HYDRO-RAIN HRC-100-C - Outdoor Easy Set Logic Controller Manual

With Hydro-Rain's exclusive Easy-Set Logic™, simple programming and setup are combined with the latest controller technology and versatility.

Your HRC 100 C provides convenience and flexibility, letting you run a fully automatic, a semi-automatic, or a manual watering program for all your watering needs. Although this controller is so easy to program that you likely will not need instructions, we recommend that you read this manual fully before installation so that you understand all of the advanced features.

Section 1: Get to know your HRC 100 C

1. Lock and latch
2. Weather Resistant Cover
3. Dial
4. Digital Display
5. Battery Compartment
6. Swing Door panel

Section 2: Installation

Required Tools

• Phillips Screwdriver
• Wire Strippers

Installation Steps

1. Select a Location
2. Mount the Controller
3. Connect Valve Wires to Controller
4. Connect Electrical Power
5. Activate Battery

Select a Location

When choosing a location for your HRC 100 C, consider the following:

• Choose location near a power source (if hard wiring) or electrical outlet when using the supplied power cord.
• Ensure operating temperatures are not below 32° or above 158°Fahrenheit (below 0°Celsius or above 70°Celsius).
• Place it away from direct sunlight if possible.
• Ensure at least 9" of space to the left of the sprinkler controller box for the door to swing open after installation.
• Locate the controller where there is easy access to sprinkler wire (from valves). If mounted in an outdoor location, shut the compartment door to keep the controller safe from weather damage. To lock: insert the key and turn clockwise to the locked position.
  

Note: Sprinkler controllers are weather-resistant to UL-1951 and ETL^® Listings, but should not be placed in areas where continuous water could cause damage.

Mount the Controller

• Use the mounting template (included) to mark the mounting screw location on the wall. See figure 1
  
  Figure 1: Use Mounting Template (included)
• Install a No. 8 screw (included) into wall in the upper template location. Leave the screw head protruding 1/8" (3mm) from wall. Use expanding anchors (included) in plaster or masonry, if necessary, for a secure hold.
• Slip the HRC 100 C over protruding screw (using keyhole slot in back). See figure 2
  
  Figure 2: Hang timer on screw using keyhole
• Drive a No. 8 screw through one of the two pre-formed holes located in lower back cabinet. See figure 2

Connect Valve Wires to Controller

• Strip 1/2" (12 mm) of the plastic insulation off the end of each valve wire at the controller.
• Connect one wire from each valve (it doesn't matter which wire) to a single "Common" sprinkler wire (usually white).
• Connect the remaining wire from each valve to a separate colored sprinkler wire.

See figure 3

Note: The maximum loading for each station/pump is 250mA, the maximum loading for the controller is 500mA.
If the distance between the sprinkler controller and valves is under 700' (210 m), use sprinkler wire or 20 gauge (AWG) plastic jacketed thermostat wire to connect the sprinkler controller to the valves. If the distance is over 700' (210 m), use 16 gauge (AWG) wire.

All wires should be joined together using wire nuts, solder, and/or vinyl tape. In wet environments like a valve box it is recommended to use grease caps to prevent corrosion of the connection and for protection from water infiltration.

Wiring Electric Valves

Strip 1/2" (12 mm) of plastic insulation off the end of each individual wire. Each valve has two wires. One wire (it doesn't matter which one) is to be connected as the common. The other valve wire is to be connected to the specific station wire that will control that valve. The common wires for all the valves can be connected together to one common wire going to the controller. To avoid electrical hazards, only one valve should be connected to each station. See figure 4

The wire can be buried in the ground; however, for more protection wires can be pulled through PVC pipe and buried underground. Be careful to avoid burying the wires in locations where they could be damaged by digging or trenching in the future.

Your controller is equipped with the simple "push-in" terminals for easy connection. Connect common wire to the common terminal. Connect remaining wires to corresponding terminal locations.

Connect Electrical Power

Indoor Locations – Insert the power cord into an 110V electrical outlet.

Outdoor Locations – If a covered Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) outlet is available, insert the power cord into the 110 volt outlet. If no outlet is available, the controller must have the wiring permanently installed (*see figure 5)

Figure 5: Using a Junction Box

• Turn off the AC power at the AC circuit breaker and apply an appropriate safety lockout. Verify that the power has been turned off to the installation site using an AC voltmeter set for the correct measurement range.
• Use power feed wire of 14 gauge (AWG) minimum with a temperature rating of 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius) or higher.
• Install the conduit and associated fittings. Connect the AC electrical power wiring to the source by following all the right codes and local standards.
• Connect the junction box to the controller using a ½" nipple (Junction box and nipple not included). [See Figure 5] Connect the source power conduit to the entrance of the junction box, following all the appropriate codes.
• Take the cord (running from the controller to the junction box) from the junction box and cut it to length. Remove the outer insulation (from cord) to expose the three wires.
• Connect the source wires to the wires extending from the sprinkler controller.
• For USA: Take care to follow the correct color code. Connect the, Black for Live, and White for Neutral, there is no ground connection required.
• Make sure all connections are made with code-approved insulated connectors.
• Be sure to place a weatherproof gasket and lid on the junction box.
• Turn AC power on at the AC circuit breaker.

Installation Using Permanent Wiring
The sprinkler controller has a built-in transformer that must be connected to an AC line voltage source. Check the back of the sprinkler controller box for power requirements. Local building and electrical codes usually require that an approved electrical conduit and electrical fittings be used to connect exterior wall-mounted equipment to AC power. Please check local codes. Any permanent connection should be made by a licensed electrical contractor in accordance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code and other state and local codes.

This sprinkler controller has two holes at the bottom for wire access. Use a 1/2" Nipple to connect the sprinkler controller to a standard electrical junction box. Both connector and junction box must be UL Listed or equivalent or comply with IEC or EN standards or equivalent.

The wire can be buried in the ground; however, for more protection wires should be pulled through electrical conduit and buried underground. Be careful to avoid burying the wires in locations where they could be damaged by digging or trenching in the future.

Do not connect the sprinkler controller to one phase of a three phase power system used by a pump or other electrical equipment.

Note: For outdoor applications it is recommended that a qualified electrician complete the installation in accordance with electrical codes and regulations. When used outdoors this sprinkler controller is intended for use with a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) protected circuit.

Activate Battery

One Lithium CR2032 battery (included) is required to retain the program in memory during power loss. Annual replacement is recommended.

Remove the plastic strip to activate the pre-installed battery. (See battery replacement)

Note: The battery alone will not operate the valves in your sprinkler system. The sprinkler controller has a built-in transformer that must be connected to an AC voltage source.

Section 3: Programming with Easy-Set Logic^™

A note about multiple programs

The HRC 100 C provides the flexibility of using 3 independent programs (A,B,C). A program is where you store all of your sprinkler settings. It consists of a group of stations set to specific start times and run times. Multiple programs allow you to run different valves on different days with different run times. While many applications only require one program (A), using multiple programs can be useful for drip areas, newly planted lawn, or rotary sprinkler stations. Using programs to group stations with similar water needs will maximize irrigation efficiency.

Primary programming can be accomplished in just a few basic steps.

Primary Programming

Press the [RESET] to clear any previous factory programming

Set Clock

• Turn dial to [SET CLOCK]
• Press the [+/–] buttons to set the current time of day
  Tip: To increase or decrease more rapidly, hold down either the [+] or [-] buttons until the display goes into rapid advance mode.
• Press the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons to set am/pm
• Turn dial to accept time

Set Date

• Turn dial to [SET DATE]
• Y/M/D will appear (blinking letter indicates selection)
• Press the [+/–] buttons to set the correct year, then press [ENTER] or [ ⯇ ⯈ ]
• Press the [+/–] buttons to set the correct month, then press [ENTER]
• Press the [+/–] buttons to set the correct date
• Turn dial to accept date

Start time

• Turn dial to [START TIME]
• Press the [+/–] buttons to select time you'd like your watering to begin

(time will adjust in 15 minute increments)

The display will show

Please note that [START TIME] is the time of day that your programmed watering starts. You can set up to 4 start times. All stations that have a programmed run time (how long) will run in sequence at these times

Note: Start-Time Stacking
When a start time is set before the previous program has completed, that start time will be "stacked" or delayed, and will start upon completion of the previous program.

Example: Bill just planted new grass seed and wants to water three times per day. He sets START TIME 1 for 5am, START TIME 2 for 12pm, and START TIME 3 for 5 pm.

He also sets HOW OFTEN to INT (interval) EVERY 1 DAYS (see section 3, HOW OFTEN).

In AUTO mode the system will water 3 times per day. Once Bill's sod is established he can CLEAR start times 2 and 3 and return to watering just once per day.

Run Time

• Turn the dial to [RUN TIME]
  
  STATION is the area that will be watered by each valve. On this screen the RUN TIME or duration for each station is set.
• Press the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] to select a station and press the [+/–] buttons to enter the watering duration for that station
• Press [ENTER] or the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons to move to the next station/valve, and enter watering duration for each station

How Often

• Turn the dial to [HOW OFTEN] - this screen allows you to set how often to water.
  
  There are 3 options provided:
  1. Days of the week (Mon, Tues, Wed, etc.)
  2. Intervals (Every "X" number of days)
  3. Odd or Even Days

Days of the Week

• Your dial should be set to [HOW OFTEN]
  • Display will show the current program (A, B, or C)
  • Press the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons to move from one day to another
  • Press [+] or [ENTER] to select a day for watering. A frame will appear around the selected days.
• To delete a previously entered day, press [-] or [CLEAR]

Example: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

Intervals

• Use the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons to move to the INTERVAL option "INT"
• Press [+/–] buttons to select the number of days between watering

Example: An interval of 1 will water every day; an interval of 3 will water every 3rd day, etc.

Odd or Even Days

• Use the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons to move to the ODD or EVEN day watering
  • Press [+] or [ENTER]
• Selecting a different option or pressing clear will erase the previous selection

Example: Odd: 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.
Example: Even: 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.

Turn the dial to [RUN] and that's it!
You have programmed your controller!

Turn dial to [RUN] to activate your program

Note: If your program is lost, the factory installed fail-safe program will turn on each station every day for 10 minutes

Note: Your prior programming will not be disturbed unless altered. Always be aware of the program you are in (A, B, or C) when you are making changes.

Reviewing and Changing Your Program

If you want to review or change the start times, run times, or how often to water, simply follow the directions again for that option. After reviewing or changing a watering schedule, remember to turn the dial back to [RUN] for automatic operation.

Section 4: Additional Features

Rain Delay

[RAIN DELAY] allows you to delay your sprinkler controller from watering for a set period of time. Delay settings are 24, 48, and 72 hours.

• Turn dial to [RUN]
  
• Press the [RAIN DELAY] button to automatically delay watering for 24 hours
• If a longer Rain Delay is desired, press the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons to increase or decrease the setting.
• Press [ENTER] or wait 10 seconds and the selected rain delay will begin.
• [CLEAR] button stops the rain delay and scheduled watering will resume.
• At the end of the selected rain delay amount of time, automatic watering resumes.
• While in rain delay mode, the controller display will switch between the actual time and the remaining hours of the delay, every 2 seconds

Water Budgeting

Water Budgeting is a simple way to adjust your watering duration to match seasonal watering needs. Water Budgeting works by increasing or decreasing watering duration for all stations in each program. Press the [PROGRAM] button to select the program you wish to budget.

Adjustment range is from 10% to 200% by increments of 10%. The default value is 100%. The budgeting will remain on the adjusted range until you change it.

To set budgeting:

• Turn dial to [BUDGET]
  
• To adjust press [+/–] buttons, press [ENTER]
• If using multiple programs (A, B, or C) Press the [PROGRAM] button to move to the desired program and make the needed adjustment

Example: Bill's watering duration is set at 60 minutes however; it is the spring time so he wants to water half as long so he sets his budgeting to 50%, his controller will now water for 30 minutes.

Manual Watering

Your HRC 100 C has the ability to allow you to manually water without disturbing the preset program.

• Turn the dial to [AUTO]
  
• Press the [MANUAL] button. Display will show ABC and ALL. After a few seconds or by pressing [ENTER] the controller will begin manual watering
• All stations will water consecutively for their programmed duration
  Note: If the run times have not been set, the controller will not initiate manual watering and the screen will return to the current time.
• To specify a specific program or stations, Press the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons to select A, B, or C.
• Press [ENTER] to activate
• To select a specific station, continue pressing the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons until desired station number appears
• Press the [+/–] to enter the desired duration from 1 to 240 minutes
• Wait 5 seconds and your station will begin
• To stop Manual Watering press [CLEAR]
• The controller will go back to your original automatic watering schedule

Example: To manually water on station 3 for five minutes, press the [MANUAL] button then press the [ ⯇ ⯈ ] buttons until you see station 3; using the [+/–] buttons, set duration to five minutes; press [ENTER].

Note: After the [MANUAL] button has been pushed, if a selection is not made within 5 seconds all stations and programs will begin watering using the programmed RUN TIMES. If no RUN TIMES have been set, nothing will happen and the display will return to the time of day.

Manual "Test" Cycle

The HRC 100 C is capable of running a "Manual Test Cycle" which will run all stations for as little time as 1 minute or as much as 240 minutes. This feature is very useful upon completion of system installation or service. To access this function, follow these instructions.

• Turn the Dial to "Run".
• Press the "Manual/Enter portion of the key pad and then press the "-" key located just above the words "TEST CYCLE" on the front lower right hand side of the controller (show an image). Note - if you do not press the "-" button prior to 5 seconds the manual test start up process will have to be repeated to activate the function.
• When the function is done correctly the LCD screen will indicate "MANUAL", "STATION A" (for all stations), and the default cycle duration of each station (2 minutes). To increase or decrease test cycle station duration time, use the "+" button or to decrease use the "-" button.
• Upon arrival at desired test cycle time, press "ENTER". To abort test, press "CLEAR". When the test cycle is complete the HRC 100 C will automatically return to your pre-set station durations and begin watering upon next scheduled watering cycle.

Connecting a Rain Sensor

• Connect the rain sensor wires to the wiring terminal ports (yellow in color) labeled "Sensor"
  Note: Refer to your rain sensor manual for specific wiring instructions.
• Place the sensor on/off switch to the "on" position to begin operation (see figure 6)
  

Rain Sensor Bypass

This HRC 100 C is equipped with a sensor override "on/off" switch. This switch is for use during maintenance and repairs, so the sprinkler controller can be operated even if the rain sensor is in active mode.

If the rain sensor switch is in the "on" position and no sensor is connected, the sprinkler controller will not operate. To resume the HRC 100 C operation place the switch in the off position

Pump Start & Master Valve

This sprinkler controller allows a master valve or pump start relay to operate whenever a station is on.

Note: If you are activating a pump from this controller, you must purchase a Hydro-Rain Pump Start Relay. The HRC 100 C has been designed to work with Pump Start relays requiring an inrush current of 0.6 A. From the pump start relay (or master valve); connect one wire to the "Pump" terminal and the other wire to the "Common" terminal.

Replacing the Battery

Controller requires a CR2032 Lithium battery

• The battery will maintain your program in case of an AC power loss
• Battery should last approximately one year
• Open by sliding the battery tray out to the right
• Insert one CR2032 battery into the compartment with the + side up
• Slide back into place.

A weak or missing battery can cause the time, date, and program to be erased after a power failure. If this happens, you will need to install a fully charged battery and reprogram the controller.

Tip: Replace battery every year, to avoid loss of programming

Note: A battery alone will not operate the valves in your sprinkling system. The sprinkler controller has a built-in transformer that must be connected to an AC line voltage source.

Section 5: Reference

Troubleshooting

HELP

www.hydrorain.com

Before returning this controller to your authorized Hydro-rain distributor, contact Hydro-Rain^® Technical Service at: 1-888-493-7672

LISTINGS

The HRC 100 C is tested to UL-50 standard & is ETL^® listed.

Appropriate international models are CSA^® and CE^® approved.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Disconnection: Type 1Y

Input: 120V, 60Hz, 0.2A

Output: 26V, 500mA

Rated impulse voltage: 2500V

Normal Pollution Situation.

The supply cord of this control can be replaced only by the manufacturer or his accredited service agent.

TRADEMARK NOTICE

The information in this manual is primarily intended for the user who will establish a watering schedule and enter that schedule into the sprinkler controller. This product is intended to be used as an automatic sprinkler irrigation controller for activating 24 VAC irrigation valves, as described in this manual.

WARRANTY AND STATEMENT

Hydro-Rain^® warrants to its customers that its products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase.

We will replace, free of charge, the defective part or parts found to be defective under normal use and service for a period of up to three years after purchase (proof of purchase required).

To exercise your warranty, return the unit to your authorized distributor with a copy of the sales receipt.

This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.