Controller Unit

MDC 50-200, MDC 200

Safety Information

Warning!
Important safety information, including caution and warning messages, appear throughout this manual. To ensure correct operation and to avoid additional expense, read this manual thoroughly before you begin installing or operating the controller. Operating this equipment in a residential area can cause interference to radio and television reception. The radio frequency energy emitted by this device complies with limits for a Class B computing device, described in FCC Rules Part 15, Subpart J.
Safety Information and Icons Used in This Manual:
To quickly help you find, identify and understand important information, this manual uses the following icons and notations:
This icon indicates critical information. This specific icon alerts you to an electrical CAUTION telling the installer or operator that he or she may be exposed to dangerous high voltages.

Warning! Note:

This icon indicates non-electrical but critical information. This specific icon alerts you to a general CAUTION that if you do not follow, may result in severe personal injury or death.
This designates a Warning indicating actions that may damage the equipment. This designates a Note, which helps clarify a specific instruction.

Contents

Introduction.1 Welcome to Rain Bird.1 The MDC Controllers.1 Special Features.2 Packing List.3 Installation.5 Mounting the Controller.5 Before You Begin.5 Choosing a location.5 What you will need.7 Preparing the Controller Cabinet for the Power and Field Wires.8 Mounting the Controller on the Wall.9 Connecting the Controller.10 Connecting to the Two-wire Communications Cable.10 Grounding the Controller.11 Connecting to the Main Power Source.11 Connecting an Optional Sensor.13 Installing Program and Expansion Modules.14 Replacing the Battery.15 Programming and Operation.17 Familiarizing Yourself with the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller.18 Getting Started.19 Main Operating Screen.20 Setting Up Your System.22 Selecting a Country.22 Setting the Date and Time.24 Selecting Valve Types.25 Naming the Field Decoders.25 Entering the Pump/Master Valve Information.28 Activating Rain or Alarm Sensors.29 Setting Up a Sensor Decoder.30

Contents, continued

Programming the flow sensor.30 Setting an alarm limit (alarmflow).32 Setting an alarm leakage schedule.32 Programming the sensor decoder address.33 Setting up an auxiliary sensor.33 Setting the Switch Settings.34 Switching the alphabet.34 Turning on an installed rain sensor.35 Turning on an installed alarm sensor.35 Erasing All the Data.36 Testing the System.36 Testing the operation of the decoders.36 Finding a short in the system.38 Viewing the Log Data.39 Creating Irrigation Schedules.41 Setting the Steps for Each Program.42 Setting Up Steps.42 Inserting a Step Between Two Steps.43 Deleting Steps.44 Selecting the Days.44 Selecting a Start Time.45 Setting the Water Budget (WB).46 Setting the Programs for Active or Passive (A/P).46 Scheduling to Run on Specific Days and Dates.47 Repeating and Pausing Programs.47 Setting Up an Automatic Test Program.48 Operating the Irrigation Programs.49 Starting Automatic Irrigation Programs.49 Activating a Decoder.50 Manually Starting Irrigation Programs.51 Manually Activating a Decoder.52 Manually Stopping an Active Decoder.53 Understanding Sensor Warning Signs.54 Sensing a Short Circuit.54
Using the Controller with a PC.55 Linking your PC and Controller.56 Installing the Rain Bird MDC PC Software.57 Setting Up a Communications Link.57 Verifying the Time and Date.59 Using the MDC PC Software.60 Retrieving the Data.60 Editing the Data.61 Selecting the controller type.61 Editing the valve types.61 Adding or removing decoders.61 Adding or removing pumps/master valves.62 Activating rain and alarm sensors.62 Erasing the set-up data.63 Editing irrigation schedules.63 Erasing irrigation schedules.65 Editing the global water budget.65 Sending Data to the Controller.65 Retrieving Monitoring Information.66 Creating a Log File.66 Viewing a Log File.67 Creating a Back-Up Database.67 Printing Set-Up and Irrigation Data.67 Exiting the Remote Access Window.67 Troubleshooting.69 Understanding Faults.69 Finding the Cause.69 Understanding Basic Troubleshooting Techniques.70 Troubleshooting the System.71 Troubleshooting a Field Transmitter (Optional).79 Troubleshooting the Controllers Internal Parts.80 Replacing The Controller.81 Troubleshooting Guide for the Decoder System.82
Appendix I.83 Conversion Chart from Standard to Military Time.83 Appendix II.85 Selecting Electrical Codes for Solenoids.85 Changing the Switching Codes.87 Appendix III.89 Master Valve and Pump Set-up Tips.89 Using a Field Decoder With a Pump.89 Using a Decoder With a Normally Closed (NC) Master Valve.90 Using a Decoder and Relay-100 With a Pressure Switch.91 Using the Municipal Water Supply With a Master Valve (NC or NO).92 Glossary.93 Service Information.95 Warranty.inside back cover

The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller has a built-in lithium battery to backup and store the program memory. During normal use, the battery should last for 10 years. Replace the battery when the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller no longer holds the programmed information.
Warning! The components inside the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. By using a grounding strap, you can help avoid electrostatic discharge, which can damage the units.
2. Remove the faceplate from its hinges by pushing up gently on the panel until the lower hinge comes up out of its hole. Slide the faceplate down and away to clear the upper hinge from its hole. Set the faceplate aside.
To prevent electrical shock, turn off the controller and shut OFF all supply power to the unit at the Main power before proceeding. Electrical shock can cause severe injury or death.
To replace the battery, 1. Remove the controller cabinet door from its hinges by opening the door, then pushing the metal pin up and out of the hinge. Set the door and pin aside.
3. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the five screws, lock washers and metal clip. Carefully lift the display and control module as far as the connecting wires allow. 4. Disconnect the two-wire harness from the board by grasping the connector and pulling straight up.
5. Open the locking tabs on the three ribbon cables by pushing the tabs away from the cables. Disconnect the ribbon cables by grasping the wide sides of the connectors and gently pulling the connector away from the board. Set the module aside. 6. Using a thin blade screwdriver, gently pry the lithium battery out of its compartment and replace it with a new battery, positive side facing up.
Warning! Dispose of the depleted battery in accordance with local regulations.
To reassemble the controller, 1. Reconnect the three ribbon cables by firmly pushing each connector into their slots on the board. A small tab on the side of the connector slides into a slot on the socket, so each connector fits only one way. Firmly push to engage the locking tabs. 2. Plug in the two-wire harness into its corresponding slot on the board. It fits only one way. 3. Reposition the display and control module and replace the screws, lock washers and clip. 4. Replace the controllers faceplate. 5. Re-attach the controller door to its hinges. 6. Turn on the Main power supply to the controller and turn on the controller.

Pumps 1. Master 2. Booste 3. Booste 14:02:30 4FFA20 4FFA20 4FFAOK
3. Move the indicating arrow to 1. Master, and select OK. The screen now shows 3 fields with the titles: Pump; Switch; and Address. A pair of markers points to the Switch field.
Note: If your system uses Rain Bird Decoders and Relay-100, change the Switch Code to 49F390. Note: If your systems water supply feeds directly to a master valve, or if the system uses field decoders or pressure switches to start pumps, you may need to change the switch code. Please see Appendix III: Master Valve and Pump Set-up Tips on page 89.
4. Move the markers to the Address field and select OK. The left and right arrow labels now switch to up and down and the two markers alternate blinking, indicating an active field. 5. Use the up and down arrows to enter the field decoder Address marked on the irrigation drawings.
Activating Rain or Alarm Sensors
The Rain Bird MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller has one sensor input allowing you to install an optional rain or alarm sensor. Once you install the sensor, you must change the sensor status from Passive to Active.
Note: The MDC Controller supports only one Rain Sensor or one Alarm Sensor. Activate only one sensor leaving the other Passive. Setting both sensors as Active actually changes the status of both to Passive.

Pump Master

Switch 4FFA20

Address >284<

1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and select OK. 2. Move the indicating arrow to 4. Sensors and select OK to reach the Rain and Alarm Sensor screen. 3. If your system uses a Rain Sensor, press the buttons pointing to the arrow labels and change sensor status from Passive to Active.
Note: If your system does not use a Rain Sensor, keep the status Passive.
6. OK accepts the Address and the markers stop blinking. The up and down arrow labels also change to right and left arrows. To enter additional Booster pump Addresses, move the markers to the OK field and select OK to return to the Pumps screen. 7. Move the markers to Finish and select OK to return to the Set-up Data Menu.

Note: Choose Pulse/10s if your digital flow sensor uses a higher pulse rate (30-200 pulses per second) and counts the number of pulses in 10-second intervals.Choose msec/ Pulse for flow sensors using lower pulse rates (less than 30 pulses per second) and measures the time between pulses in millisecond increments. Choose mA if you are using an analog flow sensor.
8. Selecting OK accepts the Units of measure and deactivates the field. 9. Move the markers back to at and select OK to activate the field.
10. Scroll to the pulse or analog rate you need to set for the sensor. OK accepts the number and returns the field to non-active.
Flow (gpm) at 30 >784< Units Pulse/10s 14:02:30 OK
3. Use the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the alarm limit. Once set, select OK to store the new limit and switch the field to non-active.
Stop Irrigation when above >50< 14:02:30 OK
11. Move the markers to the OK field and select OK to store the information and return to the Sensor Decoder menu. Setting an alarm limit (alarmflow) The Alarmflow category allows you to set specific alarm limits when the controller is in the Auto mode. Once input from the sensor decoder goes beyond the set limit (which can occur if a valve opens to a broken pipe), the controller turns off all active decoders, displays and logs an alarm. 1. From the Sensor Decoder menu, move the indicating arrow to 2. Alarmflow and select OK. The screen now reads Stop Irrigation when above. The reading is set to GPH or M3/h (depending on the country you selected). 2. Select OK to activate the field. The left and right arrow labels now switch to up and down arrows and the two markers alternate blinking, indicating an active field.
4. Move the markers to the OK field and select OK to return to the Sensor Decoder menu. Setting an alarm leakage schedule A flow exceeding a set limit with no Schedules running may indicate a leak in your irrigation system. You can set the controller to activate a specific valve (stored in the controllers database) to shut down the flow when it exceeds this set limit. 1. From the Sensor Decoder menu, move the indicating arrow to 3. Alarmleakage and select OK. The screen now reads Activate when leakage > (GPH) (or M3/h, depending on your set-up). 2. Select OK to activate the decoder field. This field lists all the programmed decoders (which operate the valves) one at a time. 3. Use the up and down arrows to select the specific decoder you wish to activate when a leak occurs.
Note: Choosing a decoder that operates a Normally open Master Valve shuts off the complete water supply to the system.
4. Select OK to activate the decoder. 5. Move the markers to (GPH) (or M3/h depending on your set-up) and select OK to activate the field. 6. Use the up and down arrows to set the GPH (M3/h) limit and select OK.

Note: Be careful when you erase data. Once erased, you cannot retrieve it again.

Testing the System

Once you install and program the line (field) decoders into your system, you can then test to make sure they are working properly. The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controllers have a built-in decoder test that tries each decoder in sequence. Testing the operation of the decoders 1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 3. Test and select OK. 2. Move the indicating arrow to 1. Test of Line Decoders and select OK to reach the Decoder Test screen.
* * Test Menu * * 1. Test of Line Decoders 2. Short Finding 3. Return OK 14:02:30
1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 1. Set-up Data and select OK. 2. Move the indicating arrow to 7. Erase All and select OK. The display screen now reads, OK to Erase All Data? Use - to cancel.
OK to Erase All Data? Use < > to Cancel 14:02:30
3. Select OK to Erase the Data and return to the Set-up Data menu. The minus (-) label cancels the action and returns to the Set-up Data menu without erasing any data.
Note: The controller tests the decoders in the order you entered them into the system. The blinking markers and box show the field is active.
3. Scroll up or down until you reach the decoder you want to start the test and select OK to setup the test. The controller will not test any decoder that is listed before the one you select to start the test.
Decoder Test, OK : Next, - : Finish Start with Decod >E5< 14:02:30
Example: If your system uses 100 FD102TURF Field Decoders (each operating one solenoid output), then test results should show a Before reading of about 50 mA, Inrush of 525 mA (which is within the 290700 range), and a Hold of 70 mA (which is 20 mA higher than the Before reading). Note: If the Before, Inrush and Hold values are close, the decoder is not responding. Locate the decoder in the field and make sure that it is wired properly to the solenoid and communications cable. You should also make sure you programmed in the right Decoder Addresses (REC. NO.).
5. Press the button pointing to the OK label twice to activate and test the next decoder in line. 4. Select OK to start the test. After a few seconds, the screen displays the test results in three current measurements (mA). 6. The minus (-) label cancels the test at any time, returning to the Test menu.
Note: To set up the MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controllers to automatically activate and test each decoder in sequence, please see Setting Up an Automatic Test Program on page 48.
1 Active Dec. OK : Next, - : Finish EMin Before Inrush Hold 70 OK

Note: The Before current refers to the standby current, Inrush is the current the solenoid needs to open and Hold is the holding current the solenoid needs to stay open. The Before value depends on the number and type of decoders your system uses, Inrush should fall between 290 to 700 and Hold should be 15 to 20 milliamps higher than the Before value. If the decoder is connected to two or more solenoids, the Inrush will be slightly higher and Hold currents will be double in proportion (30-40 mA).
Finding a short in the system You can use the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller to help trace and locate shorts in the lines. 1. Attach a clamp from a Clamp Amperemeter to one of the communications wires connected to either L1 or L2 terminals in the controller. 2. Turn on the controller and navigate to the Test menu. 3. Move the indicating arrow to 2. Short Finding and select OK to reach the Short Finding screen. In Short Finding, the MDC changes the frequency of the line voltage from 1 to 50 Hertz (Hz).

14:02:30 Short Finding

Note: If the short takes a high current, the MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller automatically limits the current to a safe value of 200 mA. When this happens, the controller will go into the 50 Hz mode and a Short Circuit Warning shows on the display. Please see Sensing a Short Circuit on page 54.
5. To locate the short, follow the current from the controller to the decoders in the field. 6. Watch the reading on the Clamp Amperemeter closely. The reading disappears the moment you pass the short. 7. Once you locate the short, press any button on the controller to return to the Test menu.
4. Check that the Clamp Amperemeter reads the current supplied by the controller. If the reading is higher than you expected, you have either a short or an overload in the system.

Viewing the Log Data

The Log Data shows you a complete list of the controllers activity. The memory holds a 1500 line log. Adding a new line after you reach the maximum erases the first line in the log. 1. From the Main Menu, move the indicating arrow to 4. Log Data and select OK.
Note: The display shows five lines at a time (a page). The page number is on the top of the page.

5. Move to the next field and continue until you select all the Step 1 decoders. You can select up to 10 decoders for each Step.
Inserting a Step Between Two Steps
1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sched then Step. 2. Scroll up or down to the point you wish to insert the Step. If you want to insert a Step between Steps 3 and 4, scroll to Step 4. 3. Move the marker to the Insert field and select OK.
Program T3 Total ---- 010Min 0 : 31 14:02:30 OK >Insert< Repeat 0 times

Program T1 E5

Total ---- >10Min<
0 : 00 14:02:30 OK Insert Repeat 0 times
Note: Selecting the minus (-) label while in a non-active decoder field (indicated with right and left arrow labels) or an active Minutes field (indicated with up and down arrow labels) deletes the information you programmed into that field.
6. Move to the Min field and select OK to activate it. 7. Scroll up and down to select a run time or how long (up to 999 minutes) you want the decoders to open each valve. 8. Select OK to accept the minutes. 9. Move the markers to the OK field and select OK to enter the Step into the Schedule. The Step label is highlighted and the blinking markers return to the beginning (Step 1) showing you the complete Step on the display screen. 10. Scroll to the next Step (Step 2) and program it the same way. You can program up to 100 Steps. 11. Once you finish setting each Step, press the button pointing to the highlighted Step label to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.
4. Program the Step as you normally would and select OK to enter the new Step into the Schedule. The inserted Step moved Step 4, and all successive Steps, up one. So Step 4 is now 5, Step 5 is 6, and so on.
Note: Selecting the minus (-) label while in a non-active Decoder field (indicated with right and left arrow labels) or an active Minutes field (indicated with up and down arrow labels) deletes the information you programmed into that field.
5. Select Step to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.

Deleting Steps

1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Sched. then Step. 2. Scroll up or down to the Step(s) you want to delete. 3. Move the marker to the Delete field and select OK. The previous Step now shows on the display screen and all the successive Steps move back one.
Program ---Total 013Min 2 : 11 14:02:30 OK Insert >Delete< Repeat 0 times

Selecting the Days

Each Program runs on a 14-day cycle. You can set each individual Program (or Schedule) to run on any day in the cycle. The programming repeats itself after 14 days. 1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want. 2. Select Sched. then Day to activate the 14-day Schedule. The blinking markers and box show the field is active. The Day label is highlighted. 3. Move the blinking box to each day you want to irrigate and select OK to schedule that day.

Program 4 Total 15 M-W-F-S-M-W-F-S 0 : 20 14:02:30 (1) 11 : 40 150% A Repeat 0 times
Step Day Time WB A/P Next
4. Select WB to return to the Schedule Set-up Screen.
3. Select Next twice to return to the Main Operating Screen.
Scheduling to Run on Specific Days and Dates
You can program your controller to irrigate on a selected day(s) and date(s) in a 14-day period, instead of on the 14-day cycle (which begins on the day you initially program the controller). You can also set the first date you want to begin irrigating. 1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want. 2. Select Sched. then Next to reach the Run every and First labels.
Note: Run every refers to which days you want a specific Program to run (Run every 1st day; Run every 2nd day; etc). First (which shows the year, month and day) refers to the date you want the sequence to begin. Note: You can see the 14-day Schedule change each time you press the button. Note: An arrow label next to Every shows the direction you are scrolling. Pressing the button pointing to the arrow label changes the direction you are scrolling.
4. To change the date you want to start the sequence, press the button pointing to the First label. Continue to press the button to reach the start date you want.
Program 5 Total 15 --W--S--T--F--M Run every 3. day First 2002 - 04 - 21 Every First
1 : 57 14:02:30 (1) 20 : 00 100% P Repeat 2 times Pause: 5 Min. Repeat Pause Next
3. To change the Run every day, press the button pointing to the Every label. Each time you press the button, the day increases by one, up to Run every 14th day (in the 14-day Schedule).
Note: An arrow label next to Every shows the direction you are scrolling. Pressing the button pointing to the arrow label changes the direction you are scrolling.
Program 5 Total 15 --W--S--T--F--M Run every 2. day First 2002 - 02 - 12 Every First
1 : 57 14:02:30 (1) 20 : 00 100% P Repeat 0 times
Repeating and Pausing Programs
Once you set-up a Program, you can repeat it up to 99 times and set timed pauses (in minutes) between each repeated Program. 1. From the Main Operating Screen, scroll to the Program you want to repeat. 2. Select Sched. and Next to reach the Repeat label.

Repeat

3. Press the button pointing to the Repeat label to set the number of times you want the Program to repeat. Holding down the button lets you scroll quickly up to 99 repeat times.
Program 5 Total 15 --W--S--T--F--M 1 : 57 14:02:30 (1) 20 : 00 100% P Repeat 2 times
Setting Up an Automatic Test Program
The MDC 50-200, MDC- 200 Controller allows you to set up a Test Program to automatically activate and test all decoders (from the first one you installed to the last), one by one. You can adjust the Decoder Activation Time between 10 and 240 seconds. 240 seconds is especially useful if you wish to walk through and visually inspect each decoder as they activate. 1. From the Main Operating Screen, press the button pointing to the Sch down label to reach the Test Program. 2. Select Manual to reach the Select Program or Decoder screen. The Manual label is highlighted.

Program 5 Total VMin Remaining 1 Active Dec. 0 : 45 14:02:: 44 100% A
5. Select Pause. Pausing appears on the display, showing the command registered. Irrigation continues until the next full minute.
Program 5 Total VMin Pausing 1 Active Dec.

0 : 45 14:02:: 38 100% P

Resume
Note: At the full minute mark, all activated sprinklers stop and the display reads Paused.
6. Select Resume to continue irrigating. The display asks if it is OK to Resume current Schedule? Cancel returns the controller to the Pause state.
OK to Resume current Schedule? Use Cancel to Abort 14:02:30
Manually Activating a Decoder
The MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller allows you to activate programmed decoders manually. 1. From the Main Operating Screen, select Manual. The Manual label is highlighted and you are asked to Select Program or Decoder. The display also shows the number of Active Decoders. 2. Select Dec. 3. Scroll through the list of programmed decoders. Choose a decoder and select OK.

Resume Cancel

7. Select Resume to return to the Manual Display Screen and continue with the scheduled irrigation Program. 8. Select Manual to stop the irrigation Program and return to the Main Operating Screen.
4. Use the up and down arrows to program how long you want the decoder to be active and select OK.
14:02:30 G1 >007 Min< 4 Active Dec.
Manually Stopping an Active Decoder
1. From the Active Decoder Screen, select Dec. 2. Scroll through the list of Active Decoders to reach the one you want to stop and select the minus(-) label. The Active Decoder Screen now shows one less decoder.
14:02:30 FMin 3 Active Dec.
Note: The display now shows the number of Active Dec., displaying only one at a time. The sprinkler icon starts to sprinkle.
5. Follow steps (2-4) to manually activate more decoders. 6. Use the up and down arrows to scroll through each Active Decoder.
3. Select Manual to stop all the manually activated decoders and return to the Main Operating Screen.
Understanding Sensor Warning Signs
If a rain or auxiliary sensor shows an alarm or warning condition, a message like this appears on the display.
Type Date Time Deactivate Warning
Type Date Time Corrected Warning

Sensing a Short Circuit

If the MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller senses a short circuit on the lines, it will automatically limit the current to a safe value, change the line frequency from 1 to 50 Hz (making it easier to trace the short circuit) and display this message.
Rain Sensor In: 28. 15 : 29,

14:02:30 Out:

Short Circuit In: 28. 15 : 48, 14:02:30 Out:
Type of Sensor Date and time the Sensor activated (In:) Date and time the Sensor became deactive (Out:) {If it is still active, there is no Out time} Warning signdisplays as long as Alarm condition exists

Activating rain and alarm sensors 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data. 2. Select Edit set-up data and Sensors from the pull-down menus to reach the Sensor setup pop-up window.
Note: Please see Naming the Field Decoders on page 25.
Adding or removing pumps/master valves 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data. 2. Select Edit set-up data and Pumps/Master Valves from the pull-down menus to reach the Pumps/Master Valves editing pop-up window.
3. Select either Passive or Active for the Rain and Alarm sensor setting. 2. Select Edit set-up data and Erase all from the pull-down menus to reach the Erase set-up Data pop-up window. 3. Select Yes to erase the information. Select No to cancel the action. Editing irrigation schedules 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data. 2. Select Edit irrigation data and Irrigation schedules from the pull-down menus to reach the Irrigation Schedule Edit View pop-up window. 4. Select OK to save the changes.
Note: Please see Activating Rain or Alarm Sensors on page 29. Note: The Irrigation Schedule Edit View window shows you an overview of each Program schedule. Use the numbered tabs on top (1-11) to reach the actual edit windows for each of the 11 Programs. The View window features three additional control buttons. The Zoom Out control button lets you view a detailed section of a Schedule; Grid places grid lines over the Schedule; and Print prints the Schedule.
Erasing the set-up data You can erase ALL SET-UP DATA and IRRIGATION SCHEDULE CONTENTS stored on the MDC Controller. 1. From the Rain Bird Remote Access window, select Edit data.
To view a detailed section (i.e., Schedule 5, Monday, between 6:10 am and 6:45 am) select Zoom Out. With the left mouse button pressed, drag the cursor across the section of the Schedule you want to view. Dragging the cursor forms a rectangle showing the area of the Schedule you want to detail or Zoom Out. Release the mouse button to Zoom Out. The Schedule now shows only the detailed area you selected. To return the screen back to normal, select the Zoom Out button again.
3. Select the tab of the Schedule you want to change to reach the Irrigation Schedule Edit window.
Note: The Irrigation Schedule Edit windows let you add Schedules or change information in current Schedules. For example, use these windows to change Schedules from Active to Passive, change the days, adjust the water budget, start and repeat times, add pauses to Schedules and run times, add steps and select different decoders. Note: When you move the cursor to a section on the View window, a Values @ pointer shows you the corresponding Schedule, day and time for the section where the cursor points. Note: A drop-down box appears when you select the Decoder columns. Use the drop-down boxes to make your selections from the decoders you already programmed into the controller.

Finding the Cause

This chapter of the manual is written for you, the Service Technician in the field. It is your responsibility to localize problems with the Rain Bird MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller and Rain Bird Decoder Irrigation System and determine their cause. You should always find the fault and correct it in the field at the box level. In other words, if you find the fault in a field decoder, replace the field decoder. If you find a fault inside the controller, replace the controller. Only highly qualified Rain Bird Service Technician Specialists should find and correct problems inside a box (replace worn out or defective components inside a controller, decoder, solenoid, etc.). The purpose of this chapter is to teach you basic troubleshooting techniques that you can easily do in the field. This chapter does not cover faults that were caused by using the wrong size cable (wires that are too thin or cable lengths that are too long) or faults caused by entering incorrect data into the controller.
Troubleshooting, continued
Understanding Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
Using a systematic approach is perhaps the best way to troubleshoot any MDC Controller system. In other words, start at one end, test and replace components one at a time until you find and fix the problem. Understand too, that a set of troubleshooting procedures cannot cover every conceivable situation. It is you, the technician, responsible for finding and repairing the faults, who must mold these procedures to the situation. Also, when a fault occurs, try to learn the circumstances that led to the fault. This can often times lead you to a good starting point. Before you attempt to troubleshoot a system, it is important for you to have a good understanding of: how the complete MDC Controller system works, electrical terms, such as current, voltage and resistance, how to use the right tools, and the actual installation. First, familiarize yourself with the installation of the complete system. Review and study the as-built irrigation drawings of the system. These drawings should show you the locations of each field decoder, solenoid, master valve and pump. You should be able to use these drawings to trace the exact course of the two-wire cables, their connections and termination points. Next, gather your tools and equipment. Specific tools you may need to troubleshoot and repair an MDC Controller system may include: an instrument, such as a Fluke 10 (digital) Multimeter, that measures minimum AC/DC voltages from V (Volts), with a 0 1M (meter) ohm resistance, a Clamp Amperemeter, such as a Kyoritsu 8112 Clamp Meter, that measures 0 2A (amps), with a minimum resolution of 5mA (milliamps), a cable finder (if you do not know the exact location of the two-wire cable), an extra MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller, and standard tools, such as screwdrivers, linemans pliers, wire stripper, wire nuts and DBY connectors.

Troubleshooting a Field Transmitter (Optional)
The Field Transmitter is a separate, small, handheld computer, which uses special connectors to connect to the two-wire communications cable in the field. You use Field Transmitters to manually operate field decoders. In the following, it is assumed that the MDC Controller and field decoder system is working properly. Problem Solution The Field Transmitters display is dead. Check that there is line voltage on the connection sockets inside the Field Transmitter Connection Box. Various connection boxes may be located in the field at specific points along the two-wire communications line. Use the irrigation drawings to find the location of each box. Open the Connection Box and measure the line voltage between terminals 1 and 2. Make sure the wires leading into the rear terminals are not corroded. If they are, cut away the corroded wires and reconnect the wires. Check the connection points. If the pins of the socket are corroded (which can happen if the protective cap is missing) replace the socket. Problem Solution The Field Transmitter reads No Contact. A No Contact message indicates the Field Transmitter cannot contact the controller. Heavy leakage currents may cause this in the system. Check the line voltage. If the line voltage is acceptable, there is probably a fault in the Field Transmitter, or in rare cases, the controller. Check the Field Transmitters installation data. Make sure PULSE TIME is set to 0 and INT. DELAY is set to 4O. Please see the Field Transmitter User Manual on page 43. If these settings are correct, replace the Field Transmitter.
If the No Contact message appears only when a specific field decoder or pump decoder is active, the fault is in this decoder. Problem Solution The Field Transmitter reads Try Again. This message can appear if the controller is very busy, for example, if an irrigation Schedule is running or about to start. If the message appears frequently, please see The Field Transmitter reads No Contact on page 79. The Field Transmitter reads Unknown Decoder to an existing field decoder. The fault is probably in the character string installed in the Field Transmitter. If this is not identical with the character string installed in the controller, the field decoders letters will be switched around. Check and correct the Field Transmitters installation. Please see the Field Transmitter User Manual on page 43. The Field Transmitter uses the wrong language. Select the correct language in the Field Transmitters installation menu. Please see the Field Transmitter User Manual on page 43.

Problem Solution

Troubleshooting the Controllers Internal Parts
The MDC 50-200, MDC 200 Controller does have a thermal fuse that resets itself after a Short Circuit message disappears. You should not try to replace the thermal fuse. In general it is better to substitute the controller as a whole than try to replace various internal parts that may be interconnected with cables and plugs. However, there are a few procedures you may try to troubleshoot the controller. Problem Solution Problem Solution The display will not come on when the controller receives power. Check that the cable connector from the transformer to the main board is correctly inserted in the connector on the board. Check also the cable/connector from the ON/OFF switch. The contrast on the display screen is too high/low. If the contrast is too high/low, try adjusting the potentiometer in the uppermost left corner of the main board. To get access, remove the display and control module. Please see Replacing the Battery on page 15.

Service Information

In the unlikely event this equipment should malfunction, all repairs should be performed by an Authorized Rain Bird MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller Service Center. For information on Authorized Rain Bird MDC 50-200, MDC-200 Controller Service Centers, contact Rain Bird at:
Rain Bird Corporation Contractor Division 970 W. Sierra Madre Avenue Azusa, CA 91702 Phone: (626) 812-3400 Rain Bird Corporation Commercial Division 6991 E. Southpoint Rd. Bldg. #1 Tucson, AZ 85706 Phone: (520) 741-6100 Rain Bird International, Inc. 145 N. Grand Ave. Glendora, CA 91741-2469 Phone: (626) 852-7313 Rain Bird Technical Services 1-800-RAINBIRD Specifications Hotline 1-800-458-3005 www.rainbird.com

Warranty

This product is covered by Rain Birds Three-year Trade Warranty. For details, see the Rain Bird Landscape Irrigation Products Catalog.
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