RAIN BIRD ESP-RZX 6 Station Outdoor Controller Installation Guide

ESP-RZX Controller
Installation Guide and Operations Manual

Introduction

Welcome to Rain Bird
Thank you for choosing the ESP-RZX Controller from Rain Bird.
For more than seven decades, Rain Bird has led the irrigation industry by providing the highest quality products and services available for state-of- the-art water management.

ESP-RZX Controller
Your new Rain Bird controller is designed to provide many years of advanced irrigation control.
In this manual are step-by-step instructions for how to install and operate your ESP-RZX Controller.

Controller Features
The ESP-RZX controller has a variety of advanced water management features, including:

• Zone-based programming allows independent irrigation scheduling for different areas (Zones), based on the specific water requirements for each area.
• Programs can be set to water on selected days of the week, odd or even calendar days, or at custom intervals, allowing enhanced flexibility and control of irrigation schedules.
• Multiple Watering Start Times allows you to run the same program multiple times on the same day.
• Seasonal Adjust allows quick adjustment of watering duration based on weather or other conditions.
• Manual Water feature to allow immediate watering of all Zones or else one Zone at a time.
• Accessory connections for future upgradability.

Controls and Indicators
The easy to program user interface allows quick and efficient setup of customized irrigation schedules.
Key Functions

Normal Operation

Auto
Watering occurs automatically according to programmed irrigation schedules.

• Press the AUTO key to resume normal operation whenever programming is completed and to monitor active watering.

NOTE: Unless the OFF key is pressed, the controller will revert to the AUTO mode by default after 10 minutes, if no programming activity (key presses) occurs during that time.
In Auto Mode:
The display shows the current time, date, and day of the week:

During Watering:
The display shows a blinking sprinkler symbol, the active Zone number, and the watering Run Time remaining for that Zone.

• Press + or – to adjust the watering Run Time remaining for the active Zone as desired.
• Press NEXT to immediately cancel watering for the active Zone and advance to the next Zone in the irrigation queue.

Off
Cancel all active watering immediately and disable automatic irrigation.

• Press the OFF key to immediately cancel all active watering.
  Programmed irrigation schedules remain stored in memory even when the controller is turned off or if power is lost.

NOTE: Press the AUTO key to resume normal operation. Automatic irrigation will NOT occur if the controller remains in OFF mode.

Basic Programming

DATE/TIME
Set the current calendar Date and Time of day.

• Press the DATE/TIME key.
• Press + or – to set the month (M); then press NEXT to select and set the day (D), then a year (YYYY).
• Press + or – to set the hour (ensuring that AM/PM setting is correct); then press NEXT to select and set the minutes.

NOTE: Two AAA batteries can be installed to retain the date and time in the event of a power outage. See “Install Batteries” for details.

Zone Schedule
Create customized irrigation schedules to run automatically at specific times, durations, and intervals.

• Press the ZONE SCHEDULE key.

1. Select Zone
Zones are designated areas (for example, “Rose Garden”) that you define as locations for watering. See “Programming Chart” for details.

• Press + or – to select the desired Zone Number; then press NEXT.

2. Set Watering Run Times
Watering Run Times are durations (for example, 20 minutes) set for watering.
NOTE: Run Times can be set between 1 to 199 minutes.

• Press + or – to set the desired Run Time (MIN); then press NEXT.

3. Set Watering Start Times
Watering Start Times are times of day at which watering is set to begin.
NOTE: A total of up to six Start Times (1-6) are available for each Zone.

• Press + or – to set the 1st Start Time (ensuring that AM/PM setting is correct); then press NEXT.

NOTE: Start Time adjustments are set in 10-minute increments.

REPEAT as desired to set additional Start Times for that Zone.
NOTE: Pressing NEXT when  (OFF) is blinking on the display will advance to Step 4.
4. Set Watering Start Days
Watering Start Days are the calendar days or intervals (for example, Monday, Wednesday, and  Friday) on which watering is allowed.

• Press + or – to select one of four available  Watering Start Day options:
  a. Custom Days – To schedule watering to occur on selected days of the week, go to 4a.
  b. Odd Days – To schedule watering to occur on all odd calendar days (1,3,5…29, etc.), go to 4b.
  c. Even Days – To schedule watering to occur on all even calendar days (2,4,6…30 etc.), go to 4c.
  d. Cyclic Days – To schedule watering to occur at intervals (every 2 days, or 3 days, etc.), go to 4d.

4a. Custom Days

• Press + or – to select then press NEXT
• Press ON (to enable) or OFF (to disable) the blinking Selection Day. The cursor will then advance to the next Selection Day. Press ON or OFF to set each subsequent day of the week as desired.

4b. Odd Days

• Press + or – to select 1,3,5… 29 then press NEXT

4c. Even Days
Press + or – to select 2,4,6…30 then press NEXT

4d. Cyclic Days

• Press + or – to select then press NEXT
• Press + or – key to set the desired Day Cycle; then press NEXT.
• Press + or – to set desired Start Date; then press NEXT.

NOTE: The Start Date can only be set to occur within the current day cycle. The display will always update to show the next scheduled irrigation day.
THEN
REPEAT steps 1-4 for additional Zones as desired.

Additional Features

Manual Watering
Start watering immediately for ALL Zones or for any ONE Zone.
Water ALL Zones:

• Press the MANUAL WATERING key.
• ALL Zones appear as the default selection; press NEXT to continue.
• Press + or – to set the desired Run Time; then press NEXT to begin watering.

During Manual Watering:

• Press + or – to adjust the watering Run Time remaining for the active Zone as desired.
• Press NEXT to immediately cancel watering for the active Zone and advance to the next Zone in the irrigation queue.

Water ONE Zone:

• Press the MANUAL WATERING key.
• Press + or – to select any ONE Zone; then press next.
• Press + or – to set the desired Run Time; then press NEXT to begin watering.

During Manual Watering:

• Press + or – to adjust the watering Run Time remaining for the active Zone as desired.

SEASONAL ADJUST
Increase or decrease watering duration (Run Times) for all Zones.

• Press the SEASONAL ADJUST key.
• Press + or – to increase or decrease the SEASONAL ADJUST percentage setting.
  NOTE: The SEASONAL ADJUST value can be adjusted from -90% to +100%. For example, a +50% adjustment means a Run Time of 10minutes will become 15 minutes.

NOTE: SEASONAL ADJUST applies to ALL programmed irrigation schedules.

Installation

Indoor Model
Mount Controller

• Choose a suitable mounting location on an indoor wall within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of a grounded electrical outlet. Allow clearance for conduit connections below the unit
  NOTE: DO NOT use an outlet that is controlled by a secondary ON/OFF light switch or GFI outlet.

• Grasp the two handles on either side of the wiring bay cover and pull it towards you to remove it.

• Drive a mounting screw into the wall. Leave a 1/8 inch gap between the screw head and the wall surface.
  NOTE: If necessary, use the provided anchors to assure that screws can be tightened securely.

• Locate the keyhole slot on the back of the controller unit and hang the unit securely on the mounting screw.

• Drive a second mounting screw through the open hole inside the wiring bay and into the wall. Verify that the unit is fastened securely to the wall.

Connect Power

• Route the transformer power cord through the conduit opening at the bottom of the unit.
• Connect the two end wires on the power cord to the two 24VAC terminal connections on the controller.
• Plug the transformer into the electrical outlet.

WARNING: DO NOT plug in the transformer until you have completed and checked all wiring connections.
Outdoor Model
Mount Controller

• Choose a suitable mounting location with access to an external electrical power source. Allow clearance for the controller unit’s hinged door to swing fully open to the left and clearance for conduit connections below the unit.

• Pull open the outer door of the controller and swing it to the left; then grasp the wiring bay cover and pull it towards you to remove it.

• Drive a mounting screw into the wall. Leave a 1/8 inch gap between the screw head and the wall surface.
  NOTE: If necessary, use the provided anchors to assure that screws can be tightened securely.

• Locate the keyhole slot on the back of the controller unit and hang the unit securely on the mounting screw.

• Drive a second mounting screw through the open hole inside the wiring bay and into the wall. Verify that the unit is fastened securely to the wall.

Connect Power
The ESP-RZX outdoor controller has an internal transformer that reduces supply voltage (120 VAC  in U.S. models; 230 VAC in international models; 240 VAC in Australian models) to 24 VAC. You will need to connect power supply wires to the transformer’s three wires. (Line, Neutral, Ground).
WARNING: Electric shock can cause severe injury or death. Make sure the power supply is turned OFF before connecting power wires.
WARNING: All electrical connections and wiring runs must comply with local building codes.

• Locate the transformer wiring compartment in the lower-left corner of the controller unit. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover and expose the transformer connection wires.

• Route the three external power source wires through the conduit opening at the bottom of the unit and into the wiring compartment.
  NOTE: If necessary, remove the knock-out on the bottom of the controller below the transformer and attach a 1/2 inch conduit to the unit.

• Using the provided wire nuts, connect the external power source wires (two power and one ground) to the transformer connection wires inside the wiring compartment.
  WARNING: Ground wire must be connected to provide electrical surge protection. Power Wiring Connections
  120 VAC (US)| 230 VAC
  (International)
  ---|---
  Black supply wire (hot) to the black transformer wire| Black supply wire (hot) to the black transformer wire
  White supply wire (neutral) to the white transformer wire| Blue supply wire (neutral) to the blue transformer wire
  Green supply wire (ground) to the green transformer wire| Green-with-yellow- stripe supply wire (ground) to the green-with-yellowstripe transformer wire

•  Verify that all wiring connections are secure, then replace the wiring compartment cover and secure it with the screw.
  WARNING: DO NOT turn on the power until you have completed and checked all wiring connections.
  NOTE: DO NOT use an outlet that is controlled by a secondary ON/OFF light switch or GFI  outlet.
  NOTE: This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
  WARNING: If the supply cord of an outdoor controller is damaged, it must be replaced by a special cord or assembly available from the manufacturer or its service agent.
  If the supply cord of an indoor controller is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.

Wiring Connections
Connect the valve wires for each Zone and for the (optional) Master Valve, Pump Start Relay or Rain Sensor.
NOTE: If installing an outdoor model, route all field wires through conduit or through the knock-out on back of the unit.

Connect Zone Valves

• Connect the power wire from each Zone valve to the corresponding Zone number on the controller terminal block.
• Connect the common wire from each valve to the COMMON (C) terminal.

Connect Master Valve
Connect an optional Master Valve to the ESP-RZX controller.

• Connect the power wire from the master valve to the master (M) terminal on the controller terminal block.
• Connect the common wire from the master valve to the COMMON (C) terminal.

Connect Pump Start Relay
Connect an optional Pump Start Relay to the ESPRZX controller.
Pumps are used in some places to draw water from a well or other source. If you are activating a pump from the controller, you must install a pump start relay. A pump start relay connects to the controller in the same way as a Master Valve but connects differently at the water source.
NOTE: the ESP-RZX controller DOES NOT provide the main power for a pump.

• Connect the Relay Input wire from the pump start relay to the master (M) terminal on the controller terminal block.

•  Connect the common wire from the pump start relay to the COMMON (C) terminal.
  NOTE: To avoid possible pump damage when using a pump start relay, connect a short jumper wire from any unused Zone terminal(s) to the nearest Zone terminal in use. For example, if a 4 Zone controller model is in use with only two Zones connected, route the terminals for Zones 3 and 4 to the nearest active terminal (in this example, Zone 2)

Connect Rain Sensor
Connect an optional rain sensor to the ESP-RZX controller.

• On the terminal board, remove the jumper wire from the SENS terminals.
  

• Connect both Rain Sensor wires to the SENS terminals.
  

Options and Special Features

Install Batteries

The ESP-RZX can keep Date and Time if batteries are installed for backup.
NOTE: Your programming is stored in NonVolatile memory and will remain in the controller even if batteries are not installed.

• Insert two AAA batteries into the battery slot above the terminal block, as shown below.

Reset Button
If the controller is not working properly, you can try pressing RESET.
NOTE: All previously programmed watering schedules will remain stored in memory, but the current Date/Time will need to be set again.

• Insert a small tool such as a paper clip, into the access hole and press until the controller is reset.

Rain Sensor Bypass
The controller can be set manually to either OBEY or IGNORE a Rain Sensor.
NOTE: Rain Sensor Bypass settings cannot be changed while the controller is irrigating.
Set Bypass for All Zones

• Press the AUTO key.
• Press and release both BACK and NEXT keys at the same time to toggle between OBEY and IGNORE.

The NO RAIN SENSOR symbol will show on the display when IGNORE is selected.

Troubleshooting

Error Detection
The ESP-RZX controller has a built-in error detection that senses an electrical short circuit or overload condition on a Zone’s output line.
In the event of an error condition, the following steps take place regarding the error:

• The affected Zone number and “Err” alert message will show on the display when the unit is in either AUTO or MANUAL WATERING mode.

• All irrigation for the affected Zone is canceled and watering advances to the next operable Zone in the irrigation queue.
  NOTE: The controller will attempt to water the affected Zone again at the next scheduled watering. Completion of a successful watering will clear the error condition associated with that Zone.

Watering Issues

that all other water supply lines are open and functioning properly.
The wiring is loose or not properly connected.| Check that field wiring and master valve or pump start relay wiring is securely connected at the controller and in the field.
Field wires are corroded or damaged.| Check field wiring for damage and replace if necessary. Check wiring connections and replace them with watertight splice connectors if needed.
A connected rain sensor may be activated.| Let the rain sensor dry out or else disconnect it from the controller terminal block and replace it with a jumper wire connecting the two SENS terminals.
Jumper wire connecting the two SENS terminals on the terminal block may be missing or damaged.| Jumper the two SENS terminals on the controller terminal block by connecting them with a short length of 14 to 18 gauge wire.

Electrical Issues

power supply is securely plugged in or connected and working properly.
The display is frozen and the controller will not accept programming.| An electrical surge may have interfered with the controller’s electronics.| Unplug the controller for 2 minutes, then plug it back in. If there is no permanent damage, the controller should accept programming and resume normal operation.

Programming Chart

Before programming your controller, plan the watering schedule for each Zone using the Programming Chart and keep it for reference.

• In the Zone Description column, enter a brief description such as “front lawn” or “side yard”.
•  Enter the Watering Run Time for that Zone.
• Enter Watering Start Times (up to six total).
• Select Watering Start Days (checkbox). If Custom Days are selected, circle the days of the week to water. If Cyclic Days are selected, enter a number from 1-14.

Rain Bird Corporation
6991 East Southpoint Road
Tucson, AZ 85756
USA
Tel: 520-741-6100
Fax: 520-741-6522| Rain Bird International
1000 West Sierra Madre Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
USA
Tel: +1 626-963-9311
Fax: +1 626-852-7343
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©2012 Rain Bird Corporation
®Registered trademark of Rain Bird Corporation
www.rainbird.com
www.rainbird.eu

References

• Rain Bird | A Global Irrigation Company
• Home - EUR | Rain Bird

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