General Knowledge
Basic controller troubleshooting
Last Updated: July 2, 2024Below are a collection of common problems and their recommended solution. Display and error codes DISPLAY: The time keeps flashing. REASON: When programmed the display will flash between the current time and the scheduled run time if the controller is scheduled to water in the next 24 hours. PROBLEM: The controller has a partial or...
Do I have a DC or AC Solenoid
Last Updated: July 26, 2023Solenoids are important components in irrigation systems that control the flow of water through valves. Two common types of irrigation solenoids are AC and DC solenoids, which utilize different electrical characteristics to operate. Understanding the difference between AC and DC solenoids can help you identify the one that is in your irrigation system. There are...
Guidelines on Earth Grounding for Irrigation Systems
Last Updated: June 11, 2024Installers are obligated to establish a connection to earth ground for all electronic irrigation equipment in compliance with Article 250 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). The grounding configuration should include, at minimum, the components described in the following guidelines. Selection of Grounding Electrodes Installers must use grounding electrodes that are either UL-listed or meet...
How far away can I activate a DC solenoid
Last Updated: August 26, 2024While closer is always better. The HRC-990 or CMS can generally be between 75 and 100 feet from DC latching solenoid. Wire condition, wire thickness, wire material, and electrical connections will all affect the maximum distance between the controller and the valve. 13V DC Power Drop / Max Cable Distance Chart The below DC voltage...
Pipe Size Flow Chart
Last Updated: April 26, 2024This chart is for general reference only. Consult the pipe manufacturer specifications for your pipes true flow. The maximum flow for the pipe size is indicated, to keep the velocity below five feet per second (ft/sec) maximum. GPM = (Velocity [ft/sec] x Inside Diameter (inches) / 0.4085 Check out the reference section of our catalog...
Recommended Wire Run Distances
Last Updated: July 27, 2023The tables below are designed for quick reference and are set up to provide maximum wire runs, given the wire size for both the power and common wires. Maximum one-way distance in feet between controller and valve heavy-duty solenoid: 24 VAC, 360 mA inrush current, 230 mA holding current, 60 Hz. NOTE: The tables represent...
Smart Irrigation Controller FAQ
Last Updated: November 1, 2024WHAT ARE SMART CONTROLLERS? Smart controllers, also known as weather-based controllers or “ET-based” controllers, adjust their irrigation schedules automatically based on daily weather changes and estimated plant water requirements. WHAT IS ET? ET is a common abbreviation you may hear about smart controllers. It is short for “evapotranspiration.” In horticulture, evapotranspiration measures the amount of...
Smart Watering Requirements
Last Updated: July 17, 2023What does it take for WeatherSense Smart Watering to work? WeatherSense Smart Watering requires 4 key features to be active and completed to operate correctly. If any of the 4 are not active or completed then smart watering may use too much or too little water. Address In order to pull weather forecasts, we need...
Terminology
Last Updated: February 10, 2023General Irrigation Terms Timer Refers to the ‘hose-end’ models of controllers. These units will attach to a standard hose faucet and either has a valve built-in or use specialized valves. Hose-end This term refers to the threads of a standard outdoor faucet, which is a ¾ inch male hose thread. All ‘timers’ are designed to...
Two-wire leg connections and rules
Last Updated: January 20, 2023The output of the HSC wire paths is 24VAC, 50/60 Hz. Voltage is only present on the legs when stations are active. There is no polarity on the Hydro-Rain decoder system. Use direct burial-rated irrigation wire. The size of the wire determines the effective distance of the two-wire path. See the wiring table for distance...
WAGO Wire Connectors
Last Updated: November 21, 2024You may have noticed that we have started to include WAGO wire connectors in some of premium products. Why? WAGO wire connectors provide a Smarter and Faster way to connect wires. These connectors, when properly used, not only meet our design criteria but also passed third party testing and certification processes. Thanks to their simplicity...
Water Velocity and Pressure Loss
Last Updated: July 17, 2023Premature wear due to velocity (aka pressure loss) is harder to figure out. It generally isn’t a problem unless the water is really flowing fast through the pipe, like 8 feet per second or higher. Hydro-Rain recommends keeping the water velocity/pressure loss below 5 feet per second. The only way to determine if it is...
Waterproof Wire Connectors Installation
Last Updated: July 17, 2023INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: Important! Turn off power before installing or removing the connector. Product to be used in accordance with location and national codes. Strip wires. Strip 1/2″ for 18-22 gauge wires; 3/8″ for 12-16 gauge wires. Straighten any frayed strands or conductors. Placed stripped wires together with ends of insulation even. Twist connector onto wires...