RAIN CLOCK OWNERS MANUAL

SPRINKLER SYSTEM CONTROLLER
RAIN CLOCK MODELS PC-104 PC-106 PC-104-PS PC-106-PS 4 Station 6 Station 4 Station with Pump Relay Circuit 6 Station with Pump Relay Circuit
Rain Bird Sales, Inc. Customer Support Center 6991 E. Southpoint Rd., Bldg. #1, Tucson, AZ 85706
PC-104/106 SPRINKLER SYSTEM CONTROLLER
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Rain Bird Rain Clocks are designed for use with all standard residential 24 volt AC electric valves regardless of brand. However, some older brass electric valves and commercial duty plastic valves may have power requirements higher than this series is designed for

STEP 1: MOUNT THE TIMER

Location: Select a location inside a building, and within six feet of a grounded electrical outlet. This is not an outdoor timer. Do not mount it where it is exposed to any of natures elements. If it must be outside, be sure to use an outdoor enclosure and a weatherproof electrical connection. Cover Removal: Remove the front cover of the timer by depressing the bottom tab and lifting as shown in Figure 1.

Press Here

FIGURE 1
Mounting: Mount the timer to a wall using two #10 screws installed at centers /16" apart at eye level. Use plastic anchors to secure screws if the wall is plastic or masonry. Leave the screw heads extended " and hang the Rain Clock using the keyhole slots on the back. Install a third screw through the mounting hole (located below the battery area) to secure the timer to the wall.

Mounting Holes

/2A 250V 3AG OR

YELLOW RED

/4A 250V 3AG
BLUE 3 Station Output Terminals
AS INDICATED ON THE UNIT Plug Transformer into 120 volt AC electrical outlet
ONLY ON SIX STATION MODELS

6 Key Pad MV

ONLY ON PUMP START MASTER VALVE MODELS

9 Volt Battery

Mounting Hole To Control Valves
ATTENTION Battery must be installed to ensure proper operation.

FIGURE 2

STEP 2: CONNECTING THE WIRING
How to choose the right type of sprinkler wire: Use 18-gauge bell, thermostat or underground burial wire for the sprinkling system. Bell wire is available in single strands or twisted in 2 or 3 wire sets and can only be used indoors. Thermostat wire, the most common sprinkling system wire, is typically available with up to 7 wires twisted inside a brown PVC jacket (about in diameter), and is suitable for most indoor and conduit installations. Direct Burial cable is similar to thermostat wire, except the jacket is made of a black Poly UV resistant material, and is suitable for any indoor or outdoor installation, including sunlight exposure. Each individual wire is color-coded. Note: Some areas require by code the use of UL approved cable only. Most Direct Burial Cables have this approval. Most thermostat and bell wires do not. Important: 18 gauge wire or /larger is recommended for sprinkler system wire, allowing cable to be run up to 600 without problems. Some thermostat wire that is referred to as sprinkler wire may actually be a smaller gauge (#19 or #20) and will not have the UL listing or the capacity to run long distances. The number of wires needed is determined by the number of valves being wired, plus a common wire. For example, three valves in a grouping require a 4-wire cable since the 4th wire serves as the common wire. If a system had two valves in the front yard, and four in the back, the wiring could be run in one of two ways: 1) Use a single run or 18/7 (18 gauge, 7 wires) cable connected in-series from the front valves to the back valves to the timer; 2) Use one run of 18/3 cable from the timer to the front valves, and one run of 18/5 cable from the timer to the back valves. All wiring connections should be sealed with a water-tight connector. Cables that are run indoors should be properly secured with a staple or clip. How to connect the valves: Each valve connects to the timer through two wires. One wire from each valve solenoid must connect to the output terminal of the timer. This is the HOT connection. The second wire of each solenoid must connect to the (COM.) common terminal of the timer. This is the COMMON connection. If the valves are grouped together, it is easier to join the common from all valves and just run one wire to the timers (COM.) common terminal. Note: Only one valve may be connected to each station output terminal.
STEP 3: CONNECTING THE TRANSFORMER
Refer to Figure 2 and connect the yellow wire to the terminal marked "YELLOW," and red wire to the terminal marked "RED" and the blue wire to the terminal marked "BLUE." Caution: Always connect the wires before plugging in the transformer. If not, you run a risk of short circuiting the transformer and/or clock.
STEP 4: USING THE PUMP START CIRCUIT
Pump start or master valve capability is available only on the PC-106-PS and PC-104-PS models. This circuit allows the timer to be used in conjunction with a "pump relay switch" (Rain Bird model PCR-1) which when activated by the timer, will in turn activate the pump. The pump start circuit can also be used to operate a standard 24-volt "master valve." The hot wire of the relay switch connects to the terminal marked "MV" The common wire connects to the regular system common wire or terminal. See the pump relays instruction booklet for details. Caution: Be sure the total current draw of the relay switch plus the station valve doesn't exceed 650 milliamps. Important: To avoid pump damage caused during a "default schedule," wire each unused station terminal to a terminal that is being used. This prevents the pump from operating against closed valves if the default program kicks-in during a power failure.

STEP 5: INSTALL A BATTERY
To ensure proper timer operation, install a 9-volt alkaline battery (not included) to the snap connector near the bottom edge of the control panel. In the event of a power failure the battery will maintain the programmed watering schedule in memory for up to 24 hours. The battery will not allow the timer to open any valves, but the timer will remember the approximate time of the power failure. When the power resumes, an uncompleted watering cycle will be completed. If a watering start was missed during the outage, it will be initiated once the power resumes. After a power outage, reset the exact time of day. If the battery is dead or doesn't have enough power left, none of the programming will be retained. In this event, the timer will revert to its "default program," which waters once per day, 10 minutes per station, 8 hours after the power is restored. All programming steps must be repeated.

PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS

Use to set the days to water Use to set current time

SET CLOCK WATER DAYS

WATER TIMES PER DAY
Use to set the daily start times Adjust time up and days to on

ON OFF

Use to set length of watering

STATION TIMING

MANUAL START &

ADVANCE

AUTO OFF
Adjust time down and days to off
Use to operate system manually
Use to put timer in rain shut down mode
STEP 1: SET THE CURRENT TIME AND DAY
The PC-104/106 Series holds a 7 day program which repeats after the seventh day. The days of the week relate to a number as follows. Actual Days >>> Day Number>>> Sun 1 Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6

SET CLOCK

This timer displays in military time. To convert from AM/PM time to military time, see the reference chart on the next page. 1-A: Enter Todays Day Number

Adjust day setting with:

OFF ON

Display Shows:

OR Day Tues. Setting :d 3

Example:

To set Tuesday = Day 3

First Press

Enter the Current Hour in Military Time

Adjust the hour with:

OR Hour 2:00 pm Setting :h 14

2:00 PM = 1400 Hrs

Enter the Current Minute

Adjust the minutes with:

OR Hour Setting :n 20

20 minutes past the hour

To display the Current Time
The above setting of 2:20 PM = 1420 military time
You can also press the SET CLOCK button during any other programming operation to return it to the time of day display.
STEP 2: SET THE DAYS OF THE WEEK TO WATER

When shipped from the factory, the PC-104/106 Series is pre-set to water every day of the week. Since this is a single program timer, all stations will water on the same program of watering days. The clock can water either on (A) specific days of the week, or (B) an interval or cycle of days (i.e. every third day, every fourth day, etc.). 2-A:
Watering on specific days of the week

Then turn on/off with:

Display Should be:

OR Day

If Monday should be off, display
Repeat this process for each day of the week
REFERENCE CHART #1: Military Time Conversion Table
Normal 12:00 Midnight 1:00 AM 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 Military Normal 12:00 Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 Military 2200 2300
Watering on an Interval of Days (i.e. every 3rd day)

Display changes to:

Now Press Adjust Day 1 to ON with:

WATER DAYS

Now Press
Adjust Day 2 to OFF by pressing:
Adjust Day 3 to OFF by pressing:
Then adjust Day 4 to - - by pressing and holding

for 3 seconds.

This means day 4 through 7 have no program, and the cycle will return to Day 1 after Day 3 has watered. The same procedure is used to adjust watering in cycles of every day, other day, 4th day, 5th day, and 6th day (see reference chart #2 below). To return to a 7-day cycle
First Press Adjust the day showing - - to ON by holding Display changes to:

for 2 seconds.

All days are now operable again, selectable by days. If you are in a cycle other than every fourth day, use the same process and change - - into ON on the first day shown to be - -.
REFERENCE CHART #2: Day Settings for interval watering

Desired Watering Cycle

Day Number Every Day Every Other Day Every Third Day Every Fourth Day Every Fifth Day Every Sixth Day Every Seventh Day
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

ON -------

ON OFF ------

ON OFF OFF -----

ON OFF OFF OFF ----

ON OFF OFF OFF OFF ---

ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF --
ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
STEP 3: SET THE TIME OF DAY TO WATER
This button determines the time of day when the cycle will start watering. The timer can be set to water once, twice, or three times per day. All stations will start in sequence at each start time (for example, if this is a four station timer, and the start times are set at 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM, all four stations will go on sequentially at 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM). Start #1 is preset at 8:00. Starts #2 and #3 are blank unless programmed. Start times can be programmed to start on the hour. The clock can water either on (A) specific days of the week, or (B) an interval or cycle of days (i.e. every third day, every fourth day, etc.). 3-A:

Display shows:

Adjust Start Time 1 with:

First Start Time

Watering will start at 8:00 AM

Watering Twice Per Day

Display shows: Adjust Start Time 2 with:

i.e. 6:00 PM

Watering Three Times Per Day
Display shows: Adjust Start Time 3 with:

To remove a Start Time

Adjust the digits with:

Until the display shows:

When the two right digits change to - - between 23 and 00 hours, the start time is eliminated. Note #1: If 00 shows the timer will start a cycle at midnight. Note #2: Start time indicates the the starting time for the entire cycle, all stations operate sequentially after the programmed start time. The stations do not have separate start times; e.g., does not mean station two starts at noonit means station one will run a second time at noon, and when it is done, station two will run, etc. Note #3: Dont confuse this button with station timing-the displays look alike.
STEP 4: SET THE WATERING TIME FOR EACH STATION
This button sets how long each station (zone) will run. Each station can be separately adjusted between 0-99 minutes in one minute increments. This watering time is always the same for that station, every time the system waters. The PC-106/106 series is preset to water each station for ten minutes.

Display will show:

Adjust the time using:

Station min-

To repeat for station #2 to station #6, push Station Timing again and repeat adjustments. 4-B:

To skip a station

Display will show: Adjust the time to 00:

Station minutes

After programming the last station,
Press Set Clock to return to the normal time of day display.
STEP 5: START A WATERING CYCLE MANUALLY
MANUAL START & ADVANCE
To start an entire watering cycle

The display will show:

Station 1 Blink
Each station will run sequentially for its programmed time. 5-B:
To advance to the next station

Station 2 Runtime

The clock will stop the manual operation after last station has run or you touch the AUTO/OFF button.
STEP 6: TO INTERRUPT WATERING FOR RAIN
The AUTO/OFF button allows the watering and programming to be interrupted until pressed again. it does not affect the program, but it does prevent power from going to the valves.
Display will show: The Current Time

Last Digit Blinks

i.e. the current time is 8:00 a.m.
Press AUTO/OFF again to return to normal.

TROUBLE-SHOOTING

Sometimes when problems occur they can be easily solved by rechecking some often overlooked possibilities. So check here before you call your dealer or contractor. It could save you time and money IF YOU'RE HAVING THIS PROBLEM:
Automatic Cycle doesn't turn on and the Manual Start wont operate:

CHECK FOR THESE THINGS:

-If the display is blank, check the fuse. -Check the wire connections for improper wiring or shorts. -Check the valve and valve solenoid for proper operation. -If the last digit blinks, the timer is in the Rain Shutoff Mode. Press 'Auto/Off" for normal operation. -Check the wiring for a short or a crossconnection. -This is probably not a timer problem, but a valve problem. Check the solenoid and the inside of the valve for obstructions. -Check the fuse and transformer -Circuit problem/replace timer -9 volt battery needs replacing and the timer needs reprogramming. -Timer is in Rain Shutdown Mode. Press "Auto/Off" for normal operation. -Timer is counting down time remaining on the station currently watering. -Caused by intermittent power fluctuations. Nothing can be done except to correct time. -There is a short in the wire between the timer and valve. Make sure connections are watertight and no bare wires are exposed. -Maximum current is being exceeded. Check amperage draw of solenoid (especially older models and brass valves). On pump start models, check combined amperage draw of pump relay and valve.
Automatic Cycle doesn't operate but the Manual Start does: Automatic Cycle doesn't turn off:
Entire Display is blank: Some of the display wont appear: Entire Display blinks: Last Digit blinks: Last Two Digits blink: Timer gains/loses a few minutes/week:
Fuse Blows too often/display goes blank:
Programming limitations of this timer The PC-104/106 series are very flexible timers available at a very economical price. However, there are some things it will not do:
-It will not run more than one valve per station (i.e. two valves can't be connected to one terminal/station); -It will not run some stations on one set of days and some stations on another set of days. This feature is called dual programmability. -It will not run stations on separate start times. All stations will start on the same schedule. -It is not designed for outdoor installation. -It is not in a waterproof case, and will therefore be adversely affected by the climate, nor is it electrically prudent to plug the transformer in an exterior outlet.
If you need any or all of these features, Rain Bird manufactures a variety of additional models incorporating these and other features. Please contact your dealer for details.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What happens during a power failure? In the event of a power failure, the emergency battery back-up will maintain the watering program in memory for up to 24 hours. However, the battery will not operate the valves. If the power is off for longer than the battery will last, the entire program is lost and the entire display will blink after power is restored. The timer is now operating in the default mode: eight hours after the power came back on, each station will water for 10 minutes, every 24 hours. To change this, just reprogram. When is the best time to water? The early morning hours -between 2 and 6 a.m. - are the best hours to water. There is low evaporation very little wind, and water pressure is usually highest then. Watering in the middle of the day tends to "scorch" the grass, and watering in the late evening tends to "mildew the grass before sunrise. How long should the system water? During hot weather, most lawns require water every other day, or about an inch and a half of water per week. Hotter climates require more and cooler climates require less. Sandy soils need frequent and greater amounts because of excess drainage but clay soil needs lesser, more infrequent amounts to prevent runoff. New lawns require frequent but short burst of water. See our special "Watering Tips" brochure at your dealer, or check with your garden center for local conditions. Different sprinklers water at different rates. Sprayheads and bubblers water fast (usually 5-15 minutes will put down ), but impulse sprinklers and rotors water slow (usually 45-90 minutes will put down "). To check your watering rates, place a flat bottom pan and measure the time takes to fill it.

What should be done in the winter? If you live in an area where you don't use the timer for an extended period of time, we recommend unplugging and possibly storing the timer. The "Auto/Off " rain shutdown mode is a short-term shutdown only, not a winterization mode. In addition, if you're in a freezing area, be sure your sprinkler lines don't have any water left in them.
NOTE: This Rain Clock Timer generates radio frequency energy and may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 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 the receiving antenna -move the timer away from the receiver -plug the timer into a different outlet so out timer and receiver are on different branch circuits. If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio and television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: "How To Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems." This booklet is available from the US Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, Stock No. 004-000-0034504. (Price is $2.00 postpaid.)
Rain Bird Sales, Inc. Customer Support Center 6640 S. Bonney Ave. Tucson, AZ 85706 1-800-RAIN-BIRD (520) 434-6289 FAX Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.