Hunter Pro-C Controller
Product Information
Product Overview
The Hunter Pro-C Controller is presented as a complete family of full-featured residential and light commercial controllers, designed for ease of handling. It offers a modular design concept, allowing expansion from a 3-station base model up to 15 stations using plug-in modules. This modularity simplifies inventory for contractors, requiring them to stock only indoor cabinets, outdoor cabinets, and station modules. The Pro-C boasts features such as three programs with multiple start times, independent day scheduling, "one touch" manual start and rapid advance, a programmable event day off, a heavy-duty locking plastic cabinet, and superior surge protection. It aims to deliver maximum flexibility for landscapes requiring a minimal number of stations.
An illustration shows the Pro-C controller with its front panel open, revealing the display and control dial. Key labels are visible, such as 'RAIN SENSOR', 'BYPASS', 'ACTIVE', 'SYSTEM OFF', 'MANUAL-ALL STATIONS', 'MANUAL-SINGLE STATION', and buttons for navigation and settings.
Features and Benefits
Outdoor or Indoor Models Available
The Pro-C is available in outdoor models for weather resistance and indoor models for installations where protection from elements is available. Both models are UL and CE listed.
Images show the Pro-C controller in both an outdoor (weather-resistant) and an indoor (compact) cabinet design.
Modular Design
This feature allows one controller to manage multiple station counts, eliminating the need to stock various models. Contractors can start with a 3-station base model (PC-300 outdoor or PC-300i indoor) and expand up to 15 stations using PCM-300 (3-station) or PCM-900 (9-station) plug-in modules. This modularity simplifies inventory management and allows customization to project needs, avoiding unnecessary extra zones.
Easy Inventory Management: Only one controller model needs to be stocked for all projects, expandable as needed.
Modular Design Eliminates Service Hassles: Modules are readily removable for easy repair or replacement, simplifying servicing without removing the controller from the wall.
Future Expansion: The modular design allows for easy addition of stations as landscapes are expanded in future projects.
Large LCD Display
The large LCD display simplifies programming, making it easy to read and verify settings, especially in low light conditions.
Non-volatile Memory
Programs are held indefinitely without a battery backup, ensuring data retention during power failures or AC power suspension.
No Battery Required
The controller accurately tracks the time of day for up to four weeks after AC power removal, without needing a battery. Normal watering resumes on schedule when power is restored.
Self-Diagnostic Electronic Short Circuit Protection
Automatically skips shorted stations, allowing the rest of the system to operate. It aids in identifying field wiring problems by displaying an "ERR" message for the affected station.
Intuitive Dial Programming
Provides step-by-step programming using a dial and navigation buttons (+, -, next), making adjustments straightforward.
Removable Front Panel for Remote Programming
The front panel can be removed and powered by a 9-volt battery for programming away from the cabinet, useful for contractors and homeowners.
3 Programs (A, B, C) with Multiple Start Times
Offers three independent programs, each supporting up to four start times per day, ideal for various plant watering requirements and schedules.
Up to Six-hour Station Run Times
Station run times can be programmed from 1 minute up to 6 hours, with increments of 1 minute for the first 120 minutes and 10-minute increments thereafter.
Choice of Independent Day Scheduling Options
Allows flexible scheduling by day of the week, 31-day interval, or odd/even days for each program.
365-day Calendar with Leap Year Intelligence
Supports true Odd/Even day watering and automatically adjusts for 31-day months and leap years.
Superior Surge Protection
Equipped with MOVs (Metal-Oxide Varistors) to protect against electrical surges and lightning.
An illustration shows lightning striking a building, with a close-up of electronic components labeled "Metal Oxide Varistors" on a circuit board.
Global Water Budget/Seasonal Adjustment
Allows global adjustment of station run times from 10% to 150% in 10% increments, with a visual bar graph display. Recommended to start at 100%.
An illustration shows the controller's LCD displaying a bar graph, representing the seasonal adjustment percentage.
Weather Sensor Compatible
Compatible with Hunter Rain-Clik™ and other micro-switch sensors. Features a built-in bypass switch and displays "SEN OFF" when the sensor is active.
An image shows the Rain-Clik™ sensor.
Programmable Event Day(s) Off
Allows designation of specific days as "no water" days, overriding other watering schedules, useful for events like mowing.
An image shows a Hunter 2004 calendar.
One Touch Manual Start and Rapid Advance
Provides simple operation for quick station checks or manual watering cycles.
An image shows the controller's dial and buttons.
Remote Ready
Compatible with Hunter SRR or ICR remote controls via a SmartPort® harness, enabling remote operation.
Heavy-Duty Cabinet
Features a robust, UL-listed, NEMA 3R rated plastic cabinet designed for durability and resistance to UV degradation. Outdoor models include a professional key lock.
Programmable 0-7 Day Rain Delay
Allows the controller to be turned off for 1 to 7 days during rainy weather or other events, resuming automatically afterward.
An illustration shows the controller display indicating "OFF 7 DAYS LEFT".
Programmable Delay Between Stations
Offers programmable delays (0-60 seconds or up to 4 hours) between station watering cycles to manage hydraulic conditions or well recovery.
An illustration shows the controller display indicating "Hr 1:15".
Pump Start/MV Circuit, Programmable By Station
Activates a pump relay or master valve only when needed for specific zones, optimizing pump operation.
Internal Junction Box (on Outdoor Model Only)
Included in outdoor models for primary power connection inside the cabinet, simplifying installation.
An illustration shows an "Internal J-Box" within the controller.
24VAC Valve Test
Provides a terminal for easy zone testing during wire hookup, simplifying installation.
Primary Voltage Source Choices
Supports 115VAC/60 Hz (domestic) or 230VAC/50 Hz (international) transformers for global compatibility.
AM/PM or 24 Hour Clock Settings
User-selectable time format for preferred timekeeping.
An illustration shows the controller's LCD displaying time in AM/PM and 24-hour formats.
Single Station Manual Start
Allows manual watering for a single zone, useful for tasks like applying fertilizer or spot seeding.
Start Time Stacking
Prevents hydraulic overload by ensuring stations run sequentially without overlap, maintaining system performance.
Multi-language Capability
Customization kits are available for Spanish, French, Italian, and German, including manuals, instruction cards, and faceplate overlays.
Operate Three 7.2 VA Solenoids Simultaneously
The controller has the capacity to operate up to three 7.2 VA solenoids simultaneously, supporting larger water volume systems.
Assign Zones to Any or All Programs
Provides versatility by allowing stations to be assigned to multiple watering schedules as required by the landscape.
Automated Chronological Ordering of Start Times
Automatically sequences start times in ascending order, preventing "phantom" starts and simplifying programming checks.
Easy Access Wire Compartment
Features a spacious compartment with a terminal block for simplified and fast wiring connections.
An illustration shows the controller's wiring compartment with terminal blocks.
Upgrade to Central Control
Can be networked via the Hunter Irrigation Management and Monitoring System™ (IMMS) for centralized programming and system monitoring.
Test Program
A built-in feature allowing users to run all stations for a predetermined duration for quick system checks or winterization.
Product Comparisons
| Feature | Pro-C | Rain Bird® E-CLASS | Rain Bird® ESP | Rain Bird® ESP-M | Irritrol® TOTAL CONTROL | Irritrol® RAIN DIAL™ PLUS | Irritrol® RAIN DIAL | Nelson® SMARTZONE EZ | Weathermatic® WEATHERMATE | Toro® CUSTOM COMMAND |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Modular Design with Station Expansion Modules (up to 15 stations) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Non-Volatile Memory Saves Programs Indefinitely | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Battery Not Required To Keep Current Time and Day (Up to 4 Weeks) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Electronic Short Circuit Protection - No Fuses to Replace or Breakers to Reset | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intuitive Dial Programming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Removable Face Panel for Remote Programming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| 3 Independent Programs (A,B,C) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Minimum of 4 Daily Starts per Program | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| Up to 12 Starts Per Day | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Station Run Times Can Be Programmed For Up to 6 Hrs. | ✔ | 4 | 5.9 | 5.9 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| True Odd/Even Programming (365 day calendar clock) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | will water on 31st | ✔ | |||||
| 1-31 Day Interval Programming | ✔ | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | ||||
| Choice of Independent Day Scheduling Options By Programs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Primary and Secondary Surge Protection | ✔ | ✔ | primary only | primary only | ✔ | primary only | primary only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Seasonal Adjustment / Water Budget | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Seasonal Adjustment With Visible In-Display Thermometer | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||||
| Weather Sensor Displays When Sensor is Active | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||||
| Rain Sensor Override Bypass on Front Panel | ✔ | odd/even only | odd/even only | odd/even only | odd/even only | odd/even only | ||||
| One Touch Manual Start / Rapid Advance | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remote Control Ready From Factory | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Programmable 0-7 Day Rain Delay | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Programmable Delay Between Stations | ✔ | |||||||||
| Pump Start/MV Circuit, Programmable By Station | ✔ | |||||||||
| NEMA 3R Rated Outdoor Enclosure | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Key Lock on Outdoor Cabinet | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Electrical Knockouts on Back of Cabinet | ✔ | |||||||||
| Primary Power Connections Made Inside Cabinet - No Junction Box Required | ✔ | |||||||||
| 24VAC Valve Test Terminal | ✔ | |||||||||
| Choose AM/PM or 24-Hour Clock Mode | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-Language Capability | ✔ | |||||||||
| Upgradeable to Central Control | ✔ | |||||||||
| User Programmable Test Cycle | ✔ |
Trademarks are registered by their respective companies.
Technical Information
Operating Specifications
- Outdoor models: 115VAC transformer with internal junction box
- Indoor model: 115VAC two prong plug-in transformer
- Station output: 24VAC, 0.56 Amps
- Transformer output: 24VAC, 1.0 Amps
- Capable of operating the equivalent of 3 solenoids simultaneously
- Operating Temperature: 0 - 150 degrees F
- NEMA rated outdoor cabinet
- UL Listed
Dimensions
- Indoor Model: 8.3" H x 9.6" W x 3.7" D
- Outdoor Model: 8.9" H x 9.9" W x 4.3" D
Models
- PC-300i: Base model indoor plastic cabinet with plug-in 115VAC transformer, expands to 15 stations.
- PC-300: Base model outdoor locking plastic cabinet with 115VAC transformer, expands to 15 stations.
- PCM-300: 3-station plug-in module for use with any PC controller model.
- PCM-900: 9-station plug-in module for use with any PC controller model (expands Pro-C station capability to 15 stations with 1 PCM-300 installed).
A specification guide example shows how model numbers (e.g., PC-300i, PCM-300) relate to features and unit types.
Installation
This section details the installation process for the Pro-C controller, including connecting valves, AC power, station modules, optional battery, master valve, pump start relay, and weather sensors. It also covers the connection of SRR or ICR remote controls via the SmartPort® harness.
Connecting Valves and AC Power
General Steps:
- Route valve wires from the valve location to the controller.
- At each valve, connect a common wire (typically white) to one solenoid wire and a separate control wire to the other solenoid wire. Use waterproof connectors for splices.
- Open the controller's hinged faceplate to access the terminal strip.
- Route valve wires through the conduit opening on the bottom right of the cabinet and secure the conduit.
- Strip 1/2" (13 mm) of insulation from wire ends. Connect the common wire to the 'C (Common)' terminal on the first module, and individual valve control wires to their respective station terminals.
It is recommended that a licensed electrician perform power installation.
Outdoor Cabinet Wiring
Route AC power cable and conduit through the 1/2" conduit opening at the bottom of the cabinet. Connect wires to the transformer wires inside the junction box. International units use a terminal strip. Use a UL-listed 1/2" conduit male adapter for AC wiring, securing it with a nut inside the enclosure.
Diagrams illustrate wiring connections for both indoor and outdoor cabinets, showing transformer connections to AC terminals and GND, and valve wire connections to station terminals and common.
Indoor Cabinet Wiring
Route the transformer cable through the left side of the controller and connect wires to the 'AC' screws. Ensure wires are neatly arranged in slotted areas before closing the compartment door to prevent damage.
Connecting Station Modules
The Pro-C comes with a factory-installed 3-station base module. Expand capacity to 15 stations using PCM-300 (3-station) or PCM-900 (9-station) modules. The Pro-C features automatic module recognition firmware (for units manufactured Nov. 2003 and after) and an Easy-Lock™ system for secure module installation.
Illustrations show how to slide modules into place and secure them using the Easy-Lock feature.
Connecting the Battery (Optional)
A 9-volt alkaline battery can be connected to the battery terminals for programming the controller without AC power. Note that watering will not occur without AC power, but the non-volatile memory retains programs and the clock/calendar during power outages even without a battery.
Connecting a Master Valve
If a master valve is installed, connect its common wire to one solenoid wire and a separate control wire to the other. Route these wires to the controller and connect one to the P/MV terminal and the remaining wire to the C (Common) terminal.
Diagram illustrates master valve wiring connections.
Connecting a Pump Start Relay
Mount the controller at least 15 feet (4.5 m) from the pump start relay and pump. Connect a wire pair from the pump relay to the controller, with the common wire to 'C (Common)' and the other wire to the P/MV screw slot. Relay holding current draw must not exceed 0.28 amps. Do not connect the controller directly to the pump.
Diagrams show pump start relay wiring, including connections to the controller and pump.
Connecting a Weather Sensor (Not Included)
Connect a rain sensor (like the Hunter Mini-Clik™) or other micro-switch sensor by routing wires through the conduit and connecting them to the 'SEN' terminals on the power module. Remove the jumper from the SEN terminals. The controller allows easy override via the bypass switch and displays "SEN OFF" when the sensor is active.
Diagrams illustrate weather sensor wiring connections to the SEN terminals.
Connecting an SRR or ICR Remote Control (Not Included)
The Pro-C controller includes a SmartPort® wiring harness for Hunter remote controls. Install a 1/2" female threaded "Tee" in the field wiring conduit. Feed the harness wires (red, white, blue) through the "Tee" and into the controller's wiring compartment. Attach the wires to the terminal block (red to bottom AC, white to upper AC, blue to REM). Any extension of the wiring harness should use shielded cable to minimize radio interference.
Diagrams illustrate SmartPort® wiring harness installation and connection to the controller's terminal block.
Power Failures: The controller uses non-volatile memory to preserve settings during power outages.
Programming
The Pro-C controller features an easy-to-read LCD display and a user-friendly dial design for programming. It offers three programs (A, B, C), each with up to four daily start times, and supports flexible day scheduling options.
Setting the Current Date and Time
Use the dial and buttons to set the current year, month, day, and time (AM/PM or 24-hour format).
Setting Watering Start Times
Turn the dial to "SET WATERING START TIMES." Select program A, B, or C. Use the buttons to set start times, which advance in 15-minute increments. One start time activates all stations sequentially within a program.
Setting Station Run Times (Length of Watering for Each Area)
Turn the dial to "SET STATION RUN TIMES." Select program and station. Use the buttons to adjust run time from 1 minute to 6 hours. Repeat for each station. Programs can be completed sequentially.
Setting Days to Water
Turn the dial to "SET DAYS TO WATER." Choose from specific days of the week, 31-day interval watering, or odd/even day watering for each program.
Selecting Specific Days of the Week: Press buttons to mark days for watering (✔) or no watering (✕).
Selecting Interval Watering: Set the interval (number of days between watering) and days remaining.
Selecting Odd or Even Days to Water: Set interval to one, then select ODD or EVEN as "No Water Days" to water on the opposite set of days.
The 31st of any month and February 29th are always "off" days if Odd watering is selected.
Weather Sensor Bypass
A built-in bypass switch allows manual operation when a weather sensor is active or not installed. Move the switch to "BYPASS" to disable the sensor.
Run
Turn the dial to "RUN" to enable automatic watering execution. Watering only occurs when the dial is in the RUN position.
System Off
Turning the dial to "SYSTEM OFF" stops all watering and active programs.
Manually Run a Single Station
Turn the dial to "MANUAL-SINGLE STATION." Select station and run time. Turn dial to "RUN" to activate the station.
Manually Run All Stations
Turn the dial to "MANUAL-ALL STATIONS." Select program, station, and run time. Turn dial to "RUN" to start watering.
One Touch Manual Start and Advance
Activate all stations without the dial. Hold button for 2 seconds. Select program and station, then press "ON." This feature is useful for quick checks or extra watering.
Seasonal Adjustment
Make global run time adjustments (10%-150%) without reprogramming. Use seasonal adjust buttons to set percentage. Turn dial to "Set Run Times" to view updated run times.
Controller should initially be programmed in the 100% position.
Test Program
Activate all stations for a set duration (1-15 minutes) for system checks or winterization.
Advanced Features
1) Set Pump/Master Valve Operation: Configure pump/master valve ON or OFF for specific stations.
2) Programmable Rain Off: Set a rain delay for 1-7 days. The controller resumes automatic operation after the period ends.
3) Setting Event Day(s) Off: Designate specific days as "No Water" days.
Hidden Features
1) Programmable Delay Between Stations: Insert delays between station watering for systems with slow closing valves or pump systems.
2) Clearing Controller's Memory/Resetting Controller: A procedure to reset the controller to factory defaults.
3) Hunter Quick Check™: A diagnostic procedure to identify wiring shorts by testing station terminals.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| There is no display. | Check AC power wiring. | Correct any errors. |
| The display reads "ERR". | Electrical noise is entering the system. | Check the SmartPort® wiring harness. If extended, replace with shielded cable. |
| The display reads "P ERR". | There is a ground fault in the wire to the pump start or master valve. | Check master valve/pump start wire continuity. Repair/replace wire. Ensure connections are good and watertight. |
| The display reads a station number and ERR, such as "2 ERR". | There has been a ground fault with the wire leading to that station. | Check station wire continuity. Repair/replace wire. Ensure connections are good and watertight. |
| The display reads "NO AC". | There is no AC power present. | Check transformer installation. |
| The display reads "SENSOR OFF". | The rain sensor is interrupting irrigation or not installed. | Slide Rain Sensor switch to BYPASS or install a jumper wire between SEN terminals if no sensor is used. Ensure sensor is micro-switch type (e.g., Mini-Clik®). |
| Rain sensor will not shut off system. | Sensor is not a micro-switch type or jumper not removed. | Ensure sensor is micro-switch type. Remove jumper from SEN terminals. |
| The controller recognizes 15 stations all the time. | Controller does not recognize modules. | Reset controller (page 24). Check module connections. Power cycle controller. |
| The controller does not respond to all stations. (Example: 12 stations, display only shows 6). | Controller does not recognize modules. | Turn off power, remove battery. Check module connections. Power up controller. Microprocessor will recognize all modules. |
SRR Remote Control
Product Overview
The Hunter SRR is a Simple and Reliable Remote Control designed for use with Hunter Pro-C, ICC, and SRC controllers. It offers advanced features at a competitive price, simplifying tasks like manual watering cycles, winterization, and remote operation, saving time and effort.
Product Features and Benefits
- One Transmitter, One Receiver: Portable and reusable, allowing contractors to use it across multiple sites.
- Internal Antenna on Transmitter: Eliminates risk of antenna damage or loss.
- Large LCD Display and Four-Button Operation: Easy to view and operate for station or program selection and control (ON/OFF). Auto-off feature conserves battery.
- Sturdy ABS Construction: Durable housing withstands tough conditions.
- Small and Compact Size: Easily fits in a pocket for daily use.
- Standard 9V Alkaline Battery: Uses a common battery type, readily available.
- 8 Different Remote-Activated Run Time Settings: Configurable run times from 1 to 30 minutes.
- User Programmable Address: Enhances security by setting unique addresses for transmitter and receiver communication (0-127).
- Programmable Number of Stations Controlled: Can be reprogrammed to control up to 48 stations, offering flexibility for future use.
Installation and Programming
SmartPort® Wiring Harness: Prepares the controller for the SRR receiver. Install a 1/2" "Tee" in the field wiring conduit, feed the harness wires (red, white, blue) through, and connect them to the controller's terminal block (red to AC2, white to AC1, blue to REM).
Diagrams illustrate SmartPort® harness installation and terminal connections.
Extending the Wiring Harness: Use shielded cable (e.g., Radio Shack P/N 278-513) to minimize potential radio interference and errors if extending the harness.
Preparing the Transmitter: Install a 9V battery. Customize transmitter address (0-127) and maximum station number. Note that changes revert to default if the battery is replaced without re-entering settings.
Preparing the Receiver: Plug the receiver into an active wiring harness. Hold the receiver's button while plugging in; it will beep. Press the transmitter's "ON" or "OFF" button to "learn" the transmitter's address. The receiver will beep four times to confirm.
Run Time: Adjust station run time (1-30 minutes) using the transmitter's buttons. This does not affect the controller's programmed run time.
Activating a Station with the SRR Remote Control System: Plug in the receiver. Use the transmitter to select a station or program. Press "ON" to start; the transmitter displays "TRANSMIT." Press "OFF" to stop. The system turns one station on at a time. The remote can activate stations regardless of the controller dial position, but cannot override active rain sensors.
Changing the Maximum Station Number: Set the maximum station number (default 9) on the transmitter to match the controller's station count.
Maximizing Operating Range: Factors influencing range include site terrain, obstructions, signal strength, and receiver sensitivity. Tips include avoiding metal sources, installing the receiver outlet higher, pointing the receiver antenna vertically, and holding the transmitter vertically.
A Word About Range: The SRR system has a published range of up to 450 feet (137 m). The transmitter uses maximum FCC-allowed power, and the receiver employs a superior reception method for reliable operation.
