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Summary of Contents for Rain Bird FG100
- Page 1 Features - Install - Setup - Troubleshooting FG100 User Guide Flow Sensing - Redefined Designed to make water conservation simpler, more affordable, hassle free ©2023 Rain Bird Corporation D42452W...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
....6 Rain Bird App (ESP-ME3) ..26 Mechanical Installation � � � � � � � � � � 8 LX controllers . -
Page 3: Introduction
Introduction This guide provides instructions for installing and operating the FG100 flow sensor. Designed for residential and smaller commercial applications, the FG100 monitors irrigation and instantly identifies when there is a leak or line break so it can be addressed early. This durable flow sensor manages water efficiency, protects homeowners from potential damages and positions you as a guardian of your customers’... -
Page 4: System Configuration
System Configuration The FG100 Flow Sensor is intended to be installed with the Rain Bird ESP- ME3 and ESP-LX controllers. Performance has not been confirmed with non-Rain Bird controllers. Additional functionality can be unlocked by pairing a compatible controller with the LNK2 WiFi module and the Rain Bird App. - Page 5 Other Rain Bird Controllers Other Rain Bird Controllers: The FG100 is compatible with the additional Rain Bird controllers. For some 2-Wire controllers such as the ESP-LXIVM and ESP-LXD, a sensor decoder (LXIVMSEN, SD210TURF) is also required. For detailed instructions, please refer to the specific controller’s documentation.
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Page 6: Feature Overview
Rain Bird controllers use Learn Flow technology to establish a baseline expected flow rate for each station. The controller does this by running each station for several minutes when you first set up the FG100 and recording the flow data. - Page 7 Flow Sensor Detects High Flow If the FG100 detects a flow exceeding 130% of the Learned Flow, automatic irrigation is shut off station by station, and an alarm is activated. The threshold and behavior can be adjusted from within the Rain Bird app.
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Page 8: Mechanical Installation
Mechanical Installation Pick a Spot The flow sensor should be installed between the back-flow prevention device and the first irrigation valve. The FG100 has no straight pipe requirement meaning it can be installed immediately after the master valve in the same valve box. - Page 9 Do I have a Master Valve? If there is a wire connected to the MV (Master Valve) terminal of your controller then there is a master valve in your system. The diagram below shows how this would look in the ESP-ME3. NOTE 2-Wire controllers (e.g.
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Page 10: Retrofit
Retrofit If you are installing the FG100 into an existing irrigation system then Rain Bird recommends you start by walking your property and making a rough sketch of showing the location of the components shown above. This will help you to determine the ideal location for the flow sensor. -
Page 11: Recommended Configurations
3 shown below. Installing the FG100 vertically may negatively effect performance. With Master valve (Configuration 1) If your system has a... - Page 12 If your system does not have a master valve or it is impracticable to install the FG100 with the master valve, then we recommend installing the FG100 immediately before the first irrigation valve in the same valve box. NOTE You may experience a slight drop in accuracy with this configuration. To help with this...
- Page 13 Slip Fitting On its own (Configuration 3) If it is impractical to install the FG100 with the master valve or first irrigation valve then you should install it in its own valve box, downstream from the master valve and upstream from the first irrigation valve.
- Page 14 Slip Fitting 1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting...
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Page 15: Gather Your Tools
Gather Your Tools Trowel/ Tape 1” Tube Teflon shovel Measure Cutter Cement Tape HOMEOWNERS If you do not feel comfortable performing any of the steps listed below we recommend hiring a professorial irrigation contractor to complete the installation. CAUTION Always shut off your water and power supply before working on an irrigation system. Before you dig To avoid accidental damage to underground utilities, it’s advised to consult your local utility company or relevant authorities for any essential procedures... -
Page 16: Prepare A Section Of Pipe
Prepare a Section Of Pipe If you are retrofitting the FG100 into an existing system it may fit into an existing valve box at your chosen location. If not then you will need to excavate a section of pipe large enough for your valve box at the... -
Page 17: Threaded Fitting Install
Threaded Fitting Install The steps below describe how to install the FG100 using the threaded (BSP/ NPT) union fittings provided. Measure and cut a 7 7/16” (189mm) section of pipe to accommodate the FG100, Couplings and PVC fitting. If your installation includes an... - Page 18 3. Apply Teflon tape to the male threaded unions. 4. Place the union nuts onto the glued male NPT/BSP adapters. 5. Make sure that the pipes are aligned properly to avoid cross-threading. Carefully thread the included NPT/BSP end connector onto the adapters, be careful not to over-tighten.
- Page 19 Check that the green o-rings are installed properly in the channels on each side of the flow sensor as shown before attaching the flow sensor. Align the FG100 with the union fittings ensuring that the “Flow” arrow is facing in the same direction that water will flow through your system.
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Page 20: Slip Fitting Install
Slip Fitting Install The steps below describe how to install the FG100 using the threaded (BSP/ NPT) union fittings provided. Measure and cut a 7 3/16” (183mm) section of pipe to accommodate the FG100, Couplings and PVC fitting. If your installation includes an... - Page 21 5. Align the FG100 with the union fittings ensuring that the “Flow” arrow is facing in the same direction that water will flow through your system.
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Page 22: Electrical Install
Wiring the FG100 to the Controller If the FG100 is installed underground in a valve box then the irrigation wire that connects the FG100 to the controller should be buried underground. 1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. -
Page 23: Esp-Me3
If you have two spare cables, you may be able to use them to connect your FG100, potentially avoiding the need to dig a new trench. Check your valve boxes for the other ends, they will be the same color. - Page 24 LX Series controllers Refer to the manual of the specific controller. Non-Rain Bird Controllers Refer to manufacturer’s guidance. 1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting...
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Page 25: Setup
Setup ESP-ME3 Turn the dial to Flow Sensor. 2. Press - or + to select SENS ON (sensor on) or SENS OFF 3. The controller will begin to LEARN FLOW. It will run each station for 3-4 minutes to set the expected station flow. SENS ON When set to Sensor ON, automatic irrigation will be suspended per station if detected flow exceeds learned flow by more than 30%. -
Page 26: Turn A Flow Sensor On Or Off By Station
Turn a flow sensor on or off by station This feature is useful if you have stations with expected flows outside the operating specification of the FG100. Turn the dial to Flow Sensor. 2. Press and hold the left and right arrow buttons at the same time. - Page 27 From the ESP-ME3 Controller screen in the Rain Bird app select the Controller Settings icon expand the Flow Sensor Settings screen, make sure Flow Sensor Installed is checked. Select Change Flow Settings set the Sensor Type to Rain Bird FG100. NOTE You may also input the FG100’s specific K-Factor and offset by setting the sensor type to other.
- Page 28 Set alarm action • Alarm Only - Regular irrigation will continue for all zones • Alarm & Skip Problem Zone (Default) - Irrigation will be suspended for the problem zone (station) • Alarm & Skip All Zones - Irrigation will be suspended for all zones (stations) Adjust Settling Time Settling Time is the time (from 1-10 minutes) that a flow rate must remain at or above the High Flow Threshold or below the Low Flow Threshold before...
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Page 29: Lx Controllers
Non- Rain Bird Controllers Refer to manufacturer’s guidance and input the K-Factor and Offset manually. Performance has not been confirmed with non-Rain Bird controllers. 1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup... -
Page 30: Advanced Setup
Each device is individually tested, individual device K-Factor and Offset information is printed on the lower body label. The K-Factor and Offset data represented in the chart below is an average of all FG100 Flow Sensors. Flow Sensor Size K-Factor Offset Pulses Output Rate 1”... -
Page 31: Installation Test Procedure
FG100 in order to register accurate readings. 1. Introduction - 2. Features - 3. Mechanical Install - 4. Electrical Installation - 5. Setup - 6. Maintenance - 7. Troubleshooting... -
Page 32: Maintenance
Debris If there is debris in the line then the FG100 should be removed by unscrewing the couplings. The filter basket should then be cleaned to remove any debris before being replaced. Make sure the filter and o-rings are securely set in place. -
Page 33: Troubleshooting
Start” right arrow button during the alarm message. Initial Trouble Shooting Check the filter basket for debris 2. Confirm that the expected flow rates are above the minimum recommended flow rates for the FG100 (see table below): Minimum Flow 3 GPM 11.35 LPM... - Page 34 Test the Controller If the controller is not recognizing a flow input from this sensor, test the controller itself by disconnecting the flow sensor, and very quickly and repeatedly short together the flow +/- terminals or wires that connected the flow sensor to the controller.
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Page 35: Appendix
NPT/ BSP threaded fittings allow you to fully remove the FG100. If you anticipate the need for maintenance, replacement or might need to move the FG100 in the future, then union fittings would be the better choice. Union fittings allow for easy disconnection and reconnection, without the need to cut or permanently alter the piping. -
Page 36: Operating Specifications
Operating Specifications The FG100 is intended for residential and smaller commercial applications, and its minimum and maximum operating rates flow are well-suited for most flow zones. The operating flow range is shown below: Minimum Flow 3 GPM 11.35 LPM Maximum Recommended Flow 25 GPM 94.63 LPM...
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