User’s Guide Automatic Sprinkler System Controller GreenKeeper 212 Features: ON PROGRAMS MANUAL START NEXT A B C OFF R (For Indoor Use Only) • Easily Expandable Up To 12 Stations With 2-Station Plug-In Modules • 3 Watering Programs With: - Calendar, Interval and Odd/ Even Days - 1 Min. to 4 Hrs.
Table of Contents Introduction and Set Up ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ GreenKeeper 212 Components......................2-5 Sprinkler System Basics ....................................6 Watering Program Basics ..................................7 Watering Program Details ..............................8-9 Planning Your Watering Schedule...................10 Filling Out The Watering Schedule Form ...10-11 ❚ Watering Schedule Form ..............................12 Programming Before Installation .....................
GreenKeeper 212 Introduction and Set Up Controller Components 1 2 3 BATTERY 2
GreenKeeper 212 Components The following are brief descriptions of the controller components and display elements. Each of these items will be explained in further detail within the appropriate programming, operating and installation sections of this guide. 1 - LCD Display A - “Start Time” symbol – Alarm clock is displayed when setting the program start times. B - Program start time identification numbers 1–4. C - Main display of various time values and prompts. D - Program A, B and C identifiers.
Controller Components 3 - Control Dial Positions (continued) – Enables the run time of all zones in a program to be simultaneously increased or decreased in 10% increments. OFF – Shuts off and prevents all automatic and manual watering activity. RAIN DELAY – Enables all watering operations to be delayed from 1 to 7 days. 4 - Program Select Switch – Three-position slide switch used to select watering program A, B or C during the programming procedures and manual operation.
Controller Components 18 3 4 5 6 7 8 BATTERY 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 5
Sprinkler System Basics The three main components of every automatic sprinkler system are the controller, station control valves and sprinklers. The controller is the brain of the system, telling the control valves when and how long to supply water to the sprinklers. The sprinklers direct and control the water applied to the lawn and plants. Each valve controls a specific group of sprinklers called a watering station.
Watering Program Basics A watering program requires three basic instructions to operate automatically: • What days to water –called watering days • When to water – called a program start time • How long to water – called station run time Watering Program Diagram Program Starts - 5:00 AM Station 1 12 6 The following example illustrates how a typical watering program could be set for the sprinkler system shown on the previous page. Example: The program start time is set for 5:00 AM.
Watering Program Details This section covers in detail each of the three parts of a watering program – watering days, program start times and station run times. Selecting Watering Days The GreenKeeper 212 provides four options for scheduling watering days: Calendar, Interval, Odd or Even and Off. Calendar Schedule A Calendar schedule enables you to select specific days of the week to water, for example, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This is a seven-day schedule which starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
Selecting Program Start Times Setting The Station Run Time A program start time is the time of day you select to begin an automatic program watering cycle. It is important to remember that a program only requires one start time to operate automatically. When a program starts, each station assigned to a program will water in numerical order, one at a time for its set run time. A station run time is the length of time the station (controlled by the valve) will water during the program watering cycle.
Planning Your Watering Schedule It is always helpful to plan your watering schedule on paper before beginning the programming steps. You will have a record of your watering schedule and station locations which can be kept with your GreenKeeper 212 after it is installed. A watering schedule form is provided on page 12 for you to fill out. ◆ Guidelines For Watering There are several factors to be considered when deciding when and how long to water. For example, the soil type (i.e., clay, loam, etc.
(Example) 11
Watering Schedule Form PROGRAM A CALENDAR WATERING DAY SCHEDULE ODD/EVEN ZONE 1 2 3 4 12 3 4 5 6 EVEN ZONE RUN TIME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PROGRAM START TIMES 2 ODD LOCATION PROGRAM C SU MO TU WE TH FR SA SU MO TU WE TH FR SA SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 1 INTERVAL PROGRAM B 7 1 2 ODD 3 4 5 6 EVEN ZONE RUN TIME 7 1 2 ODD 3 4 5 6 EVEN ZONE RUN TIME 7
Programming Before Installation The GreenKeeper 212 utilizes a 9-volt battery to retain its watering program information in the event of a main power interruption. This battery backup feature also enables your controller to be fully programmed for operation right out of the box—before installation—in the comfort of your home. Simply attach the battery and begin the programming steps.
Selecting Optional Features 24-Hour Clock Mode The GreenKeeper 212 is set to display time in the 12-hour clock mode. If you prefer to use a 24-hour clock mode (military time), select this option by removing the 12/24 Hour Selector Jumper (5). To store the jumper, install it on one pin as shown. See Figure 3. Figure 3 BATTERY 15-Second Run Delay The 15-second run delay feature is useful for sprinkler systems utilizing a pump or master valve.
Resetting The Controller Memory The GreenKeeper 212 program memory can be reset to the permanent program values or cleared completely at any time without removing power. Figure 4 2 3 Resetting the permanent program erases all user input and replaces it with the permanent program values. Clearing the program memory sets all program values to Off (i.e., no active days, program start times or station run times).
Example 1 Programming The Controller Setting The Current Time and Day or Date SU Note: To select the 24-hour clock mode, see page 14. Turn the control dial to the CURRENT TIME/DAY position (the hour digits will begin flashing). To adjust the display, press the +/ON button to scroll the digits forward or the –/OFF button to scroll the digits backward. Note: The display will begin to change rapidly if either button is held down for more than two seconds.
Setting The Watering Day Schedule For each program, you can select Calendar, Interval Odd, Even or Off. To set a Calendar schedule, continue here. To set an Interval schedule see page 18. To set an Odd or Even schedule see page 19. To turn Off a program, see page 19. 2 3 PGM A 7 SU MO TU WE TH FR SA 4 3 5 5 1 4 Setting A Calendar Schedule Turn the control dial to the WATERING position. DAYS Check the PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary, reposition the switch to select the desired program.
Setting An Interval Schedule Turn the control dial to the WATERING position. Check the PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary, reposition the switch to select the desired program. The current watering schedule will be displayed. If Int (Interval) is not displayed, press the +/ON or –/OFF button as needed to select Int. Press the NEXT button. The current Interval number (1–7) will begin flashing. The day of the week on which the Interval will start will be shown.
Setting An Odd or Even Schedule Turning Off A Program Note:The Odd/Even Selector Jumper must be removed this type of watering schedule. See page 14 for details. Note: Turning off a program does not alter or erase a preset watering day schedule. Selecting Off simply places the program on hold until one of the watering day schedules is selected. Turn the control dial to the WATERING position. DAYS Check the PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary, reposition the switch to select the desired program.
Setting Program Start Times Turn the control dial to the PROGRAM position. 2 9 3 START TIME 1 2 PGM A AM Check the PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary, reposition the switch to select the desired program. Program start time number 1 will begin flashing. The current program start time or OFF will be displayed for start time number 1. To select a different program start time number, press the +/ON or the –/OFF button until the desired number is flashing. Press the NEXT button.
Setting Station Run Times Turn the control dial to the position. 2 STATION TIMES 4 5 PGM A Check the PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary, reposition the switch to select the desired program. 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 Press the NEXT button. The run time (or OFF) will begin flashing. 3 5 3 Station number 1 will be flashing and its current run time or OFF will be shown. To select a different station number, press the +/ON or –/OFF button until the desired station number is flashing.
A Installation F B Note: The GreenKeeper 212 controller is not weather resistant and must be installed indoors or in a protected area. For outdoor installation, a weather-resistant outdoor cabinet is available. Order model number GK212-CAB-01 for domestic controllers or GK212-CAB-02 for export controllers. C Mounting The Controller 1. Select a location for the controller within 4' (1.2m) of an electrical outlet to enable the transformer wires to easily reach.
Connecting The Valves 1. Route the valve control wires between the valves and the controller. Note: Using 18 AWG (0.75mm2) multi-wire sprinkler valve connection cable is recommended. This cable is insulated for direct burial and is color-coded to simplify installation. BATTERY 2. Attach the white color-coded wire from the cable to one wire from each valve solenoid. (Either solenoid wire can be used for this connection.) This is called the valve common wire. 3.
Connecting A Pump Start Relay Connecting The Transformer (Optional) Note: For model GK212-26-04, contact your Toro distributor for the recommended transformer. CAUTION: To prevent controller damage, ensure the relay current draw does not exceed 0.35 Amps. Do not connect the controller directly to the pump starter. CAUTION: Do not plug the transformer into an electrical outlet until all of the wiring procedures have been completed. 1. Route a wire pair from the pump relay into the controller housing.
A SE DJ A (Optional) PR TI OG M ES Connecting A Toro Rain Switch S USON T The Toro Rain Switch is a remote rain sensor which can be connected directly to your GreenKeeper 212 to automatically interrupt watering during rain. SE T SE RT TA E T VALV S Toro RUNRain TIMES Switch A sensor bypass switch is provided which enables the Rain Switch operation to be turned On and Off. When the Rain Switch absorbs rain water it automatically signals the GreenKeeper 212 to suspend all watering operations.
Controller Operation The GreenKeeper 212 controller has three modes of operation: Automatic, Manual and Off. In the Automatic mode the controller tracks the time and day and operates the automatic watering schedules. The Manual mode enables the watering programs to be started and controlled manually at any time. The Off mode shuts off all watering activity and prevents any zones from operating automatically or manually.
Manual Operation Manual operation enables the automatic watering programs or selected stations assigned to the program to be started manually. During operation, temporary changes can be made to increase or decrease the station run time, step through the station sequence and pause or stop watering using the “Watering Control Features” described on page 28. Upon completion of the manual watering operation, the controller will return to the Automatic mode.
Watering Control Features The following watering control features enable you to further control the watering program during operation. All watering control features apply to watering programs started manually and automatically. To Pause Watering To Cancel Watering Press the +/ON and –/OFF buttons at the same time two times. • All watering operations will be canceled and the controller will return to the automatic mode.
Turning Off The GreenKeeper 212 Flashing When the control dial is turned to the OFF position, the controller immediately shuts off any watering operation currently in progress. Leaving the control dial in the OFF position will prevent all automatic and manual watering operations. The controller will continue to track the current time and day of the week. PM 1 3 MO 2 For extended shutdown of the sprinkler system leave the control dial in the OFF position. The word OFF will be displayed for 8 minutes.
Using The Season Adjust Feature Changes in season and temperature generally require a change in station run time to maintain a healthy landscape and conserve water. The season adjust feature enables you to change the run time of all zones assigned to a program, simultaneously up or down, in 10% increments – with just the press of a button. Adjustments can be reduced to 10% or increased to 200% of the programmed run time of each station.
Service and Specifications Adding A Station Module 1. Turn the control dial to the OFF position. A 0.75 Amp fuse protects the controller from damage due to power surges and excessive current draw through the Station Modules. Before replacing the fuse, check for the probable cause, such as a shorted or improperly connected control valve wire, then replace the fuse as follows: 1. Unplug the transformer from the wall receptacle. 12HR Replacing The Fuse 2.
Troubleshooting If you are having a problem with the controller, check the following symptoms, possible causes and remedies. If the problem cannot be resolved or you would like assistance with any Toro irrigation product, call our toll-free Toro Help Line, 1-800-664-4740 Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time) 32 Symptom Possible Cause Remedy The display is blank and the controller does not operate.
Specifications Housing: Plastic, indoor, wall mount, 7.5" W x 8.5" H x 2" D (19cm W x 21.6cm H x 5cm D) Power Specifications, Domestic Model: Plug-In Transformer, Class 2, UL Listed, CSA Certified (or equivalent) • Input: 120 V a.c. 50/60 Hz, 0.5A • Output: 24 V a.c. 50/60 Hz; 18VA Power Specifications, Export Model: Plug-In Transformer, TUV Approved • Input: 230 V a.c. 50Hz, 0.5A • Output: 24 V a.c. 50 Hz; 18VA Power Specifications, Australian Model: Plug-In Transformer, SAA Approved • Input: 230–240 V a.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Domestic: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.