Hunter Pro-C Irrigation Controller

Product Overview

The Hunter Pro-C controller is designed for efficient and simple lawn and garden watering management. Its intuitive design and clear labeling make programming straightforward, unlike controllers from other manufacturers.

Key Components:

• A. LCD Display: Shows current program (A, B, or C), station number, time, watering status, day of the week, and icons for sensor status or active watering.
• B. Buttons: Used for navigation and adjusting values. The '+' button increases values, and the '-' button decreases them.
• C. Control Dial: A central dial to select operating modes and programming functions, including RUN, SET CURRENT DATE/TIME, SET WATERING START TIMES, SET STATION RUN TIMES, SET DAYS TO WATER, SET PUMP OPERATION, MANUAL-SINGLE STATION, and MANUAL-ALL STATIONS.
• D. Interior Components: Includes a 9-Volt battery compartment for programming backup, a Reset Button, Power Area for transformer and sensor connections, Junction Box for main power, and Station Modules for expanding the controller's capacity.

Installation

Indoor Wall Mounting:

⚠️ WARNING: The indoor Pro-C controller is not waterproof. It must be installed inside a building or in a location protected from moisture.

1. Choose a location protected from moisture and direct sunlight, near a 220V power source.
2. Mount the controller at eye level using screws.
3. Use 25mm screws to attach the controller's mounting brackets to the wall.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not connect the transformer to the mains power until the controller is mounted and valves are connected.

Outdoor Wall Mounting:

⚠️ WARNING: The outdoor model is waterproof. Electrical connections for the outdoor controller should be performed by a qualified electrician. Improper connection can result in electric shock.

1. Select a location protected from moisture and direct sunlight, near a 220V power source.
2. Familiarize yourself with local electrical codes.
3. Hold the controller in place and mark the drilling points for the top (A) and bottom (B) mounting holes.
4. Drill 6mm holes at the marked locations.
5. Insert screws (C) into the wall.
6. Hang the controller on the screws.
7. Tighten all screws.

Wiring and Connections

Connecting Valves and Power:

The controller manages multiple watering zones (sections) via solenoid valves. A common wire connects all valves to the controller.

1. Lay out wires between the valves and the controller.
2. Use one wire as a common connection for all valves.
3. Open the controller cover to access the terminals.
4. Route the valve wires through the right-side opening in the housing.
5. Connect the common wire to the 'C' (COMMON) terminal.
6. Connect the remaining valve wires to the terminals labeled '1', '2', etc., corresponding to each station.
7. Route the transformer wires through the left-side opening.
8. Connect the transformer wires to the 'AC1' and 'AC2' terminals. For outdoor enclosures, connect transformer wires to the specially insulated terminals in the lower left corner.
9. Before closing the cover, ensure no wires are damaged.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Connect all station wires first, then the power supply wire.

For indoor controllers: Route the transformer cable from the left side and connect to the AC terminals. Ensure cables are not pinched when closing the cover.

Connecting Modules:

The controller can be expanded with modules to increase the number of sections from the base 3 up to 12.

1. Turn off power before installing modules.
2. Slide the module into the appropriate slot.
3. Turn power back on. The controller will recognize the new modules.

Connecting Battery:

Connect a 9V battery and place it in the compartment. The battery allows for programming the controller without main power.

Connecting Master Valve (Optional):

The master valve controls the main water supply to the system and opens automatically at the start of a watering program.

1. Connect the master valve coil wire to the common wire leading to the 'C' (COMMON) terminal.
2. Route the second wire through the right-side opening.
3. Connect it to the 'P/MV' (Master Valve) terminal.

Connecting Pump Relay (Optional):

If a booster pump is used to supply water, the controller can activate it automatically.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: The controller must be mounted at least 4.5 meters away from the pump relay to prevent damage. If the pump is to be activated by the controller, a pump relay is required. Do not connect the controller directly to the pump.

1. Route wires from the pump relay to the controller.
2. Connect the common wire to the 'C' (COMMON) terminal and the pump wire to the 'P/MV' (Master Valve) terminal.

Connecting Weather Sensor (Optional):

The Pro-C can connect to a Hunter Mini-Click or similar rain sensor. The sensor interrupts watering during rainfall. It can be bypassed using the 'RAINSENSOR' switch on the controller.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: If the 'RAINSENSOR' switch is set to 'ACTIVE' but no sensor is connected, watering will be blocked. Set the switch to 'BYPASS' and short the sensor terminals.

1. Route sensor wires to the controller.
2. Disconnect the 'SEN' terminal connection.
3. Route wires through the right-side opening.
4. Connect to the 'SEN' (SENSOR) terminals.

Connecting Remote Control (SmartPort) (Optional):

The SmartPort allows for remote activation of the controller's functions, useful for installers and users. ⚠️ WARNING: Extending SmartPort cables can cause infrared interference. Use shielded cables for extensions.

1. Mount a T-connector approximately 30 cm below the controller.
2. Route the cable (red, white, blue wires) through the opening.
3. Attach the SmartPort to the T-connector.
4. Connect the red wire to 'AC1', white to 'AC2', and blue to 'REM' (REMOTE).

The SmartPort is now ready for use with an SRR remote. Refer to the SRR manual or contact Hunter for more information.

Connecting SRP Programmer (Optional):

The controller can be programmed from a PC and data transferred via SmartPort. Contact your Hunter distributor for details.

Programming

System Basics:

An automatic watering system consists of three main components: the controller, valves, and sprinklers. The controller directs all system devices, sending signals to valves to open and close, controlling water flow to sprinklers and their duration.

Each valve controls a group of sprinklers, known as a section. The division into sections depends on plant types, location, and water output. Each valve is connected to a corresponding numbered terminal in the controller.

The controller operates valves sequentially. Only one valve is open at a time. When watering for a section is complete, the valve closes, and the next section's valve opens. This sequence is called a cycle. Program settings define the start times and durations for each section.

Programming Basics:

For correct operation, three conditions must be set: watering start times, watering durations (run times), and watering days (days to water).

Example Watering Schedule:

If the start time is set to 6:00 AM, Section 1 and 2 might water for 15 minutes each, and Section 3 for 20 minutes. The controller automatically advances to the next section. Sections 4, 5, and others would be programmed separately or in another program.

The Pro-C offers three independent programs (A, B, C), each allowing multiple start times, providing flexibility for different watering needs.

Creating a Watering Plan:

It is recommended to first outline your watering plan on paper before programming the controller. Consider factors like soil type, plant needs, climate, and sprinkler types.

? Recommendation: Water two hours before sunrise for optimal water pressure and minimal evaporation. Watering during the hottest part of the day can cause 'lens effect' (scorching) on plants.

? Note: Adjust watering schedules for areas with high moisture or dry spots (e.g., near pools).

Watering Table:

Use the provided table to plan your watering schedule. Fill it out using a pencil. This helps you track section numbers, locations, plant types, watering days, start times, and run times for each program (A, B, C).

Setting Date and Time:

When a value is blinking on the display, it can be adjusted using the buttons. For example, to set the hour, use the +/- buttons when the hour display is blinking.

1. Set the dial to SET CURRENT DATE/TIME.
2. The current year will blink. Use +/- buttons to adjust. Press the dial to confirm.
3. Month and day will appear. The month will blink. Use +/- buttons to adjust. Press the dial.
4. The day will blink. Use +/- buttons to adjust the day (the day of the week will adjust automatically). Press the dial.
5. Use +/- buttons to switch between AM/PM or 24-hour format. Press the dial again, then use +/- buttons to set the hour, and repeat for minutes.

Setting Watering Start Times:

Each program can have up to four start times. Only one start time is needed to activate all stations in sequence.

1. Set the dial to SET WATERING START TIMES.
2. The controller defaults to Program A. Use the PRG button to select Program B or C.
3. Use the +/- buttons to set the start time (in 15-minute increments).
4. Press the dial to accept the time or to move to the next start time setting.

? Note: Regardless of the method, the Pro-C will always set times chronologically when the dial is set to Set Watering Start Times.

Cancelling Start Time:

To cancel a programmed start time, press +/- until 0:00 appears, then press the dial once more to display 'OFF'. If all start times for a program are off, the entire program is deactivated.

Setting Station Run Times:

Set the duration for each station's watering cycle.

1. Set the dial to SET STATION RUN TIMES.
2. The display will show the current program (A, B, or C), the station number, and its watering time, which will blink. Press PRG to switch programs.
3. Use the +/- buttons to adjust the watering time for the displayed station.
4. Press the dial to advance to the next station.
5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all stations.
6. Run times can be set from 1 minute to 6 hours.

Setting Days to Water:

Choose how the controller determines watering days. Options include specific days of the week, intervals, or odd/even days.

Setting Specific Days of the Week:

1. Set the dial to SET DAYS TO WATER.
2. Select Program A, B, or C using the PRG button.
3. The display shows the current setting. Use the +/- buttons to select specific days for watering. A bullet point (•) indicates watering is scheduled for that day; no bullet point means watering is skipped. Pressing the dial advances to the next day.
4. Repeat for all desired days.

Set the dial to RUN to enable automatic operation.

Interval Watering:

Allows setting watering intervals from 1 to 31 days, independent of the calendar.

1. When the cursor is at SUNDAY, press the dial. 'INTERVAL' and 'DAYS LEFT' will appear.
2. With 'INTERVAL' blinking, press +/- to set the number of days for the interval.
3. Press the dial again. 'DAYS LEFT' will blink. Use +/- to set the number of days the watering will be skipped.

Set the dial to RUN to enable automatic operation.

Odd/Even Days Watering:

Set watering for odd or even days of the month.

1. Press buttons until 'INTERVAL' shows '1'.
2. Press +/- until the cursor is next to 'ODD' or 'EVEN'. Press the dial to select the desired mode.
3. Press +/- to indicate days when watering should NOT occur (e.g., press on days you want to skip).

? Note: If 'ODD' is selected, the 31st of any month and February 29th will always be skipped.

Set the dial to RUN to enable automatic operation.

Rain Sensor Bypass:

If a rain sensor is installed and detects rain, the display will show 'SENSOR OFF'. To override the sensor and allow watering, move the bypass switch to the 'BYPASS' position.

Manual Operation:

Manual Single Station:

1. Set the dial to MANUAL-SINGLE STATION.
2. The watering time for the selected station will blink. Use the dial to advance to the desired station. Use +/- buttons to adjust the watering time.
3. Set the dial to RUN to start watering for that station.

Manual All Stations:

1. Set the dial to MANUAL ALL STATIONS.
2. Use the PRG button to select Program A, B, or C.
3. Press the dial until the starting station number appears.
4. The watering time for that station will blink. Use +/- to adjust the time.
5. Press the dial to advance to the next station.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all stations.
7. Press the dial until the desired starting station is displayed.
8. Set the dial to RUN to start watering all selected stations sequentially.

? Note: The station displayed when the dial is set to RUN is the starting station. The controller will cycle through subsequent stations only.

Manual Operation Without Dial:

1. Press and hold the ➔ button for 2 seconds.
2. Program A will automatically select. Press PRG to change programs.
3. The station number will blink. Use +/- to select a station and +/- to set run times.
4. Press the dial to select the station from which watering should start. After a 2-second delay, the controller will start.

System Shutoff:

Turn the dial to SYSTEM OFF for more than 2 seconds to completely shut down the system.

Seasonal Adjustments:

This feature allows you to adjust watering times by a percentage (10%-150%) to compensate for seasonal changes in weather without reprogramming.

1. Set the dial to SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT.
2. The display will show a percentage value and a bar graph. Use +/- buttons to adjust the percentage. Each bar represents 10%.

To see the effect of seasonal adjustments, set the dial to RUN TIMES.

? Note: The controller defaults to 100%.

Pump / Master Valve Operation:

The pump/master valve circuit is enabled by default. You can set it to ON or OFF for specific programs, useful for systems where the pump does not need to operate with all sections.

1. Set the dial to SET PUMP OPERATION.
2. Use +/- buttons to display 'On' or 'OFF' for the selected section.
3. Press the dial to move to the next section.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all sections.

Watering Delay Between Sections:

Set a delay (0-59 seconds, up to 4 hours) between the operation of consecutive stations.

1. Set the dial to RUN.
2. Press and hold the ➔ button while simultaneously setting the dial to SET STATION RUN TIMES.
3. Release the button. The delay time will blink.
4. Use +/- buttons to set the delay time.
5. Set the dial to RUN.

? Note: The master valve/pump will remain active for 1 minute after the cycle to complete.

Watering Intervals:

You can set watering to be skipped for 1 to 7 days. The system will automatically resume after the interval.

1. Set the dial to SYSTEM OFF.
2. Press the dial. '1' (blinking) and 'DAYS LEFT' will appear.
3. Press +/- to select the number of days for the interval (up to 7).
4. Set the dial to RUN to confirm. The display will show 'OFF' and 'DAYS LEFT' indicating the remaining days until watering resumes.

Days Without Watering:

Configure the controller to skip watering on specific days of the week (e.g., Saturday for mowing).

1. Set the dial to DAYS TO WATER.
2. Press the dial. 'INTERVAL' and 'DAYS LEFT' will appear.
3. Press the dial to advance through the days of the week (default is Monday).
4. Use +/- buttons to select the desired day.
5. Press the dial to mark the day as skipped. An icon will appear above the day.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all days to be skipped.

Set the dial to RUN to enable automatic operation.

Troubleshooting

Problem Solving:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What size conduit should I use for electrical cables?

The required conduit size depends on the wire gauge and quantity. Refer to the table below:

How to reset the controller:

Controller issues caused by power interference can often be resolved by resetting the unit. This is useful if the display freezes or the microprocessor hangs.

To reset:

1. Press and hold the PROGRAM, MINUS, and NEXT buttons.
2. Briefly press the reset button (located on the back of the unit).
3. Release the PROGRAM, MINUS, and NEXT buttons.

The display should show 12:00 AM, indicating the memory has been cleared and all programmed settings removed.

Technical Specifications

User Data:

• Station Run Time: 1 minute – 6 hours per station (Programs A, B, C).
• Start Times: Up to 4 per program, totaling 12 start times per day.
• Watering Schedule: 7-day calendar, programmable watering intervals up to 31 days, or odd/even day watering. Built-in 365-day calendar.

Electrical Data:

• External Power Supply: 220VAC 50/60Hz transformer.
• Internal Power Supply: 24VAC, 1.0A.
• Total Maximum Load: 24VAC, 0.84A (including master valve circuit).
• Section Load: 24VAC, 0.56A per section.
• Backup Power: 9V alkaline battery.

Dimensions:

• Indoor Enclosure: Height: 21cm, Width: 24cm, Depth: 9.5cm.
• Outdoor Enclosure: Height: 23cm, Width: 25.5cm, Depth: 11.5cm.

Factory Settings:

All sections are set with zero initial run times. The controller features non-volatile memory, meaning it retains programmed data without requiring continuous power.