Gardena Micro-Drip-System Starter Set with Water Computer C 14e - Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Gardena Micro-Drip-System Starter Set with Water Computer C 14e provides a comprehensive and flexible solution for automatic drip irrigation. This system is ideal for various planting arrangements, including flower boxes up to 5 meters long, 10 balcony plants, 10 shrubs, or 20 vegetable plants. It ensures efficient and precise watering, saving both water and time.

Key Features:

• Complete with water timer for fully automatic regulation.
• Universal starter set: for irrigating either 5 balcony boxes, 10 balcony plants, 10 shrubs, or 20 vegetable plants.
• Starter set with essential parts for setting up a new drip system.
• Automatic watering for your garden and pots.
• Simple installation with patented "Quick & Easy" connection technology.

Figure 1.1: The Gardena Micro-Drip-System Starter Set packaging, showing the main components and various application examples.

2. Components Included

The Gardena Micro-Drip-System Starter Set with Water Computer C 14e includes the following components:

• 1 x Water Computer C 14 e
• 1 x Master Unit 1000
• 15 meters of Connecting Pipe (13mm / 1/2 inch)
• 15 meters of Supply Pipe (4.6mm / 3/16 inch)
• 20 x Inline Drip Heads (2 liters/hour)
• 10 x Adjustable End Drip Heads (0 - approx. 20 liters/hour)
• 10 x T-Joints (4.6mm / 3/16 inch)
• 5 x End Caps (13mm / 1/2 inch)
• 2 x End Caps (4.6mm / 3/16 inch)
• 10 x Pipe Pegs (4.6mm / 3/16 inch)
• 1 x Cleaning Needle

Figure 2.1: Example of the coiled connecting pipe included in the set.

Figure 2.2: An individual inline drip head, designed for precise water delivery.

Figure 2.3: The Master Unit 1000, which acts as a pressure reducer and filter for the system.

Figure 2.4: A T-joint, used for branching the supply pipe to multiple plants.

Figure 2.5: A pipe peg, used to secure the supply pipe to the ground.

3. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your Gardena Micro-Drip-System:

1. Connect the Water Computer: Attach the Water Computer C 14e to your water tap. Ensure a secure, leak-free connection.
2. Install the Master Unit: Connect the Master Unit 1000 to the outlet of the water computer. This unit reduces water pressure and filters the water, protecting the drip heads.
3. Lay the Connecting Pipe: Run the 13mm (1/2 inch) connecting pipe from the Master Unit to the areas where you want to irrigate. This pipe serves as the main water supply line.
4. Branch with Supply Pipe: Use the 4.6mm (3/16 inch) supply pipe and T-joints to branch off from the connecting pipe to individual plants or plant groups. The "Quick & Easy" connection technology allows for simple insertion and removal of components.
5. Install Drip Heads: Insert the inline drip heads directly into the supply pipe for plants requiring consistent watering. Use adjustable end drip heads at the end of a supply pipe run for plants with varying water needs.
6. Secure Pipes: Use the provided pipe pegs to secure the supply pipes in place, especially around plants, to ensure stable water delivery.
7. Cap Ends: Use the appropriate end caps (13mm for connecting pipe, 4.6mm for supply pipe) to seal the ends of all pipe runs, preventing water leakage and maintaining pressure.

Figure 3.1: An example of the Gardena Micro-Drip-System fully installed and operating in a garden setting.

4. Operating Instructions

The Water Computer C 14e automates your irrigation schedule. It comes with 14 fixed programs for ease of use.

Setting the Water Computer:

• Refer to the specific instructions provided with the Water Computer C 14e for detailed programming steps.
• Select one of the 14 pre-set programs that best suits your plants' watering needs and local climate conditions.
• The programs typically control the frequency and duration of watering cycles.
• Ensure the water tap is open for the system to operate according to the programmed schedule.

Adjusting Drip Heads:

• Inline Drip Heads: These provide a fixed flow rate (2 liters/hour) and do not require adjustment.
• Adjustable End Drip Heads: Rotate the orange cap to increase or decrease the water flow, from 0 to approximately 20 liters/hour, to meet the specific needs of individual plants.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Micro-Drip-System.

Cleaning:

• Master Unit Filter: Periodically check and clean the filter in the Master Unit 1000 to prevent blockages from sediment. Unscrew the filter housing, remove the filter, rinse it under running water, and reassemble.
• Drip Heads: If a drip head becomes clogged, use the provided cleaning needle to clear any debris from the nozzle.

Winterization:

Before the first frost, it is crucial to drain and store the system to prevent damage from freezing water.

• Disconnect the Water Computer and Master Unit from the tap.
• Open all end caps and remove any drip heads to allow water to drain completely from the pipes.
• Store the Water Computer and Master Unit in a frost-free environment.
• The pipes can typically remain outdoors if fully drained, but storing them in a sheltered area will extend their lifespan.

6. Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their solutions:

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Gardena website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Gardena Official Website: www.gardena.com