Galcon / DIG 8006 AC-6 Six-Station Indoor Irrigation Controller User Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Galcon/DIG 8006 AC-6 is a residential indoor irrigation controller designed for efficient management of your watering system. This controller is capable of operating up to six irrigation control valves, in addition to a master valve or pump start relay.

It features a large, easy-to-program LCD screen and four intuitive buttons for comprehensive programming. The 8006 AC-6 offers flexible scheduling options, allowing independent programming for each valve and the ability to operate two valves simultaneously. Programming can be set based on specific days of the week (Daily/Weekly) or in cyclical patterns. Irrigation durations can range from as short as 1 minute to as long as 12 hours.

The controller includes a sensor input for connecting rain sensors or soil moisture sensors, enabling water conservation by preventing irrigation in areas already wet. This sensor input can be assigned to individual valves, providing precise control. Additional features include monthly water budgeting (10% - 190% adjustment), a rain delay function of up to 30 days with auto-restart, and automatic short circuit detection that isolates faulty valves while continuing irrigation for others.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Galcon/DIG 8006 AC-6 controller with its protective cover open, revealing the LCD display, programming buttons, and valve indicators. The cover also displays icons for various functions like Irrigation Cycle, Low Battery, Percentage Setting, and Master Valve.

2. Safety Information

• This controller is designed for indoor use only. Do not install outdoors or in areas exposed to direct water spray.
• Ensure the power supply is disconnected before performing any wiring or maintenance.
• All electrical connections should be made by a qualified individual and comply with local electrical codes.
• Do not attempt to open or repair the controller yourself. Refer to qualified service personnel.
• Keep out of reach of children.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• Galcon/DIG 8006 AC-6 Irrigation Controller Unit
• Power Adapter (if external) or Power Cord (if internal)
• Mounting Hardware (screws, anchors)
• User Manual (this document)

4. Installation and Setup

4.1 Mounting the Controller

Choose a suitable indoor location, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Ensure there is adequate space for wiring and access to the display.

1. Mark the desired mounting points on the wall using the controller as a template.
2. Drill pilot holes at the marked locations.
3. Insert wall anchors (if necessary) into the drilled holes.
4. Secure the controller to the wall using the provided screws.

4.2 Wiring the Valves

The 8006 AC-6 supports up to six irrigation valves and one master valve/pump start relay. Ensure all wiring is done with the power disconnected.

• Connect one wire from each irrigation valve to its corresponding terminal (1-6) on the controller.
• Connect one wire from the master valve/pump start relay to the "MV" (Master Valve) terminal.
• Connect the common wire from all valves to the "C" (Common) terminal on the controller.

4.3 Connecting a Sensor (Optional)

The controller features a sensor input for rain or soil moisture sensors. It requires a normally open (NO) rain sensor.

• Connect the two wires from your normally open rain sensor to the dedicated sensor terminals on the controller.
• Refer to your sensor's manual for specific wiring instructions.
• The sensor input can be assigned to individual valves during programming to prevent irrigation in specific areas.

4.4 Power Connection

Once all wiring is complete, connect the controller to a standard 120V AC power outlet.

• Plug the power adapter into the controller's power input jack.
• Plug the power adapter into a grounded electrical outlet.
• The LCD screen should illuminate, indicating power is supplied.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Understanding the Display and Buttons

The LCD screen provides all necessary programming information. The four buttons below the screen are used for navigation and data entry.

• LCD Display: Shows current time, day, program status, valve indicators (1-6), and programming parameters.
• Buttons:
  • Next Step (Leftmost button with square arrow): Moves to the next programming step or option.
  • Minus (-) Button: Decreases a value or moves backward through options.
  • Plus (+) Button: Increases a value or moves forward through options.
  • Changing Mode (Rightmost button with right arrow): Switches between different programming modes (e.g., setting time, programming valves).

5.2 Initial Setup: Setting Current Time and Day

1. Press the Changing Mode button until the time setting appears on the LCD.
2. Use the Plus (+) and Minus (-) buttons to adjust the hour.
3. Press Next Step to move to minutes, then adjust with Plus (+) and Minus (-).
4. Press Next Step to move to the day of the week, then adjust with Plus (+) and Minus (-) until the current day is selected.
5. Press Changing Mode to exit time/day setting.

5.3 Programming Irrigation Valves

The controller allows independent programming for each of the six valves.

5.3.1 Selecting a Valve

Press the Changing Mode button until the valve programming screen appears, typically indicated by a flashing valve number (1-6). Use the Next Step button to cycle through valves 1-6 and the Master Valve (MV).

5.3.2 Setting Irrigation Duration

1. With the desired valve selected, press Next Step to highlight the duration setting.
2. Use Plus (+) and Minus (-) to set the watering duration from 1 minute to 12 hours.

5.3.3 Setting Start Times (Daily/Weekly Programming)

Up to 4 start times can be set per valve when using daily/weekly programming.

1. After setting duration, press Next Step to move to the first start time.
2. Adjust the hour and minutes using Plus (+) and Minus (-).
3. Press Next Step to move to the next start time, or to the day selection if no more start times are needed.

5.3.4 Selecting Watering Days (Daily/Weekly Programming)

1. After setting start times, press Next Step to enter day selection mode.
2. The days of the week (M Tu W Th F Sa Su) will be displayed. Use Plus (+) or Minus (-) to toggle irrigation ON/OFF for each day.
3. Press Next Step to confirm and move to the next valve or exit programming.

5.3.5 Cyclic Programming

Cyclic programming allows irrigation every X days (e.g., every 3 days). The cycle can be as short as every day or as long as every 30 days.

1. While in valve programming mode, cycle through the day selection options until "Cyclic" or a similar indicator appears.
2. Use Plus (+) and Minus (-) to set the number of days in the cycle (e.g., "3" for every 3 days).
3. Set the start time for the cycle.

5.4 Sensor Input Configuration

The sensor input can be configured to affect specific valves.

1. Navigate to the sensor configuration menu (refer to the controller's display for specific icons or text).
2. For each valve (1-6), you can enable or disable the sensor's effect. This allows you to prevent irrigation in areas exposed to rain (e.g., lawn) while allowing it in protected areas (e.g., covered patio).

5.5 Monthly Water Budgeting

Adjust the overall irrigation duration for all active programs from 10% to 190% to account for seasonal changes without reprogramming individual valves.

1. Access the Water Budgeting menu (look for a percentage icon on the display).
2. Use Plus (+) and Minus (-) to set the desired percentage. 100% is the programmed duration.

5.6 Rain Delay

Temporarily suspend irrigation for a set period, up to 30 days.

1. Navigate to the Rain Delay function (often indicated by a rain cloud icon).
2. Use Plus (+) and Minus (-) to set the number of days for the delay.
3. The controller will automatically resume the programmed schedule after the delay period.

5.7 Manual Operation

The controller supports semi-automatic and manual modes for individual valves or all valves simultaneously.

• Manual Valve Operation: Navigate to the manual mode. Select the desired valve (1-6 or MV) and set a manual run time. The valve will operate for the set duration.
• Manual All Valves: In manual mode, select the option to run all valves sequentially. Each valve will run for its programmed duration.
• To stop manual operation, press the appropriate button (often the "Changing Mode" or "Next Step" button, or a dedicated "OFF" option).

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning

Wipe the controller's exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure no moisture enters the unit.

6.2 Battery Replacement (if applicable)

While the 8006 AC-6 is an AC-powered controller, some models may include a small backup battery (e.g., 9V or coin cell) to retain programming during power outages. If your unit has a battery compartment, replace the battery annually or when a "Low Battery" indicator appears on the display.

1. Disconnect power to the controller.
2. Locate the battery compartment (usually on the back or side).
3. Remove the old battery and insert a new one, observing polarity.
4. Close the compartment and reconnect power.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

• Model: Galcon/DIG 8006 AC-6
• Stations: 6 (plus Master Valve/Pump Start)
• Power Input: 120V AC
• Display Type: LCD
• Programming Options: Daily/Weekly, Cyclic
• Start Times: Up to 4 per valve (Daily/Weekly)
• Irrigation Duration: 1 minute to 12 hours
• Cyclic Interval: Every day to every 30 days
• Sensor Input: Yes (for Normally Open sensors like rain or soil moisture)
• Water Budgeting: 10% - 190% adjustment
• Rain Delay: Up to 30 days
• Fault Detection: Automatic short circuit detection
• Operating Temperature: 68 Degrees Fahrenheit
• UPC: 077985211233
• Manufacturer: Galcon

9. Warranty Information

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Galcon website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

10. Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the Galcon/DIG 8006 AC-6 controller that are not covered in this manual, please contact Galcon or DIG customer support.

• Online Resources: Visit the official Galcon or DIG Corporation website for FAQs, updated manuals, and support contact information. A user review mentioned digcorp.com for technical details and full manual.
• Customer Service: Refer to the contact details provided on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website.