DIG 400A Series Battery Powered Anti-Siphon Valve Irrigation Controller Instruction Manual

400A Series Battery Powered Anti-Siphon Valve Irrigation Controller

Battery Powered Anti-Siphon Valve Irrigation Controller
400A
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction…………………………………………………………… 1 2. About the 400A Irrigation Controller …………………………………… 1 3. Component identification ……………………………………………… 1 4. LCD display and controls ……………………………………………… 2 5. Installing the batteries ……………………………………………… 3 6. Anti-siphon valve installation ………………………………………… 4 7. Programming ………………………………………………………… 5 8. Setting current time and date ………………………………………… 5 9. Setting watering day schedules ……………………………………… 7 10. Setting watering start times……………………………………………11 11. Setting watering run times (program(s) duration) ………………………12 12. Setting rain delay ­ optional feature ……………………………………14 13. Manual watering ………………………………………………………15 14. Connecting a rain sensor ………………………………………………17 15. Changing the batteries ………………………………………………18 16. Maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs………………………………19 17. Warranty ……………………………………………………………21 18. Technical assistance …………………………………………………22 19. To order replacement or spare parts……………………………………23

1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing DIG’s 400A Single Station Battery Operated Controller. This manual describes how to get the 400A series up and running quickly. After reading this manual and becoming familiar with the basic functionality of the controller, use the manual as a reference for less common tasks in the future.

2. ABOUT THE 400A BATTERY OPERATED CONTROLLER
The 400A irrigation controller employs the latest irrigation programming features to allow for complete control of any irrigation system. The 400A is available in a single station model which includes a 3/4 in. anti-siphon valve, with a rain sensor connection, and is powered by two AA batteries that can last up to 3 years [using name brand alkaline batteries]. The controller is enclosed in a compact, waterproof housing to protect it from the elements.

3. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

1. Controller cover

q

2. Quick reference label

w

3. LCD Display displays the icon-based

applications/ programs

4. 7 button programming keypad: Use

e

for programming, system on/off,

r

manual run and reviewing program

5. Battery compartment cap for

t

two AA alkaline batteries

(not included)

y

6. Rain sensor yellow wire connection

u

7. Collapsible 36 in. solenoid wire

8. DC solenoid

i

s

9. Anti-siphon air vent

10. 3/4 in. pipe thread outlet (FNPT)

o

d

11. Manual flow control

12. External bleed screw

13. 3/4 in. pipe thread inlet (FNPT) 14. Anti-siphon valve

a

f

1

g

4. LCD DISPLAY AND CONTROLS

q

o

w

a

e

s

d

t ry

i u

LCD Display 1. Time and Date Icon ­ Indicates current time and day is displayed 2. Sensor Icon ­ Appears when a rain sensor is active or when yellow wire loop
has been cut and watering is halted
3. Watering Icon ­ Appears when valve is open 4. Set Watering Days Icon ­ Choose either specific days, odd/even days, every X
hours, or up to once every 30 days 5. Start Time Icon ­ Up to 4 start times per day available 6. Run Time Icon ­ Watering duration from 1 minute to 5 hours and 59 minutes 7. Rain Delay Icon ­ Delay irrigation setting from 1 to 99 days with automatic restart 8. Manual Run Icon ­ Appears when manual button is pushed 9. Battery Level Indicator ­ Flashes when batteries are low and need to be replaced 10. Day of the Week Underscore ­ Shows which day of the week the timer
will operate 11. Represents Month 12. Represents Year

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Control Buttons Select programming mode Turn ON/OFF program Start/stop a manual cycle Move left/right to select a value Raise/lower the selected value
5. INSTALLING THE BATTERIES 1. Open the battery compartment cap by
turning it counter-clockwise. 2. Install two, fresh, brand name, AA
alkaline batteries (not included) and note the proper direction of the positive and negative orientation on the underside of the timer. 3. Insert and screw the battery cap clockwise. Make sure to securely tighten the cover firmly by hand only. The timer display appears with a day, PM, and the hour digit flashing. The controller is ready to be installed and programmed.
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6. ANTI-SIPHON VALVE INSTALLATION

The 400A can be installed directly to PVC pipe with two PVC male adapters (not included). Inlet 3/4 in. FNPT, outlet 3/4 in. FNPT.

Rated operating pressure: 10 to 125 PSI Recommended operating pressure: 10 to 80 PSI

NOTE: The 400A must be installed at least 6 in. higher than the highest sprinkler head on the system or back-drainage may occur. Additional control valves must not be installed downstream of the anti-siphon valve. The valve must not be operated continuously for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
Consult local codes for specific details.

Figure A1

1. Flush main line until water runs clear before installation.

2. Shut off main water supply.
3. Install the anti-siphon valve directly to PVC pipe using 3/4 in. PVC male adapters (FigureA1 and A2) or use 3/4 in. schedule 80 nipple. The arrow on valve body indicates direction of water flow.

NOTE: Wrap all fittings with Teflon tape. Do not use pipe cement on the valve as this will damage the valve and void the warranty.

Make sure when wrapping fittings with Teflon tape that no excess

WATER

FLOW

gets into the internal assembly. Tighten the fittings with a wrench,

but do not over tighten.

4. Turn the main water supply on and pressurize the system.

Figure A2

5. To test the 400A, press the button. A click will be heard, indicating the valve is
open. A droplet icon on the upper left of the screen and the run time remaining will appear on the display in 5 seconds. Check that the system is operating correctly and press the button again to turn it off. A second click will be heard indicating that the valve
closed. The droplet icon and the manual icon will disappear from the display and OFF will appear momentarily; then the display will revert to the time of day.

6. The unit is now ready to be programmed.

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7. PROGRAMMING

The 400A controller can be programmed to operate on any day(s) of the week, odd days or even days. In cyclical mode the 400A can also operate from every 1 hour up to every 12 hours or from once a day up to every 30 days. The 400A has four start times per day and durations from 1 minute up to 5 hours and 59 minutes.

This section explains the programming features, and the steps necessary to assign

irrigation schedules. To program the timer use the to select the desired

programming mode, the to make the entry flash and the

buttons to

change the value.

NOTE: Only a flashing value can be changed.

NOTE: If the last data entered stops flashing, press programming and repeat the steps.

again to resume

8. SETTING CURRENT TIME AND DATE The timer can display the time in either a 12 or 24 hour format. To change the time format, from the home screen:
1. Press the button for three seconds until the display switches format (AM/PM disappears).

SETTING THE CURRENT TIME AND DATE To enable the timer to operate properly, the current time and date must be set. 1. Press the button, until the icon appears along with the time and the day
of the week.
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2. If the current time has not been set or needs to be updated press hour digit starts flashing.

and the

3. To set the current hour, press or (note AM and PM designations).

4. To set the minutes, press again and the minute digit starts flashing. Press the or to set the current time in minutes.

5. Repeat the steps to set the current date including, month, day and year. When the date is selected and updated, the day of the week will be update at the same time to correspond with the date.
MONTH DAY YEAR

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Press to move backward. Press , to proceed to the next step,
SET DAYS or to review the program. 9. SETTING WATERING DAY SCHEDULES Option 1 ­ Setting Specific Days of the Week: This setting determines which days the 400A controller will operate. Choose either watering on specific days of the week, EVEN/ODD days or cyclical from daily up to once every 30 days. The timer’s default setting is to water on all specific days of the week. For example, if you want to water every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday: 1. Press the button until the icon and the days of the week appear on
the screen.
2. Press once and M (for Monday) starts flashing. 3. Press, and underscore under M (Monday) disappears. Monday is
de-selected. 4. Press twice and W (for Wednesday) starts flashing. 5. Press and the underscore under W (Wednesday) disappears. Wednesday is
de-selected. 6. Press twice and F (Friday) starts flashing. 7. Press and the underscore under F (Friday) disappears. Friday is de-selected.
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8. Press 9. Press

and the underscore under Sa (Saturday) starts flashing. and the underscore under Sa disappears. Saturday is de-selected.

10. Press the button to proceed to the next step START TIME or to review the program.
Option 2 ­ Setting Even or Odd Days: To select EVEN days, ODD days refer to the example. Example: setting the timer to water on ODD days 1. Press the button until the icon and the days of the week appear. 2. Press and to skip all the days of the week (underscore must be
removed beneath all days). 3. Press and EVEN appears flashing.
4. Press and ODD appears flashing.
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5. Press the button to proceed to the next step START TIME the program.
Option 3 ­ Setting every X hours:

or to review

Example: setting the timer to water every 7 hours
1. Press the button until the icon and the days of the week appear.
2. Press and to skip all the days of the week (underscore must be removed beneath all days).
3. Press and EVEN appears flashing.
4. Press again and 1:00 hour appears flashing. To select the number of hours between watering to 7 hours, press until 7:00 appears on the display.

Press the button to proceed to the next step START TIME or to review the program.
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Option 4 ­ Setting every X days: Example: setting the timer to water every 10 days: 1. Press the button until the icon and the days of the week appear. 2. Press and to skip all the days of the week (underscore must be
removed beneath all days). 3. Press and EVEN appears flashing. 4. Press again and 1 hour appears flashing. 5. Press again and 1 DAY appears flashing. To select the number of days
between watering to 10 days, press until 10 appears on the display.
To set the timer back to specific days mode: 1. Push the button until ­ START EVERY and the icon appear at the bottom
left of the screen. 2. Push the until the days of the week appear at the top of the screen. Press the button to proceed to the next step START TIME or to review the program.
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10. SETTING WATERING START TIMES The 400A controller can have up to four separate irrigation start times per day. (Note: if the timer is set to water every X hours, only one start time is available to be programmed.) To set a start time, 1. Press the button until the icon appears. START 1, displays OFF or the
last start time programmed in START 1 appears.
2. Press and OFF (or the first start time programmed) begins flashing. 3. To set the desired first start time hour (note AM and PM designations), press
or . 4. Press and the minutes start flashing. 5. Press or and set the desired start time minutes.
6. Press again, the second start time and OFF or the last start time programmed appear flashing. Repeat the steps to set the second, third, and if needed,the fourth start time. During programming, if you are set to water on specific days of the week, the screen also shows which days the timer will operate with an underline.
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3. To set a desired watering run time in hours, press or and select the number of hours.

To delete a start time: 1. Press until START 1 appears. 2. Press until the start time appears that you want to delete. 3. Press until the word OFF appears. Press the button to proceed to the next step RUN TIME or to review the program.
11. SETTING WATERING RUN TIMES (DURATION) This setting determines the length of time the 400A controller will allow the valve to remain open (duration is from 1 minute up to 5 hours and 59 minutes). For example, setting watering run time to 10 minutes on certain days of the week will program the controller to turn the water on for 10 minutes on each of the days chosen and at every start time selected. (Note: if the timer is set to water every X hours, the maximum duration is 59 minutes) To set the watering run time :
1. Press the button until the icon appears and OFF or the last run time setting appears. (OFF will appear if duration is set to 0)
2. Press the button, and 0:00 (or the last run time programmed) appears with hours flashing. 12

4. If only watering duration in minutes is required, press to skip the hour digit, and the minutes will start flashing.
5. To set the desired watering duration in minutes (example of 10 minutes), press or to select minutes. When programming the watering duration, if you
are set to water on specific days of the week, the screen will also show the days the timer will operate with an underline.
At this point the controller’s normal programming is concluded. Press the button to proceed to the next step RAIN DELAY or to review the program or to exit.
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12. SETTING RAIN DELAY ­ OPTIONAL FEATURE The Rain Delay setting is used to temporarily suspend all irrigation for a defined number of days. For example, during rainy weather regularly scheduled programs can be turned off from 1-99 days. At the end of the designated period, regularly scheduled programming will resume automatically. To set a temporary suspension of the program: 1. Press the button until the icon and OFF appear.
2. Press the button and OFF starts flashing. 3. To set the desired temporary suspension of the program (1-99 days), press
or .

4. The temporary suspension of the program can be cancelled at any time by re-entering Rain Delay screen and changing the setting to OFF. (Press or until OFF appears.)
Note: OFF appears in between numeric value of 99 and 1. Press the button to review the program or to exit.

13. MANUAL WATERING
The manual mode allows the user to test the system and water for a specified run time set in watering duration. The timer will automatically stop watering at the end of the defined irrigation period. The originally programmed irrigation schedule continues to function at the times assigned. The sensor condition is disregarded in this mode.
To start a manual run,

1. Press the button, and the icon and icon appears. ON appears

momentarily and then the last watering duration is displayed with

.

The timer will open the valve and in 5 seconds a count down of the remaining

irrigation duration appears, showing when the timer will close the valve.

2. Press the button to end manual run. 3. After 5 seconds the display will revert to the current time screen.

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To activate a manual watering without the use of the timer ­ turn the solenoid a 1/4 turn counterclockwise. To stop, tighten the solenoid clockwise by hand only ­ do not over tighten (figure 8a). Manual watering can also be achieved by turing the external bleed screen counterclockwise to start and clockwise to stop (figure 8b).

14. CONNECTING A RAIN SENSOR Most “normally closed” rain sensors can be connected to the 400A controller. The function of the sensor is to prevent automatic watering by the set program due to excessive rainfall.
To connect the sensor to the controller, please follow these steps: 1. Cut the yellow wire loop that exits the controller in the middle of the loop. 2. Strip approximately 1/2 in. of insulation from the end of each wire. 3. Splice one yellow wire to each of the wires coming from the sensor.
Use waterproof wire connectors to secure the connections. 4. When the sensor is active and preventing automatic operation, the icon will
appear on the display.

FIGURE 8A

FIGURE 8B

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The icon will only appear when sensor is active or if the wire has been cut.

SENSFOIGRURE B

YELLOW SENSOR WIRES

WATERPROOF WIRE CONNECTORS
Recommended rain sensors are the Rain Bird RSD and Hunter Mini-Clik
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15. CHANGING THE BATTERIES The 400A controller batteries can last up to 3 years when using name-brand AA alkaline batteries. Actual battery life will depend on the sensitivity of the installed batteries to temperature ranges experienced by the controller as well as the number of valve operations programmed per day. To ensure proper operation, it is recommended that the 400A controller be checked regularly and the batteries replaced once the low battery indication starts flashing. The 400A controller is designed to maintain the current time settings for up to 60 seconds with the batteries removed. To change the batteries, see section 5. Note: If the batteries are dead or drained, manual operation can also be accomplished by turning the solenoid counterclockwise, or by turning the external bleed screw counterclockwise. This will cause the valve to open. Both must be turned clockwise to close the valve.:
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16. MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIRS
To restore the timer to the default settings
1. Press the button until the START EVERY is displayed and the icon appears on the bottom left of the screen.
2. Press and hold down the for three seconds.
3. The screen returns to the home screen (clock) and all the default settings are restored. The current time and date is retained.
PROBLEM: Timer fails to open automatically or manually CAUSE: No water pressure SOLUTION: Open main water supply valve CAUSE: Flow control knob is turned down SOLUTION: Turn flow control knob counter clockwise to open
PROBLEM: Timer functions via the manual mode only but not automatically CAUSE: Timer is set to OFF mode SOLUTION: Verify that the timer does not show OFF in current time mode CAUSE: AM/PM not set correctly in current time mode SOLUTION: Check current time, change AM/PM if necessary CAUSE: AM/PM not set correctly in start time mode SOLUTION: Check start time(s), change AM/PM if necessary CAUSE: Rain delay is preventing watering SOLUTION: Set rain delay to off CAUSE: Yellow sensor wires have been cut SOLUTION: Re-connect sensor wires together with waterproof connector CAUSE: Sensor is installed and is in a state that prevents watering SOLUTION: Check sensor and wire splices and verify sensor is normally closed
PROBLEM: The display is blank CAUSE: No buttons have been pushed in the previous 15 minutes SOLUTION: Push any button
PROBLEM: Valve fails to close CAUSE: Solenoid is loose SOLUTION: Tighten solenoid by turning it clockwise to the right
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CAUSE: Valve is installed backwards SOLUTION: Check flow arrow and verify arrows points away from
water source ­ reverse valve if necessary CAUSE: Debris is blocking solenoid port SOLUTION: Shut off water supply, unscrew and remove solenoid, then open
water supply and flush out solenoid port, re-install solenoid CAUSE: Flow control knob is too far open SOLUTION: Turn flow control knob clockwise and retest CAUSE: Drip System flow rate is below minimum flow rate SOLUTION: Increase system flow rate by adding or changing drippers PROBLEM: Rain sensor does not prevent watering CAUSE: Rain sensor is normally open, malfunctioning, or not wired correctly SOLUTION: Verify that sensor icon appears on display when pin is pushed
down & check all wire splices PROBLEM: Timer waters more than once per day
CAUSE: More than one start time has been programmed SOLUTION: Change start time 2, 3, and 4 to OFF PROBLEM: Water fails to stop discharging from Air Vent. CAUSE: Poppet is out of alignment or missing SOLUTION: Unscrew air vent cap and re-align poppet or replace air vent/poppet
assembly
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17. WARRANTY
DIG CORPORATION warrants these products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, neglect, modification, improper installation or subjection to line pressure in excess of 125 lbs. per square inch for anti-siphon valves, in-line valves and for actuators. This warranty shall extend only to the original purchaser of the product for use by the purchaser. The obligation of DIG CORPORATION under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing at its factory this product which shall be returned to the factory within three years after the original purchase and which on examination is found to contain defects in material and workmanship. DIG CORPORATION SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND; THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF DIG BEING LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. Unattended use for prolonged periods without inspection to verify proper operation is beyond the intended use of this product, and any damage resulting from such use shall not be the responsibility of DIG CORPORATION. There are no warranties, which extend beyond the description on the face hereof. In the case of purchase of the product for use other than, for irrigation purposes, DIG CORPORATION hereby disclaims any implied warranties including any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In the case of the purchase of the product for personal, family or household purposes, DIG CORPORATION disclaims any such warranties to the extent permitted by law. To the extent that any such disclaimer or implied warranties shall be ineffectual, then any implied warranties shall be limited in duration to a period of three years from the date of the original purchase for use by the purchaser. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. In order to obtain performance under this warranty, the unit must be returned to the factory, along with proof of purchase indicating original date of purchase, shipping prepaid, addressed as follows: DIG CORPORATION, 1210 Activity Drive, Vista, CA 92081. Repaired or replaced units will be shipped prepaid to the name and address supplied with the unit returned under warranty. Allow four weeks for repairs and shipping time. Repair of damaged units not otherwise within warranty may be refused or done at a reasonable cost or charge at the option of DIG CORPORATION. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
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18. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Should you encounter any problem(s) with this product or if you do not understand its many features, please refer to this operating manual first. If further assistance is required DIG offers the following customer support:
DIGPROTM Technical Service USA
DIG’s Technical Service Team is available to answer questions in English and Spanish from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) Monday-Friday (except holidays) at 800-344-2281.
Questions can be e-mailed to questions@digcorp.com or faxed to 760-727-0282.
Specification documents and manuals are available for download at www.digcorp.com.
Customer Assistance Outside the USA Contact your local distributor.

19. TO ORDER REPLACEMENT OR SPARE PARTS: PLEASE ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.DIGCORP.COM
We at DIG Corporation understand that most dealers do not carry spare parts. For your convenience, if you need one of these parts, please order online at www.digcorp.com.
Timer with solenoid

2-wire DC solenoid
Screws Flow control knob External bleed screw Bonnet assembly Spring Diaphram assembly
Inlet

Air vent with poppet assembly
Air vent seat
Outlet

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1210 Activity Drive Vista, CA 92081-8510, USA

E
www.digcorp.com e-mail: dig@digcorp.com
26-231 REVA 041221 Printed in the USA DIG is a Registered Service Mark of DIG Corp.

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