Toro TWRS Toro Systems Wireless Rain Sensor User Manual Doc 5

Toro Company Toro Systems Wireless Rain Sensor Doc 5

Users Manual

IntroductionThe Toro Wireless RainSensor, models TWRS and TWRFS (rain/freeze sensor),working in conjunction with your irrigation controller, will automatically suspendwatering when a predetermined rainfall amount or temperature is met.The Wireless RainSensor system consistsof two components: A digital, program-mable receiver and a remote sensormodule. The receiver installs next to thecontroller and connects to the 24 VACpower source and sensor terminals (if included) or splices into the valvecommon circuit. The sensor module isattached to a rain gutter, roof edge, fence,etc. within 500 feet (line of sight) of thereceiver. Sensor information is sent to thereceiver using an ultra high-frequencyradio signal. To compensate for variations in soil typeand sensor location, the receiver is easilyprogrammed to delay the controller fromresuming operation up to 4 days. Thisfeature also enables controller operationto be placed in “Rain Delay” mode from 1to 5 days when inclement weather condi-tions are expected.Now, take a moment to browse completely through this guide before starting theinstallation. Since the Wireless RainSensors is an accessory for your irrigationcontroller, it will be helpful have the controller user’s guide on hand for reference.Receiver Sensor Table of ContentsRainSensor Component Overview......2Install and Connect the Receiver.........2Initial Receiver Testing .........................3Sensor Threshold Adjustment..............1Installing the Sensor Module ...............1Testing System Operation....................5Receiver Set Up...................................6Rain/Freeze Sensor Operation.............7Using the Smart Bypass Feature.........7Power Down.........................................7Receiver Learn Mode...........................7Sensor Battery Replacement...............8Solving Reception Problems................9FCC Information...................................1Specifications.......................................1Warranty...............................................1Wireless RainSensor™Models TWRS and TWRFSInstallation and Operation GuideDoc 5 12/21/04 6:51 PM Page 1
RainSensor Component OverviewReceiver Module1-Weather-resistant Cover - Provides protectionfrom rain and dust. (Keep closed when notusing the receiver).2-Setup Button - Accesses the various setupand operating features. 3-Smart BypassTM Button - Pressed to bypasssensor control after it has been activated.4-Antenna - Position antenna straight up foroptimum signal reception. 5-Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) - Provides visualreference for setup and operation.6-Rain and Freeze Sensor Status Indicators -Illuminate when the RainSensor is active andwatering is on hold.7-Water Conservation LED’s - Indicate the waterconservation level selected.9-Adjust Button - Pressed to adjust or select values within the setup and oper-ating features.10-Connection Cable - Multi-wire cable for connection to controller.Sensor Module1-Test Spindle - Pressed to manually activatethe RainSensor system.2-Rain Threshold Adjustment - Adjustable capenables the rainfall threshold to be set for1/8",1/4",1/2"or 3/4" of accumulated rainfallbefore the sensor is activated.3-Quick-ClipTM Mounting Bracket - Simplifiesinstallation of the sensor module to a raingutter, edge of roof, fence post, etc. 4-Antenna Wire - Position antenna straight downfor optimum signal transmission. 2245678931241031Figure 1Figure 2Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 2
CAUTION: The receiver requires 24 VAC for operation. Connecting thereceiver to a 120/240 VAC power source will result in severe damage. The sensor module must not be installed inside a rain gutter or any watercollection vessel. Allowing the sensor to become submerged will result insevere damage.Important: Installation of this equipment must comply with all applicablenational and local building and electrical codes. Consult local codes prior toinstallation.Install and Connect the Receiver1. Install the receiver module next to the controller using the stainless steelscrews or double-sided foam tape provided. Position the antenna straight up.2. Make sure power to the controller has been disconnected.3. Route the connection cable into the controller cabinet.Note: The Wireless RainSensor can operate with either normally-open ornormally-closed sensor circuits. Refer to the controller specifications for the sensor type required. If the controller is not equipped for direct sensorconnection, skip step 4 and continue at step 5.4. Locate the controller’s sensor connection terminals (generally labeled“SENSOR” or “SEN”) and connect the receiver wires as follows:For normally-open circuit: Attach the WHITE and BROWN wires. For normally-closed circuit: Attach the WHITE and YELLOW wires. Note: Disregard plus (+) and minus (–) polarity labels on the sensor terminals(if present). Cut or tape back the unused wire. 5. Remove the valve common wire(s) from the terminal labeled “COM”, “C” or “VC.”6. Attach the BROWN receiver wire to this terminal.7. Twist the WHITE receiver wire to the valve common wire(s) and secure with theprovided wire nut.7. Cut or tape back the YELLOW wire.7. Connect the Red power wires to thecontroller’s 24 VAC power source terminals. Note: The receiver requires a constant source of 24 VAC. The controller mayhave two terminals dedicated to 24 VAC input, or a 24 VAC Hot Post andcommon terminal. Either connection is acceptable. The receiver will not function properly if connected to a 24 VAC source that is switched on and off, such as a master valve or pump start circuit.3Red – 24 VACRed – 24 VACWhite – Sensor Terminal or Valve Common Wire(s)Brown – Sensor Terminal (Normally-closed)or Valve Common TerminalYellow – Sensor Terminal (Normally-open)or Valve Common TerminalFigure 3Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 3
Initial Receiver Testing1. Apply power to the controller. The receiver will displaytwo dashes (flashing) indicating that power is present. 2. While holding the sensor module at close range to thereceiver, lightly press and hold down the sensor testspindle. The receiver will display the following:• The Sensor Status LED will turn on. The signal indicator and strength strength bar scale willbe indicatedThe current outside air temperature (°F) – (TWRFS models only).3. Select an installation site for the sensor module as close to the receiver aspossible to avoid interference of the wireless signal (within 500' line of sight).Note: The sensor module must be installed where it has unobstructed expo-sure to rainfall and the sunlight conditions are similar to those of the landscapebeing watered. Make sure the sensor module will not be in contact with sprayfrom the sprinklers or runoff from the roof.4. Before installing the sensor module, test the signal strength again from theselected installation site as follows:To test the Wireless RainSensor operation with the irrigation system controller,activate a watering zone which is visible from the sensor module location.Note: The manual activation cycle of some controllers bypasses the sensorinputs. If the Receiver is connected to the controller’s sensor inputs, you willneed to run an automatic/timed watering program for these types ofcontrollers.With the sprinklers on, manually activate the sensor module by pressing andholding the test spindle. The sprinklers should shut off within a short time. Ifthey do not shut off, recheck the receiver wiring connections at the controller.If the controller has a sensor control or bypass switch, make sure the switch isset to the position that will enable the sensor circuit to be active5. Prior to installing the sensor module check the current setting on the RainfallAdjustment Cap. The sensor module can be adjusted to detect average rainfallamounts of 1/8", 1/4", 1/2"or 3/4" before signaling the receiver. To adjust, turn the cap from the current setting and engage the stationary pinswith the desired slot position. Be sure to align the slot and pin properly as thisadjustment does not require excessive force.The cap indicates measurements in inches onone side of the cap and millimeters on theopposite side.Note: Avoid using the 1/8" setting in high-humidity conditions.4Figure 4Figure 53/41/41/21/8Figure 6Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 4
Installing the Sensor Module1. The sensor module should be mounted vertically with the antenna wireextending straight down. Avoid installations where the antenna wire wouldcontact any metal object.A rain gutter is an ideal location for the sensor module. Simply position thebracket with the thumbscrew under the gutter lip and tighten to secure (do notover-tighten) See Figure 7A. The sensor module can also be mounted on any suitable solid structure suchas the side of the roof, a shed or fence using the two supplied stainless steelscrews. See Figure 7B. 2. Once securely fastened, adjust the sensor module on the mounting bracket asneeded to align the sensor module housing vertically.5Rain gutter (cross section view)Do not over-tightenthumbscrewPress and holddown to testFigure 7AExtended Antennastraight downExtended Antennastraight downStainlessSteelScrewsFigure 7 BDoc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 5
Receiver SetupSelect Water Conservation ModeThis feature extends the delay period from the time the sensor mechanicallyresets until automatic irrigation resumes. Note the matrix provided in the receivercover. Select the type of soil and the installed location of the sensor module tofind the initial conservation setting: Minimum (1), Medium (2) or Maximum (3). 1. Press the Setup button. The display will indicate thecurrent water conservation setting. “Set” will be flashingand “Water Save” will be displayed See Figure 2. Press the Adjust button to select 1, 2 or 3. Set Water DelayThis feature provides a rain delay function when rain delayoperation is not included in the controller’s feature set.Watering can be postponed from 1 to 5 days. The sensor module will override rain delay.1. Press the Setup button two times. The display will indi-cate the current number of rain delay days set. “Set”will be flashing and “Water Delay” will be displayed.2. Press the Adjust button to select 0.0 to 5.0. Set Temperature Threshold (TWRFS models only)This feature enables the temperature threshold to be setfrom 35°F to 45°F or 2°C to 7°C. When the selected temperature is observed, the sensor will signal to stop irrigation. 1. Press the Setup button three times. The display willindicate the current temperature threshold setting. 2. Press the Adjust button to select the temperature. Set Temperature Scale (TWRFS models only)This setting enables the temperature scale to be set inFahrenheit or Celsius.1. Press the Setup button four times. The display will indi-cate the current temperature scale 2. Press the Adjust button to select the alternate scale Set Dry Out DaysThis setting is similar to Water Conservation but enables the dry out rate to be set in half days The possible settingsare: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0. 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 days.1. Press the Setup button five times. The display will indi-cate the current Dry out day setting.temperature scale 2. Press the Adjust button to select the desired dayamount. 6Figure 8Figure 9Figure 10Figure 11Figure 12Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 6
Signal StrengthThis feature enable sensor signal strength to be measuredon a digital scale ranging from 0.0 to 10.2 maximum.1. Press the Setup button 6 times. The display will indicatethe strength of the last received signal.Battery StrengthThis feature enable sensor battery strength to be measured on the bar scale. 1. Press the Setup button 7 times. The battery symbol andbar scale will be displayed. The strength of the batteryis determined by the height of the bar stack from no bar(dead battery) to six bars (full charge).Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor OperationWhen the sensor module is activated due to a rainfall (ortemperature) threshold being met, the Sensor Status indicator will remain illumi-nated on the Receiver and the sprinkler system will remain inactive until the mois-ture-absorbent discs inside the sensor module have dried out. The rate at whichthe discs dry out will vary dependent on ambient conditions such as temperature,sun exposure, humidity and wind—the same conditions your soil experiences.This allows the Wireless RainSensor to reset when watering is needed again,enabling the sprinkler system to resume normal operation. The WaterConservation or Dry Out day setting will hold off resumption of watering for anextended period as set.Using the Smart Bypass FeatureYour Wireless RainSensor can be temporarily deactivated by using the built-inSmart Bypass button. Simply press this button once to bypass currentRainSensor control. The Sensor Status light will blink until the next time thesensor module dries out and automatically resets. Pressing the Smart Bypassbutton again resumes the RainSensor control. Pressing the Smart Bypass buttonwhile the RainSensor control is not active (dry) will cause the Receiver to ignorethe next sensor module signal.Power DownTo turn the Receiver OFF entirely, press and hold the Smart Bypass button untilthe Sensor Status Indicator begins blinking rapidly (5–7 seconds). Release theSmart Bypass button and confirm the Power Indicator goes out and flashes peri-odically. Simply press the Smart Bypass button once to turn the Receiver backon. Receiver Learn ModeIf it becomes necessary to set the Receiver’s address code to that of a newsensor module, press and hold the Smart Bypass button until the Status andSignal indicators blink in unison (10+ seconds). Activate the correspondingsensor module at close range (by pressing down on the Test Spindle) to changethe existing Receiver code to that of the new sensor module. The indicators willstop blinking upon learning the new code. Pressing the Smart Bypass buttonagain will exit the learn mode if no valid code is received. 7Figure 8Figure 8Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 7
Sensor Module Battery Replacement1.Carefully unscrew the bottom of thehousing. Slide the circuit board out. See Figure 9.2.Remove the battery cover and batteries.Replace using two 3V CR2032 (or equiva-lent) batteries. Install with positive (+) side of the batteries facing up.Note: Properly dispose of used batteries per the battery manufacturer’s recommen-dations.3.Reassemble the unit in reverse order.8CR2032BatteriesFigure 9Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 8
Solving Reception ProblemsThe Wireless RainSensor operates under Part 15 of the FCC rules. This means thatit has to comply with certain standards and is only allowed to transmit up to acertain power level. In rating transmitters of any form, typically a line-of-site value isused in order to show the relative effectiveness of a transmitter and allow a trans-mitter and receiver to be compared to one another using a fair method. The WirelessRainSensor operates up to 300' line-of-site. This means that in an open field, withno obstructions, the sensor module and Receiver pair will successfully communicateup to 300' apart. However, in almost all installations, there are obstacles betweenthe sensor module and Receiver such as walls, floors, etc.The obstacles will all affect the transmitted signal and typically reduce the radiatedpower that will be read by the Receiver. Different objects such as walls and floorsaffect the transmitted signal differently depending on the material composition,geometry and thickness. Typically, most residential and light commercial construc-tion materials do not reduce the effective transmitted signal enough to pose prob-lems under normal installation conditions. However, there are some installationswith very thick, dense walls, or that involve large amounts of radio frequency inter-ference (electrical switching rooms etc.) where the effective range of the WirelessRainSensor may be greatly reduced.Some helpful tips on mounting the sensor module and Receiver for the best RadioFrequency (RF) performance:• Always try to keep the antennas straight and fully extended (straight up on the Receiver and straight down on the sensor module).• Try to maintain a parallel orientation of one antenna to the other. Avoid installingeither unit where the antennas are in close proximity to large metal objects. • Attempt to mount the units as close together as possible to reduce the potentialfor interference or signal reduction. If the signal strength is not good in one loca-tion, try another location - even as little as a few feet of movement can changefrom a weak spot to a strong spot. Interior locations where cell phones or cord-less phones have trouble with reception may indicate areas with poor RF signaltransmission. • If possible avoid an installation where the sensor module is located exactly abovethe Receiver. Move the sensor module slightly offset to one side. When the RFsignal is passing through walls, keep in mind that it has less thickness to pene-trate when it passes straight through the wall. In other words, passing diagonallythrough a wall increases its effective thickness. 9Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 9
Electromagnetic CompatibilityDomestic: This device complies with FCC rules Part 15. Operation is subject tothe following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interferenceand (2) this device must accept any interference that may be received, includinginterference that may cause undesirable operation.This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installedand used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instruc-tions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been typetested and found to comply with the limits for a FCC Class B computing device inaccordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, whichare designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a resi-dential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occurin a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio ortelevision reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off andon, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of thefollowing measures:Reorient the receiving antenna, relocate the remote control receiver with respectto the radio/TV antenna or plug the irrigation controller into a different outlet sothat the irrigation controller and radio/TV are on different branch circuits.If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/televisiontechnician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following bookletprepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems". This booklet isavailable from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.Stock No. 004-000-00345-4. 10Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 10Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Specifications:Receiver Mounting Options: Stainless steel screws and/or double-sided foamtape. Sensor module Mounting Options: Quick-ClipTM rain gutter bracket and roofeaves/fascia mounting bracket with stainless steel screws. Sensor module Range: Up to 300' line-of-site. Sensor Type: Industry-standard hygroscopic disc stack with adjustable rainfallsensitivity. Transmitter Battery Type: (2) 3V cells - CR2032 (or equivalent).Average Battery Life: Five yearsOperating Temperature Range: -20°F to 120°F Receiver Power Input: 22–28 VACc/VDC, 100mA (from existing controller/timerwith Class 2, UL-approved transformer).Relay Contacts Output: Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC)3A at 24 VAC.Receiver Controls: Sensor Status Indicator, Signal Indicator, Smart BypassSwitch, Power Indicator with low battery/poor communication warning.N11Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 11
The Toro Promise — Limited Five-Year WarrantyThe Toro Company and its affiliate, Toro Warranty Company, pursuant to an agreement between them, jointly warrants, to the owner, each new piece of equipment (featured in the current catalog at date of installation) againstdefects in material and workmanship for for a period described below,provided they are used for irrigation purposes under manufacturer's recom-mended specifications. Product failures due to acts of God (i.e., lightning,flooding, etc.) are not covered by this warranty.Neither Toro nor Toro Warranty Company is liable for failure of products notmanufactured by them even though such products may be sold or used inconjunction with Toro products.During such warranty period, we will repair or replace, at our option, any partfound to be defective. Your remedy is limited solely to the replacement or repair of defective parts.Return the defective part to your local Toro distributor, who may be listed inyour telephone directory Yellow Pages under "Irrigation Supplies" or "SprinklerSystems," or contact The Toro Warranty Company P.O. Box 489, Riverside,California, 92502. Phone (800) 664-4740 for the location of your nearest Torodistributor or outside the U.S., call (951) 688-9221.This warranty does not apply where equipment is used, or installation isperformed in any manner contrary to Toro’s specifications and instructions, norwhere equipment is altered or modified.Neither Toro nor Toro Warranty Company is liable for indirect, incidental orconsequential damages in connection with the use of equipment, including butnot limited to: vegetation loss, the cost of substitute equipment or servicesrequired during periods of malfunction or resulting non-use, property damageor personal injury resulting from installer’s actions, whether negligent or other-wise.Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or conse-quential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.All implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for use,are limited to the duration of this express warranty.Some states do not allow limitations of how long an implied warranty lasts,so the above limitation may not apply to you.This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rightswhich vary from state to state.The Toro Wireless Rain Sensor models TWRS and TWRFS are covered bythis warranty for a period of five years from the date of installation.12© 2004 The Toro Company, P.O. Box 489, Riverside CA, 92502 Toro HelpLine - 800-664-4740 www.toro.com Form Number 373-0332 Rev 1Doc 5 12/21/04 6:36 PM Page 12

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