PRO-C
User Manual
Installation
This section covers the installation of the PRO-C controller. Ensure all necessary accessories are provided.
Mounting the Controller on the Wall
Note: The indoor PRO-C controller is not water or weather resistant and must be installed indoors or in a protected area. It is not intended for use by small children. Never allow children to play with this device.
1. Select a location near an electrical outlet or power source that is not controlled by a light switch.
2. Remove the front panel of the PRO-C controller. First, disconnect the flat connector and push the snap latch downwards. Removing the front panel simplifies the installation of the controller's housing.
3. Use the opening in the top of the unit as a reference. Secure one 25 mm screw (A) to the wall. Note: For drywall or plaster mounting, use appropriate wall anchors.
4. Hang the controller on the screw through the opening on the back of the unit.
5. Secure the controller using the openings (C) with screws.
Note: The outdoor model is water and weather resistant. Connecting the outdoor PRO-C unit to the primary power source should be done by a qualified electrician familiar with all local regulations. Improper installation could result in electric shock or fire hazard. This device is not intended for use by small children. Never allow children to play with this device.
For PC-301-A: If the power cord is damaged, have it replaced by the manufacturer, a service technician, or another qualified person. Otherwise, there is a safety risk.
Connecting Valves and Power
1. Run wires to the valves between the valves and the controller.
2. Connect the common wire to the black wires of the solenoids on all valves. Connect the individual control wire to the remaining red wire on each valve. All connections must be made using water-resistant connectors.
3. Run the valve wires through the conduit. Connect the conduit to one of the openings on the bottom of the controller.
4. At the end of each wire, strip 13 mm of insulation. Connect the common wire to the COM terminal on the terminal block. Connect each individual control wire from the valves to the corresponding terminals on the controller.
Indoor Housing
Feed the transformer cable through the opening on the left bottom side of the controller. Connect one yellow wire to each AC terminal and the green wire to the GND terminal.
Outdoor Housing
Note: The following power installation should be performed by a qualified person.
Feed the AC power cable and conduit through the 13 mm conduit opening on the left bottom side of the housing. Connect the wires to the transformer wires located inside the junction box. Universal units come with an integrated terminal block. When installing the AC power cable, always use a certified 13 mm conduit adapter. Insert the adapter into the 13 mm opening on the bottom of the controller. Connect the nut to the adapter inside the housing.
Connecting the Battery (Optional)
Connect a 9V alkaline battery (not included) to the battery connector and insert the battery into the compartment in the front panel. The battery allows the user to program the controller without AC power. The unit will not start watering without AC power. The unit has non-volatile memory, so program and date/time information will be retained even during power outages, even if no battery is installed.
Connecting the Main Valve
Note: Follow this section only if your irrigation system has a main valve installed. The main valve is normally closed and opens only when the automatic system is activated.
1. On the main valve, connect the common wire to one solenoid wire. Connect the individual control wire to the remaining solenoid wire.
2. Run the wires to the controller.
3. Connect one wire from the main valve to the P/MV terminal. Connect the remaining wire to the COM terminal.
Programming and Operating the Controller
Basic Information about Sprinkler Systems
There are three main components that connect to fully automatic irrigation systems: controllers, valves, and sprinklers. The controller is the element that enables the system's efficient operation. It acts as the system's brain, instructing valves when to supply water to sprinklers and for how long. Sprinklers then direct water onto surrounding plants or lawns.
A valve controls a group of sprinklers, called a watering station. These stations are distributed according to plant type, location, and the maximum amount of water needed for that area. Each valve is connected to the controller via a wire. In this case, the wire is connected to the number corresponding to the station number.
The controller operates valves sequentially, one by one, starting from the lowest number. When a valve finishes watering, the controller switches to the next station that has been programmed. This process is called a watering cycle. The information about the time and duration of watering for individual stations is called a program.
Creating a Watering Plan
There are several basic rules to follow when setting watering times and durations. These rules are influenced by soil type, the area being watered, weather conditions, and the type of sprinklers used. This user manual includes a table with a sample watering plan that can be used as a guide.
Station Number and Location: Identifies the station number, its location, and the type of plants to be watered.
Watering Day: Identifies whether you want to water on a specific day of the week, at an interval, or on odd/even days. Watering on a specific day of the week is highlighted. Interval watering is indicated by the desired interval.
Program Start Times: Indicates the time of day when the program will start. Each program can have 1 to 4 start times. Each start time runs the entire program. For any unused start time, write "OFF" in the table.
Watering Duration: Indicates the watering duration (1 minute to 6 hours) for each station. For stations that are not to be watered in a given program, write "0:00" in the table.
Keep the watering plan in a safe place for future reference.
Note: It is usually recommended to water one to two hours before sunrise. In the early morning, water pressure reaches optimal levels, and with minimal evaporation, water can better soak into plant roots. Watering mid-day or in the evening can cause scorching or mold for most plants.
Note: Carefully observe whether there is insufficient or excessive watering. Excessive watering is most often identified by puddles of water that soak in or evaporate too slowly, while insufficient watering shows signs of discoloration and dryness. If you notice any of these indicators, make the necessary program changes immediately.
Sample Watering Schedule
This table provides an example of a watering schedule for the Hunter PRO-C controller.
Station | Location | Watering Duration | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Program A | Program B | Program C | ||
1 | Front Lawn | 0:20 | 0:00 | 0:00 |
2 | Side Lawn | 0:10 | 0:00 | 0:00 |
3 | Back Lawn | 0:20 | 0:00 | 0:00 |
4 | Annual Flowers | 0:05 | 0:00 | 0:00 |
5 | Front Shrubs | 0:00 | 0:15 | 0:00 |
6 | Back Shrubs | 0:00 | 0:15 | 0:00 |
7 | Trees | 0:00 | 0:00 | 3:00 |
8 | ||||
9 | ||||
10 | ||||
11 | ||||
12 |
Notes: Total watering cycle for Program A = 50 minutes.
Programming Basics
The created watering program will activate individual valves sequentially, starting from the lowest number. Only one valve can water at a time. Follow these steps to create a watering program:
1. Press the PRO button on the controller to select the desired program (A, B, or C). Starting with Program A is recommended.
2. Set the program start time (only one start time is needed to activate the watering program).
3. For each valve in the program, set the desired watering duration.
4. Set the days when the watering program should run. The following example better explains the program's operation:
Suppose the program start time is set for 6:00. Stations 1 and 2 have a watering duration of 15 minutes, and station 3 has 20 minutes. Stations 4, 5, etc., were not included in this program; they will be used in other programs.
At 6:00, the controller starts the watering cycle. Sprinklers connected to station 1 start for 15 minutes. The controller then switches to sprinklers connected to station 2. These sprinklers will also run for 15 minutes. Watering then starts for station 3. Sprinklers turn on for 20 minutes. Since stations 4, 5, etc., had no programmed watering duration, the controller skips them. After station 3 finishes watering, the watering cycle ends at 6:50.
As shown in this example, only one start time is needed to run these three stations. The controller automatically switches to the next station without needing to set additional start times.
Hunter recognizes that many customers have plants with different watering needs, which is why the Hunter Pro-C unit is equipped with three programs (A, B, and C). These programs are independent of each other. However, no two programs can run simultaneously. Pro-C automatically merges any overlapping programs.
Programming the Controller
Setting Current Date and Time
1. Turn the rotary dial to the SET CURRENT DATE/TIME position.
2. The current year will flash on the display. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the year. Press the [Program Button] to advance to the month setting.
3. The current month will flash on the display. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the month. Press the [Program Button] to advance to the day setting.
4. The current day will flash on the display. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the day of the month. Press the [Program Button] to advance to the time setting.
5. The time will be displayed. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to select AM (morning), PM (afternoon), or 24HR (24-hour format). Press the [Program Button] to advance to hour setting. The hours will flash. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the hours displayed. Press the [Program Button] to advance to minute setting. The minutes will flash. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the displayed minutes.
Date, day, and time setting completed successfully.
Setting Program Start Times
1. Turn the rotary dial to the SET PROGRAM START TIMES position.
2. The program selected by default is A. If necessary, press the PRO button to select program B or C.
3. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to change the start time. (Start time can be adjusted in 15-minute increments.) One start time activates all stations sequentially in the selected program. It is not necessary to enter a start time for each station separately.
4. To add another start time, press the [Program Button]. To select another program, press the PRO button.
Note: After turning the dial from the SET PROGRAM START TIMES position, the Pro-C will rearrange the start times chronologically, regardless of their original entry order.
Eliminating a Program Start Time
With the rotary dial set to SET PROGRAM START TIMES, press the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons until the value is set to 12:00 AM (midnight). Pressing the button again will set the value to OFF.
Note: If all four start times within a program are turned OFF, that program will be deactivated (all other program details will be retained). Since no program start times are defined, watering will not occur for that program.
Setting Station Run Times
1. Turn the rotary dial to the SET STATION RUN TIMES position.
2. The display will show the last selected program (A, B, or C), the station number, and the watering duration for that station. You can switch to another program by pressing the PRO button.
3. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the watering duration for the selected station. Duration can be set from 1 to 6 hours.
4. To switch to the next station, press the [Program Button].
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each station.
Setting Days to Water
1. Turn the rotary dial to the SET DAYS TO WATER position.
2. The display will show the last selected program (A, B, or C). You can switch to another program by pressing the PRO button.
3. The controller's display will show the currently programmed active days. You can select watering on specific days of the week, interval watering, or odd/even day watering. However, each program can only use one method of day selection.
Advanced Features
Selecting Specific Days of the Week for Watering
1. To activate watering on a specific day of the week, press the [Program Button]. Monday (Mon) will always be displayed first. To disable watering on a selected day, press the [Down Arrow] button. After pressing the [Program Button], the next day will automatically appear on the display. The icon represents a day when watering will occur, and the icon represents a day when watering will not occur.
After completing watering, turn the rotary dial to the RUN (OPERATE) position to enable automatic execution of all selected programs and start times.
Selecting Odd or Even Days for Watering
Instead of specific days of the week, this function allows setting watering for odd or even days of the month (odd days: 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.; even days: 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.).
1. Position the cursor on the Sunday (SU) symbol and press the [Program Button] once. The icon will start flashing above the ODD (ODD DAYS) indicator.
2. If you want watering to occur on odd days, turn the rotary dial back to the RUN (OPERATE) position.
3. If you want watering to occur on even days, press the [Program Button] again. The icon will flash above the EVEN (EVEN DAYS) indicator. You can switch between odd and even day watering by pressing the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons.
Setting Interval Watering
This function is useful for creating a more consistent watering schedule without having to set specific days of the week or dates. The interval you select indicates the number of days between watering cycles, including the day watering occurs.
1. Turn the rotary dial to the SET DAYS TO WATER position. The water drop icon above Monday should start flashing.
2. Press the [Program Button] until the water drop icon above EVEN (EVEN DAYS) starts flashing. Press the [Program Button] again. The display will switch to interval mode, and the numerical interval value will start flashing.
3. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the desired interval (number of days between watering).
4. To move to the NO WATER DAYS position, press the [Program Button]. Pro-C will not water on these days (see page 21).
Note: If days are set when watering should not occur (icon in the bottom part of the display), interval watering will not occur on those days. For example, if the interval is set to 5 days and Monday is set as a non-watering day, the controller will water every fifth day, but never on a Monday. If a watering day falls on a Monday, and Monday is set as a non-watering day, the controller will not water for another 5 days, totaling 10 days.
Operation
Automatic Operation
After programming, turn the rotary dial to the RUN (OPERATE) position. This will enable automatic execution of all programs and start times.
System Off
When the rotary dial is set to the SYSTEM OFF position for two seconds, any currently watering valves will shut off. All active programs will be interrupted, and watering will stop. To return the controller to normal automatic mode, turn the rotary dial to the RUN (OPERATE) position.
Manual Single Station Start
1. Turn the rotary dial to the MANUAL - SINGLE STATION position.
2. The set watering duration for the corresponding station will flash on the display. Press the [Program Button] to switch to the desired station. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the watering duration for the station.
3. To start the station, turn the rotary dial to the RUN (OPERATE) position (watering will start only for the selected station; after completion, the controller will return to automatic mode without any changes to the set program).
Note: Sensor lockout occurs during manual single station start.
Seasonal Adjustment
Seasonal adjustment is used to globally change watering durations without needing to reprogram the entire controller. This function is useful for making minor adjustments due to weather changes. For example, hot summer days may require more water. Seasonal adjustment can be used to increase the programmed watering duration for individual stations. Conversely, in autumn, this function can be used to shorten watering duration.
1. Turn the rotary dial to the SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT position.
2. Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] buttons to set the percentage of seasonal adjustment, ranging from 5% to 300% of the original program.
To view the set watering durations, turn the rotary dial to the SET STATION RUN TIMES position. The displayed watering durations will be updated according to the current seasonal adjustment.
Note: Initially, the controller should always be programmed to 100%.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Controller cycles erratically, even when it shouldn't.
Possible Cause: Too many start times defined in the program (user error).
Solution: Only one start time is needed to activate a program (refer to "Setting Program Start Times" on page 17).
Problem: Nothing is displayed on the screen.
Possible Cause: Power connection issue.
Solution: Check power connections. Troubleshoot any issues.
Problem: Display shows "ERR".
Possible Cause: Increased electrical noise in the system.
Solution: Check the SmartPort wiring harness. If wires have been extended, shielded wires may be required. Contact your local distributor for information on shielded wires.
Problem: Display shows "P ERR".
Possible Cause: Faulty wire to the pump start relay or master valve.
Solution: Check for a broken or shorted wire to the master valve or pump start relay. Repair or replace the damaged or shorted wire. Ensure all wires are in good condition and protected from water.
Problem: Display shows station number and "ERR" (e.g., "2 ERR").
Possible Cause: Faulty wire to the indicated station.
Solution: Check for a broken or shorted wire to the station. Repair or replace the damaged or shorted wire. Ensure all wires are in good condition and protected from water.
Problem: Display shows "NO AC".
Possible Cause: No power supplied to the controller.
Solution: Check transformer installation. Ensure it is installed correctly.
Problem: Display shows "SENSOR OFF".
Possible Cause: Rain sensor has interrupted watering, or the sensor jumper is not installed.
Solution: To block the circuit with the rain sensor, move the RAIN SENSOR BYPASS switch to the BYPASS position, or install the sensor jumper.
Problem: Rain sensor has not stopped watering.
Possible Cause: Incompatible sensor, or the jumper was not removed from the terminal block after sensor installation.
Solution: Check if a micro-switch type sensor, such as Mini-Clik, is used. Ensure the jumper was removed from the SEN terminals. Verify proper operation (refer to "Testing the Rain Sensor" on page 9).
Possible Cause: Manual mode - single station is blocking the sensor.
Solution: Manual single station mode blocks the sensor. To test the sensor, use Manual mode - all stations.
Problem: Controller does not set a start time for each station.
Possible Cause: Programming error, incorrect position of the rotary dial.
Solution: Check if the rotary dial is in the correct position. The total number of stations can be easily checked by setting the rotary dial to SET STATION RUN TIMES and pressing the [Program Button] to check the station count.
Problem: Valve does not turn on.
Possible Cause: Wiring short or faulty solenoid.
Solution: Check the wiring to the valve. Replace the solenoid.
Specifications
Operating Specifications
- Watering Duration per Station: 1 minute to 6 hours (Programs A, B, C)
- Start Times: 4 per program, up to 12 start times daily
- Watering Schedule: 7-day calendar, interval watering up to 31 days, odd/even day watering
Electrical Specifications
- Transformer Input: 230 V~, 50/60 Hz
- Transformer Output: 25 V~, 1.0 A
- Station Output: 24 V~, 0.56 A per station
- Maximum Output: 24 V~, 0.84 A (including master valve circuit)
- Battery: 9 V alkaline battery (not included), used only for programming without transformer; program information is stored in non-volatile memory.
- Battery, Front Panel, Internal Lithium Battery CR2032: For real-time clock backup.
Dimensions
- Indoor Housing: Height: 21 cm, Width: 24.2 cm, Depth: 9.6 cm
- Outdoor Housing: Height: 22.9 cm, Width: 25.4 cm, Depth: 11.5 cm
Outdoor housing is NEMA 3R rated with IP44 protection.
Standard Settings
All stations are set to zero watering duration by default. This controller uses non-volatile memory to retain all programmed data, even during power outages, without the need for a battery.
Cleaning
Clean only with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution.
Compliance
FCC Compliance
Testing of this equipment has shown that it complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. Harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, can be corrected by one or more of the following methods:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance.
Certificate of Conformity with European Directives
Hunter Industries declares that the Eco-Logic irrigation control unit complies with European directives on "Electromagnetic Compatibility" 87/336/EEC and "Low Voltage Equipment" 73/23/EEC.
This product should not be used for purposes other than those described in this document. This product should only be repaired by qualified and authorized personnel.