Rain Bird LXME2 Controller

The Rain Bird LXME Series commercial controllers, now enhanced as the LXME2, offer advanced features for efficient irrigation management. This series provides up to 40 programs, a simplified user interface, expanded connectivity options, and the capability for a second booster pump circuit or normally closed master valve (NCMV). The LXME2 Controller is designed for flow sensing and management, with modular station capacity ranging from 12 to 48 stations. 12-station modules are available for expansion.

Applications

The LXME2 is ideal for both new installations and traditionally wired retrofit applications due to its flexible features and modular options. Available modular options include station capacity expansion, flow sensing, metal casing, pedestals, and NCC Network Control Communication Cartridges. These options can be field-installed to upgrade and enhance the LXME2 at any time.

Retrofit Applications

Previous generation LXME controllers can be upgraded with LXME2 hardware:

• Cabinet: LXME era cabinets (chassis) are compatible with LXME2 hardware.
• Faceplate: LXME faceplates can be replaced with an LXME2 faceplate (LXME2FP).
• 12 Station Modules (ESP-LXM-SM12): Existing wiring to 12-station modules is compatible.
• 4 & 8 Station Modules: Not supported; replace with ESP-LXM-SM12.
• Base Module (BM2-LXME): Compatible with LXME2.
• Flow Smart Module (FSM-LXME): Not supported; replace with PSM-LXME2.
• Flow Smart IQ Connection Module (IQ-FSCMLXME): Not supported; replace with IQ-PSCMLXM.
• 6 Pin Remotes: Not compatible with LXME2.

Controller Hardware

• Plastic, locking, UV-resistant, wall-mount case.
• Optional painted steel and stainless steel cases and pedestals are available.
• 12-station base unit expandable to 48 stations with 12-Station Modules.
• Pro Smart Module™ is factory-installed or field-upgradeable.

Controller Features

• Large backlit LCD display with an easy-to-navigate softkey user interface.
• Hot-swappable modules allow adding/removing modules without powering down the controller.
• MV1: Supports Normally Closed or Normally Open Master Valve/Pump Start Circuit.
• Includes Master Valve Delay and Inter-Station Delay.
• Available in 6 user-selectable languages.
• Non-Volatile (100-year) program memory.
• Standard 10kV surge protection.
• Front panel is removable and programmable under battery power.

Water Management Features

• FloManager™: Manages hydraulic demand, optimizing water usage to shorten total watering time.
• SimulStations™: Programmable to allow up to 5 stations to operate simultaneously.
• Water Windows by program, plus a Manual MV Water Window.
• Cycle+Soak™ by station to reduce water run-off.
• Rain Delay feature.
• 365-Day Calendar Day Off feature.
• Programmable Station Delay by program.
• Weather Sensor programmable by station to prevent or pause watering.
• Program or Global Monthly Seasonal Adjust.

PRO Models Features

PRO features are accessible by installing the LXME2 PRO Controller or by replacing the LXME2 base module with a PRO Smart Module (PSM-LXME2):

• FloWatch™: Provides protection for high and low flow conditions with user-defined reactions.
• Flow sensing capability (1 input).
• Learn Flow: Automatically learns flow rates based on real-time usage.
• Flow Usage Totalizer.
• MV2/P: Additional 2nd booster pump start circuit or normally closed master valve, programmable by station.

Diagnostic Features

• Alarm light with an external case lens.
• External alarm port (0.1A max).
• Program summary and review.
• RASTER™ station wiring test.

Operating Specifications

• Station run timing: Up to 96 hours continuous runtime.
• Seasonal Adjust: 0% to 300% (16 hours maximum station run time).
• 40 independent programs (programs can overlap).
• 10 start times per program.
• Program Day Cycles include: custom days of the week, odd, odd no 31st, even, and cyclical dates.
• Supports manual station start, manual program start, and test all stations.

Electrical Specifications

• Input: 120 VAC ±10%, 60 Hz; or 230 VAC +10% -6%, 50 Hz.
• Output: 26.5 VAC 1.9A.
• Power back-up: Lithium coin-cell battery maintains time and date; non-volatile memory maintains the schedule.
• Multi-valve capacity: Maximum five 24 VAC, 7 VA solenoid valves simultaneous operation (including master valve); maximum two solenoid valves per station module.

Certifications

• 120VAC models: UL, FCC, ISED.
• 230VAC models: CE, UKCA, ACMA RCM.

Dimensions

• Width: 14.32 in. (36.4 cm)
• Height: 12.69 in. (32.2 cm)
• Depth: 5.50 in. (14.0 cm)

Environmental

• Operating temperature range: 14°F to 149°F (-10°C to 65°C).
• Operating humidity range: 95% max at 40°F to 120°F (4°C to 49°C) in a non-condensing environment.
• Storage temperature range: -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 66°C).

LXME2 Models

• ESPLXME2 - Controller DOM 120V
• ESPLXME2P - Pro Controller DOM 120V
• IESPLXME2 - Controller International 230V
• IESPLXME2P - Pro Controller International 230V
• ILXME2AU - Controller Australia 230V
• ILXME2PAU - Pro Controller Australia 230V
• LXME2FP - Spare Panel
• PSMLXME2 - Pro Smart Module
• IQPSCMLXM - Pro Smart IQ Connection module

Specifications (Detailed)

The controller is housed in a wall-mountable, weather-resistant plastic cabinet with a key-locking door for indoor or outdoor installation. It supports programming and operation in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. The display shows programming options and instructions in the selected language without altering operational information.

The controller features a base station capacity of 12 stations, expandable via 3 slots using 12-station modules, for a total capacity of up to 48 stations. All stations can independently use or ignore the weather sensor and master valve. Station timing ranges from 0 to 96 hours, with Seasonal Adjustment allowing 0% to 300% adjustment in 1% increments for station run times. Monthly Seasonal Adjustment is also available.

The controller supports 40 independent programs, each with up to 10 start times per day, totaling 400 possible start times daily. Programs can overlap, with user-defined settings for simultaneous stations per program and controller-wide. Up to 5 valves can operate simultaneously per program and overall, including the master valve/pump start circuit. An electronic diagnostic circuit breaker detects and bypasses stations with electrical overloads or short circuits.

A 365-day calendar includes a Permanent Day Off feature, allowing specific days of the week to be excluded from watering schedules for any program day cycle (Custom, Even, Odd, Odd31, Cyclical). A Calendar Day Off feature allows up to 5 future dates (up to 365 days ahead) to be set as non-watering days. The Rain Delay feature allows the user to set the number of days the controller remains off before returning to auto mode.

Cycle+Soak™ water management software enables operation with maximum cycle times and minimum soak times to reduce run-off. FloManager™ provides real-time flow, power, and station management, optimizing station operation based on water source capacity, flow rates, and user-defined priorities. FloManager is disabled by default, operating stations in numerical order.

Water Windows can be set per program to define allowed watering start and stop times. If watering cannot complete within the window, stations pause and resume when the window reopens. The Pro Smart Module option adds flow sensing and a second master valve/booster pump functionality. Its sensor input directly accepts flow sensor data without scaling devices.

Module features include the FloWatch Learn Flow Utility, which learns normal station flow rates and compares them to real-time rates, taking user-defined actions for high, low, or no flow. FloWatch can automatically identify and isolate flow problems by turning off affected stations or master valves. It is compatible with both normally closed and open master valves. A Manual Master Valve Water Window coordinates daytime manual watering with flow sensing, allowing programmable days and manual watering flow rates.

An alarm indicator light is visible on the front panel when the door is closed and locked, prompting the user to check alarm conditions via a softkey. An external alarm port is also available.

The controller is compatible with the IQ4™ Platform using NCC Network Communication Cartridges, enabling communication with IQ Central Computer and other controllers. The IQ Platform allows remote computer control for automatic or manual program adjustments.

Optional metal cabinets and pedestals are available:

• LXMM: Metal Cabinet for ESP-LX Series Controllers
• LXMMPED: Metal Pedestal for ESP-LX Series Controllers (requires LXMM)
• LXMMSS: Stainless Steel Metal Wall Mount Enclosure for ESP-LX Series Controllers
• LXMMSSPED: Stainless Steel Metal Pedestal for ESP-LX Series Controllers (requires LXMSS)

The controller is manufactured by Rain Bird Corporation.

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