Hunter HC Irrigation Controller User Guide

Hunter HC Irrigation Controller

Product Information

HC Irrigation Controller

The Hunter HC Irrigation Controller is a device designed for indoor installation only. It helps to connect and control the irrigation system. The controller can be easily connected to a Wi-Fi network and with Hunter’s cloud software- HydrawiseTM, you can control the irrigation system from anywhere, anytime.

Features

• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Indoor installation
• HydrawiseTM Ready
• Easy to install and configure

Installation

Before installing the HC controller, please ensure that your chosen location has Wi-Fi coverage.

1. Using a drill bit of 3/16 inch diameter, drill a hole to a depth of 1 inch (25 mm) on the wall.
2. Insert plastic anchor into the hole and screw 1 inch screw into it, leaving the head protruding about 1/8 inch (4 mm).
3. Slide the controller case over the screw head and mark the location for the second mounting point.
4. Remove the controller, drill a hole, and insert another plastic anchor.
5. Slide the controller case over the first screw head and screw it into place.
6. Remove the cutouts on the rear of the controller using a sharp knife for cable entry from the rear.
7. Cut around the semi-circular line on the controller for cable entry via 3/4 inch conduit.
8. Connect the solenoid valves and plug packs.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network

The HC controller is designed to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Follow the below steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network:

1. When the controller is first powered on, it will run a short wizard to connect your controller to your wireless router. If you’re not using the initial startup wizard, then go to the Viewing Wireless Settings section to change your wireless settings.
2. Select your wireless network from the list shown on the controller display and press the Confirm button on screen.
3. Enter your wireless password and press the OK button on keyboard. Make sure you press the OK button after entering your password. Pressing the Home or Back buttons will not save your changes.
4. When connecting to your wireless network, the Wi-Fi Icon at the bottom right of the controller screen will flash. Connecting takes approximately 30 seconds, and when successfully connected, the Wi-Fi Icon will stop flashing and stay on.

Connecting Transformer & Solenoid Valves:

Follow the below steps to connect transformer & solenoid valves:

1. Do not plug the transformer into power source until the controller is mounted and all wiring has been connected.
2. Connect the solenoid valves and plug packs using the expansion module cable entry.

For more information and support with Hunter’s cloud software-HydrawiseTM or help with your Hydrawise account, please visit hunter.direct/hchelp.

HC SUPPORT
Thank you for purchasing the Hunter HC Controller. In this Quick Start Guide you will learn how to install and configure the HC Controller and connect to Wi-Fi.
For support for Hydrawise™ cloud software or help with your Hydrawise account,please visit hunter.direct/hchelp.

Your controller is shipped with:

• A Hunter Wi-Fi controller
• 24V AC transformer
• 2x screws and wall anchors for wall mounting

Product INSTALLATION

Installing the HC Controller
The HC is designed for indoor installations only. The chosen location must have Wi-Fi coverage. Wi-Fi coverage can be easily tested using a smart phone. A signal strength of 2 or 3 bars is recommended. Wi-Fi connectivity can also be tested on the HC itself (signal strength is shown when you select a wireless network).

Note:

• The HC Controller is an indoor model and is not waterproof or weather resistant, and must be installed indoors or in a protected area.
• Do not plug the transformer into power source until controller is mounted and all wiring has been connected.

Cable Entry
The controller has two cable entry options – from the rear of the case or via a conduit from the bottom of the controller.

Entry from the rear of the controller
Using a sharp knife, remove the two cutouts on the rear of the controller as indicated on the diagram as ①.

Entry via 3/4 inch conduit
Using a sharp knife, cut around the semi-circular line on the controller as indicated on the diagrams as ②. Cut around the matching line on the blue controller wiring cover.

Mounting the controller

1. Using a drill bit of 3/ 16 inch diameter,drill a hole to a depth of 1 inch (25 mm).
2. Insert plastic anchor so it is flush with the surface of the wall.
3. Screw 1 inch screw into anchor leaving the head protruding about 1/8 inch (4 mm).
4. Slide the controller case over the screw head.
5. Mark second mounting point (see ③ in diagram), remove the controller, drill a hole, insert plastic anchor, slide controller case over first screw head and screw into place.

1. Rear cable entry point (remove with knife)
2. Conduit cable entry point (remove with knife)
3. Wall mounting screw
4. Power indicator
5. Expansion module cable entry
6. Go to previous screen
7. Go to home screen

CONNECTING TO A WI-FI NETWORK

When your controller is first powered on it will run a short wizard to connect your controller to your wireless router.
If you’re not using the initial startup wizard then go to the Viewing Wireless Settings section to change your wireless settings at hunter.direct/hchelp.

Using the Wizard

1. Select your wireless network from the list shown on the controller display and press the Confirm button on screen.
   Note: If your network is not listed then check that the unit is within wireless range.

2. Enter your wireless password and press the OK button on keyboard.

Note: Make sure you press the OK button after you’ve entered your password. Pressing the Home or Back buttons will not save your changes.

When connecting to your wireless network, the Wi-Fi Icon at the bottom right of the controller screen will flash. Connecting takes about 30 seconds and when successfully connected the Wi-Fi Icon will stop flashing and stay on.

CONNECTING TRANSFORMER & SOLENOID VALVES

Your controller has either 6 or 12 zones depending on the model you have purchased.
There are three COMMON wiring points for convenience – any or all of them can be used.
Refer to the diagram below when connecting your solenoid valves to the controller.

1. Water main
2. Master valve (optional)
3. Solenoid valves
4. Water to zones
5. Common wires
6. 24V AC plug pack

Connecting the Transformer

Use the transformer supplied and connect the wires to the red AC terminal blocks on the unit marked as 24V. Polarity of the wiring is not important.| Turn the power on. The power indicator will light up (see ④ previous page).

Solenoid Valve Wiring

Step 1
Take one wire from each solenoid, twist together and connect to the common (usually white) wire of your multicore irrigation cable.
Note: All wire connections should be done using waterproof connectors.

Step 2
Connect each of the other individual wires to a different colored wire.
Record zones against wire color for later reference.

Step 3
Connect the common wire from the multicore cable (usually white) to any of the three terminals on the controller marked COMMON.

Step 4
Connect each of the other solenoid wires to one of the ZONE inputs.

Step 5
If a master valve (sometimes labeled as MV on other controllers) is installed, it can be connected to any spare zone as any of the zones can be assigned as a master valve output. Configuration of the master valve in the Hydrawise app is required.

Step 6
Click the blue wiring cover into place to seal the controller and protect the wiring.

HYDRAWISE APP CONFIGURATION

To connect the HC Controller to the Hydrawise app, follow these steps and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Register for an Account Online

1. If you have not already done so, create an account at the Hydrawise website.
   Go to Hydrawise.com and register for an account.
   Log in to Your Account

2. Log into your account. If this is the first time that you have logged in, you will be guided through a setup wizard to help you with initial configuration of your controller.

Canadian FCC Statement

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

US FCC Statement
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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

To satisfy FCC RF Exposure requirements for mobile and base station transmission devices, a separation distance of 20 cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure compliance, operation at closer than this distance is not recommended. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

TROUBLESHOOTING
Need more helpful information on your product?
Find tips on installation, controller programming and more.

hunter.direct/hchelp

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION | Built on Innovation® Learn more. Visit hunterindustries.com

References

• Hunter Irrigation Sprinkler Systems | Hunter Industries
• Hydrawise | Smart Wi-Fi Irrigation Control

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