Rain Bird MDC2 Instructions Manual
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Rain Bird MDC2 Instructions Manual

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Summary of Contents for Rain Bird MDC2

  • Page 1 Controller Unit MDC2...

  • Page 2: Safety Information And Icons Used In This Manual

    Safety Information Warning! Important safety information, including caution and warning messages, appear throughout this manual. To ensure correct operation and to avoid additional expense, read this manual thoroughly before you begin installing or operating the controller. Operating this equipment in a residential area can cause interference to radio and television reception. The radio frequency energy emitted by this device complies with limits for a Class B computing device, described in FCC Rules Part 15, Subpart J.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Familiarizing Yourself with the MDC2, Controller........
  • Page 4 Linking your PC and Controller ............. . . 58 Installing the Rain Bird ®...
  • Page 5 Contents, continued Verifying the Time and Date ..............61 Controller Status Observation.
  • Page 6 Contents, continued Appendix I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Conversion Chart from Standard to Military Time.

  • Page 7: Welcome To Rain Bird

    The decoders act on command from the controller, activating solenoids on various valves, master valves and pumps. The MDC2 Controller uses a program module, which supports up to 50 (decoder) outputs. The controller also has slots to hold three expansion modules. Each expansion module supports an additional 50 outputs. This means...

  • Page 8: Special Features

    4 Output terminals for 3 communications cables 4 Communications cables to support flow and auxiliary sensors 4 Slots provided for 3 expansion modules supporting up to 200 single-output decoders (MDC2) 4 Easy-to-use menu tree system 4 Diagnostics to test decoders, schedules and short findings 4 The option to choose between 5 languages (U.S.

  • Page 9: Packing List

    Introduction, continued Packing List Please check to make sure that you have all the items on the list. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your Rain Bird distributor. ® Pre-assembled Controller in a Plastic Wall Cabinet Keys Installation and Operating Instructions Manual...

  • Page 11: Mounting The Controller

    Installation This chapter of the manual explains how to mount your new MDC2 Controller on the wall, how to connect the wiring, install program and expansion modules and replace the battery. Mounting the Controller Before You Begin Warning! Before installing your controller, make sure that the area around you is free from dirt and dust and that your hands and arms are clean .
  • Page 12 Installation, continued 6-1/4" (17.2 cm) minimum 9-1/2" (24.2 cm) 9-1/2" minimum (24.1 cm) Cabinet is 4-3/8" (11.1 cm) Deep 10-1/4" (26 cm) To Fuse 120-Volt AC Wiring in Conduit Locate for easy access and for comfortable viewing Wall Floor Field Wiring in Conduit Typical Wall-mount Installation...

  • Page 13: What You Will Need

    Installation, continued What you will need Before you begin installation, you may need the following tools and materials: 4 Slotted Head Screwdriver 4 Phillips Head Screwdriver 4 Thin Blade Screwdriver 4 Lineman’s Pliers 4 DBY Connectors 4 Hammer 4 Grounding Strap 4 Two-wire MAXI Cable (#14 AWG wire) 4 Two-wire MAXI Cable (#18 AWG wire) 4 #8 AWG or #10 AWG Bare Ground Wire...

  • Page 14: Preparing The Controller Cabinet For The Power And Field Wires

    Installation, continued Preparing the Controller Cabinet for the A hole on the underside of the cabinet fits a 1” Power and Field Wires (2.6 cm) PVC male adapter for installing PVC conduit. You can increase its size to 1 1/4” (3.2 cm) Note: You can remove four knockouts from the controller cabinet making it easy to route the wires.

  • Page 15: Mounting The Controller On The Wall

    Mounting the Controller on the Wall Note: The mounting materials and specific screws you need will vary according to the mounting Note: The MDC2 Controller has four mounting holes surface (i.e., wood, cement, masonry, drywall, etc.) on the back on the cabinet—three keyhole slots near the top and one circular hole at the bottom.

  • Page 16: Connecting The Controller

    Communications Cable There are three types of connections you must Note: You can connect up to three separate make to your MDC2 Controller. They include: two-wire communications cables (paths). The communications cable you use must be approved • Connecting to the Two-wire Communications for underground use.

  • Page 17: Grounding The Controller

    Grounding the Controller Connecting to the Main Power Source The MDC2 Controller is equipped with built-in The three Main power input wires for a standard electrical surge protection. For this system to 120-Volt AC transformer are black, white and function, you must properly ground the controller.
  • Page 18 Installation, continued 2. Feed the Mains 120-Volt AC power wires into the 2. Using code-approved wire nuts, connect the high voltage compartment through a separate black (HOT) wire to the black transformer wire, conduit. the white (neutral) wire to the white transformer wire and the green (ground) wire to the green Note: You can also connect the Mains 120-Volt AC transformer wire.

  • Page 19: Connecting An Optional Sensor

    Connecting an Optional Sensor 2. Using wire nuts, connect the two-wire cable to the sensor wires inside a valve box. The MDC2 Controller allows you to connect an optional sensor. The controller works with any open 3. Protect all underground splices with DBY connections.

  • Page 20: Installing Program And Expansion Modules

    50 outputs. So, by adding expansion the module faces the top of the cabinet. modules, you can configure the MDC2 Controller 4. Firmly plug a 10-pin expansion module into one to control 50, 100, 150, or 200 outputs. 200 is the...

  • Page 21: Replacing The Battery

    Replacing the Battery 2. Unscrew and remove the faceplate. Set the faceplate aside. Set the faceplate aside. The MDC2 Controller has a built-in lithium battery To prevent electrical shock, turn off the to backup and store the program memory. During controller and shut OFF all supply normal use, the battery should last for 10 years.
  • Page 22 Do not recharge, disassemble 5. Screw on the faceplate. or dispose of in fire. 6. Turn on the Main power supply to the controller and turn on the controller. Note: When you change the battery, you will need to reprogram the MDC2 Controller.

  • Page 23: Programming And Operation

    Programming and Operation Using the buttons on the controller, you can set up the MDC2 Controller to operate automatically. You can also run the controller manually without changing the Programs you have set. This chapter shows you how to use the controller’s buttons and gives you step-by-step instructions for setting up...

  • Page 24: Familiarizing Yourself With The Mdc2 Controller

    Familiarizing Yourself with the MDC2 Controller Before beginning to program or operate your MDC2 Controller, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controller. Note that the location of the ON/OFF switch is behind the removable panel. Once you turn the controller on, you can use the buttons to guide you through different display screens and functions on the (Liquid Crystal Display) LCD.

  • Page 25: Getting Started

    Note: You need to press the button pointing to The display briefly shows the software version and the OK label twice, to reach the Main Operating controller type (MDC2). Screen. A Power Returned message displays along with the current date and time (24 hour military time).

  • Page 26: Main Operating Screen

    Main Operating Screen 1. Program indicates the current Program being displayed. The MDC2 Controller can store up to 10 irrigation Programs (which start pumps) and 1 auxiliary or non-irrigation Program. 2. Total indicates the total irrigation time, in hours and minutes, you scheduled for that Program.
  • Page 27 Programming and Operation, continued 8. Active/Passive indicates whether a current Program is Active (A) or Passive (P). 9. Run Every shows the selected irrigation days, from 1-14. 1 0. Repeat shows how many times (up to 99 times) irrigation Programs Repeat. 11.

  • Page 28: Setting Up Your System

    Setting Up Your System Selecting a Language The default language is English (US). However, you The first time you turn on the MDC2 Controller, can choose between English (UK) (British spelling you must program into your system specific set- and m /h ––cubic meters per hour setting), English...

  • Page 29: Setting The Date/Time Formats

    Programming and Operation, continued 3. Move the indicating arrow to 10. Select Language Setting the Date/Time Formats and press the button pointing to the OK label. 1. From the Main Menu, navigate to 2. Date/Time Formats and select OK. 11:03 AM 5.
  • Page 30 Programming and Operation, continued 6. Use the down arrow to move to the Year 4. Scroll up or down to the correct day. OK accepts Delimited. the change and moves the markers to the hour, which reads in 24-hour military time. Please see 7.

  • Page 31: Selecting Valve Types

    2. Move the indicating arrow to 2. Decoders and select OK to reach the list of decoders. Note: If your system uses Standard Rain Bird ® 24 VAC solenoids, do not change any of these Note: The indicating arrow points to the first settings.
  • Page 32 Programming and Operation, continued 3. Select OK to add or change a decoder. The Note: The double arrow label lets you move through the alphanumeric characters quickly. screen now shows four columns or fields with Pressing the button pointing to the double arrow the titles: Name;...
  • Page 33 Programming and Operation, continued 8. Select OK to activate the field, and then scroll Note: The controller will not allow you to enter a duplicate Address. If you try, the message Address through the choices to either an irrigation already used appears briefly and the controller valve—values 1-5—or a non-irrigation valve—...

  • Page 34: Decoders Failed

    Information FD-601TURF) are considered multiple decoders. You must list the separate Address (REC . NO .) The MDC2 Controller supports master valves, for each solenoid/master valve connection (i.e., master pumps and up to nine booster valves brown 40216, red 40217, etc.) Treat each Address or pumps.

  • Page 35: Activating Rain Or Alarm Sensors

    Programming and Operation, continued Note: If your system uses Rain Bird 7. Move the markers to Finish and select OK to ® Decoders and Relay-100, change the Switch Code to 49F390. return to the Set-up Data Menu. Note: To deactivate a pump/master valve for repair Note: If your system’s water supply feeds directly...

  • Page 36: Setting Up A Sensor Decoder

    4. Select OK to move the markers to the Alarm Setting Up a Sensor Decoder Sensor field. The MDC2 Controller can control a variety 5. If your system uses an Alarm Sensor, change of sensors (Flow, On/Off, Generic), which are the status from Passive to Active.
  • Page 37 This feature allows you to set specific alarm Note: For Flow Sensor Decoders, Flow Definition limits when the controller is in the Auto mode. allows you to program a Rain Bird ® SD-210TURF Once input from the sensor decoder goes...
  • Page 38 Programming and Operation, continued Setting Up Sum Flow Alarms 3. When decoders are started again it will then look again for a transition from above the limit to below 1. From the Main Menu, choose Set-up Data and and an alarm will trigger. select OK.

  • Page 39: Setting Up An Auxiliary Sensor

    Programming and Operation, continued 9. Use the right arrow to move to the Limit field Setting up an auxiliary sensor and select OK to activate it. An auxiliary sensor works with rain or alarm sensors. If the rain sensor is installed far from the 10.
  • Page 40 Programming and Operation, continued Non-Water Window It is possible to enter a “Non-Water Window” where Non-Water Window 08:48 AM irrigation is inhibited. This means the schedules From: >12<00 AM 06:30 AM will run but the decoders will not activate. To select a specific time frame that does not allow irrigation: 1.

  • Page 41: Setting The Switch Settings

    Programming and Operation, continued Setting the Switch Settings 4. Use the up and down arrows to select either the Full or 1234567890CTFGv (the limited Switch Settings lets you change from using the Full alphabet setting). range of alphanumeric characters to using limited characters (to name field decoders.) The limited characters match the sixteen character keyboard on Alphabet...

  • Page 42: Erasing All The Data

    Programming and Operation, continued Note: Select Normally open if the Rain Sensor Erasing All the Data is open all the time. Select Normally closed if the If you wish to delete all the data, such as testing or sensor opens only when it rains. demo data, from the MDC Controller before you 3.

  • Page 43: Testing Of Line Decoders

    The controller will not test any decoder decoders into your system, you can then test to that is listed before the one you select to start the make sure they are working properly. The MDC2 test. Controllers have a built-in decoder test that tries each decoder in sequence.

  • Page 44: Testing The Sensor Decoders

    1. Test of Line Decoders returning to the Test menu. 2. Test of Sensor Decoders 3. Short Finding Note: To set up the MDC2 Controller to 4. Line Surv 5. Return automatically activate and test each decoder in sequence, please see Setting Up an Automatic Test Program on page 48.

  • Page 45: Line Survey

    Finding a short in the system Note: If the short takes a high current, the MDC2 You can use the MDC2 Controller to help trace and Controller automatically limits the current to a safe value of 200 mA.

  • Page 46: Viewing The Log Data

    Programming and Operation, continued Line Survey one of the two wires has a ground leakage. There may be slight variations between values indicated on the Line survey allows the user to perform an amperage Line Surv screen and those that appear on the Test draw and display those values on the main screen.

  • Page 47: Creating Irrigation Schedules

    Creating Irrigation Schedules Once you customize the MCD2 Controller to the specific equipment and options in your system, the next step is to create irrigation Schedules to best suit your turf needs. A Schedule is a series of events you wish to have happen in the field at specific times.

  • Page 48: Setting The Steps For Each Program

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Setting the Steps for Each Setting Up Steps Program 1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sch to reach the Program you want (1, 2, 3, etc.) You can set between 1 to 100 individual Steps for each Program.

  • Page 49: Inserting A Step Between Two Steps

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Inserting a Step Between Two Steps 5. Move to the next field and continue until you select all the Step 1 decoders. You can select up 1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sched to 10 decoders for each Step. then Step.

  • Page 50: Deleting Steps

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Selecting the Days Deleting Steps 1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sched. Each Program runs on a 14-day cycle. You can set then Step. each individual Program (or Schedule) to run on 2. Scroll up or down to the Step(s) you want to any day in the cycle.

  • Page 51: Selecting A Start Time

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Selecting a Start Time 4. Use the up and down arrows to set the first Start Time. You must select at least one start time for each 5. Select OK to enter the Start Time into the Program.

  • Page 52: Setting The Water Budget (Wb)

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Setting the Water Budget (WB) Setting the Programs for Active or Passive (A/P) Water budget lets you increase or decrease the operating time for each decoder in your Schedule You can set each Program to be active (A) or passive from 0 to 250%.

  • Page 53: Scheduling To Run On Specific Days And Dates

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Scheduling to Run on Specific Note: You can see the 14-day Schedule change each time you press the button. Days and Dates Note: An arrow label next to Every shows the You can program your controller to irrigate on direction you are scrolling.

  • Page 54: Setting Up An Automatic Test Program

    Holding down the button lets you scroll quickly up to 99 repeat times. The MDC2 Controller allows you to set up a Test Program to automatically activate and test all decoders (from the first one you installed to the...

  • Page 55: Operating The Irrigation Programs

    Operating the Irrigation Programs 3. Select Prog. to reach the test screen and select OK. valve Active Time 120 Seconds appears on You can operate the MDC2 Controller completely the display screen. automatically, completely manually or by a combination of both.

  • Page 56: Activating A Decoder In Auto Mode

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued The Auto Display Screen shows: 2. Selecting Pause temporarily stops the Automatic irrigation Schedule. Select Pause • the Program, again to return to Automatic. • the Total run time, 3. Pressing the button pointing to the Auto label •...

  • Page 57: Activating An Irrigation Schedule In Auto Mode

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued 4. Follow steps (1-3) to activate additional To start a schedule manually when the controller is decoders. in Auto mode: 5. You can now use the up and down arrow labels 1. Select Program. You will see the following to scroll through all the Active Decoders.

  • Page 58: Manually Starting An Irrigation Schedule

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Manually Starting an Irrigation Schedule Operating the irrigation Programs Manually Program 1 < Total 0:05 10:31 AM Friday 10:21 A100% A overrides all Automatic Programs. When you Start with step: > 1< manually start an irrigation schedule, the running programs are paused and the remaining parts –...
  • Page 59 Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued To resume the normal automatic mode after the manual irrigation is over: Program 1 Total 0:05 01:48 PM Paused 0:03 0.0MPF 0 Active Dec. 10:32 AM Select Program or Decoder 0 Active Dec. Manual Resume Prog. Dec.

  • Page 60: Manually Activating A Decoder

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Manually Activating a Decoder Manually Stopping an Active Decoder The MDC2 Controller allows you 1. From the Active Decoder Screen, select Dec. to activate programmed decoders manually. 2. Scroll through the list of Active Decoders to reach the one you want to stop and select the 1.

  • Page 61: Understanding Sensor Warning Signs

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Understanding Sensor Warning Following are key warning indications that will Signs appear on the screen and in logs: AL# (where # is from 1 to 10) is alarm 1 (occurs If a rain or auxiliary sensor shows an alarm or while irrigation is in process) for flow sensors.

  • Page 62: Sensing A Short Circuit

    Creating Irrigation Schedules, continued Sensing a Short Circuit If the MDC2 Controller senses a short circuit on the lines, it will automatically limit the current to a safe value, change the line frequency from 1 to 50 Hz (making it easier to trace the short circuit) and display this message.

  • Page 63: Using The Controller With A Pc

    Using the Controller with a PC The MDC comes with its own programming and monitoring software. System set-up data and programs can be entered in the software. They can then be downloaded to the controller. The software can also be used to upload data and programs from the controller.

  • Page 64: Linking Your Pc And Controller

    Optocoupler. 3. Attach one end of the second serial cable to the Optocoupler and the other end to your PC serial communication port. Note: Rain Bird ® recommends using the OLK-400 Optocoupler to protect your system against lightning surges.

  • Page 65: Installing The Rain Bird Mdc Pc Software

    Setting Up a ® PC Software Communications Link 1. At the desktop, select Start, Programs, RainBird Your minimum PC requirements for the Rain Bird ® Turf, and Turf from the pull-up menus to open MDC PC Software are: the Rain Bird Remote •...
  • Page 66 Using the Controller with a PC, continued 4. The Connection wizard now asks you to pick 6. Select Finish. Done exits you from Connection wizard and Back returns you to the type of connection your system uses, either a Direct connection (Serial cable) or a Modem/ the previous window.

  • Page 67: Verifying The Time And Date

    Schedules. If either is incorrect, the Flow, Total Expected Flow, and Sensor Status. irrigation Schedules are also incorrect. 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Controller and then Controller select Controller.

  • Page 68: Using The Mdc Pc Software

    Note: The controller type depends on the number of expansion modules installed inside the controller. 2. Clear all data in PC. If your MDC2 Controller is not using any expan sion 3. Retrieve data from the controller. modules, then select RBT-50. Select RBT-100 if it is using one expansion module, RBT-150 for two modules and RBT-200 for three expansion modules.
  • Page 69 Rain Bird 24 VAC solenoids, do ® not change any of these settings. If your system operates solenoids that are not Rain Bird , do not ® change the default Switch Codes before verifying if the solenoids open. If the solenoids do not open, you may need to change the Activation Time and/or holding Voltage.

  • Page 70: Configuring Sensor Decoder Settings

    To establish a conversion ratio the controller uses to calculate the flow, you only need to program the (Value) flow output and sensor output. Rain Bird ® recommends you enter the maximum flow, which determines the pulse type.

  • Page 71: Configuring On/Off Sensor Decoders Alarm Condition

    Sensor Decoder Type-specific settings through the Sensor Decoder Wizard. 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Sensor Decoder Wizard. You are presented with a list of all the sensors in your MDC system.

  • Page 72: Configuring Flow Sensor Decoders

    Using the Controller with a PC, continued Configuring Generic Sensor Decoders Your MDC control system can continually check on the flow rate in the system and compare it to Generic sensors refer to analog sensors other than pre-defined acceptable levels. It can also be set up flow sensors.

  • Page 73: Main Pump Failure Alarm

    SCHEDULE CONTENTS stored on the PC. 3. When decoders are started again it will then look 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, again for a transition from above the limit to below select Edit Setup data.
  • Page 74 Editing irrigation schedules the View window, a Values @ pointer shows you the corresponding Schedule, day and time for the 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, section where the cursor points. select Edit data. 3. Select the tab of the Schedule you want to 2.

  • Page 75: Deleting A Schedule

    You can erase ALL IRRIGATION SCHEDULES and updated. IRRIGATION SCHEDULE CONTENTS stored on the 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data. 2. Select Edit irrigation data and Erase all from the pull-down menus to reach the Erase Irrigation Schedules window.

  • Page 76: Sending Data To The Controller

    Sending Data to the Controller You can start any schedule or activate any decoder Once you edit the controller information, you must manually when your MDC2 controller is in Auto then transmit or send the new information to the mode.

  • Page 77: Starting A Schedule Manually

    Your MDC2 PC 4. Click Another to manually start another Software allows you to start up to three schedules...

  • Page 78: Retrieving Monitoring Information

    Flow) and have been blacklisted. every time a valve or pump starts or stops, flow measurements, etc. You can retrieve and store this 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, information on your PC. select Controller and then Identify Failed valves.

  • Page 79: Creating A Log File

    Example: Below is an example of how the information appears in the Log File. Each line represents an event. We selected the event 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, information to include the Date (YYYYMMDD), select File. Time, Device, Device Type and Action.

  • Page 80: Backing Up Mdc Database

    Operating the Controller, continued Backing Up MDC Database Restoring Database 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Setup and then Backup database. The select Setup and then Restore database. The...

  • Page 81: Printing Set-Up And Irrigation Data

    Operating the Controller, continued Printing Set-Up and Irrigation Data Exiting the Remote Access Window 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select File. select File. 2. Select Print from the pull-down menu.
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  • Page 83: Understanding Faults

    Many factors can contribute to faults, such as the system’s age, natural occurrences (i.e., lightning, floods, frost or heat), or human errors. When installing the MDC2 Controller and irrigation system, human errors can and do occur. They happen by overloading cables and sockets, adding excessive pressure to decoders, solenoids, or cables with heavy equipment (tractors or cultivators), or not taking the necessary care when connecting the systems cables and decoders.

  • Page 84: Understanding Basic Troubleshooting Techniques

    5mA (milliamps), • a cable finder (if you do not know the exact location of the two-wire cable), • an extra MDC2 Controller, and • standard tools, such as screwdrivers, lineman’s pliers, wire stripper, wire nuts and DBY connectors.

  • Page 85: Troubleshooting The System

    Troubleshooting, continued Troubleshooting the System Problem A fault occurs the first time the system was started. Solution You will probably find the fault in the cabling between the different units (i.e., two-wire cable and field decoder, field decoder and solenoid, pump decoder and pump, etc.) Check that the hook up from unit to unit is done properly.
  • Page 86 Troubleshooting, continued Problem Diagnostics indicate there is a fault with the field decoders. Solution There is a break in the two-wire communications cable, the connections are loose, the decoders are supplying too much or too little voltage, or the controller is defective. To check the line voltage and decoders, you will need a voltmeter and Clamp Ampmeter.
  • Page 87 There is a fault in the field decoder. Check that the decoder address was entered correctly. Please see Naming the Field Decoders on page 25. There is a break in the solenoid. Measure the resistance in the solenoid. Standard Rain Bird ®...
  • Page 88 The field decoder’s valve type defines the solenoid’s switch code. The switch code tells the field decoder how to operate the solenoid. The switch code must be specified correctly for the field decoder to operate the solenoid. If the solenoids you are using are not made by Rain Bird ®...
  • Page 89 Troubleshooting, continued Problem Finding a break in the two-wire communications cable. Solution Measure the line voltage on the L1 and L2 terminals inside the controller. If the voltage is correct, then the fault is a result of a break in the two-wire communications cable. To locate the break, you will need an as-built irrigation drawing showing the complete installation and tracking of the two-wire communications cable, including each field decoder connection point.
  • Page 90 Troubleshooting, continued Problem Using a systematic method to find a break in the two-wire communications cable. Solution There is a systematic method to find a cable break, but it can be time-consuming. Measure the voltage midway between the field decoder that is working and the one that is not. If the voltage is out of the acceptable range (33 –...
  • Page 91 Troubleshooting, continued Clamp Ampmeters normally measure only rapidly alternating currents. Navigate the MDC Controller to the 50 Hz mode, causing the Controller to send 50 Hz voltage and current through the two-wire cable. Please see Finding a short in the system on page 40. You can measure this current directly on the Clamp Ampmeter.
  • Page 92 Troubleshooting, continued You can measure the ground current with a Clamp Ampmeter (set in the 50 Hz mode) on the wire to the ground rod. If the current is 20 mA or less there is no reason to worry. But, if the current is above 20 mA, you can locate the ground fault with a Clamp Ampmeter.

  • Page 93: Troubleshooting A Field Transmitter (Optional)

    Troubleshooting, continued Problem The optional (rain or alarm) sensor is not responding. Solution Disconnect the two-wire sensor connection from the terminals inside the controller. After a few seconds, a message should appear on the controller’s display screen reading, Rain (or Alarm) Sensor In:<time>.

  • Page 94: Troubleshooting The Controller's Internal Parts

    Troubleshooting the Controller’s Internal Parts The MDC2 Controller does have a thermal fuse that resets itself after a Short Circuit message disappears. You should not try to replace the thermal fuse. In general it is better to substitute the controller as a whole than try to replace various internal parts that may be interconnected with cables and plugs.

  • Page 95: Replacing The Controller

    Replacing The Controller The MDC2 Controller contains set-up and irrigation data that is stored in a chip soldered to the main board. When you need to replace the controller, the data will stay in the defective controller. However, you can use the PC program to transfer data from the controller to the PC.

  • Page 96: Troubleshooting Guide For The Decoder System

    Troubleshooting, continued Troubleshooting Guide for the Decoder System Troubleshooting Guide for the Decoder System Controller display ON? Is switch ON? Start 50 Hz mode. Check line voltage. Is reading 33-40 VAC? Problem is in field. Is supply Turn on switch. Does the line current (50 Hz) voltage OK? match decoders?

  • Page 97: Conversion Chart From Standard To Military Time

    Appendix I Conversion Chart from Standard to Military Time Standard Time Military Time Standard Time Military Time 1:00 am 01:00 1:00 pm 13:00 2:00 am 02:00 2:00 pm 14:00 3:00 am 03:00 3:00 pm 15:00 4:00 am 04:00 4:00 pm 16:00 5:00 am 05:00...
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  • Page 99: Appendix Ii

    Appendix II Selecting Electrical Codes for Solenoids If your system uses solenoids (valves) that do not open, you may need to extend the switch code activation time. To do this, change the 4th digit of the code according to the following chart.
  • Page 100 = 50 ms . Holding Voltage = 5 .2 Volts = 59F5A0 Switch Code If the solenoids are still not operating properly after repeated attempts, contact your Rain Bird Distributor to ® guide you in adjusting this number for proper operation.

  • Page 101: Changing The Switching Codes

    Appendix II, continued Changing the Switching Codes 1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up and select OK. 2. Move the indicating arrow to 1. valve Types and select OK. 3. Scroll to the valve type you need to change. 4.
  • Page 102 Note: Recommended default switch codes are provided for general guidance purposes under normal operating parameters only. Due to the potential uniqueness of your MDC2 installation, functional operation of the MDC2 switch code settings must be verified by the end-user to ensure the system is functioning as desired.

  • Page 103: Appendix Iii

    The switch code can vary depending on how your system was installed. Below, we will cover some of the more common installations. Using a Field Decoder With a Pump In this installation, a field decoder attaches to a pump using a relay. Rain Bird recommends you use Relay-100. ®...

  • Page 104: Using A Decoder With A Normally Closed (Nc) Master Valve

    Appendix III, continued Using a Decoder With a Normally Closed (NC) Master Valve In this installation, a decoder controls a Normally closed master valve with a pressure switch controlling the operation of the pump. Please see the illustration below. When setting up the controller, enter the decoder Address.

  • Page 105: Using A Decoder And Relay-100 With A Pressure Switch

    Appendix III, continued Using a Decoder and Relay-100 With a Pressure Switch In this installation, the pressure switch attaches directly to the decoder and Relay-100, and the decoder and Relay-100 to the pump. Please see the illustration below. Please see Naming the Field Decoders on page 25. You will also need to define a separate valve type with the switch code of 4FFA20.

  • Page 106: Using The Municipal Water Supply With A Master Valve (Nc Or No)

    Appendix III, continued Using the Municipal Water Supply With a Master Valve (NC or NO) In this installation, a field decoder attaches to a Normally closed or Normally open master valve installed as a pump. Please see the illustration below. When setting up the controller, enter the decoder address in the pump Address field and change the switch code to 49F350, which is the setting for a standard 24 VAC/2-3 W irrigation valve.

  • Page 107: Appendix Iv

    Appendix IV Sensors and Alarms Your MDC2 Controller can work with the following type of sensors: Flow Sensor: Defines an analog sensor on the logical level. The input can be analog or digital. Flow can be summed. Generic Sensor: Defines an analog sensor on the logical level. The input can be analog or digital.

  • Page 108: Alarm Action Type

    Appendix IV, continued Activate (Activ): Turns on a decoder, pump or schedule, depending on the specified alarm action type and ID. The schedule will start on next full minute if possible or else it will be stacked. Deactivate (Deact): Turns off a decoder, pump or schedule, depending on the specified Alarm Action Type and Alarm ID.

  • Page 109: Appendix V

    • Turn On • Turn Off • Advance • Pause • Resume • Customized schedule-based functions The tables below list the commands and their actions that are understood by the MDC2 Freedom driver. System Mode Commands ##Command## Command Outcome Beep Answers...
  • Page 110 Appendix V, continued ##Command#Action## Decoder Commands Command Decoder Time Outcome Beep Answers Europe 1-200 1-999 Activate Decoder 1-200 Deactivate Decoder ##Command#Decoder#Time## Schedule Commands Command Schedule Outcome Beep Answers Europe 1-10 Activate Schedule 1-10 Deactivate Schedule 1-10, 0 Pause schedule, or all if 0 1-10, 0 Resume schedule, or all if 0 ##Command#Schedule##...

  • Page 111: Field Transmitter Interface

    Appendix VI Legacy Field Transmitter Interface Your MDC system can accommodate the use of a field transmitter to start valves regardless which state the MDC controller is in. If the MDC is in Standby state, usage of the Field Transmitter will make it change to Manual state. When the Field Transmitter is plugged in, it first shows the version of the built-in software.

  • Page 112: Field Transmitter Installation

    Appendix VI, continued Field Transmitter Installation The following figure illustrates the Field Transmitter installation process: Reset will set all values to factory default. ** If more than one Field Transmitter is used, each must be set to its own number. Up to 10 Field Transmitters may be used simultaneously.

  • Page 113: Instructions For Upgrading Existing Mdc's To Version 2.0

    Appendix A: Scheduling Chart Appendix VII Instructions for Upgrading Existing MDC’s to Version 2.0 1. Prior to installing the new software, ensure that the existing data and schedules in the existing software are up to date and have been synchronized with the controller. 2.
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  • Page 115: Appendix Viii

    Appendix VIII MDC Controller Information Sheet Descriptions Below you will find helpful information about the MDC Controller, decoders, and programming information sheets to follow. Please refer to the programming sheet when reading the descriptions below. 1 . Column 1 – “Order” 6 .
  • Page 116 Appendix VIII, continued MDC Controller - Edit Set-Up Data Software Version Controller Type (Check One) (Check One) MDC 50 MDC 50-100 MDC 100-150 MDC-150-200 VIII Water Budget Enter # Time Window (Irrigation Prevented) From Valve Type Switch No of Valves Pump Master Valve Address On Delay...

  • Page 117: Appendix Viii

    Appendix VIII, continued MDC Controllers Name Address Valve Type Booster Value (2.0 Only) Description...
  • Page 118 Appendix VIII, continued MDC Programming Guide - Edit Irrigation Data Irrigation Schedule # Status Active Passive Days Start Time Step Run Time (Min) Dec #1 Dec #2 Dec #3 Dec #4 Dec # 5 Dec #6 Dec #7 Dec #8 Dec #9 Dec #10...

  • Page 119: Glossary

    Glossary Glossary Glossary booster pump activates when the demand for water pressure exceeds the capabilities of the master pump. circuit board one of the etched, copper clad sheets of insulating material onto which electronic components and terminals are assembled. Controllers contain circuit boards. controller a device that sends a 24 VAC power signal to the field solenoid valves controlling when they open and close.
  • Page 120 Glossary, Glossary, continued continued M3/h (used outside USA) cubic meters per hour. monitor to observe conditions in and around the irrigation system and send the information to the different components in the system for appropriate action. sensor an optional addition to the controller that can disable watering. solenoid a coil of copper wire that receives a 24 VAC electrical current from the controller, causing a plunger to open a control port in a valve allowing the valve to open and operate the sprinklers.

  • Page 121: Service Information

    Service Information In the unlikely event this equipment should malfunction, all repairs should be performed by an Authorized Rain Bird MDC2 Controller Service Center . ® For information on Authorized Rain Bird MDC2 Controller Service Centers, contact ® Rain Bird ®...
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  • Page 123: Warranty

    Warranty This product is covered by Rain Bird ’s Three-year Trade Warranty . For details, see the ® Rain Bird Landscape Irrigation Products Catalog . ® Pentium is a Registered Trademark of Intel Corporation, ® Windows is a Registered Trademark of Microsoft Corporation,...
  • Page 124 Fax: (520) 741-6522 Fax: (626) 812-3411 Fax: (626) 852-7343 Rain Bird Technical Services Specification Hotline www.rainbird.com (800) RAINBIRD (U.S. and Canada) 800-458-3005 (U.S. and Canada) ® Registered Trademark of Rain Bird Corporation PN 635603 N/C © 2008 Rain Bird Corporation 3/08...

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