Great video, thank you! Our Rainbird was installed in 2012 as well. We have restrictions in place, and watching your video was really helpful. Thank you!
You are correct! I read through the manual again and found the section on the battery for programming with the faceplate off. The battery is not required for saving program information. Then I went to my ESP timer and removed the battery and unplugged the transformer. An hour later I plugged the transformer back in and the current program was still saved. This is a change from older timers where a 9V battery was necessary to save program information. Thanks for the tip.
Hi John. I looked up the wiring for Rain Bird's WR2 Wireless Sensor. If you have a controller with sensor terminals: 1. Disconnect power from controller. 2. Connect the red and black wires to the 24 VAC terminals. One on each. 3. If present remove "jumper" wires between sensor terminals. 4. Connect white and green wires to the sensor terminals. One on each. 5. Reconnect power to controller. (continued)
Thanks for posting this. You just saved me a service call ($85 just to drive out). My rain sensor recently died, and in removing the wireless one in favor of a wired model, somehow the commons were just attached to each other, not the com terminal. I didn't install this, so I didn't recognize what was wrong until watching your video. So a big THANKS!
And... thanks a lot for the video. As a new home owner, I started with fixing a broken solenoid and further wanted to understand the timer system better. You video was very helpful. THANKS !!
Hi John. I haven't installed a ESPLXME controller. It looks like they are more for golf courses and commercial developments. I've been using the ESP Modular because it will expand from 4 to 13 stations which is plenty for the residential applications I need.
If you have a controller with or without a pump start/master valve: 1. Disconnect power from controller. 2. Connect the red and black wires to the 24 VAC terminals. One on each. 3. Disconnect wires from the common terminal on the controller. 4. Connect green wire from sensor to these common wires. 5. Connect white wire from sensor the the common terminal on the controller. 6. Reconnect power to the controller.
Depends. If you have new sod or grass seed it is important to keep the roots of the sod or the seed moist for a period of time until the roots of the sod anchor or the grass seed germinates. You can keep from flooding the lawn by the amount of time you put on the station run time.
Hi Kerry, you know I resolved the problem of sector 2, creating a new irrigation program in the option B program, which was useless. So far great, we'll be in touch. Thank you!
Correction to what you said -- >The battery is not requied to save the program information. Installing a 9-Volt alkaline battery in the ESP Modular controller will allow you to program the controller with the faceplate disconnected from the cabinet.* The battery is NOT required to maintain program information. Refer to the manual for more details and enjoy using the faceplate as a remote control.
The alarm light tells you if there is a short circuit in a sprinkler valve or a programming error. Usually it's telling you if you have a short in a valve.
Man you're a legend! I been watching you since 10 years now! each video you posting has a value. Q. I have this time (ESP Modular) master valve installed right after the 5HP pump in my back yard, and would like to know what's the right connection for the wirings? Currently, two wires coming from the master valve, one installed in C and the other wire installed under station 1 ! I am not sure if this is right or not. Why I am I asking? well, because when i test all valve, station one works only and the other stations (from 1-7) doesn't work! This device was set for something else, and I am now trying to use it for some other irrigation layout in my backyard. TIA all for the help if anyone can help in this matter. Mohamed Dubai
If you are using a master valve or pump start relay, you want one wire connected to the MV (Master Valve) terminal and one wire to the C (Common) terminal. The way you have it wired is probably why station 1 is the only station coming on.
@@Iscaper thank you very much for your reply. This is exactly what I was told yesterday from one of the RUclipsrs I posted my inquiries under his video. It worked perfectly 👍🏼
Hi there, any ideas on why my custom cycles decided to stop working? I have power, no alarm light, if I use the manual test button they all work as they should. It’s 15 years old controller. Thanks
Check that the program you are using has a start time, valve run time for each sprinkler valve on that program, and days turned on that you want to water. Also check that the sensor switch is in the bypassed position. If all that checks out manually start program and test output from timer to sprinkler valves. You should get 24-29 volts output to each sprinkler valve.
You are welcome. My bad - I was also wrong on one thing. The face plate cannot be used as a remote to "operate" the irrigation system. It can only be used to "program" sitting inside the house instead of the 100+ degree hot Garage ( I live in Texas). If you want to use the face plate as a true remote,then you need to buy additional hardware.The transmitter plugs into the remote port on the back of the faceplate & the receiver to the wall station-But they are Very expensive. Not for me :(
Are you sure? I never heard of or seen this issue before. You should call Rain Bird tech support at 1-800-RAINBIRD and explain the issue. There might be something internally wrong with your timer. They'll explain what to do and help if your timer is under warranty.
I have zones 1-4. Typically I water on Sun & Thurs for zone 1-4. I'd like to add JUST zone 4 on Wed & Saturday. Is there a way to isolate zone 4 to only water on the additional days and not have it "all or nothing"? Thanks!!
Yes. If you have zones 1-4 on program A watering Sunday & Thursday, add zone 4 to program B to water Wednesday & Saturday. Make sure zone 4 on program B is the only zone with watering time.
Thanks for the video. Question - is it possible to run a single valve manually for a half hour on one occasion without changing the automatic program for that valve which is generally set to run only 15 minutes?
iScaper1 Thanks. Do you turn knob back to auto AFTER the manual 30 minutes has run or can your turn it back to auto immediately after pressing the manual/start advance button? And will the program remain at the original setting of 15 minutes?
Robert Gerety After you set the 30 minutes and press the manual/start button, turn the dial back to auto. You will have to go back into the program and reset that station to the original setting of 15 minutes after watering.
Also, is it possible to remove the programming panel and bring it into the house to do programming? If so, do you disconnect the ribbon connector in the back and then just pull the panel out of the box?
Thanks a lot my friend, i just open & close the valve manually a few times, i saw the stations 2 spray pressure changes, but never its fully closed, always retains some pressure at any operating station. This afternoon i will try disconnect wire from station 2 and go to your recomendation. Sorry about my terrible english, i hope you understand me
If the valve isn't completely closing with the manual test you just did then the problem is in the sprinkler valve. It's probably debris in the valve or a bad diaphragm.
You can buy a direct burial, color coded, multi-stranded, and shielded timer wire at most sprinkler suppliers. If you bought an 18/5 timer wire the 18 of the part number is the wire gauge size and the 5 is the number of strands. I like to buy wire with a couple more strands than the number of sprinkler valves I have. That way if I want to expand the sprinkler system in the future I have available timer wires already in place. So if I have 5 sprinkler valves I would probably install an 18/7 or 18/8 timer wire.
Thanks iscaper, i have a problem, when irrigation start, one of the sectors (number 2) starts always active and does not stop until the whole cycle is done, check valves control and have no obstruction, whats can i do?
First you need to determine if it's a valve problem or a timer problem. Go to the sprinkler valve that station 2 runs, open & close the valve manually a few times to see if it opens & closes correctly. If it doesn't you have a valve problem (probably a diaphragm or trash in the valve). If manual test works go to the timer & manually start station 2, see if valve opens correctly, then manual advance to station 3. Does station 2 shut off? If not disconnect wire from station 2 and see if the valve shuts off. Also double check that station 2 wire is NOT connected to the master valve terminal. If you swap station 1 & station 2 wires does the same problem happen through a cycle with station 1? If so it could be a timer problem. Let me know what you find out.
Good morning kerry have u done a lot with the rb esplxme controler with flow control mod and a fl300 flow sensor 3 in i have 2 remove a rb esplx cont wo flow cont and install a esplxme cont with flow sensor i just want your appion please
you actually want to water for fewer days a week for a longer chunk of time otherwise it won't be getting sufficient water so you could do 25 min 4 days a week on the drip circuits and you water based on the type of plant and NOT the type of head
Check if the Master Valve is turned on: The controller has one master valve (MV) terminal on its main Module 0. The default is for all stations to have the MV circuit ON. If the master valve terminal is on then you might have a problem in the pump start relay.
Great video, thank you! Our Rainbird was installed in 2012 as well. We have restrictions in place, and watching your video was really helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
You are correct! I read through the manual again and found the section on the battery for programming with the faceplate off. The battery is not required for saving program information. Then I went to my ESP timer and removed the battery and unplugged the transformer. An hour later I plugged the transformer back in and the current program was still saved.
This is a change from older timers where a 9V battery was necessary to save program information.
Thanks for the tip.
Hi John. I looked up the wiring for Rain Bird's WR2 Wireless Sensor. If you have a controller with sensor terminals:
1. Disconnect power from controller.
2. Connect the red and black wires to the 24 VAC terminals. One on each.
3. If present remove "jumper" wires between sensor terminals.
4. Connect white and green wires to the sensor terminals. One on each.
5. Reconnect power to controller.
(continued)
Thanks for posting this. You just saved me a service call ($85 just to drive out). My rain sensor recently died, and in removing the wireless one in favor of a wired model, somehow the commons were just attached to each other, not the com terminal. I didn't install this, so I didn't recognize what was wrong until watching your video. So a big THANKS!
Great video, I just bought a house that had this Rainbird system in it and had to reprogram it! You made this a simple process, thank you so much!
And... thanks a lot for the video. As a new home owner, I started with fixing a broken solenoid and further wanted to understand the timer system better. You video was very helpful. THANKS !!
Hi John. I haven't installed a ESPLXME controller. It looks like they are more for golf courses and commercial developments. I've been using the ESP Modular because it will expand from 4 to 13 stations which is plenty for the residential applications I need.
If you have a controller with or without a pump start/master valve:
1. Disconnect power from controller.
2. Connect the red and black wires to the 24 VAC terminals. One on each.
3. Disconnect wires from the common terminal on the controller.
4. Connect green wire from sensor to these common wires.
5. Connect white wire from sensor the the common terminal on the controller.
6. Reconnect power to the controller.
Depends. If you have new sod or grass seed it is important to keep the roots of the sod or the seed moist for a period of time until the roots of the sod anchor or the grass seed germinates. You can keep from flooding the lawn by the amount of time you put on the station run time.
Thank you for posting this video!! Still helping in 2020!!
Thank you for your walk through
You're welcome!
Thank you! We just purchased a home that has this sprinkler system/timer. A total help!
Have had a 7 zone rain bird sprinkler system for 15 years about ready to fire it up again
Hi Kerry, you know I resolved the problem of sector 2, creating a new irrigation program in the option B program, which was useless. So far great, we'll be in touch. Thank you!
Thanks Ronald for the info.
Thanks a lot Iscaper
I loved this video.
I been watching most of your videos and they are all nice.
Good, I'm glad the video helped save you a service call.
Thank you for uploading this. It was very helpful and I refer back if I need to change something.
Thanks. I feel confident that I can now replace my old mechanical Rain Bird Timer.
Thanks Gerald for watching and good luck.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.
Correction to what you said -- >The battery is not requied to save the program information.
Installing a 9-Volt alkaline battery in the ESP Modular controller will allow you to
program the controller with the faceplate disconnected from the cabinet.* The
battery is NOT required to maintain program information.
Refer to the manual for more details and enjoy using the faceplate as a remote control.
Thanks for the feedback on how the video was made.
Thanks a lot for the video. It was clear and simple. I have a question, why the display shows "NO" when I turn the Dial to AUTO.
Do you mean station 1? Usually means there is a problem in the sprinkler valve. Probably a short in the solenoid.
The alarm light tells you if there is a short circuit in a sprinkler valve or a programming error. Usually it's telling you if you have a short in a valve.
Man you're a legend! I been watching you since 10 years now! each video you posting has a value.
Q. I have this time (ESP Modular) master valve installed right after the 5HP pump in my back yard, and would like to know what's the right connection for the wirings?
Currently, two wires coming from the master valve, one installed in C and the other wire installed under station 1 ! I am not sure if this is right or not.
Why I am I asking? well, because when i test all valve, station one works only and the other stations (from 1-7) doesn't work!
This device was set for something else, and I am now trying to use it for some other irrigation layout in my backyard.
TIA all for the help if anyone can help in this matter.
Mohamed
Dubai
If you are using a master valve or pump start relay, you want one wire connected to the MV (Master Valve) terminal and one wire to the C (Common) terminal. The way you have it wired is probably why station 1 is the only station coming on.
@@Iscaper thank you very much for your reply.
This is exactly what I was told yesterday from one of the RUclipsrs I posted my inquiries under his video.
It worked perfectly 👍🏼
@@MohamedUAE Great!!
Thanks for the feedback.
Hi there, any ideas on why my custom cycles decided to stop working? I have power, no alarm light, if I use the manual test button they all work as they should. It’s 15 years old controller. Thanks
Check that the program you are using has a start time, valve run time for each sprinkler valve on that program, and days turned on that you want to water. Also check that the sensor switch is in the bypassed position. If all that checks out manually start program and test output from timer to sprinkler valves. You should get 24-29 volts output to each sprinkler valve.
Well done.
Thanks!
You are welcome.
My bad - I was also wrong on one thing. The face plate cannot be used as a remote to "operate" the irrigation system. It can only be used to "program" sitting inside the house instead of the 100+ degree hot Garage ( I live in Texas).
If you want to use the face plate as a true remote,then you need to buy additional hardware.The transmitter plugs into the remote port on the back of the faceplate & the receiver to the wall station-But they are Very expensive. Not for me :(
Thanks for the video. Any idea why the display shows "NO" when turning the dial to Auto.
Are you sure? I never heard of or seen this issue before. You should call Rain Bird tech support at 1-800-RAINBIRD and explain the issue. There might be something internally wrong with your timer. They'll explain what to do and help if your timer is under warranty.
I have a indoor rainbird sit-400i and I was wondering what the accessory port could be used for.
Accessory port? I need more information. What does your manual say?
I have zones 1-4. Typically I water on Sun & Thurs for zone 1-4. I'd like to add JUST zone 4 on Wed & Saturday. Is there a way to isolate zone 4 to only water on the additional days and not have it "all or nothing"? Thanks!!
Yes. If you have zones 1-4 on program A watering Sunday & Thursday, add zone 4 to program B to water Wednesday & Saturday. Make sure zone 4 on program B is the only zone with watering time.
iScaper1 that’s great.. thanks! For some reason I thought it was either A, B, or C (ie manually switching). Thanks! Saved me a lot of heartburn.
Great video, I just save myself couple hundred dollars in installation fees!
Thanks for the comment and for watching.
Tells you when there is a short circuit in a valve or a programming error.
Thanks for the video. Question - is it possible to run a single valve manually for a half hour on one occasion without changing the automatic program for that valve which is generally set to run only 15 minutes?
Turn the dial to the station/valve you want to water, increase the time to 30 minutes and press manual/start advance.
iScaper1 Thanks. Do you turn knob back to auto AFTER the manual 30 minutes has run or can your turn it back to auto immediately after pressing the manual/start advance button? And will the program remain at the original setting of 15 minutes?
Robert Gerety
After you set the 30 minutes and press the manual/start button, turn the dial back to auto. You will have to go back into the program and reset that station to the original setting of 15 minutes after watering.
Definitely one of the best!
Thanks for the ideas you have shared here.
Thanks for the video!
Also, is it possible to remove the programming panel and bring it into the house to do programming? If so, do you disconnect the ribbon connector in the back and then just pull the panel out of the box?
Yes, just disconnect the faceplate. Push up slightly on the faceplate to remove.
Thanks for watching.
I don't understand how you connected them like that🤔
Hi kerry can u use the vt term 2 power a wireless rainsor sensor
Hi kerry this is john i have to do a sprinkler est on some house how do i est on the piping and trenching how do i figure it out
Thanks a lot my friend, i just open & close the valve manually a few times, i saw the stations 2 spray pressure changes, but never its fully closed, always retains some pressure at any operating station. This afternoon i will try disconnect wire from station 2 and go to your recomendation. Sorry about my terrible english, i hope you understand me
If the valve isn't completely closing with the manual test you just did then the problem is in the sprinkler valve. It's probably debris in the valve or a bad diaphragm.
What remote works with this unit?
Can't use a remote with this unit. You would need to upgrade to the ESP-Me3. With a link module you can run the timer from your smartphone.
What kind of wire should be used to connect the valves to the controller?
You can buy a direct burial, color coded, multi-stranded, and shielded timer wire at most sprinkler suppliers. If you bought an 18/5 timer wire the 18 of the part number is the wire gauge size and the 5 is the number of strands. I like to buy wire with a couple more strands than the number of sprinkler valves I have. That way if I want to expand the sprinkler system in the future I have available timer wires already in place. So if I have 5 sprinkler valves I would probably install an 18/7 or 18/8 timer wire.
Thanks iscaper, i have a problem, when irrigation start, one of the sectors (number 2) starts always active and does not stop until the whole cycle is done, check valves control and have no obstruction, whats can i do?
First you need to determine if it's a valve problem or a timer problem. Go to the sprinkler valve that station 2 runs, open & close the valve manually a few times to see if it opens & closes correctly. If it doesn't you have a valve problem (probably a diaphragm or trash in the valve). If manual test works go to the timer & manually start station 2, see if valve opens correctly, then manual advance to station 3. Does station 2 shut off? If not disconnect wire from station 2 and see if the valve shuts off. Also double check that station 2 wire is NOT connected to the master valve terminal. If you swap station 1 & station 2 wires does the same problem happen through a cycle with station 1? If so it could be a timer problem. Let me know what you find out.
Good morning kerry have u done a lot with the rb esplxme controler with flow control mod and a fl300 flow sensor 3 in i have 2 remove a rb esplx cont wo flow cont and install a esplxme cont with flow sensor i just want your appion please
How many valve you have
8 valves/stations on this timer.
for the shift 1 I found error 1 and no watering, how to solve this problem
you actually want to water for fewer days a week for a longer chunk of time otherwise it won't be getting sufficient water so you could do 25 min 4 days a week on the drip circuits and you water based on the type of plant and NOT the type of head
my water pump is not working auto if i switch on the pump its continuing working can youkindly guide me how its off auto
Check if the Master Valve is turned on: The controller has one master valve (MV) terminal on its main Module 0. The default is for all stations to have the MV circuit ON. If the master valve terminal is on then you might have a problem in the pump start relay.
Are you sure watering 4 times a day is ok? Someone told me that you can flood your lawn if you do that.
The manual says nothing about it but it looks like a module
I'd need to see an image of what you're looking at. You could call 1-800-RAINBIRD and ask them.
What is the alarm LED for?