DIG RBC 7000 Battery Powered Inline Valve with Watering Timer

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing DIG's RBC 7000 Single Station Battery Operated Timer. This manual describes how to get the RBC-series timer up and running quickly. After reading this manual and becoming familiar with the basic functionality of the timer, use the manual as a reference for less common tasks in the future.

2. ABOUT THE RBC 7000 BATTERY OPERATED TIMER

The RBC 7000 watering timer employs the latest irrigation programming features to allow for complete control of any irrigation system and can be installed on either an outdoor faucet or a PVC main water line. The RBC 7000 is available as a single station with a rain sensor connection, and is powered by two AA batteries that can last up to three years [using name brand alkaline batteries]. The timer is enclosed in a compact, waterproof housing to protect it from the elements.

3. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

The RBC 7000 timer has the following components:

• 1. Timer cover
• 2. Quick reference label
• 3. LCD Display: Displays icon-based applications/programs.
• 4. Seven button programming keypad: Used for programming, system on/off, manual run, and reviewing programs.
• 5. Battery compartment cap: Houses two AA alkaline batteries (not included).
• 6. Rain sensor yellow wire connection
• 7. Collapsible 36" solenoid wire
• 8. Manual flow control
• 9. External manual bleed screw
• 10. DC solenoid
• 11. Professional-grade 3/4" in-line valve

4. LCD DISPLAY AND CONTROLS

The LCD display shows various icons and information:

• 1. Time and Date Icon: Indicates current time and day is displayed.
• 2. Sensor Icon: Appears when a rain sensor is active or when the yellow wire loop has been cut and watering is halted.
• 3. Watering Icon: Appears when the valve is open by program.
• 4. Set Watering Days Icon: Used to choose specific days, odd/even days, every X hours, or up to once every 30 days.
• 5. Start Time Icon: Indicates up to four start times per day are available.
• 6. Run Time Icon: Shows watering duration from 1 minute to 5 hours and 59 minutes.
• 7. Rain Delay Icon: Indicates a delay in irrigation program start from 1 to 99 days.
• 8. Manual Run Icon: Appears when the manual button is pushed.
• 9. Battery Level Indicator: Flashes when batteries are low and need to be replaced.
• 10. Day of the Week Underscore: Shows which day of the week the timer will operate.
• 11. Current Month Indicator
• 12. Current Year Indicator

Control Buttons:

• [select-button]: Select programming mode, turn program(s) ON/OFF, start/stop a manual cycle.
• [time-date-button]: Used for setting time and date.
• [set-days-button]: Used for setting watering day schedules.
• [move-left-button]: Move left to select a value.
• [move-right-button]: Move right to select a value.
• [increase-value-button]: Raise the selected value.
• [decrease-value-button]: Lower the selected value.

5. INSTALLING THE BATTERIES

1. Open the battery compartment cap by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Install two fresh, brand name, AA alkaline batteries (not included), noting the proper direction of the positive and negative orientation on the underside of the timer.
3. Insert and screw the battery cap clockwise. Securely tighten the cover firmly by hand only. The timer display will appear with a day, PM, and the hour digit flashing, indicating it is ready for installation and programming.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the battery compartment cap being unscrewed counterclockwise, the insertion of two AA batteries with correct polarity (+ and -), and the cap being screwed back on clockwise.

6. INSTALLATION

The RBC 7000 timer has a 3/4" inlet and outlet with female pipe thread. It can be installed directly onto 3/4" PVC male pipe thread fittings as part of a sprinkler valve manifold or as a stand-alone unit (Figure 1). Alternatively, the timer can be attached to a hose or faucet/spigot using the two included adapters (Figure 7).

Warning: Wrap all male pipe thread fittings with Teflon tape. Do not use pipe dope/pipe cement on the valve, as this will damage the valve and void the warranty.

ATTENTION: PLEASE NOTE THE DIRECTION OF THE VALVE WHEN INSTALLING. THE SOLENOID AND TIMER MOUNT ARE POSITIONED TOWARDS THE OUTLET SIDE OF THE VALVE.

IN-LINE INSTALLATION

Rated operating pressure: 10-125 PSI. Recommended Operating Pressure: 10-80 PSI.

1. Shut off the main water supply.
2. Install a 3/4" ball or gate valve onto the PVC pipe or to the valve manifold before installing the timer (Figure 2 and 3). This valve is useful as an emergency backup to turn the system off and is commonly used by professional installers.
3. Turn the water supply on to flush the line, then shut the water off using the ball or gate valve.
4. Install the timer, wrapping Teflon tape on all male pipe thread fittings.
5. Turn the water supply on to pressurize the system. The timer will open momentarily and then shut off.
6. The unit is now ready to be programmed.

Figure 1 Description: Shows the RBC 7000 timer installed on a sprinkler valve manifold.

Figure 2 & 3 Description: Illustrate in-line installation of the timer onto a PVC pipe, showing water flow direction and an example of below-ground installation.

FAUCET INSTALLATION

1. Wrap the swivel adapter and the nipple male pipe threads with four to six layers of Teflon tape in a clockwise direction.
2. Screw the swivel adapter male threads into the inlet side of the controller valve and tighten with a wrench or pliers. Repeat for the 3/4" MPT x MHT nipple (see Figure 4). Note: Do not apply Teflon tape to the male hose thread faucet.
3. Ensure the washer is in place inside the female swivel adapter, then screw the female swivel thread clockwise onto the faucet and tighten by hand only. Do not use pliers or a wrench (Figure 5).
4. Open the faucet and check for leaks.

Warning: Do not tighten the swivel nut with pliers or a wrench. Overtightening can cause damage to the swivel and washer, resulting in leaks and/or disconnection from the faucet.

Figure 4 & 5 Description: Show the basic installation of converting the controller with pipe thread into a hose thread connection, using a 3/4" FHT x MNPT swivel adapter and a nipple pipe with hose thread.

If a backflow preventer is part of the faucet (new houses), do not install any other backflow preventer to the faucet. If backflow preventers are part of your city code and you have purchased a unit as part of your drip system, install the device on the downstream side of the RBC 7000 (Figure 6 and 6a).

Figure 6 & 6a Description: Illustrate hose end drip system installation using a pressure regulator and a backflow preventer.

It is best to include a filter on a drip system. The filter cleans small particles out of the water that would otherwise clog the drippers and can also automatically apply fertilizer through a drip system (Figure 7 and 8).

Figure 7 & 8 Description: Illustrate hose end drip system installation using a filter and a pressure regulator, along with a backflow preventer.

7. PROGRAMMING

The RBC 7000 timer can be programmed to operate on any day of the week, odd days, or even days. In cyclical mode, it can operate from every 1 hour up to every 12 hours, or from once a day up to every 30 days. The timer supports up to four start times per day and durations from 1 minute up to 5 hours and 59 minutes.

To program the timer, use the [select-button] to select the desired programming mode, the [move-right-button] to make the entry flash, and the [increase-value-button] / [decrease-value-button] to change the value.

NOTE: Only a flashing value can be changed.

NOTE: If the last data entered stops flashing, press the [move-right-button] again to resume programming and repeat the steps.

8. SETTING CURRENT TIME AND DATE

The timer can display the time in either a 12- or 24-hour format. To change the time format from the home screen, press the [select-button] for three seconds until the display switches format (AM/PM disappears).

SETTING THE CURRENT TIME AND DATE

To enable the timer to operate properly, the current time and date must be set.

1. Press the [select-button], until the [time-date-button] icon appears along with the time and the day of the week.
2. If the current time has not been set or needs to be updated, press the [select-button] and the hour digit starts flashing.
3. To set the current hour, press the [increase-value-button] or [decrease-value-button] (note AM and PM designations).
4. To set the minutes, press the [select-button] again and the minute digit starts flashing. Press the [increase-value-button] or [decrease-value-button] to set the current time in minutes.
5. Press the [select-button] again and repeat the steps to set the current date, including month, day, and year. When the date is selected and updated, the day of the week will be updated automatically to correspond with the date.

Display Examples:

• Initial display might show 12:00 AM/PM.
• After setting, display might show 12:05 AM.
• Date setting screen shows arrows pointing to Month, Day, Year fields, allowing adjustment with arrow buttons.

9. SETTING WATERING DAY SCHEDULES

This setting determines which days the RBC 7000 timer will operate. Options include specific days of the week, EVEN/ODD days, or cyclical watering (from daily up to once every 30 days). The timer's default setting is to water on all specific days of the week.

Option 1 – Setting Specific Days of the Week:

For example, to water every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday:

1. Press the [set-days-button] until the [time-date-button] icon and the days of the week appear on the screen.
2. Press the [move-right-button] once, and M (for Monday) starts flashing.
3. Press the [move-left-button], and the underscore under M (Monday) disappears, de-selecting Monday.
4. Press the [move-right-button] twice, and W (for Wednesday) starts flashing.
5. Press the [move-left-button], and the underscore under W (Wednesday) disappears, de-selecting Wednesday.
6. Press the [move-right-button] twice, and F (Friday) starts flashing.
7. Press the [move-left-button], and the underscore under F (Friday) disappears, de-selecting Friday.
8. Press the [move-right-button], and Sa (Saturday) starts flashing.
9. Press the [move-left-button], and the underscore under Sa disappears, de-selecting Saturday.

Press the [select-button] to proceed to the next step, START TIME, or to review the program.

Option 2 – Setting Even or Odd Days:

Example: setting the timer to water on ODD days:

1. Press the [set-days-button] until the [time-date-button] icon and the days of the week appear.
2. Press the [move-left-button] and [move-right-button] to skip all the days of the week (underscores must be removed beneath all days).
3. Press the [select-button] and EVEN appears flashing.
4. Press the [move-right-button] and ODD appears flashing.

Press the [select-button] to proceed to the next step, START TIME, or to review the program.

Option 3 – Setting every X hours:

Example: setting the timer to water once every seven hours:

1. Press the [set-days-button] until the [time-date-button] icon and the days of the week appear.
2. Press the [move-left-button] and [move-right-button] to skip all the days of the week (underscores must be removed beneath all days).
3. Press the [select-button] and EVEN appears flashing.
4. Press the [move-right-button] again, and 1:00 hour appears flashing. To select the number of hours between watering to seven hours, press the [increase-value-button] until 7:00 appears on the display.

Press the [select-button] to proceed to the next step, START TIME, or to review the program.

Option 4 – Setting every X days:

Example: setting the timer to water once every 10 days:

1. Press the [set-days-button] until the [time-date-button] icon and the days of the week appear.
2. Press the [move-left-button] and [move-right-button] to skip all the days of the week (underscores must be removed beneath all days).
3. Press the [select-button] and EVEN appears flashing.
4. Press the [move-right-button] again, and 1 hour appears flashing.
5. Press the [move-right-button] again, and 1 DAY appears flashing. To select the number of days between watering to 10 days, press the [increase-value-button] until 10 appears on the display.

In this case, the cycle will start 10 days from the current day.

Note: See section 12 to set the start day in cyclical mode.

To set the timer back to specific days mode:

1. Push the [set-days-button] until 'START EVERY' and the [time-date-button] icon appear at the bottom left of the screen.
2. Push the [move-right-button] until the days of the week appear at the top of the screen.

Press the [select-button] to proceed to the next step, START TIME, or to review the program.

10. SETTING WATERING START TIMES

The RBC 7000 smart timer can have up to four separate irrigation start times per day. (Note: if the timer is set to water every X hours, only one start time is available to be programmed.)

To set a start time:

1. Press the [select-button] until the [time-date-button] icon appears. START 1 displays OFF, or the last start time programmed in START 1 appears.
2. Press the [move-right-button], and OFF (or the first start time programmed) begins flashing.
3. To set the desired first start time hour (note AM and PM designations), press the [increase-value-button] or [decrease-value-button].
4. Press the [select-button] and the minutes start flashing.
5. Press the [increase-value-button] or [decrease-value-button] and set the desired start time minutes.
6. Press the [select-button] again; the second start time and OFF, or the last start time programmed appear flashing. Repeat the steps to set the second, third, and if needed, the fourth start time. During programming, if you are set to water on specific days of the week, the screen also shows which days the timer will operate with an underline.

To delete a start time:

1. Press the [select-button] until START 1 appears.
2. Press the [move-right-button] until the start time appears that you want to delete (hour digits will be flashing).
3. Press the [select-button] until the word OFF appears.

Press the [select-button] to proceed to the next step, RUN TIME, or to review the program.

11. SETTING WATERING RUN TIME DURATION

This setting determines the length of time the RBC 7000 smart timer will allow the valve to remain open (duration is from 1 minute up to 5 hours and 59 minutes). For example, setting watering run time to 10 minutes on certain days of the week will program the timer to turn the water on for 10 minutes on each of the days chosen and at every start time selected. (Note: if the timer is set to water every X hours, the maximum duration is 59 minutes).

To set the watering run time:

1. Press the [select-button] until the [run-time-icon] appears and OFF, or the last run time setting appears. (OFF will appear if duration is set to 0).
2. Press the [move-right-button] and 0:05 (or the last run time programmed) appears.
3. To set a desired watering run time in hours, press the [increase-value-button] or [decrease-value-button] and select the number of hours.
4. If only watering duration in minutes is required, press the [select-button] to skip the hour digit, and the minutes will start flashing.
5. To set the desired watering duration in minutes (example of 10 minutes), press the [increase-value-button] or [decrease-value-button] to select minutes. When programming the watering duration, if you are set to water on specific days of the week, the screen will also show the days the timer will operate with an underline.

At this point, the controller's normal programming is concluded. Press the [select-button] to proceed to the next step, RAIN DELAY, or to review the program or to exit.

12. SETTING RAIN DELAY – OPTIONAL FEATURE

The Rain Delay setting is used to temporarily suspend all irrigation for a defined number of days. For example, during rainy weather, regularly scheduled programs can be turned off from 1-99 days. At the end of the designated period, regularly scheduled programming will resume automatically.

To set a temporary suspension of the program:

1. Press the [select-button] until the [rain-delay-icon] and OFF appear.
2. Press the [move-right-button], and OFF starts flashing.
3. To set the desired temporary suspension of the program (1-99 days), press the [increase-value-button] or [decrease-value-button].

The temporary suspension of the program can be cancelled at any time by re-entering the Rain Delay screen and changing the setting to OFF (press the [select-button] or [move-right-button] until OFF appears).

Note: OFF appears in between a numeric value of 99 and 1.

Press the [select-button] to review the program or to exit.

13. MANUAL WATERING

The manual mode allows the user to test the system and water for a specified run time set in watering duration. The timer will automatically stop watering at the end of the defined irrigation period. The originally programmed irrigation schedule continues to function at the assigned times. The sensor condition is disregarded in this mode.

To start a manual run:

1. Press the [select-button], and the [watering-icon] and [manual-run-icon] appear. ON appears momentarily, and then the last watering duration is displayed with a countdown. The timer will open the valve, and in five seconds, a count down of the remaining irrigation duration will appear, showing when the timer will close the valve.
2. Press the [select-button] to end manual run.
3. After five seconds, the display will revert to the current time screen.

To activate manual watering without the use of the timer, turn the solenoid a 1/4 turn counterclockwise. To stop, tighten the solenoid clockwise by hand only – do not over tighten (Figure 9).

Figure 9 Description: Shows the solenoid of the valve.

14. CONNECTING A RAIN SENSOR

Most "normally closed" rain sensors can be connected to the RBC 7000 timer. The function of the sensor is to prevent automatic watering by the set program due to excessive rainfall.

To connect the sensor to the timer, please follow these steps:

1. Cut the yellow wire loop that exits the timer in the middle of the loop.
2. Strip approximately 1/2" of insulation from the end of each wire.
3. Splice one yellow wire to each of the wires coming from the sensor. Use waterproof wire connectors to secure the connections.
4. When the sensor is active and preventing automatic operation, the [sensor-icon] will appear on the display.

Diagram Description: Shows a rain sensor connected via yellow sensor wires to the timer, with waterproof wire connectors. Recommended sensors are Rain Bird RSD and Hunter Mini-Clik.

The [sensor-icon] will only appear when the sensor is active or if the wire has been cut.

15. CHANGING THE BATTERIES

The RBC 7000 timer's batteries can last up to three years when using name-brand AA alkaline batteries. Actual battery life will depend on the sensitivity of the installed batteries, temperature ranges experienced by the timer, and the number of valve operations programmed per day. To ensure proper operation, it is recommended that the RBC 7000 timer be checked regularly and the batteries replaced once the low battery indication starts flashing.

The RBC 7000 timer is designed to maintain the current time settings for up to 60 seconds with the batteries removed.

To change the batteries, see section 5.

Note: If the batteries are dead or drained, manual operation can also be accomplished by turning the solenoid counterclockwise. This will cause the valve to open, and it will remain open until the solenoid is turned clockwise to the right.

16. MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIRS

To restore the timer to the default settings:

1. Press the [set-days-button] until START EVERY is displayed and the [time-date-button] icon appears on the bottom left of the screen.
2. Press and hold the [select-button] for three seconds.
3. The screen returns to the home screen (clock), and all default settings are restored. The current time and date are retained.

Troubleshooting:

PROBLEM: Timer fails to open automatically or manually

CAUSE: No water pressure

SOLUTION: Open main water supply valve

CAUSE: Flow control knob is turned down

SOLUTION: Turn flow-control knob counter-clockwise to open

PROBLEM: Valve/actuator functions via the manual mode but not automatically

CAUSE: Timer is set to OFF mode

SOLUTION: Verify that the timer does not show OFF in current time mode

CAUSE: AM/PM not set correctly in current time mode

SOLUTION: Check current time, change AM/PM if necessary

CAUSE: AM/PM not set correctly in start time mode

SOLUTION: Check start time(s), change AM/PM if necessary

CAUSE: Rain delay is preventing watering

SOLUTION: Set rain delay to OFF

CAUSE: Yellow sensor wires have been cut

SOLUTION: Re-connect sensor wires together with a waterproof connector

CAUSE: Sensor is installed and is in a state that prevents watering

SOLUTION: Check sensor and wire splices and verify sensor is normally closed

PROBLEM: The display is blank

CAUSE: No buttons have been pushed in the previous 15 minutes

SOLUTION: Push any button

CAUSE: No batteries are installed

SOLUTION: Install two new AA alkaline batteries

PROBLEM: Valve fails to close

CAUSE: Solenoid is loose

SOLUTION: Tighten solenoid by turning it clockwise to the right

CAUSE: Valve is installed backwards

SOLUTION: Check flow arrow and verify arrows point away from water source; reverse valve if necessary

CAUSE: Debris is blocking solenoid port

SOLUTION: Shut off water supply, unscrew and remove solenoid, then open water supply and flush out solenoid port; re-install solenoid

CAUSE: Flow control knob is too far open

SOLUTION: Turn flow control knob clockwise and retest

CAUSE: Drip system flow rate is below minimum flow rate

SOLUTION: Increase system flow rate by adding or changing drippers

PROBLEM: Rain sensor does not prevent watering

CAUSE: Rain sensor is normally open, malfunctioning, or not wired correctly

SOLUTION: Verify that the sensor icon appears on the display when the pin is pushed down and check all wire splices

PROBLEM: Timer waters more than once per day

CAUSE: More than one start time has been programmed

SOLUTION: Change start time 2, 3, and 4 to OFF

17. WARRANTY

DIG CORPORATION warrants these products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, neglect, modification, improper installation, or subjection to line pressure in excess of 125 lbs. per square inch for anti-siphon valves, in-line valves, and actuators. This warranty shall extend only to the original purchaser of the product for use by the purchaser.

The obligation of DIG CORPORATION under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, at its factory, this product which shall be returned to the factory within three years after the original purchase and which, on examination, is found to contain defects in material and workmanship. DIG CORPORATION SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND; THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF DIG IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Unattended use for prolonged periods without inspection to verify proper operation is beyond the intended use of this product, and any damage resulting from such use shall not be the responsibility of DIG CORPORATION. There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on the face hereof. In the case of purchase of the product for use other than for irrigation purposes, DIG CORPORATION hereby disclaims any implied warranties, including any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In the case of the purchase of the product for personal, family, or household purposes, DIG CORPORATION disclaims any such warranties to the extent permitted by law. To the extent that any such disclaimer or implied warranties shall be ineffectual, then any implied warranties shall be limited in duration to a period of three years from the date of the original purchase for use by the purchaser. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

In order to obtain performance under this warranty, the unit must be returned to the factory, along with proof of purchase indicating the original date of purchase, shipping prepaid, addressed as follows:

DIG CORPORATION, 1210 Activity Drive, Vista, CA 92081. Repaired or replaced units will be shipped prepaid to the name and address supplied with the unit returned under warranty. Allow four weeks for repairs and shipping time. Repair of damaged units not otherwise within warranty may be refused or done at a reasonable cost or charge at the option of DIG CORPORATION.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

18. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Should you encounter any problem(s) with this product or if you do not understand its many features, please refer to this operating manual first. If further assistance is required, DIG offers the following customer support:

DIGPRO™ Technical Service USA

DIG's Technical Service Team is available to answer questions in English and Spanish from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) Monday-Friday (except holidays) at 800-344-2281. Questions can be e-mailed to questions@digcorp.com or faxed to 760-727-0282. Specification documents and manuals are available for download at www.digcorp.com.

Customer Assistance Outside the USA

Contact your local distributor.

19. TO ORDER REPLACEMENT OR SPARE PARTS:

PLEASE ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.DIGCORP.COM

We at DIG Corporation understand that most dealers do not carry spare parts. For your convenience, if you need one of these parts, please order online at www.digcorp.com.

• 60-600-2: RBC Controller with solenoid
• 03-126: External bleed screw
• 03-308: Diaphragm for 3/4" valve
• 02-075: Complete 3/4" inline valve with external bleed screw

Diagram Description: Shows various spare parts with their corresponding part numbers: RBC Controller with solenoid (60-600-2), External bleed screw (03-126), Diaphragm for 3/4" valve (03-308), and Complete 3/4" inline valve with external bleed screw (02-075).