Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Hunter X-Core XC601i-e 6-Station Indoor Irrigation Controller. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation to ensure proper use and optimal performance of your irrigation system.
Product Overview
The Hunter X-Core XC601i-e is an indoor irrigation controller designed to manage up to 6 irrigation stations. It features three independent programs (A, B, C) with multiple start times, allowing for flexible scheduling of watering cycles. The intuitive dial and button interface simplify programming and manual operation.

Figure 1: Front panel of the Hunter X-Core XC601i-e controller. It displays a digital screen at the top, control buttons (+, -, arrow keys, PRG) above the main dial, and a large central dial with various settings: System Off, Manual, Solar Sync, Seasonal Adjust, Date/Time, Start Times, Run Times, and Water Days. The Hunter logo is visible at the bottom.
Setup
1. Mounting the Controller
- Choose a suitable indoor location near a standard electrical outlet, protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Use the provided mounting template or mark the two mounting holes on the wall.
- Install two screws into the wall, leaving approximately 3mm of the screw head exposed.
- Hang the controller on the screws using the keyhole slots on the back.
2. Wiring the Controller
Safety Precaution: Ensure the power supply is disconnected before performing any wiring.
- Power Connection: Connect the two wires from the external transformer to the two terminals labeled "24 VAC" on the controller's terminal strip.
- Valve Wiring:
- Connect one wire from each solenoid valve to a separate station terminal (1-6).
- Connect the common wire from all solenoid valves to the terminal labeled "COM".
- Master Valve/Pump Start (Optional): If using a master valve or pump start relay, connect one wire to the terminal labeled "MV" and the other to the "COM" terminal.
- Sensor Wiring (Optional): If using a rain sensor or other weather sensor, connect the sensor wires to the two terminals labeled "SEN". Ensure the sensor bypass switch is set correctly.
3. Initial Power-Up and Basic Settings
- Connect the transformer to a power outlet. The display should illuminate.
- Set Date/Time:
- Turn the dial to the Date/Time position.
- Use the + or - buttons to adjust the year, month, day, and time.
- Use the > button to move between settings.
Operating Instructions
The X-Core controller uses a central dial for navigation and dedicated buttons for adjustments.
Control Dial Positions:
- System Off: Turns off all automatic and manual watering.
- Manual: Allows for manual operation of individual stations or programs.
- Date/Time: Used to set the current date and time.
- Start Times: Used to set the start times for programs A, B, and C.
- Run Times: Used to set the watering duration for each station within programs A, B, and C.
- Water Days: Used to select specific watering days or intervals for programs A, B, and C.
- Seasonal Adjust: Adjusts all program run times by a percentage (e.g., 100% for normal, 50% for half).
- Solar Sync: (If equipped and enabled) Automatically adjusts watering based on local weather conditions.
Programming Automatic Watering:
The X-Core has three independent programs: A, B, and C. Each program can have up to four start times.
- Select Program: Press the PRG button to cycle through programs A, B, and C.
- Set Start Times:
- Turn the dial to Start Times.
- Use + or - to set the desired start time.
- Press PRG or > to move to the next start time (up to four per program).
- Set Run Times:
- Turn the dial to Run Times.
- The display will show the program and station number. Use + or - to set the watering duration (in minutes) for each station.
- Use > to advance to the next station.
- Set Water Days:
- Turn the dial to Water Days.
- Select watering days (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday) or an interval (e.g., every 2 days) using the + or - buttons.
- The > button can be used to cycle through day options.
- Return to RUN: After programming, turn the dial to the RUN position for automatic operation.
Manual Operation:
- Turn the dial to Manual.
- Use the > button to select the desired station or program.
- Use + or - to set the manual run time.
- The selected station or program will begin watering immediately.
- To stop manual watering, turn the dial to System Off or RUN.
Maintenance
Battery Replacement:
The X-Core controller uses one AAA battery to maintain the time and program settings during power outages. It is recommended to replace the battery annually.
- Locate the battery compartment on the back or side of the controller.
- Open the compartment and remove the old AAA battery.
- Insert a new AAA battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the battery compartment.
Note: The controller requires AC power for valve operation. The battery only preserves settings.
General Care:
- Keep the controller clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
- Ensure the controller is not exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures, as it is designed for indoor use.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Display is blank | No AC power; faulty transformer; dead backup battery. | Check power outlet and transformer connection. Replace AAA battery. |
| Stations not watering | Controller in "System Off" position; rain sensor active; wiring issue; faulty valve. | Turn dial to "RUN". Check rain sensor bypass switch. Inspect wiring. Test valve manually. |
| Watering at wrong times | Incorrect start times or water days programmed. | Review and adjust "Start Times" and "Water Days" settings for each program. |
| One station not watering | Faulty solenoid; broken wire to station; incorrect run time. | Check wiring for that specific station. Test solenoid. Verify run time for the station. |
Specifications
- Model: XC601i-e
- Stations: 6
- Programs: 3 independent programs (A, B, C)
- Start Times: Up to 4 per program
- Power Input: 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz (via external transformer)
- Power Output: 24 VAC, 1.0 A
- Battery: 1 x AAA (for time and program backup)
- Dimensions (approx.): 25.5 x 18.5 x 8 cm (Package dimensions, actual unit may vary slightly)
- Weight (approx.): 3 kg (Package weight, actual unit may vary slightly)
- Indoor Use Only





