RAINPOINT Irrigation Computer User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the RAINPOINT Irrigation Computer. This device is designed to simplify your garden watering tasks with its advanced features and user-friendly interface. It allows for precise control over watering schedules across multiple zones, ensuring optimal hydration for your plants while conserving water.

Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the device to ensure proper installation, programming, and maintenance. Keep this manual for future reference.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Components

The RAINPOINT Irrigation Computer features a robust design with a large LCD display and intuitive controls. Key components include:

• Main Unit: Houses the control panel, LCD display, and battery compartment.
• Brass Inlet: Durable connection point for your water source, compatible with 3/4 and 1-inch hoses/taps.
• Three Independent Outlets: Allows for connection of up to three separate watering zones.
• Control Dial: Used for navigating through settings and modes.
• Buttons: OK/Manual, Delay/+, Zone/-, used for specific functions and adjustments.

Figure 2.1: Front view of the RAINPOINT Irrigation Computer, showing the large LCD display, control dial, and three outlets at the bottom.

Figure 2.2: Detailed view of the enhanced water inlet, featuring a reinforced brass connection and an integrated metal filter for durability and clean water flow.

2.2 Key Features

• 3 Independent Zones: Program distinct watering schedules for up to three different areas.
• Enhanced Timer Performance: Durable brass inlet and reinforced solenoid valve for stable water flow.
• Rain Delay Function: Pause watering for 24, 48, or 72 hours to prevent overwatering during rainfall.
• Manual Watering Mode: Initiate immediate watering without affecting programmed schedules.
• Large LCD Display: Clear and easy-to-read screen for programming and monitoring.
• Low Battery Protection: Alerts for low battery and automatically shuts off the valve to prevent water waste.

3. Setup

3.1 Battery Installation

The irrigation computer requires 4 AA 1.5V batteries (not included). To install:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the unit.
2. Gently pull up the two tabs on the back cover to open the compartment.
3. Insert 4 AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Close the battery compartment securely, pressing down until the tabs click into place.

Note: The LCD screen will activate upon successful battery installation.

3.2 Installation to Faucet

Before connecting, ensure your faucet is clean and free of debris.

1. Attach the brass inlet of the irrigation computer to your outdoor faucet. Ensure the included sealing washer is properly seated to prevent leaks.
2. Tighten the connection by hand until secure. Do not overtighten.
3. Connect your garden hoses to the three independent outlets at the bottom of the unit. Ensure each hose is securely fastened.

Figure 3.1: Installation of the irrigation computer to a standard outdoor faucet, highlighting the ergonomic design for easy handling.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Setting the Clock

1. Turn the control dial to SET CLOCK.
2. Use the +/- buttons to adjust the current hour. Press OK/MANUAL to confirm.
3. Use the +/- buttons to adjust the current minute. Press OK/MANUAL to confirm.
4. The clock is now set.

4.2 Programming Watering Schedules (Automatic Mode)

Each of the three zones can be programmed independently. The device will execute plans for one zone at a time to maintain water pressure.

Figure 4.1: The LCD display illustrating the customizable settings for watering schedules, including start time, duration, and frequency.

1. Turn the control dial to START TIME.
2. Press the ZONE +/- button to select the zone you wish to program (ZONE 1, 2, or 3).
3. Use the +/- buttons to set the desired start time for the selected zone. Press OK/MANUAL to confirm.
4. Turn the control dial to HOW LONG.
5. Ensure the correct zone is selected using ZONE +/-. Use the +/- buttons to set the watering duration (from 1 minute to 4 hours). Press OK/MANUAL to confirm.
6. Turn the control dial to HOW OFTEN.
7. Ensure the correct zone is selected using ZONE +/-. Use the +/- buttons to set the watering frequency (from 1-12 hours or 1-7 days). Press OK/MANUAL to confirm.
8. Repeat steps for other zones as needed.
9. Turn the control dial to ON to activate the programmed schedules.

Important Note: The device can only execute the plan for one zone at a time. If there is a conflict in activation plans for multiple zones, only one zone will operate, and the others will wait for the previous zone's execution to complete before starting. This ensures optimal water pressure for each zone.

4.3 Manual Watering

To initiate immediate watering without affecting your programmed schedules:

Figure 4.2: A user demonstrating manual watering, with the display showing options to select and activate specific zones for immediate watering.

1. Turn the control dial to ON.
2. Press the OK/MANUAL button. The display will show "MANUAL".
3. Use the ZONE +/- button to select the zone you wish to water manually.
4. Use the +/- buttons to set the desired manual watering duration (from 1 minute to 8 hours).
5. Press OK/MANUAL to start manual watering.
6. To stop manual watering, press OK/MANUAL again or turn the dial to OFF.

4.4 Rain Delay Function

The rain delay function allows you to temporarily suspend your watering schedule for a set period, preventing overwatering during rainy conditions.

Figure 4.3: The irrigation computer displaying the rain delay options, allowing users to pause watering for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

1. Turn the control dial to ON.
2. Press the DELAY/+ button. The display will show "DELAY".
3. Use the +/- buttons to select the desired delay duration (24H, 48H, or 72H).
4. Press OK/MANUAL to activate the rain delay. The timer will automatically resume its schedule after the selected delay period.
5. To cancel the rain delay, press DELAY/+ again and select "0H" or turn the dial to OFF and then back to ON.

4.5 Turning Off the Device

To stop all watering and programming, turn the control dial to OFF. This will suspend all active schedules until the dial is turned back to ON.

5. Maintenance

• Battery Replacement: Replace batteries when the low battery indicator appears on the LCD. The valve will automatically shut off when batteries are critically low to prevent water waste.


Figure 5.1: The display indicating a low battery reminder and the automatic shut-off feature to conserve water.

• Cleaning: Periodically clean the brass inlet filter to prevent debris from entering the unit and affecting water flow. Remove the filter, rinse it under running water, and reinsert.
• Winter Storage: During freezing temperatures, remove the irrigation computer from the faucet and store it indoors in a dry, frost-free location. Remove batteries before storage.
• Valve Maintenance: The improved coil valve design minimizes shock and ensures smoother water flow. No specific user maintenance is required for the internal valve beyond keeping the inlet filter clean.

Figure 5.2: Visual comparison highlighting the structural design improvements of the upgraded coil valve, leading to less water pressure loss compared to older valve types.

6. Troubleshooting

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

RAINPOINT offers lifetime support for this product. If you require further assistance, have questions, or encounter any issues not covered in this manual, please contact RAINPOINT customer service.

For warranty information and to register your product for a 5-year guarantee, please refer to the contact details provided with your purchase or visit the official RAINPOINT website.