ELAN Integration Note: Hunter Irrigation Systems
Manufacturer: Hunter Industries
Model Number(s): SRC, SRC Plus, Pro-C, ICC, X-CORE, I-CORE
Minimum Core Module Version: Not specified
Document Revision Date: 2/17/2017
Overview and Supported Features
Integrating a Hunter irrigation controller with the ELAN system involves several steps:
- Collaborate with the client and irrigation contractor to select the appropriate Hunter controller and organize Zone Groups. Refer to the Suggested Design Procedure.
- Install and connect the SerialBrick – Irrigation electrically to the Hunter controller. See the Installation Overview for detailed steps.
- Integrate the irrigation system into the ELAN system and test its operation. Details are provided in the ELAN Configuration Details section.
Hunter Irrigation Systems Support:
- Familiar Product: Hunter controllers are widely recognized and understood within the irrigation industry.
- Manual Control: Controllers can be operated manually at the unit for testing and maintenance without needing ELAN system access.
- Rain Sensor: Supported controllers can connect to a rain sensor, which ELAN system detects and displays (version 4 and later).
- Devices Supported: X-CORE, I-CORE, SRC, Pro-C, and ICC lines support various residential and light commercial installations, from 3 to 48 zones. For more details, refer to the table in the Suggested Design Procedure and the Hunter website (www.hunterindustries.com).
Features not explicitly noted as supported are not supported.
Important Notes When Working with the Hunter Controller:
- The I-CORE Irrigation System requires REV C of the Serial Brick for Irrigation.
- The SerialBrick-Irrigation must be installed near the irrigation controller.
- The ELAN system uses a one-way communication link via the Hunter SmartPort®. Schedule information on the controller cannot be read by the ELAN system.
Suggested Design Procedure
Step 1: Determine an Appropriate Panel
The irrigation contractor typically works with the client to determine the number and placement of zones. During this process, assist in selecting a controller that meets requirements and integrates with the ELAN system. Refer to the table below and the Hunter website for details.
Model | Stations (Zones) | Comments |
---|---|---|
X-CORE | 2, 4, 6, or 8 | Plastic Indoor or Outdoor |
I-CORE | 6 to 42 | Plastic or Metal, Indoor or Outdoor |
SRC Plus | 6 or 9 | Plastic, Indoor, Wall Mount |
Pro-C | 3, 6, 9, 12 or 15 | Plastic, Indoor or Outdoor, Wall Mount |
ICC (Plastic) | 8 to 32 | Plastic, Indoor or Outdoor, Wall Mount |
ICC (Plastic Pedestal, or Metal) | 8 to 48 | Plastic (Pedestal) or Metal (Wall Mount or Pedestal), Indoor or Outdoor |
Step 2: Organize the Zones into Groups
Before configuring the ELAN system, organize zones into groups based on primary plant type or area, with client and contractor input. Typical Zone Groups include:
- Lawn: Zones for grass areas, typically watered every few days for deep root growth.
- Flower Beds: Zones in gardens watered daily for shorter periods.
Organizing zones into groups is crucial as the ELAN Viewer manages irrigation scheduling by Zone Groups, not individual zones.
Installation Overview
The following steps are required for installation. Refer to the wiring diagrams for specific scenarios.
- During the rough-in phase, run a Cat5 cable from the irrigation controller location to the ELAN system.
- Install the irrigation controller and verify normal operation of all zones in manual mode using the Hunter panel control.
- Note: The I-CORE Irrigation System requires REV C of the Serial Brick for Irrigation.
- Install the SerialBrick – Irrigation adjacent to the irrigation controller in a weather-proof environment. A single-gang outlet can be used to terminate the Cat5 to an RJ45 Female connector.
- Electrically connect the SerialBrick – Irrigation to the Hunter SmartPort® and the Ethernet network. Refer to the wiring diagrams.
Connection Diagram
The diagram below illustrates a typical system. Refer to the Bill of Materials for part numbers.
Diagram Description: A schematic shows the connection between a SerialBrick - Irrigation, an Irrigation Controller (represented generically), a Rain Sensor, Valves, and the Ethernet network. The SerialBrick connects to the controller via an 18AWG control wire and a SmartPort connection. The controller connects to valves via 18AWG control wires and to a rain sensor. An Ethernet cable connects the SerialBrick to an Ethernet LAN Port.
Bill Of Materials
# | Device | Manufacturer | Part Number | Protocol | Connector Type | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sprinkler | Various | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
2 | Valve | Various | N/A | 24VAC | N/A | N/A |
3 | 18AWG Control Wire | Various | N/A | 24VAC | Pigtail | N/A |
4 | Rain Sensor | Hunter | Mini-Clik | Various | Pigtail | N/A |
5 | Irrigation Controller | Hunter | SRC, SRC Plus, Pro-C, ICC, XCORE | 24VAC X SmartPort | Terminal Strip | N/A |
6 | 18AWG Control Wire | Installer | N/A | SmartPort | Pigtail | N/A |
7 | Serial Brick - Irrigation | ELAN | HWEB101 | SmartPort X IP | Terminal Strip X RJ-45 Female | REV C Required for iCore |
8 | Cat5 Cable Assy. | Installer | N/A | IP | RJ-45 Male X RJ-45 Male | N/A |
9 | Network Switch | Various | N/A | IP | RJ-45 Female X RJ-45 Female | Use any available LAN port |
10 | ELAN System Controller | ELAN | Various | IP | RJ-45 Female | N/A |
Note: The EdgeBrick must be placed in close proximity to the Hunter panel (within 10 feet), and the length of the run placed on the Ethernet side of the EdgeBrick.
Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Diagram 1: Hunter SRC, SRC Plus
Diagram Description: A wiring diagram shows the SerialBrick - Irrigation connected to a Hunter SRC/SRC Plus controller. Connections include power supply, rain sensor, and to valves. Notes indicate how to handle the rain sensor connection for ELAN control.
Note: If no rain sensor is used, short the rain sensor pins to simulate a “no rain” state. Failing to attach a rain sensor or short the pins will prevent ELAN from controlling the Hunter panel.
Important Note for Rain Sensor: Hunter documentation suggests connecting the common from the valves to the RS terminal. For manual control from the ELAN Viewer when the rain sensor is open, connect the common to the C terminal as shown.
Wiring Diagram 2: Hunter Pro-C
Diagram Description: A wiring diagram illustrates the SerialBrick - Irrigation connected to a Hunter Pro-C controller. It shows connections for power supply, rain sensor, and valves. A note clarifies the rain sensor terminal connection for ELAN compatibility.
Note: The TOP rain sensor terminal of the Pro-C goes to the RS terminal on the SerialBrick - Irrigation.
Important Note: If no rain sensor is used, short the rain sensor pins to simulate a “no rain” state. Failing to either attach a rain sensor or short the pins will prevent ELAN from controlling the Hunter panel.
Wiring Diagram 3: Hunter ICC
Diagram Description: This diagram depicts the SerialBrick - Irrigation wired to a Hunter ICC controller, including connections for power supply, rain sensor, and valves. A note specifies the rain sensor terminal connection for ELAN functionality.
Note: The TOP rain sensor terminal of the ICC goes to the RS terminal on the SerialBrick - Irrigation.
Important Note: If no rain sensor is used, short the rain sensor pins to simulate a “no rain” state. Failing to either attach a rain sensor or short the pins will prevent ELAN from controlling the Hunter panel.
Wiring Diagram 4: Hunter X-CORE
Important Notes: The X-CORE may support advanced sensors like solar sensors, but these are not evaluated with ELAN and are not expected to function.
Diagram Description: A wiring diagram shows the SerialBrick - Irrigation connected to a Hunter X-CORE controller, detailing connections for power supply, rain sensor, and valves. It includes a note about using the LEFT SEN terminal for the RS connection.
Note: The LEFT SEN terminal of the X-CORE goes to the RS terminal on the SerialBrick - Irrigation.
Important Note: If no rain sensor is used, short the rain sensor pins instead to simulate a “no rain” state. Failing to either attach a rain sensor or short the pins will prevent ELAN from controlling the Hunter panel.
Wiring Diagram 5: Hunter I-CORE
Important Notes:
- The I-CORE panel requires a REV C SerialBrick Irrigation.
- The I-CORE panel supports up to 3 weather sensors; ELAN tracks only Sensor 1.
- Advanced sensors (e.g., solar) may be supported by I-CORE but are not evaluated with ELAN.
- ELAN does not support custom rain sensor settings for specific zones; it blocks all watering when the sensor is active.
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the wiring for the Hunter I-CORE controller, connecting the SerialBrick - Irrigation, AC Transformer, rain sensor, and valves. It specifies the LEFT S1 terminal connection to the RS terminal.
Note: The LEFT S1 terminal of the I-CORE goes to the RS terminal on the SerialBrick - Irrigation.
Important Note: If no rain sensor is used, short the rain sensor pins to simulate a “no rain” state. Failing to either attach a rain sensor or short the pins will prevent ELAN from controlling the Hunter panel.
ELAN Configuration Details
The following table outlines settings used in the ELAN Configurator for connecting Hunter irrigation controllers. Refer to the Configurator Reference Guide for more details.
Key:
<Select>
: Choose from a list in the Configurator.<User Defined>
, etc.: Type the desired name.<Auto Detect>
, etc.: The system will auto-detect the variable.
Devices | Variable Name | Setting | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Communication Devices | Name | <Auto Detect> (Default: Hunter 00-00-00) 1 |
|
Type | (IP to Serial) SerialBrick | ||
Communication Type | Standard Connection | ||
Location | <User Defined> (Not Required) |
||
Irrigation Controller | Name | <User Defined> |
|
Device Type | Hunter SRC, Pro-C, ICC | ||
Location | <User Defined> (Not Required) |
||
COM Device | <Auto Detect> (Default: Hunter 00-00-00) 1 |
||
Irrigation Zone Groups | Name | <User Defined> |
You must add at least one zone group. |
Controller | <Auto Detect> |
||
Irrigation Zones | Zone Number | <User Defined> (Default: 1) |
This is the Hunter station number or terminal number. |
Group | <Select> |
||
Zone Name | <User Defined> (Default: New Zone) |
||
Irrigation Periods | Period Name | <User Defined> (Default: New Period) 2 |
Add one period for each desired start time. |
Notes:
- The g! system reads the name from the SerialBrick. The default name is Hunter: 00-00-00, where the 00-00-00 shows the actual serial number.
- There is one period (Morning) by default. Add one period for each additional start time desired, such as Noon, and Evening.
Common Mistakes
- Wiring the AC1 and AC2 terminals on the SerialBrick – Irrigation backwards. Check the wiring diagram for your specific controller model.
- On the SRC or SRC Plus, incorrectly wiring the rain sensor. Following Hunter documentation instead of this note may prevent manual zone activation via the ELAN system when the rain sensor is open.
- On the Pro-C and ICC, wiring the rain sensor to the wrong SEN terminal. Consult the wiring diagram for your controller model.
- If the Hunter panel displays an "Err", the wiring length between the SerialBrick and the Hunter panel might be too long. Relocate the SerialBrick closer to the Hunter panel.
- Using a non-REV C irrigation brick with the I-CORE Panel.