Hunter Pro-C Irrigation Controller

Introduction

This document provides comprehensive owner's manual and installation instructions for the Hunter Pro-C residential and light commercial irrigation controllers. It covers setup, programming, wiring, and troubleshooting.

Controller Overview

LCD Display (A)

The liquid crystal display (LCD) shows program information, station numbers, times, and status indicators.

• 1. Program indicator (A, B, or C)
• 2. Station number
• 3. Main display (shows times and programmed data)
• 4. Year
• 5. Month
• 6. Day
• 7. Sprinkler head indicator (shows when watering is active)
• 8. Days of the week (indicates scheduled watering days)
• 9. Odd/Even day setting indicator
• 10. Seasonal watering indicator
• 11. Seasonal adjustment percentage
• 12. Watering start time

Control Buttons and Dial (B & C)

The controller features a rotary dial (C) and several buttons (B) for programming and operation.

• 13. [+] Button: Increases displayed numbers.
• 14. [-] Button: Decreases displayed numbers.
• 15. [←] Button: Moves the cursor to the previous item/setting.
• 16. [→] Button: Moves the cursor to the next item/setting.
• 17. [PRG] Button: Selects program (A, B, or C).
• 18. Rain Sensor Switch: Allows bypassing the rain sensor if installed.
• 19. Buttons for seasonal adjustment.

Rotary Dial (C) Positions:

• AUTO: Automatic operation.
• SET CURRENT DATE/TIME: Set the current time and date.
• SET WATERING START TIMES: Program up to 4 start times per program.
• SET STATION RUN TIMES: Set the duration for each station's watering cycle.
• SET DAYS TO WATER: Select specific days of the week or cyclical/odd-even watering.
• PUMP OPERATION: Control pump or master valve for specific zones.
• MANUAL-SINGLE STATION: Manually start a single zone.
• MANUAL-ALL STATIONS: Manually start all zones sequentially.
• SYSTEM OFF: Turns off the controller, stopping all watering programs.

Installation and Wiring

The Pro-C can be installed indoors or outdoors. Ensure proper wiring for power, valves, and sensors.

Terminal Block (D)

The terminal block connects the transformer, valves, and sensors.

• 20. 9V Battery Compartment: Allows programming without AC power. The battery retains time and programs during power outages.
• 21. RESET Button: Resets the controller to factory defaults while retaining programmed data.
• 22. Terminal Block: Connects transformer, solenoid, and sensor wires.
• 23. Transformer: Outdoor units have built-in transformers; indoor units require an external one.
• 24. Junction Box: For connecting the main power cable (outdoor units only).
• 25. Expansion Modules: Allows adding more zones (up to 15 with PCM-300 and PCM-900 modules).
• 26. Base Module: Connects master valve/pump, common wire, and up to 3 zones.

Power Connection

Connect the transformer to the AC1-AC2 terminals. For outdoor controllers, connect the 230V power as shown.

Valve Wiring

Connect one wire from each solenoid valve to its corresponding numbered terminal (1-12). Connect the common wire from all valves to the 'COM' terminal.

Master Valve/Pump Start Relay Wiring

Connect the master valve or pump start relay common wire to the 'COM' terminal. Connect the other wire of the master valve to the 'P/MV' terminal. Connect the other wire of the pump start relay to the 'P/MV' terminal.

Sensor Wiring

Connect the rain sensor wires to the 'SEN' terminals. If no sensor is installed, a bypass jumper should be placed across the 'SEN' terminals. If the sensor switch is set to 'BYPASS' and no sensor is connected, the display will show 'SEN OFF'.

Remote Control Wiring (SmartPort)

For remote control systems (like Hunter SmartPort), install the SmartPort receiver. Connect the receiver's wires (typically Blue to SEN, White to AC2, Red to AC1) as per the receiver's instructions. Note: Extending wires can cause issues; use shielded cable if necessary.

Programming the Controller

The Pro-C offers flexible programming options for efficient watering.

Setting Current Date and Time

1. Turn the dial to 'SET CURRENT DATE/TIME'.
2. The year will flash. Use the [+] or [-] buttons to adjust, then press [→] to move to the month.
3. Adjust the month, then press [→] to move to the day.
4. Adjust the day. The controller automatically sets the day of the week. Press [→] to move to the time.
5. Adjust the hour using [+] or [-]. Press [→] to move to minutes. Adjust minutes. The controller supports AM/PM or 24-hour format.

Setting Watering Start Times

Program up to four start times for each program (A, B, C).

1. Turn the dial to 'SET WATERING START TIMES'.
2. The default start time for Program A is shown. Use the [PRG] button to switch between programs A, B, and C.
3. Use the [+] or [-] buttons to set the desired start time (in 15-minute increments).
4. Press [→] to move to the next start time slot or program.

To delete a start time: Set the time to 12:00 AM and press the [→] button once to reach the 'OFF' position.

Note: If all start times for a program are turned off, that program will not run.

Setting Station Run Times

Set the watering duration for each zone.

1. Turn the dial to 'SET STATION RUN TIMES'.
2. The last programmed program's station times are displayed. Use the [PRG] button to cycle through programs A, B, and C.
3. Use the [+] or [-] buttons to set the run time for the current station (0 to 4 hours).
4. Press [→] to move to the next station. Repeat for all stations in the program.

Tip: Complete programming for one program before moving to the next.

Setting Watering Days

Choose how the controller schedules watering.

• Manual Day Selection:
1. Turn the dial to 'SET DAYS TO WATER'.
2. Use the [PRG] button to select the program.
3. The cursor will flash over a day of the week. Use [+] to select a day for watering (a drop symbol will appear) and [-] to deselect.
4. Press [→] to move to the next day. Repeat for all days.
• Cyclical Watering:
1. Turn the dial to 'SET DAYS TO WATER'.
2. Press [→] until the 'INTERVAL' display shows.
3. Use [+] or [-] to set the number of days between watering cycles (1 to 31 days).
4. Press [→] to view the days remaining until the next watering.
• Odd/Even Day Watering:
1. Turn the dial to 'SET DAYS TO WATER'.
2. Select the '1' interval for cyclical watering.
3. Use the [→] button to select 'EVEN' or 'ODD' day watering.
4. Use [-] to disable watering for a specific day if needed.

Note: For odd/even day watering, the 31st of a month and February 29th are automatically skipped if they fall on an odd day selection.

Seasonal Adjustment

Adjust the watering duration for all stations proportionally based on the season without reprogramming.

• Use the [↓] or [↑] buttons (located on the left side of the display) to increase or decrease the watering duration percentage.
• Ensure the seasonal adjustment is set to 100% during initial programming.

Pump Operation

Program the pump or master valve to activate with specific zones.

1. Turn the dial to 'PUMP OPERATION'.
2. Use [+] or [-] to enable or disable the pump for the current zone.
3. Press [→] to move to the next zone.

Programmable Delay

Set a delay between station watering cycles (useful for low-pressure systems or slopes).

1. Turn the dial to 'SYSTEM OFF'.
2. Press and hold the [-] button while turning the dial to 'SET STATION RUN TIMES'.
3. Release the [-] button. The display will show the delay time in seconds (e.g., 'DELAY 0:05').
4. Use [+] or [-] to set the delay time (0-59 seconds, or up to 4 hours).
5. Turn the dial back to 'AUTO' to activate.

Note: The pump circuit activates for the first minute of each programmed delay to assist with valve closing and prevent rapid pump cycling. A bleed valve is recommended if 1 minute is too long for the system.

Setting a Specific Day for No Watering

Schedule a day when no watering should occur (e.g., for lawn mowing).

1. Turn the dial to 'SET DAYS TO WATER'.
2. Set the watering to cyclical mode.
3. Press [→] on the flashing day to display calendar dates. Use [-] to cancel watering for that specific date.

Simplified Manual Start

Manually start watering without using the rotary dial.

1. Press and hold the [→] button for 2 seconds.
2. The controller will default to Program A. Use the [PRG] button to select Program B or C.
3. The station number will flash. Use [→] to cycle through stations and [+] or [-] to adjust the run time for the selected station.
4. If no button is pressed for 2 seconds, the controller will automatically start watering the selected station.
5. Press [→] to advance through stations and select the desired starting station.

This feature is useful for spot watering or quickly checking system operation.

Manual Start (Single Station)

1. Turn the dial to 'MANUAL-SINGLE STATION'.
2. Use the [→] button to select the desired station and [+] or [-] to set the run time.
3. Turn the dial back to 'AUTO'.

Manual Start (All Stations)

1. Turn the dial to 'MANUAL-ALL STATIONS'.
2. Use the [PRG] button to select the program (A, B, or C) you wish to run manually.
3. Press the [→] button until the desired starting station is displayed.
4. Use [+] or [-] to set the run time for that station.

Clearing Controller Memory

To reset the controller to factory defaults and clear all programmed data:

1. Simultaneously press and hold the [→] and [PRG] buttons.
2. While holding them, press the RESET button on the back of the unit twice.
3. Release the [→], [-], and [PRG] buttons. The display should show 12:00 AM, indicating all memory has been cleared.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the table below for common issues and their solutions.

Technical Specifications

• Zone Run Times: 1 minute to 6 hours.
• Automatic Start Times: 4 per program, 12 total.
• Programming Options: Calendar days, 1-31 day cycles, odd/even days.
• Power Input (Transformer): 230V~, 50 Hz.
• Power Output (Transformer): 25V~, 50 Hz, 1A.
• Zone Output: 24V~, 50 Hz, 0.56A.
• Total Output: 24V~, 50 Hz, 0.84A (with master valve).
• Battery: 9V alkaline battery for programming without AC power.

Compliance

The Hunter Pro-C controller and its components comply with EN 50082-1, EN 55022, EN 6100-3-2, and EN 60730-1 European Union standards and carry CE certification.

Warranty

Hunter warrants the Pro-C controller and its components for 12 months from the date of purchase, subject to terms and conditions. The warranty is void if the unit is damaged by water, improper installation, or used in unsuitable environments (e.g., outdoor unit installed indoors, units installed in wet locations like meter pits or pool equipment housings).