Soil-Clik Owner's Manual

Introduction

Soil-Clik is a soil moisture system that prevents overwatering when the soil is wet. Soil-Clik is designed for use with Hunter controllers that have normally closed smart sensor inputs, or with any AC-powered control system by interrupting the common wire to the valves.

Module: The main control unit.

Probe: The sensor that measures soil moisture.

Installation

Choosing the Probe Location

The moisture-sensing Soil-Clik probe must be installed within 1,000' (300 m) of the Soil-Clik module, using 18 AWG (1 mm²) direct-burial (UF) wire.

Choosing the Zone

Install the probe within the last scheduled zone to irrigate, so that normal irrigation will not interrupt watering prematurely. Choose a zone with full sun exposure that is in the fastest-drying area of the landscape. If necessary, move valve wires so that this is the last (highest-numbered) station to water.

Diagram: Shows a controller connected to multiple valves, with the Soil-Clik probe installed in the last zone.

Choosing the Exact Spot

Select an area with full sun exposure that represents the fastest-drying irrigated area.

Diagram: Illustrates sprinklers watering an area, with the sun overhead. The probe is shown in the area receiving the most direct sunlight and drying fastest.

Place in the Root Zone

In turf applications, the probe should be placed in the root zone, approximately 6" (15 cm) deep (adjust for actual turf conditions). For shrubs or trees, select a deeper depth that matches the root zone. For new plantings, choose a spot halfway down the root ball, adjacent to native soil.

Diagram: Shows cross-sections of turf and a tree, indicating the correct depth for probe placement within the root zones.

Installing the Probe

1. Soak the lower two-thirds of the probe for 30 minutes before installing. Do not allow water to cover the top cap where the wires are connected.
2. Use a 1/2" (12 mm) PVC pipe to make a vertical hole to the desired depth in the soil (outside diameter 7/8" (22 mm)).
3. Mix a slurry of native soil and water, and pour it into the hole.
4. Place the sensor in a vertical position (do not tilt it more than 45°) at the bottom of the hole.
5. Pack native soil tightly around the probe. Soil must be in full contact with the probe.
6. Allow the probe to acclimate for two to three days and water normally before proceeding to sensor-based irrigation.

Diagrams: Illustrate soaking the probe, creating a hole with PVC pipe, filling the hole with slurry, inserting the probe vertically, packing soil, and the acclimation period with watering.

Note: Do not install the probe horizontally!

Choosing the Module Location

The Soil-Clik module is designed for outdoor installation when necessary. However, electronics will benefit from a protected location when practical. An indoor location, or inside the controller enclosure (ACC, ACC2, I-Core, ICC2, or HCC) is recommended. If the module must be outdoors, place it away from direct sunlight and sprinkler spray for best results. Avoid placing the module near electrical boxes and sources of electrical interference.

Note: Mount within 6' (2 m) of the host controller.

Diagram: Shows the Soil-Clik module mounted near a Hunter controller, with a distance indicator of 6' (2 m).

Connecting the Probe to the Soil-Clik Module

Connect the gray/black probe wires to the two gray Soil-Clik module wires with waterproof connections (polarity is not important in this system).

Note: Avoid high-voltage lines or other sources of electrical interference.

Diagram: Shows the wiring connections between the probe and the Soil-Clik module, indicating the use of 18 AWG direct burial wire up to 1,000' (300 m).

Connecting the Module to Hunter Products

Overview

1. Gray Wires: Connection to Soil-Clik probe.

2. Yellow Wires: Soil-Clik module power, requires 24 VAC power (100 mA max).

3. White Wires: Module output, to Hunter controller sensor input, or to interrupt 24 V common wiring to field.

Route all wires through low-voltage conduit hole in the controller enclosure. Make all external connections with waterproof connectors.

Note: Do not connect the Soil-Clik to high-voltage (120/230 VAC) wiring!

Diagram: Illustrates the three sets of wires (gray, yellow, white) and their general routing into a controller enclosure.

Controller Compatibility

The Soil-Clik is designed for use with the following Hunter controllers:

• ACC, ACC2: Yellow power wires to 24 VAC and COM terminals; White wires to SEN sensor terminals or use Common Interrupt method.
• HC, HCC: Yellow power wires to 24V power terminals; White wires to SENSOR and COMMON terminals or use Common Interrupt method.
• I-Core®: Yellow power wires to AC1 and AC2 power terminals; White wires to SEN sensor terminals or use Common Interrupt method.
• ICC2: Yellow power wires to 24VAC power terminals; White wires to SEN sensor terminals or use Common Interrupt method.
• PCC: Yellow power wires to AC1 and AC2 power terminals; White wires to SEN sensor terminals or use Common Interrupt method.
• Pro-C® and HPC: Yellow power wires to AC1 and AC2 power terminals; White wires to SEN sensor terminals or use Common Interrupt method.
• Pro-HC: Yellow power wires to 24VAC power terminals; White wires to SEN sensor and SEN COM common terminals or use Common Interrupt method.
• X2™ and X-Core®: Yellow power wires to 24VAC power terminals; White wires to SEN sensor terminals or use Common Interrupt method.

Diagrams: Detailed wiring diagrams for each compatible controller model are provided.

Common Interrupt (Most AC-Powered Controllers)

1. Connect Yellow power wires to 24V power in the controller.

2. Cut field common wire(s), and splice one Soil-Clik white wire to each end of the common.

Diagram: Shows the common wire being interrupted and connected to the Soil-Clik white wires.

Using the Soil-Clik with Solar Sync®

Soil-Clik is ideal when installed with Hunter Solar Sync. Solar Sync adjusts run times for weather conditions and provides automatic rain and freeze shutdown. Soil-Clik prevents unnecessary watering when soil is still wet.

For controllers with a single sensor terminal (ICC2, PCC, Pro-C, and X-Core), connect Solar Sync to the controller sensor terminal as described in the Solar Sync owner's manual. Do not connect the Soil-Clik to SEN terminals if Solar Sync is already installed.

For controllers with multiple sensor terminals (ACC, ACC2, and I-Core), Solar Sync and Soil-Clik can be installed using either the conventional or Common Interrupt methods. Connect Solar Sync to the controller sensor terminal as described in the Solar Sync owner's manual.

Compatibility Notes:

• Compatible with ACC version 5.0 and later.
• Compatible with I-Core version 3.0 and later.

Diagram: Illustrates the Soil-Clik and Solar Sync connected to a Hunter controller.

Programming

LED Screen Overview

Soil-Clik is used to set a desired moisture level. The level may be changed with the + and - buttons. When the desired moisture has been reached, Soil-Clik will interrupt irrigation either through the controller's sensor input, or by “breaking” the common wire to the field.

LCD Screen Indicators:

• 1: Alarm
• 2: Measurement
• 3: Moisture level
• 4: Moisture setting
• 5: Watering interrupted
• 6: Pause/override

Diagram: Shows the Soil-Clik module with its LCD screen and buttons, highlighting the different indicators.

Programming Moisture Levels

The bar steps in the display represent centibars of soil water tension on a scale of 10 to 100. High numbers indicate dry soil, or soil from which it is very difficult for plants to extract moisture. The level of the arrows indicates the point at which irrigation will be shut off.

Start with a midrange setting based on the table or local experience. Observe results and adjust as needed. Press [+] to increase, [-] to decrease.

Soil Moisture Table:

• 0-10: Very wet
• 10-30: Sand
• 30-60: Silt and loam
• 60-100: Clay
• 100: Very dry

When the moisture level is reached, Soil-Clik stops the irrigation. This is shown by the [stop symbol].

Diagram: Shows different moisture level settings on the Soil-Clik display, with corresponding soil types and descriptions.

Pausing Operation

Press [||] to override the Soil-Clik. It will allow the controller to water normally, even if the soil moisture level has been reached. When it is in Pause mode, the Pause symbol is shown and the rest of the screen is blank. Press [||] again to return to normal operation.

Note: Pause does not pause watering. It overrides the Soil-Clik, and allows watering.

Press [icon for measurement update] to update the moisture level reading. The Measurement icon will appear. An updated measurement (bars) will appear within 5 seconds.

Diagram: Shows the Soil-Clik screen in Pause mode.

Alarms

The Alarm symbol [!] shows an internal malfunction. Replace the Soil-Clik module if this occurs.

Diagram: Shows the Soil-Clik display with the alarm symbol activated.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problems, Causes, and Solutions

For more detailed information, application notes, or assistance, visit hunterindustries.com.

Controller Compatibility

The Soil-Clik is designed for use with Hunter ACC, ACC2, HC, HCC, HPC, I-Core, ICC2, PCC, Pro-C, Pro-HC, X2, and X-Core controllers.

Dimensions

• Module: 4½" H x 3½" W x 1½" D (11.4 cm H x 8.9 cm W x 3.2 cm D)
• Probe: 2¼" H x 7/8" Dia (8.25 cm H x 2.22 cm Dia)
• Wire to probe: 1,000' (300 m) max, 18 AWG (0.75 mm²) direct-burial wire

Notices

FCC Notice

This device complies with FCC rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital devices, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. 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. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the 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 help

The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

Certificate of Conformity to European Directives

Hunter Industries hereby declares that this remote control device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/30/EU.

Declaration of Conformity: Hunter Industries Incorporated, 1940 Diamond Street, San Marcos, CA 92078, declares under its own responsibility that the Soil Clik, to which this declaration refers, conforms with the relevant standards: EN 61000-6-1 and EN 61000-6-3.

CE Mark

Andrew Bera, Senior Regulatory Compliance Engineer

Place: San Marcos, CA

Date: May 1, 2018

Company Information

Helping our customers succeed is what drives us. While our passion for innovation and engineering is built into everything we do, it is our commitment to exceptional support that we hope will keep you in the Hunter family of customers for years to come.

Gregory R. Hunter, CEO of Hunter Industries

Gene Smith, President, Landscape Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION | Built on Innovation®

Hunter Industries Incorporated

1940 Diamond Street, San Marcos, California 92078 USA

hunterindustries.com

© 2020 Hunter Industries Inc. Hunter, the Hunter logo, and all other trademarks are property of Hunter Industries, registered in the U.S. and other countries.

LIT-609-OM-EN C 4/20