User Manual - Rain Master Control Systems
Contents
1. ccccceeesseeececeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeesneaeaes 6 Figure 3 Tower Base Mounting c rleo cee cce pee alee een ee vee a eee ee eee 7 Figure 4 Sensor Mounting Configuration ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenaaees 8 Figure 5 Tower Terminal Block 3 2 veces ion ete cca in teencdil duke dence in ed A uccel de huad dy 9 Figure 6 Weather Station to Controller Connections cceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetteeeeeeeeeeteeees 10 Figure 7 ET Tracker Components crcc cc0te5s cestpacc teat eceicce Pueiscet cai sce biel sen ical cartes esetuece 11 Figure 8 Assemblying the Top Cup ccccesecccceeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 12 Figure 9 Top Cup ASSCIMDY 4 sactaisce Ait aie Aye ein oaks seria haste eta 13 Fig re 10 C p IMMErSIO mnre e a ea ea ee aa e Ea a A elected aA 13 Figure 11 ET Electronics Circuit Board ev csessavtesrertereriareri een aries 14 Figure 12 Filling the Syringe ssesssennenneeesesesnennnrresseernnrnnnrnssserrrtnnnnnnnserrnnnnnnnnnneerennne 15 Figure 13 Attaching the Tube ce eeeeeeceeeeceee eee eeeeeeeeeaaeeeeeeeeeeeeseneeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeenees 15 Figure 14 Weather Station Evolution DX2 Controller ccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 17 PIQUE 1 SeBird Wire Installation sssi aa aa e aiaa iai iaaii aani 25 Page ii Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 1 0 Introduction The Weather Station is comprised of thr2. 8 foot step ladder 1 PVC Conduit 1 inch for tower base wiring 4 feet PVC 1 inch elbow 1 Water container for Top cup assembly immersion 1 Table 3 Required Materials Part Number Description Quantity Concrete and masonary Sand 1 Standard masonary tools 1 Gallon of Distilled Water 1 1 2 General The mounting bolts for the Rain Gauge Wind Sensor and tower mounting bracket are pre installed on the tower mast These bolts will need to be removed prior to assembly and installation 2 0 Weather Station Installation Use the following step to assembly the Weather Station tower Step 1 Prepare and pour a concrete support slab according to the enclosed drawing see Figure 2 Weather Station Tower Base Use the provided template to set the 5 16 mounting bolts The bracket must be level and plumb The conduit should extend at least 2 inches above the horizontal plate Step 2 Install the 8 conductor cable EV CAB WS from the controller to the Weather Station through the conduit From the Weather Station to the controller allow a minimum of 36 inches of cable to extend beyond the conduit into the controller s pedestal cabinet On the Weather Station tower allow a minimum of 70 inches of cable to extend beyond the conduit into the Weather Station mast assembly Page 5 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems STEP 2 ALIGN NOTCH IN TUBE WITH BOLT INSTALLED IN STEP 1
3. current ET value will be replaced by a zero 0 and today s ET value will start to accumulate Note Although the ET readings are continuously updated the latest readings will not appear on screen To read the most recent values exit the ET screen using the up arrow then return to the ET screen by pressing F4 3 2 Rain Sensor 3 2 1 Features and Benefits The RMIS tipping bucket rain gauge provides accurate rainfall measurement to the nearest 01 inch and storage of rainfall data Because the gauge interfaces directly to any RMIS Evolution DX2 Controller the user can easily select the most appropriate rainfall data collection location The Rain Sensor provides the following system benefits e Automatic system rain shutdown e Rainfall data reports Page 20 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 3 2 2 Rain Sensor Theory of Operation The tipping bucket rain guage is an internal component comprised of two reservoirs configured on a balanced see saw type mechanism As rainfall enters the outer collecting funnel shaped container one of the two reservoirs will fill up to a capacity of 01 of water When the water level reaches the 01 capacity the weight of the water causes the mechanism to flip to one side and the water is emptied out placing the remaining reservoir in position to collect new water When the second reservoir reaches the 01 capacity the mechanism flips back to the original position exposin
4. fine sandpaper Under running water lightly and evenly sand the flat top surface to restore and recondition it to a uniform white color This sanding is recommended at least once a year or more frequently as necessary For the rounded domed top design use the same procedure however because of the harder ceramic vigorously sand the surface by holding the sandpaper in your hand Finally rinse the plate with clean warm water to remove any ceramic debris Be sure the vent hole through the top gray plastic plate is open The inside of the reservoir bottle should be cleaned with a weak bleach solution I Tblsp bleach in 2 gallons distilled water and then rinsed well with clean distilled water This sanding procedure may also be necessary if bird droppings stain and seal the clay evaporating surface Place the uncovered ceramic plate assembly where it can dry completely 4 1 6 Testing the Cup for Performance To test the ceramic plate for a clean well conditioned surface verify that the ceramic cup is thoroughly dry and pour a small amount of distilled water over the top flat white surface The surface should soak the water up quickly and evenly with no shiny unsoaked spots Re sand as described above if soaking is not uniform An alternative test would be to fill the cup with distilled water then attach rubber stopper very lightly Place thumb over the glass tube in stopper Push the stopper further in The water will bleed through t
5. j LOWER TUBE UNTIL NOTCH ENGAGES BOLT 520 0012 oo Nut Nylon Lock ae 16 SS 4 PLACES STEP 3 INSTALL REMAINING THREE BOLTS AND LOCKNUTS 512 0004 Bil Hex 98 16 x 5 12 SS U7 PACES STEP 4 INSERT 5 1 2 BOLT IN HOLE CLOSEST TO BASE SECURE WITH LOCK NUT ON OPPOSITE SIDE Figure 2 Weather Station Tower Base Page 6 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual Step 3 Attach the tower to the Weather Station mounting bracket using the 3 8 inch cross bolts see Figure 3 Tower Base Mounting 2 3 SLOPE FOR DRAINAGE MOUNT BASE TO CONCRETE PAD USING 5 16 X 3 BOLTS WASHERS AND NUTS PROVIDED SEE DIMENSIONS BELOW FOR BOLT LOCATIONS CONDUIT ENTRY OFFSET TO CLEAR MOUNTING BOLTS 2 NOLES z PVG CONDUIT 1 DIAMETER MINIMUM Figure 3 Tower Base Mounting Step 4 Using a 7 16 inch socket wrench remove the four Rain Gauge and Page 7 Anemometer mounting bolts from the tower mast Attach the Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge to the tower and insert the signal cable with connector through the 5 8 inch hole in the side of tower See Figure 4 Sensor Mounting Configuration Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 020 0106 Cap Weather Station Round PVC N 020 0031 Tube Wind Sensor Mounting 651 0001 Evaporating Plate E T Gauge 650 0001 E T Tracker 512 0006 Bolt Hex 1 4 20 x 3 8 SS 4 Places 020 0030 Exte
6. under power the valve will block the flow for 15 seconds while trying to refill the glass vial After this time out period suction by the syringe can be resumed to completely remove water from the vial Step 3 Disconnect the power supply and remove all the batteries 4 1 12 Freeze Protection The ET Tracker is frost protected and may remain in operation in areas that are irrigated all year The ET Tracker should be disconnected drained and brought inside in areas that freeze and irrigation is turned off for some length of time 4 2 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge Maintenance The tipping bucket rain guage should be visually inspected at least once a year or once per irrigation season to ensure no leaves bird droppings or debris have accumulated within To clean the top inside screen remove the top funnel unit and tip the screen out onto your hand Wash the screen thoroughly and reassemble the top funnel unit 4 3 Anemometer Maintenance The bearings of the anemometer should be inspected once a year or once per irrigation season by turning the wind cups No friction or wobble should be present If the bearings require replacement return the complete anemometer assembly to the factory Page 26 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 5 0 Troubleshooting If any of the conditions listed below should develop in the Weather Station readings a problem may exist within one or more of the devices Use one or more of the follo
7. wires to the Sensor Terminal board Inputs 3 and 3 No Page 31 Remove and clean screen as described in maintenance section Refer to Page 26 Refer to Installation instructions Check wiring and verify polarity Pictorial Figure 6 page10 Disconnect the two wires from the Sensor Terminal at terminals Input 3 and Input 3 and re measure voltage If voltage reads 0 contact factory If voltage reads 8 VDC problem lies in wiring or rain gauge If voltage reads 8 VDC reconnect the two wires to the Sensor Terminal board Inputs 3 and 3 At the tower terminal block unplug the rain gauge connector Re measure voltage at terminals Input 3 and 3 If voltage reads 8 VDC problem lies in rain gauge If voltage reads 0 check for shorts in cable and terminal block connections Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Can 8 VDC be measured at the rain terminals of the weather station terminal block Check cable continuity from terminal block to Sensor Terminal board 8 Volts DC be measured at the terminal block rain gauge connecting plug Contact Factory for Authorized Repair Check and repair cable continuity from terminal block to rain gauge Page 32 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 5 2 4 Symptom No Wind Reading Does the wind Check bearings and cup assembly cup assembly spin fr
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9. Weather Station User Manual Sa Pa wea SZ ET Tracker Rain Sensor Wind Sensor WS RAIN MASTER March 2001Document Number 500009 Rev C om S lt s pa Q min mar S gt Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station W RAIN MASTER Weather Station Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual Table of Contents 1 0 Introduction 14 ccisiissccicenstccdseciasnieccsscnsecseeersucsenduueceassveedubsnuecusesseusrvaseueddsudecsdueessunaueaaus 2 1 1 Determining Weather Station Location ceeecceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesneeeees 4 M2 General Saenen dan a i A EA EA EETA EA dead lahuaghideadiadienates 5 2 0 Weather Station Installation cccccccessseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 5 2 1 ET Tracker Batteries oo osccsescsscpiscsecnidec enced ax pesesdeccecnts eiveenpledesioeh ee veseptideeceicaeennes 12 2 2 ET Tracker Mounting iccccnc eck oil ck oot be ceckcs ee lo dace cnteahe a deeh ean deemananeeeundednodenas 16 2 3 Evolution DX2 Controller Wirithg eceeeeeseceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenaaeaeeeeeeees 16 3 0 Weather Station Instrumentation cccccceeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 17 Col WraCK eich aint ek Rati Rte eet Siok ha doce ado deus oth daub ducadeuk T 17 3 1 1 Features and Benefits ace ice sicsted heen cesar ainda nee ne vnsentan oeecieame casianese ded oer 17 3 1 2 ET Tracker T
10. Weather Station environment Location See Page 4 Is the ceramic cup Refer to Chapter 4 free of debris page 23 ET Tracker Maintenance Refer to Chapter 4 page 23 ET Tracker Maintenance Is the plumbing tubing free of debris Contact Factory Page 28 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 5 2 2 Symptom No ET Reading Are the K and Offset values for flow meter 2 set to Zero Ref DX2 User s Guide 4 51 Set flow meter 2 K and Offset values to zero Is the ET Tracker from Weather Station wired correctly to the DX controller Ref Installation instructions Check wiring and verify polarity Figure 6 page 10 Disconnect the two wires from the Sensor Terminal at terminals Input 2 and Input 2 and re measure voltage If voltage reads 0 contact the factory If voltage reads 8 VDC problem lies in wiring or ET Tracker Can 8 Volts DC be measured at terminal Inputs 2 and 2 of the Sensor Terminal board 4 If voltage reads 8 VDC reconnect Reconnect the two wires the two wires to the Sensor Terminal to the Sensor Terminal board Inputs 2 and 2 At the tower board Inputs 2 and 2 terminal block unplug the ET Tracker connector Re measure voltage at terminals Input 2 and 2 If voltage reads 8 VDC problem lies in ET Tracker If voltage reads 0 check for shorts in cable
11. and terminal block connections Page 29 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Note If the Flow Max feature is utilized on the controller that the Weather Station is connected to then the user must say Flow Meter is connected to this controller During the Flow Max Set Up Refer to DX2 User Guide pages F 22 amp F 23 the K and offset values of 0 must be entered at the submaster Refer to DX2 User Guide Can 8 Volts DC be _ measured at the ET Check cable continuity Terminals of the from the terminal block to Weather Station the Sensor Terminal Board terminal block Can 8 Volts DC be measured at the Check and repair cable Terminal block of continuity from terminal the ET Tracker block to ET Tracker connecting plug Can 6 Volts DC be measured at the Check 6 Volt transformer ET Tracker supply and connections Repair input on the Replace as necessary Terminal block Repeat the Priming Process Page 30 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 5 2 3 Symptom No Rain Reading Is there any accumulation of leaves or debris on the top inside screen of the tipping bucket No Yes Is the rain gauge from the Weather Station wired correctly to the DX2 controller No Yes Can 8 Volts DC be measured at terminal Input 3 and 3 of the Sensor Terminal board Yes 4 Reconnect the two
12. e the syringe from the rubber tube Step 9 With the rubber tube disconnected from the stopper push and twist the rubber stopper tightly into the cup Note Ensure that the ceramic cup assembly is completely full of water before insertion of the rubber stopper Step 10 Refer to Figure 13 Attaching the Tube Using the top cup assembly from Step 5 Carefully attach the tube to the glass protruding from the stopper without spilling the water from either assembly Figure 13 Attaching the Tube Page 15 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Step 11 Release the pinch clamp Step 12 Snap the top assembly onto the reservoir and snap the lower enclosure cover back on the ET Tracker 2 2 ET Tracker Mounting Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Carefully lower the complete ET Tracker assembly through the top of the tower until the bottom of the ET Tracker rests on the support bracket Install the PVC round cap on the top of the tower with the evaporating plate extending through the hole Route the cable from the ET Tracker and mate the cable with the 4 pin connector wired to the terminal block Remove the access plate to route the cable as necessary See Figure 4 Sensor Mounting Configuration and Figure 5 Tower Terminal Block Connect the Weather Station end of the EV CAB WS 8 conductor cable according to the color code and wiring diagram supplied See Figure 6 Weather Station to Controller Connections Install
13. ee major measuring devices these include e The ET Tracker e The Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge e The Wind Speed Sensor Anemometer The Weather Station measures evapotranspiration ET rain and wind speed The measured values are transmitted to the Rain Master Evolution Central Computer system via the attached Evolution DX2 Controller The evolution central computer uses the weather data to recalculate the irrigation schedules for all satellites associated with a particular microclimate The schedule in turn are downloaded to the field irrigation controllers Each of the measuring devices are permanently mounted onto a vandal resistant tower with all connections made within the tower s terminal block Power for the ET Tracker is supplied via the controller to which the Weather Station is connected Figure 1 Weather Station Configuration illustrates the complete Weather Station configuration Page 2 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual NOTE ATTACH BARE SHIELD WARE TO MOUNTING SCREW Figure 1 Weather Station Configuration Page 3 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 1 1 Determining Weather Station Location A general rule for determining the best location for the Weather Station is to locate the Weather Station in an area that best represents the watering needs and changes of all the irrigation zones The following general rules will help you determine the best location Mount in an op
14. eeeeeeeeeeeeenanees 26 4 3 Anemometer Maintenance ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeenaeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeenaeees 26 Page Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 5 0 Troubleshooting sieissceticcseccdeveinsederccewetsvereersenacswncevessandeaadenedeaederedessiuandeudduundessdnendes 27 5 1 Unusually High or Low ET Readings cccceeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeseenneeeeeeees 27 5 2 Troubleshooting Flow Charts c ccccccceceeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeees 27 5 2 1 Symptom Low ET Reading ccccceeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennaaees 28 5 2 2 Symptom No ET Reading mereseire aeai iaaa anadai 29 5 2 3 Symptom No Rain Reading asi e cee i eee ea ee ean eae ee 31 5 2 4 Symptom No Wind Reading ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenaaees 33 5 3 Verification of ET Tracker Electronics ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneaeeeeeeees 35 5 4 Rain Sensor Reading Checkout Procedure ssssesessssssesessesesseseeeeeeees 36 5 5 Verification of Rain Gauge Electronics cccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennneeeeeeees 36 5 6 Wind Sensor Checkout Procedure ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesseeesneeeeeeeeees 37 Table of Figures Figure 1 Weather Station Configuration cccccecceeceeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenaees 3 Figure 2 Weather Station Tower Base
15. eely mounting Is the wind sensor from Ref Installation Weather Station instructions Check wiring wired correctly to the and verify polarity Figure DX2 controller 6 page 10 Can Disconnect the two wires from the 8 Volts DC Sensor Terminal at terminals Input 4 be measured at termina and Input 4 and re measure Inputs 4 and 4 of the voltage If voltage reads 0 contact Sensor Terminal factory If voltage reads 8 VDC board problem lies in wiring or rain gauge If voltage reads 8 VDC reconnect the two Reconnect the two wires wires to the Sensor Terminal board Inputs to the Sensor Terminal 4 and 4 At the tower terminal block board Inputs 4 and 4 unplug the rain gauge connector Re measure voltage at terminals Input 4 and 4 If voltage reads 8 VDC problem lies in rain gauge If voltage reads 0 check for shorts in cable and terminal block connections Page 33 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Can 8 Volts DC heck inui be measured at the wing Check cable continuity from terminal block to Sensor Terminal board be measured at the Check and repair cable terminal block wind continuity from terminal sensor connecting block to rain gauge Contact Factory for Authorized Repair Page 34 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 5 3 Verification of ET Tracker Electronics This procedure provides the
16. en area clear of all obstructions The area should be in direct sunlight away from buildings trees or other objects which may restrict wind movement or cast shadows Avoid locations that will generate reflective heat buildings parking lots roadways etc Excessive heat generated from these objects will cause distorted ET readings Locate in an area that will prevent the top evaporating surface from getting wet from the irrigating water Table 1 Weather Station Parts List Part Number Description Quantity EV SEN WD Anemometer Assembly 1 EV SEN TRKR E T Tracker Assembly 1 EV SEN RN Rain Guage Assembly 1 ET PS Power Supply 6V DC Reg 1 ET 610 Hand Tool 610 OW Remove 1 020 0104 Tower ET Wethr 10 foot 1 020 0106 Cap PVC Round 1 460 0001 Batteries AA for the ET Tracker 4 500009 C Manual Weather Station 1 Table 2 Required Equipment Tools Part Number Description Quantity Evolution DX2 Controller equipped with al option DXFLOW Flow and Weather j sensing or DX_MOIST Flow Moisture DEMOIST and Weather sensing 1 Cable 8 conductor 18 gauge EV CAB WS stranded foil shield w drain direct burial Order to length maximum length 1 000 ft Crescent wrench 3 8 5 16 7 16 inch socket wrench Screwdriver flat blade _ _ l et Page 4 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual
17. er by the Evolution Central Computer 34 5 inches high x 3 1 inches in diameter 3 5 pounds empty 7 85 pounds filled with water Inside Weather Station tower Ceramic evaporating plate green canvas cover PVC Plastic housing Electrical signal is pulsed low for 2 3 07 seconds after each 0 01 ET pulse Normally open circuit of 53 OHMS during pulse Max voltage from receiving equipment 30V DC Full lightning protected except direct strikes to the unit Four 4 alkaline AA cells 6 Volts DC 5 to 16V DC 0 1 A peak 0 4 MA average Internal screw terminal block Unit must be drained during freezing season Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 3 1 4 Reading ET Values At The DX2 Controller The ET values can be read from the screen of the Evolution DX2 controller by following the steps listed below Advance to the ET Sensor screen through the following menu sequences F1 Main Menu F3 Status F2 Measurements F4 ET SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 07 08 11 10 14 09 11 ET INCHES T The ET Sensor screen displays seven consecutive days of ET readings from Sunday through Saturday Each day displays the ET reading in 1 100th of an inch 01 One day represents a 24 hour period beginning at midnight With the use of an Evolution Central Control system the accumulated ET values can be stored by the day and by the week for any period of time desired At midnight the
18. er switch Step 8 Secure the Weather Station access plates as necessary This completes the Weather Station installation 3 0 Weather Station Instrumentation 3 1 ET Tracker 3 1 1 Features and Benefits The ET Tracker is a patented precision electronic instrument that measures the Evapotranspiration ET The ET Tracker evaporating surface is a physical model of the vapor diffusion transport process which simulates the amount of water that may be used by normal turfgrass The ET Tracker allows the irrigation system to optimize water usage by replacing only as much water as was used Page 17 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems The simplicity of the ET Tracker has given it a major advantage in cost and effectiveness The ET Tracker will directly model the ET evapotranspiration on any given site The factors below are accounted for by the ET Tracker e Radiant Temperatures e Wind Speed e Ambient Temperatures e Humidity e Barometric Pressure All of the above factors must be constantly monitored and measured with average readings produced and finally logged The ET Tracker automatically and directly reads every change throughout the measurement period and factors it directly into the ET reading Summary e More precise readings of ET values e Direct modeling of a microclimate e Very low to no maintenance for a full season e Inexpensive to purchase and operate With the use of the Rain Master Evo
19. erify the operation of the Evolution DX2 Controller Rain Gauge input This process simulates the incoming pulses 8 volts from a Rain Gauge displaying the results on the controller s Rain display screen The following steps will serve to isolate Rain Gauge reading problems to either the Rain Gauge and associated wiring or the Controller and associated Sensor terminal inputs Page 36 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Disconnect the two wires from the Sensor Terminal board at terminals Input 3 and Input 3 Connect a short wire 14 12 AWG in each of the Input 3 terminals Observe the controllers Rain display screen and note the present value displayed At the Sensor Terminal board touch the two wires together momentarily 2 or 3 times A Rain reading of 01 inches should be recorded each time the wires are shorted together Re check the Rain values on the controller Rain display screen Verify that the reading has increased 01 1 100 inch each time the wires were shorted End of Rain Data Checkout procedure Note If readings change properly the Sensor Terminal Input 3 is OK and the Controller is operating properly Rain Gauge reading problems must therefore be associated with the Rain Gauge or its wiring Check the Rain Gauge installation and all connections If readings do not change properly the problem lies within the Control
20. g the first reservoir All discarded water drains out the bottom of the outer housing This process continues throughout the rainfall period Whenever the tipping bucket mechanism flips to one side or the other an electrical pulse is magnetically generated by means of an inverted pendulum action and fed directly to the sensor terminal board Input 3 The incoming pulse is collected to produce a reading of 0 01 1 100th of an inch at the controller display screen 3 2 3 Rain Sensor Installation The housing of the Rain Sensor should be level After installation is complete check to make sure that the tipping bucket is not held in a dead center position by pressing either end down against the stop 3 2 4 Rain Sensor Information Accuracy 1 0 at 2 inches per hour or less Maintenance Occasional cleaning of debris from the filter screen may be required 3 2 5 Satellite Rain Sensor Interfacing The two wires from the rain sensor are connected to Input 3 and Input 3 of the Sensor Terminal board It does not matter which wire goes where Note Rain sensor management can only be performed through the use of the Evolution Central Computer Page 21 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 3 2 6 Reading Rain Sensor Values at the Evolution DX2 Controller To insure that all cables are properly connected the Rain Sensor reading should be checked at the Evolution DX2 Controller Proceed to the Rain Wind disp
21. ge 35 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 5 4 Rain Sensor Reading Checkout Procedure To insure that all cables are properly connected and that the rain bucket is operational the Rain Sensor reading can be checked at the Evolution DX2 Controller Proceed to the Rain Wind display using the following menu sequences F1 Main Menu F3 Status F2 Measurements F5 Rain Wind RAIN 000 01 INCH WIND 000 MPH Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Observe the Rain Sensor reading display and note the measurement Remove the outer funnel shaped rain collector from the rain gauge top half of bucket Manually operate the internal dual reservoir mechanism from one side to the other several times Each time the mechanism flips to the side a 01 reading increase should be displayed at the Evolution DX2 controller display Observe the Rain reading again and verify that the reading has increased by the number of times the tipping bucket mechanism was activated If readings change properly the Rain Gauge and associated wiring is functioning properly Re assemble the funnel collector onto the rain gauge If the Rain readings do not change the problem must be isolated to either the Rain Gauge or the Controller Refer to the Rain Gauge Data Checkout procedure End of procedure 5 5 Verification of Rain Gauge Electronics This procedure provides the recommended steps to check and v
22. he top surface Make sure it bleeds uniformly across the top 4 1 7 Wafer Evaporation Element for Canvas Covers With the new disposable wafer design assembly the ceramic cup should be protected from most contaminants Note The wafer will not be protected from bird droppings because there are oils present in the bird droppings that will penetrate the Teflon wafer Page 24 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 4 1 8 Bird Wires Two stainless steel bird wires are included with the ET Tracker Assembly They should be mounted under the silicone rubber ring that holds the cover on the ceramic cup See Figure 15 Bird Wire Installation The 6 long wires are held vertically by inserting their bottom ends in the small holes located on the surface of the gray plastic top The wires will keep birds from perching on the instrument Figure 15 Bird Wire Installation 4 1 9 Checking the Plumbing for Debris Within the ET Tracker assembly the water passes through several pieces of hardware There are 4 hoses the reservoir the valve input the output valve and the third valve leg 3 fittings the valve input the output valve and the third valve leg 2 rubber stoppers the reservoir input and the reservoir output and 1 mesh filter located inside the reservoir attached to one of the rubber stoppers To check the plumbing for debris use the following steps e Flush the hoses Attach the syringe to
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24. iner and completely immerse the top cup assembly in distilled water Allow the cup to soak for at least 30 minutes Refer to Figure 10 Cup Immersion Figure 10 Cup Immersion Step 5 While cup is soaking fill the reservoir PVC pipe section with distilled water Fill it to a level approximately 1 inch from the top of the PVC pipe section Page 13 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Push button Switch Step 6 Step 7 Glass Vial Figure 11 ET Electronics Circuit Board Priming Process Refer to Figure 7 ET Tracker Components Release the two bottom retaining clips and remove the lower enclosure to expose the tracker s electronic board assembly Refer to Figure 11 ET Electronics Circuit Board Hold the assembly upright and press the push button switch at the lower left corner of the circuit board to activate the valve While holding the push button in allow the water to flow through the glass vial until it is clear of all air bubbles then release the switch Refer Figure 12 Filling the Syringe With the syringe attached to the upper end of the rubber tube draw water slowly through the tube until the tube is completely full of water and free of all air bubbles When full pinch the tube closed with the plastic pinch clamp located just below the syringe Page 14 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual Pinch Clamp Figure 12 Filling the Syringe Step 8 Remov
25. lay through the following menu sequences F1 Main Menu F3 Status F2 Measurements F5 Rain Wind RAIN 000 01 INCH WIND 012 MPH 3 3 Wind Sensor 3 3 1 Features and Benefits When used with a Rain Master Evolution Central Computer System wind sensing provides the following features and benefits e Automatic system shutdown for wind Wind too high e Automatic wind start up Wind calm enough for normal operation e Graph of the last three hours of wind data at Evolution Central Computer 3 3 2 Wind Sensor Installation Checks Check to see that the cup assembly of the wind sensor rotates freely 3 3 3 Wind Sensor Information Accuracy 1 5 or 0 25 mph Maintenance The sensor bearings should be replaced every 12 to 24 months The sensor should be overhauled every 24 to 36 months Note Wind sensor management can only be performed through the use of the Evolution Central Computer system Page 22 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 3 3 4 Evolution DX2 Controller Wind Sensor Interfacing The two wires from the wind sensor are connected to Input 4 and Input 4 on the Sensor Terminal board via the Weather Station terminal block Either wire may be connected to either terminal connection 3 3 5 Reading Wind Values at the DX2 Controller Refer to Reading Rain Sensor Values at the Evolution DX2 Controller 4 0 Maintenance 4 1 ET Tracker Maintenance 4 1 1 Adding Distil
26. led Water Distilled water may be added at any time by removing the top cup assembly of the ET Tracker release the spring retaining clips and then pouring water down the tube It is a good practice to fill the reservoir in June The reservoir supply should then last through the summer months 4 1 2 Cleaning the Ceramic Cup Assembly After removal from the field in the fall or periodically to ensure proper tracker operation the ceramic evaporating surface plate should be cleaned and reconditioned as described below CAUTION Detergent should never be used to clean the ceramic plate 4 1 3 Cleaning the Canvas Cover Should the canvas cover become dirty remove and wash with plain distilled water CAUTION It is important to fit the canvas cover tightly to the ceramic cup so that there is NO air space between the canvas cover and the evaporation plate See Figure 8 Assemblying the Top Cup 4 1 4 Hard Ceramic Evaporation Plates The ceramic evaporation plate design has a rounded domed top which is made of a hard ceramic material All precautions regarding water compression may be disregarded since the plate will not break under normal operating water pressure when installing the rubber stopper Page 23 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 4 1 5 Sanding the Top Surface of the Cup Soak cup for 5 minutes in distilled water The top flat surface of the ceramic plate should then be wet sanded with 240 grit very
27. ler Check controller cables to make sure that everything is plugged in correctly 5 6 Wind Sensor Checkout Procedure This procedure assumes that the wind sensor inputs 4 and 4 on the Sensor Terminal board are functioning properly Proceed to the Rain Wind display through the following menu sequences F1 Main Menu F3 Status F2 Measurements F5 Rain Wind RAIN 01 INCH WIND 000 MPH Step 1 Page 37 If wind conditions exist allow the anemometer to spin in the wind and observe the wind reading display for a corresponding reading It may take up to a minute before the display begins to register a reading Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Step 2 If no wind conditions exist the anemometer cup assembly must be operated manually This may require two people Operate the cup assembly for at least one minute and observe the wind reading If a reading is still not displayed the problem is in the anemometer or its associated wiring Check all wiring and connections from the anemometer to the controller An updated displayed reading indicates that the anemometer is operating properly Step 3 End of procedure If wind reading problems still exist please contact the factory Page 38 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual W RAIN MASTER 1825 103 Surveyor Avenue Simi Valley California 93063 Telephone 805 527 4498 Fax 805 527 2813 WWW RA
28. lution Central Computer daily accumulated ET readings are processed and watering schedules are adjusted accordingly When a watering zone microclimate is hot windy or dry the ET values will increase resulting in a heavier watering schedule When the microclimate becomes cooler or increases in humidity the watering schedule will be adjusted to a lower percentage of station run times thus reducing water usage The ET Tracker is typically connected to one controller of an irrigation system which is set up to gather accumulated ET data for the 24 hour period between 12 00 AM and 12 00 midnight The final totals are uploaded to the Evolution Central Computer each day for processing and reports 3 1 2 ET Tracker Theory of Operation The principle of the ET Tracker is to directly measure the evaporation through a constant which is the top evaporating surface plate of the ceramic cup The cup is made of a specially formulated material with binders and stiffness to give it rigidity The cup exterior is sealed and treated to prevent it from deterioration and allows water to absorb into the cup s inner walls Evaporation can only take place through the top evaporating plate surface of the cup The cup continually supplies water to the evaporating surface from the distilled water reservoir The reservoir capacity will generally last an entire season with one filling of distilled water As the effects of radiant heat wind humidity and temperature eva
29. necessary steps to check and verify the operation of the Evolution DX2 Controller ET Tracker input This process simulates the incoming pulses 8 volts from an ET Tracker displaying the results on the Evolution DX2 controller ET display screen Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 From Disconnect the two wires from the Sensor Terminal at terminals Input 2 and Input 2 Connect a short wire 14 12 AWG in each of the Input 2 terminals Observe the controller ET display screen and note the present ET value for today Refer to the Reading ET Values at the Evolution DX2 Controller Press the QUIT key to return to the main display screen This is necessary to allow the controller to update the ET value information At the Sensor Terminal board touch the two wires together momentarily 2 or 3 times An ET reading of 01 inches should be recorded each time the wires make contact Re check the ET values on the Evolution DX2 Controller ET display screen Verify that the readings have increased 01 1 100 inch for each time the wires were shorted This ends of ET Data Checkout procedure If the ET value does not increase each time the wires are shorted check connection cables as follows To Description Sensor Terminal Bd Sensor board 12 25 conductor flat ribbon cable If this checks out OK the Sensor Terminal board may be defective Contact the factory for a replacement Pa
30. nsion WS 2 Places 020 0104 Weather Station Tube Round 650 0002 Rain Guage Tipping Bucket 509 0001 Screw 1 4 20 x 3 4 One Way Figure 4 Sensor Mounting Configuration Step 5 Attach the wind cup assembly to the anemometer and secure the assembly to the spin shaft using the supplied allen wrench Step 6 Attach the Anemometer to the tower and insert the signal cable with connector through the 5 8 inch hole in the side of tower See Figure 4 Sensor Mounting Configuration Page 8 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual 020 0099 Bracket WS Terminal 15 0038 Washer 1 4 ID SS 4 Places 20 0105 Access Door WS 509 0001 Screw 1 4 20 x 3 4 OW 4 Places Figure 5 Tower Terminal Block Step 7 Remove the lower access plate using the supplied hand tool ET 610 Drop the cable all the way down the tower mast until it is accessible through the lower access panel Mate the connectors to the Weather Station terminal bracket connectors See Figure 5 Tower Terminal Block and Figure 6 Weather Station to Controller Connections Page 9 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual kd Goil Sorll Lz Nivel ONIM Qi OL OL SQISNI OWVOd TWHIAHSL Figure 6 Weather Station to Controller Connections Page 10 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual Evaporation Plate Top Cup Assembly gt SC n Stopper Pinch Clamp Reservoi
31. one end of one tube fill a cup with hot water insert other end of tube into the water and rapidly pull then push water out of the tube e Flush the fittings Attach a hose to the end of the fitting and flush water through it using the tube as an adapter 4 1 10 Battery Backup Replacement As long as the primary source of power is operational no current is drawn by the backup batteries Should a power outage occur the backup batteries can supply continuous power for a maximum period of 6 months The batteries should not require replacement for up to 4 years Batteries should be inspected at least once a year for corrosion and replaced as necessary Page 25 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 4 1 11 Seasonal Draining Seasonal draining is required in those climates where temperatures remain below 32 degrees freezing for extended periods of time and or irrigation stops during the winter months It is important to drain all of the water out of the ET Tracker cup during the winter months If exposed to freezing temperatures the ceramic cup can be damaged When irrigation is discontinued in the Fall due to cold weather it is suggested that the draining procedures outlined below be followed Step 1 Remove the ceramic cup Detach the rubber connecting tube and rubber stopper Drain the cup Pour all water out of the reservoir Step 2 Attach the syringe to the rubber tube and apply suction If the circuit is still
32. porate the water Page 18 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual through the evaporating plate surface more water is drawn through the electronic pulse monitor located on the electronics board where it is measured at the rate of one pulse for every 0 01 of ET A miniature motor also located on the electronics board assembly supplies the water pressure necessary to keep the ceramic cup filled The motor is also used to purge the water lines of air bubbles when priming the system 3 1 3 ET Tracker Specifications The ET Tracker is capable of measuring the evapotranspiration for any given microclimate It produces a single pulse for every 0 01 of ET and is capable of communicating the occurance of the pulse to the Rain Master Evolution DX2 controller equipped with the necessary sensor board DX FLOW or DX MOIST Sensor Accuracy Sensor Resolution Sensor Output Capacity Installation Dimensions Weight Mounting Materials Electrical Signal Impedance Transient Protection Power Source Internal Backup Supply External Supply Connection Freeze Protection Page 19 1 of evapotranspiration 0 01 reference Evapotranspiration ET A single pulse per 0 01 ET Reservoir contains 12 inches of distilled water per ET filling Connects directly into a Rain Master Evolution DX2 controller equipped with a sensor board The ET is read directly from the Evolution DX2 controll
33. r PVC Pipe Distilled Water _ ET Tracker Electronics Bd Lower Enclosure Cover P Rubber Tube Figure 7 ET Tracker Components Page 11 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems PS nl aed C Ge JG pi Figure 8 Assemblying the Top Cup 2 1 ET Tracker Batteries Step 1 Refer to Figure 7 ET Tracker Components Locate the ET Tracker assembly Release the two bottom retaining clips and remove the lower enclosure cover to expose the Tracker electronics Install the four provided alkaline batteries size AA in the battery holder with the positive end pointing towards the red side of the holder Step2 Refer to Figure 7 ET Tracker Components Release the retaining clips and remove the top cup assembly from the reservoir Step 3 Make sure the canvas cover is contoured to fit the ceramic cup See Figure 8 Assemblying the Top Cup CAUTION It is important to fit the canvas cover tightly to the ceramic cup so there are NO air spaces between the canvas cover and the evaporation plate See Figure 9 Top Cup Assemby Page 12 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual Evaporation Canvas Blai ate Glass Stopper Tube Figure 9 Top Cup Assemby Step 4 Remove the rubber stopper from the top cup assembly Pour distilled water to completely fill the cup Next place the filled cup into a suitable conta
34. s 23 4 0 Maintenant E ossis aaea eae Ee a aE a e TE a aSa aaaea 23 4 1 ET Tracker Maintenance seosseeeneneeeeeoeeereernrrrreeerrrttnnnnrrseerrernnnnnneeererenennn n 23 4 1 1 Adding Distilled Water 2 cececcccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenseaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneee 23 4 1 2 Cleaning the Ceramic Cup Assembly ceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 23 4 1 3 Cleaning the Canvas Covel ccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeaeeeeeeeeeeeenes 23 4 1 4 Hard Ceramic Evaporation Plates 0 ccceeeecceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 23 4 1 5 Sanding the Top Surface of the Cup ccccsccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 24 4 1 6 Testing the Cup for Performance ccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 24 4 1 7 Wafer Evaporation Element for Canvas Covers eeeeeeeeeteeeeeeeeeeeeeee 24 418 Brd NVI S eiaei nesie erresires aie ren ienai means eects neike i eis 25 4 1 9 Checking the Plumbing for Debris 00 eceeceesecceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 25 4 1 10 Battery Backup Replacement cccccceeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 25 4 1 11 Seasonal Draining 0 eee eeceeecceeee eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseaaeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 26 4 1 12 Freeze Protection ii ceecteca settee ce cieninechcesn dersc ins ese vedanta hersn desea daneese 26 4 2 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge Maintenance ccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeneee
35. the access door using the supplied one way bolts See Figure 5 Tower Terminal Block 2 3 Evolution DX2 Controller Wiring Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Turn off power at the Evolution DX2 Controller using the AC power switch Connect the remaining end of the EV CAB WS 8 conductor cable to the sensor terminal board at the Evolution DX2 Controller according to the color code and wiring diagram supplied see Figure 6 Weather Station to Controller Connections Locate the 6 Volt DC DX2 Evolution Power Supply assembly ET PS Refer to Figure 14 Weather Station Evolution DX2 Controller Mount the power supply terminal strip to the top of the Sensor Terminal board located on the inside panel of the Evolution DX2 Controller enclosure using the two supplied screws Page 16 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Station Manual Back A Yellow wires of EV CAB WS Cable d To Weather Station Terminal Block Terminal Strip Mounting Bracket Standoff Mounting Posts Sensor Terminal Bd Figure 14 Weather Station Evolution DX2 Controller Step5 Plug the 6 VDC power supply ET PS into the Evolution DX2 Controller s internal AC receptacle Step 6 Connect the yellow and black wires of the Weather Station cable EV CAB WS from the Weather Station terminal block to the DX2 terminal strip See Figure 6 Weather Station to Controller Connections Step 7 To turn on the Evolution DX2 Controller use the AC pow
36. wing troubleshooting steps to correct the errorous readings Unusually high ET readings Unusually low ET readings No ET readings No Rain Sensor readings No Wind Sensor readings 5 1 Unusually High or Low ET Readings The ET Tracker will not provide proper measurements if the ceramic evaporating cup goes dry If the cup goes dry repeat the Priming Procedure as outlined in this manual Make sure that the rubber stopper is pushed tightly into the cup and that the plastic pinch clamp below the stopper is released A dry cup may indicate that the ceramic cup has been cracked To check if a cup is cracked place an empty cup with the canvas removed but with the rubber stopper in place under water in a sink and pressurize it with the syringe Bubbles will appear at the crack location Cracks on the side of a ceramic cup can be repaired and sealed with silicone rubber If the crack is on the top evaporating surface plate the cup must be replaced 5 2 Troubleshooting Flow Charts The following troubleshooting flow charts address typical field problems and probable causes Troubleshooting flow charts require a voltmeter If a voltmeter is not available the checkout procedures in this chapter will provide an alternate means of troubleshoot each of the three Weather Station devices Page 27 Weather Station Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 5 2 1 Symptom Low ET Reading Is weather station See Determining located in proper
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