Rain Bird SST900IN 9-Zone Indoor Sprinkler System Controller User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Rain Bird SST900IN is a 9-zone indoor sprinkler/irrigation system timer/controller designed for residential use. It features intuitive zone-by-zone programming, allowing for customized watering schedules tailored to specific areas of your yard. This model replaces the SST900I and includes enhanced features for efficient water management.

Figure 1: Rain Bird SST900IN 9-Zone Indoor Sprinkler System Controller.

Included Components:

• Rain Bird SST900IN Timer/Controller
• CR2032 lithium ion backup battery
• Transformer power plug with 6' cord
• Installation Guide (this manual)

2. Setup and Installation

The SST900IN controller is designed for indoor installation within a garage, home, or waterproof shed. Installation typically requires only a screwdriver.

Installation Steps:

1. Record Old Settings: Before disconnecting an old timer, note down all existing settings including start times, run times, and watering days for each zone. This information will be used for programming the new SST900IN controller.
2. Disconnect Power: Unplug the power supply to the old timer.
3. Label Wires: Label each sprinkler wire with a small piece of tape corresponding to its zone number.
4. Disconnect Wires: Carefully disconnect all sprinkler wires from the old timer.
5. Remove Old Timer: Remove the mounting screws and take the old timer off the wall.
6. Mount New Timer: Hang the new SST900IN controller in its place and secure it using the provided mounting screws.
7. Connect Wires: With the wire cover removed, connect each labeled sprinkler wire to the corresponding numbered zone terminal on the new controller. Connect the common wire to the common terminal.
8. Connect Power: Attach the power transformer to the controller and plug it into a nearby 120 VAC outlet.

Figure 2: Wiring connections for the Rain Bird SST900IN controller.

Initial Test:

To ensure the timer is connected properly, activate each zone using the 'Water All Zones Now' or 'Water 1 Zone Now' feature. Observe that each zone's sprinklers operate as expected.

3. Operating Instructions

The SST900IN controller allows for simple, zone-by-zone programming to customize your watering schedule.

Figure 3: Close-up view of the SST900IN display and control panel.

Setting Current Time and Date:

1. Turn the dial to the SET TIME position. Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to adjust the current time.
2. Turn the dial to the SET DATE position. Use the LEFT UP/DOWN arrows to set the year, and the RIGHT UP/DOWN arrows to set the month and day.

Scheduling Watering:

Program each zone individually for precise control.

1. Turn the dial to select the desired zone (e.g., Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.).
2. Use the LEFT UP/DOWN arrows to set the start time for watering.
3. Use the RIGHT UP/DOWN arrows to set the run time (watering duration) in minutes.
4. Select watering days:
   • Press the white RUN DAYS buttons (Sun, Mon, Tue, etc.) to select specific days of the week.
   • Alternatively, press the EVEN/ODD DAYS button to water on even or odd-numbered days of the month.
   • For a cyclic watering schedule, press the CYCLIC WATERING button. Use the LEFT UP/DOWN arrows to select the number of days between watering cycles, and the RIGHT UP/DOWN arrows to adjust the date when the first watering session will start.
5. To enable multiple start times per day (up to four), press the 1st TIME, 2nd TIME, 3rd TIME, or 4th TIME buttons and set the start time and run time for each. The timer automatically orders times from early to later.
6. Repeat these steps for all remaining zones.

Seasonal Adjust:

Adjust watering times for all zones simultaneously to account for seasonal weather variations (e.g., hotter/drier or cooler/rainier periods).

1. Turn the dial to SEASONAL ADJUST.
2. Use the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the watering time percentage for all zones (from -90% to +100%).
3. To return to normal watering times, change the percentage back to 0%.

Rain Delay:

Temporarily suspend watering for a set period.

1. Turn the dial to RAIN DELAY.
2. Use the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to set the delay time for up to 72 hours. Watering will automatically resume once the delay ends.

Manual Operation:

Manually start watering for all zones or a single zone.

1. Turn the dial to AUTO RUN.
2. To water all zones: Press the green 'WATER ALL ZONES NOW' button. The display will show the current watering zone and remaining time.
3. To water one zone: Turn the dial to select the desired zone. Press the green 'WATER 1 ZONE NOW' button. The display will show the current watering zone and remaining time. The default run time is 10 minutes, which can be adjusted using the UP/DOWN arrow buttons.
4. To stop manual watering, turn the dial to OFF. Remember to return the dial to AUTO RUN to resume regular programmed watering.

4. Maintenance

The SST900IN controller is designed for durability and minimal maintenance.

• Sealed Case: The sealed case protects internal components from moisture, insects, and grime.
• Surge Protection: Built-in surge protection guards against damage from lightning strikes or power surges.
• Memory Backup: All timer settings are stored indefinitely in memory, eliminating the need to re-program in case of a power outage. A CR2032 lithium ion backup battery is included for this purpose.

5. Troubleshooting

The controller features automatic troubleshooting capabilities.

• Valve/Wiring Short Detection: If a short is detected in a valve or its wiring, the timer will suspend watering to the affected zone and display a warning message with the corresponding valve number. Inspect the wiring and valve for any issues.

6. Specifications

• Brand: Rain Bird
• Model: SST900IN
• Zones: 9-Zone/Station
• Installation: Indoor
• Material: Plastic
• Color: Gray/Green
• Item Weight: 3.74 ounces
• Display Type: LCD or LED
• Operating Temperature: 10 Degrees Celsius (50°F)
• Electrical Input: 120 VAC / 0.17 AMP / 60Hz
• Electrical Output: 25.5 VAC / 0.65 AMP / 60Hz
• Compatibility: Most 24 VAC irrigation valves, master valve or pump start relay, rain sensor.
• Certifications: UL, cUL certified
• UPC: 077985004668

Figure 4: Approximate dimensions of the Rain Bird SST900IN controller.

7. Warranty and Support

This product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details and claims, please refer to the warranty information provided with your purchase or contact Rain Bird customer support.

Rain Bird is committed to 'The Intelligent Use of Water™', providing high-quality irrigation products and support.