373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page I Wireless Rain Sensor Series Rain Sensor, Model TWRS-I and Rain/Freeze Sensor, Model TWRFS-I User’s Guide English Español Français
373-0372a_E/S/F Contents 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page II Page Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Receiver Module Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Installing the Receiver Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Initial Sensor System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sensor Module Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rain Sensor Site Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Installing the Sensor Module . . .
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 1 The wireless sensor system is comprised of a programmable, weather-resistant receiver module and a sensor module with built-in transmitter. The receiver installs next to the irrigation controller and connects to the controller’s 24 Vac power source and sensor input terminals (if equipped) or splices directly into the irrigation valve common wire.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 2 Getting Started The wireless rain sensor system is designed for easy installation, setup and years of trouble-free operation. In most cases, the system components can be installed and fully operational within minutes. All you will need is a Phillips screwdriver and basic do-it-yourself skills. If you have problems with any portion of the installation, or the product does not seem to function properly, refer to the Troubleshooting section on page 22 first.
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 3 Step 3 A sensor installation site is chosen and the system is tested again to verify operation. See page 10. Step 5 The sensor module is installed. See page 11. Step 4 The sensor is adjusted to the preferred rainfall activation level. See page 11. Step 6 The operating features are set to your preferences. See page 14.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 4 Receiver Module Features 1– Setup Button–Accesses the receiver setup and operating features. 3 2– Adjust Button–Selects settings within the receiver setup and operating features. 3– Mast Antenna–Adjusts easily for best signal reception. 4– Digital Display–High-resolution LCD screen provides visual 2 reference for sensor system operating features.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 5 Installing the Receiver Module Important: Installation of this product must comply with national and local building and electrical codes. For assistance, contact a professional irrigation system contractor in your area. The receiver module is suitable for either indoor or outdoor installation. Select a location next to the controller that provides the following conditions: • The display screen is clearly visible and the control buttons are easily accessed.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 6 Connecting the Receiver Wires CAUTION: The receiver requires continuous 24 Vac power for operation. Connecting to higher power will result in irreparable damage. Ensure that power to the controller has been removed prior to connecting the receiver wires. The sensor system is designed to work with most makes and models of irrigation controllers. • If your controller is equipped for a sensor connection, follow the steps in Wiring Procedure I.
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 7 Red Red White Red Red White To Valves Yellow Brown Figure 4 - Splice Valve Common Common to Valves and Pump/MV Red To Valves TWRFS-I Red White Wiring Procedure II (no Sensor terminals) 1. Locate the valve common wire terminal, generally labeled “C” or “COM”, and remove the attached common wire(s). 2. Attach the White wire to this terminal. 3. Splice the Brown wire to the common wire(s) using a wire nut or electrical tape. Tape back the Yellow wire. See Figure 4. 4.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 8 Initial Sensor System Test Before installing the sensor module, test the sensor system to verify operation. Once this test has been completed satisfactorily, the sensor module can be installed. If a problem occurs during the test procedure, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 22. 1. Apply power to the controller. Check controller operation to confirm that it is working properly. 2.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 9 Sensor Module Features 2 1 English 1– Rain Threshold Adjustment–Adjusts the rain sensor to accumulate 3mm, 6mm,12mm or 19mm of rainfall before signaling the receiver to hold watering. The factory default setting 6mm. 2– Sensor Test Spindle–Pressed to manually activate the sensor for setup and test procedures.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 10 Rain Sensor Site Selection Choosing the right installation site for the sensor module is key to obtaining the maximum benefit from your sensor system. For best results, choose a sensor installation site that provides: • Unobstructed exposure to rainfall–away from overhangs, tree branches, etc. • Protected from irrigation spray, rainwater accumulation and the possibility of submersion.
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 11 Installing the Sensor Module 1. Adjust the sensor module to the preferred rainfall threshold activation point. The settings, provided in metric on one side of the cap and U.S. standard on the other, include 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and 19mm. The factory setting is 6mm and is generally a good starting point. The 3mm setting is not recommended for high humidity or foggy locations. To adjust, turn the cap to align the stationary pin with the vertical slot.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 12 3. To install the sensor on a length of thick-walled PVC pipe, remove and replace the Quick Clip bracket with the pipe-mount adapter. To provide friction between the components, ensure the star washer is installed between the adapter and housing tab as shown in Figure 14. 4. Check the sensor module for vertical alignment. To adjust, loosen the bracket screw slightly, align vertically and tighten screw. See Figure 15.
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 13 Freeze Sensor (model TWRFS-I) Site Selection To ensure optimum freeze sensor operation, the sensor module installation site should meet the site criteria of the rain sensor in addition to the following conditions: • Located in the coldest portion of the landscape. • Away from direct exposure to morning sunlight. • Away from any heat producing or storing device, equipment or appliance such as a pool/spa, heater, water heater, chimney or hot air vent pipe.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 14 Set Temperature Activation Threshold (TWRFS-I models only) The freeze sensor temperature activation threshold is adjustable from 2°C to 7°C ( 35°F to 45°F). When the air temperature reaches the threshold setting, the freeze sensor activates the receiver, and the Freeze Status indicator will turn on. The sensor system will return to the Monitor mode when the outside air temperature rises above the sensor threshold temperature.
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 15 Water Conservation Feature – By simply choosing the Minimum (Min), Medium (Med) or Maximum (Max) conservation level that corresponds to your landscape’s soil type and the sensor location, a dry-out period, adjusted for actual rainfall duration, is Figure 18 inserted after the sensor system resets to delay the resumption of automatic watering. Each conservation level represents a baseline value that is automatically adjusted to compensate for rainfall duration.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 16 Smart Bypass Feature Figure 20 Once the rain sensor becomes active, it can be easily bypassed by pressing the Smart Bypass button. When the rain sensor is bypassed, the Sensor Status indicator and Smart Bypass icon will begin flashing. See Figure 20. The controller will resume automatic watering operations as scheduled.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 17 Battery Strength Display This feature displays sensor battery strength on a bar scale. The strength of the battery is indicated by the height of the bar stack: No bar = a dead battery to six bars = full strength. 1. Press the Setup button as needed to display the Battery icon and Figure 23 the bar scale. See Figure 23. Note: If the Battery icon is flashing, low battery strength is indicated and replacement is recommended.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 18 Dry Out Feature The Dry Out feature is provided to override the Water Conservation baseline level, allowing the dry-out delay period to be set with more accuracy from 0.5 to 4.0 days in 0.5-day increments. Note: Before using the Dry Out feature, allow the sensor system to normalize by cycling through rain and/or freeze activation several times. 1. Press the Setup button to display the Dry Out icons.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 19 English Loss of Communication If the sensor and receiver do not communicate within a 24-hour period, the Figure 25 sensor system will remain in its current state (Active or Monitor). To alert you to this condition, the Warning icon will be displayed. The Antenna icon and current air temperature (TWRFS-I only) will be flashing and the signal bar indicator will be cleared. See Figure 25.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 20 Turn the Receiver Module Off and On 1. To turn the receiver module Off, press and hold the Adjust button until two dashes are displayed (approximately 5 seconds), then release. 2. To turn the receiver On, press the Setup button two times. The receiver will return to the normal display mode within approximately 10 seconds. Set or Restore the Sensor Address Code The receiver and sensor modules are factory-matched to communicate using a specific address code.
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 21 Sensor Module Battery Replacement 1. Unscrew and remove the bottom cap from the sensor housing. 2. Grasping the edges of the circuit board assembly, carefully slide the circuit board assembly out of the housing. 3. Remove the battery cover and batteries. 4. Insert two new 3V CR2032 (or equivalent) batteries with the positive (+) side facing toward the retaining clip. Note: Properly dispose of the used batteries according to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. 5.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 22 Troubleshooting If you encounter problems at any point in the installation process, or the components do not function properly, try the Troubleshooting procedures first. If the problem is not listed or the remedy does not resolve the problem, contact your local Toro irrigation distributor for assistance. Signal strength is weak or inconsistent. The Wireless Rain Sensor system has a maximum operating range of 152.4m (500') LOS (Line-of-Site).
6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 23 The receiver display is blank. • Check the 24 Vac power connections. The red power wires from the receiver must be connected to the controller’s 24 Vac power source. Make sure the power wires are not connected to the station or pump/master valve terminals. These terminals only provide 24 Vac power when the controller is operating the sprinkler zones. The sensor module does not activate the receiver at close range.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 24 Specifications Models:TWRS-I (Wireless Rain Sensor-International) and TWRFS-I (Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor-International) Wireless Communication Range: Up to 152.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 25 The 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) against defects in material and workmanship for for a period described below, provided they are used for irrigation purposes under manufacturer's recommended specifications. Product failures due to acts of God (i.e., lightning, flooding, etc.
373-0372a_E/S/F 6/7/05 1:59 PM Page 26 Electromagnetic Compatibility The TWRS-I and TWRFS-I wireless rain sensor series is CISPR 22 class B compliant. FCC ID: OF7TWRS IC: 3575A-TWRS Important: Changes or modifications to this unit, not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance, could void the authority to operate the equipment. © 2005 The Toro Company, Irrigation Division • All Rights Reserved • www.toro.com Form # 373-0372 Rev.