttons down,
press the reset button on the back of
the face pack.
3. Release the reset button first, and
then release the buttons on the front.
A successful reset will result in 12:00 on the
display. You can now reprogram your LX
face pack.
Kit Includes:
26' of cable
Mounting bracket
Mounting Screws
The FX part number for the LX extended
photocell is LX-PC-KIT

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7. LX - No Power on Low Voltage Terminals
If the LX transformer does not power on THE LOW VOLTAGE TERMINALS when plugged
into a working outlet, the internal fuse may need to be replaced. NOTE: The front panel will
still show power. To protect the LX from ground surges caused by lightning or damaged
connections there is a buss fuse contained in the top of the transformer. This fuse does not
protect the incoming voltage, just the low voltage side of the transformer. The LX buss fuse is
located in the top-wiring compartment of the LX lighting transformer. Replace with a UL Listed
3AG with the following specifications: 10 Amp –250V.
This procedure should only be performed by a licensed electrician. Disconnect power from the
primary and secondary.
Use a flat bladed screw driver to remove cover.
Twist the two sides of the fuse holder in opposite
directions to open.
Open fuse holder to change fuse.
STEP
1
STEP
2
STEP
3

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8. LX - Circuit Overload and Short Circuit
If the amperage load on any given common lug exceeds the transformer capacity, the circuit
breaker will trip and the display will read ”Err” (Error). Test the amperage load on all cables on
the common lug using an amp clamp. Test each individual cable on the common lug with the
amp clamp. To remedy an overload, either reduce the wattage of the lamps in the fixtures or
rebalance the amp load between commons.
Short Circuit
The LCD will read “Err” (for Error) and shut off power if there is a short somewhere in the
cabling. This message will continue to be displayed until any button is pressed. To test for a
short circuit, check each cable on the common tap that is tripping individually.
Example: A circuit with 100 watts of load (five 20 watt fixtures) should have an amp reading of
approximately 8 amps. If the cable is reading significantly more, it has a short somewhere in
the cable.
NOTE: Shorts and overloads are NOT covered by the FX warranty and can only be detected
when the transformer is tested in the field
9. LX - Replacement Lamp Not Working
A common mistake made by many is to replace existing lamps with lamps of higher wattage
than those originally installed.
Example: If you have an FX system with a PX-600 watt transformer, 25 fixtures illuminating
the landscape and all of the original fixtures have 20-watt lamps in them for a total load on the
transformer of 500 watts, when it comes time to replace the lamps 20-watt lamps must be
used. The system has already been sized to take into account voltage drop and individual tap
output with those 20-watt lamps. If larger 50-watt lamps are installed the design variables that
were originally taken into account are now void.
The larger lamps will cause the transformer to overload, and the transformer’s circuit breaker
to trip thus shutting the system down. This is a safety measure to insure the transformer
survives these maintenance accidents.
Solution: Reinstall lamps with the same wattage as the originals or upsize to a larger
transformer.
Finally, if you’ve replaced all the lamps and your system still isn’t working, either the wires
have been cut or you'll need to check the transformer and the electrical components on the
high voltage side for issues.