1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, programming, and operation of your johgee HCT-379 4-Output Digital Irrigation Computer. This device is designed to automate watering for various applications, including gardens, lawns, and greenhouses, offering flexible and independent control over four separate watering zones.
Image: The johgee HCT-379 irrigation computer highlighting its key features.
2. Safety Information
- Ensure the device is installed securely to prevent accidental detachment.
- Do not submerge the device in water. While it is IPX5 waterproof, prolonged submersion can cause damage.
- Use only 1.5V AA alkaline batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries or different battery types.
- Keep the device out of reach of children and pets to prevent unintended operation.
- Disconnect the device from the faucet and store it indoors during freezing temperatures to prevent damage.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- johgee HCT-379 4-Output Digital Irrigation Computer
- User Manual
- Standard faucet connector (typically 3/4 inch)
- Additional adapters/seals (if included)
4. Product Overview
The johgee HCT-379 features a large LCD display and intuitive controls for easy programming. It includes four independently controlled outlets for versatile watering.
Image: Front view of the irrigation computer with display labels.
Key Components:
- LCD Display: Shows current time, program settings, and status.
- Control Buttons: For navigation, setting values, and mode selection (NOW, ABCD, ESC/OFF, OK, +, -, DELAY).
- Faucet Connector: Top inlet for connecting to a standard outdoor faucet.
- Four Independent Outlets (A, B, C, D): Bottom outlets for connecting hoses to different watering zones.
- Battery Compartment: Located at the back, secured with a sealed cover.
5. Setup
5.1. Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the device.
- Open the sealed battery cover.
- Insert two (2) new 1.5V AA alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Securely close the battery cover to maintain the IPX5 waterproof rating.
Image: Steps for battery insertion and device installation.
5.2. Connecting to the Faucet
- Ensure your outdoor faucet is turned off.
- Thread the top connector of the irrigation computer onto your faucet. Hand-tighten until secure. Do not overtighten.
- Turn on your faucet fully to ensure adequate water pressure to the timer.
5.3. Connecting Hoses to Outlets
- Attach your garden hoses or irrigation lines to the four independent outlets (A, B, C, D) at the bottom of the device.
- Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Understanding the Display
The LCD display provides all necessary information for programming and monitoring. Familiarize yourself with the indicators:
- NOW: Current time.
- ABCD: Indicates which output zone(s) are currently selected or being programmed.
- START TIME: The programmed time for watering to begin.
- HOW LONG: The duration of watering for a selected zone (1 second to 360 minutes).
- HOW OFTEN: The frequency of watering (1 hour to 23 hours, or 1 day to 15 days).
- NEXT START: Time remaining until the next scheduled watering cycle.
- Battery Indicator: Shows remaining battery life.
- Child Lock Icon: Indicates if the child lock is active.
- Rain Delay Icon: Indicates if rain delay is active.
6.2. Setting Current Time
- Press the NOW button. The current time will flash.
- Use the + and - buttons to adjust the hour.
- Press OK to confirm the hour and move to minutes.
- Use the + and - buttons to adjust the minutes.
- Press OK to save the current time.
6.3. Programming Watering Schedules (Zones A, B, C, D)
Each of the four outlets can be programmed independently.
- Press the ABCD button to select the zone you wish to program (A, B, C, or D). The selected zone will flash.
- Press OK to enter programming mode for that zone.
- Set Start Time: The 'START TIME' will flash. Use + and - to adjust the hour, then OK to confirm and move to minutes. Adjust minutes and press OK.
- Set Watering Duration ('HOW LONG'): The 'HOW LONG' value will flash. Use + and - to set the watering duration from 1 second to 360 minutes. Press OK.
- Set Watering Frequency ('HOW OFTEN'): The 'HOW OFTEN' value will flash. Use + and - to set the frequency from 1 hour to 23 hours, or 1 day to 15 days. Press OK to save the program for the selected zone.
- Repeat steps 1-5 for each zone (A, B, C, D) you wish to program.
Image: Programming options for watering duration and frequency across multiple zones.
6.4. Manual Watering Mode
This mode allows immediate watering without affecting your programmed schedules.
- Press the water faucet icon button (usually labeled with a faucet symbol).
- Use the ABCD button to select the desired output zone(s) for manual watering.
- Use the + and - buttons to set the manual watering duration.
- Press OK to start manual watering. The selected zone(s) will begin watering for the set duration.
- To stop manual watering prematurely, press the water faucet icon button again or ESC/OFF.
Image: Activating manual watering mode.
6.5. Rain Delay Mode
The device does not have an automatic rain sensor. Rain delay must be activated manually to pause scheduled watering during rainfall.
- Press and hold the DELAY button for 3 seconds.
- Use the + and - buttons to select the desired delay duration (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours).
- Press OK to confirm. The rain delay icon will appear on the display, and all programmed watering cycles will be paused for the selected duration.
- To cancel rain delay, press and hold the DELAY button again for 3 seconds, then set the delay to '0' or press ESC/OFF.
Image: Rain delay mode activated on the irrigation computer.
6.6. Child Lock Function
To prevent accidental changes to your settings, activate the child lock.
- Press and hold the lock icon button for 3 seconds. The lock icon will appear on the display.
- To unlock, press and hold the lock icon button again for 3 seconds. The lock icon will disappear.
6.7. Manual Valve Operation (Video Demonstration)
This video demonstrates how to manually open and close the valves on the irrigation computer.
Video: Demonstration of manually opening and closing the valves on the johgee HCT-379 irrigation computer. This shows how to test water flow through each output.
7. Maintenance
7.1. Cleaning
- Wipe the exterior of the device with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Periodically check the filter screen in the faucet connector for debris and clean if necessary to maintain optimal water flow.
7.2. Winter Storage
- Before the first frost, disconnect the irrigation computer from the faucet and hoses.
- Remove the batteries to prevent corrosion.
- Store the device in a dry, frost-free location indoors.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No water flow | Faucet is off; low water pressure; clogged filter; dead batteries. | Ensure faucet is fully open; check water supply; clean filter; replace batteries. |
| Device not turning on | Dead or incorrectly installed batteries. | Replace batteries, ensuring correct polarity. |
| Leaks from connections | Loose connections; worn out washers/seals. | Tighten all connections; replace rubber washers if damaged. |
| Programs not running | Incorrect programming; rain delay active; child lock active. | Review programming steps; deactivate rain delay; deactivate child lock. |
| Display is dim or blank | Low battery power. | Replace batteries. |
9. Specifications
- Model: HCT-379
- Brand: johgee
- Number of Outputs: 4 (independently controlled)
- Watering Duration: 1 second to 360 minutes
- Watering Frequency: 1 hour to 15 days
- Power Source: 2 x 1.5V AA Alkaline Batteries (not included)
- Waterproof Rating: IPX5
- Material: Reinforced Nylon Fiber
- Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 16.4 x 7.4 cm
- Weight: 890 grams
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the contact details provided with your purchase or visit the official johgee website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.