Hunter Pro-C Irrigation Controller

Introduction and Installation

Pro-C Components

The Pro-C controller features an LCD display, control dial, various buttons, and a wiring compartment.

Mounting the Controller to a Wall

All necessary hardware is included for most installations.

Note: The indoor Pro-C is not weather or water resistant and must be installed indoors or in a protected area. This device is not intended for use by young children. Never let children play with this device.

1. Select a location close to an electrical outlet or power supply that is not controlled by a light switch.
2. Remove the front panel from the Pro-C by first removing the ribbon connector and then pulling down the hinge release. This eases installation of the controller cabinet.
3. Use the hole at the top of the controller as a reference and secure a 1" (25 mm) screw into the wall. Install screw anchors if attaching to drywall or masonry wall.
4. Align the controller with the screw and slide the keyhole on top of the controller over the screw.
5. Secure the controller in place by installing screws in the provided holes.

Note: Outdoor models are water and weather resistant. Connecting the outdoor Pro-C to the primary power should be done by a licensed electrician following all local codes. Improper installation could result in shock or fire hazard. This device is not intended for use by young children. Never let children play with this device.

For PC-301-A: If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or service agent or a similarly qualified person to avoid hazard.

Connecting Valves and AC Power

General Wiring:

1. Route valve wires between the control valve location and the controller.
2. At the valves, attach a common wire to either solenoid wire of all valves (typically white). Attach a separate control wire to the remaining wire of each valve. All wire splice connections should be done using waterproof connectors.
3. Route valve wires through the conduit and attach the conduit to one of the openings on the bottom of the cabinet.
4. Strip 1/2" (13 mm) of insulation from the ends of all wires. Secure the valve common wire to the “COM” (Common) terminal. Attach all individual valve control wires to the appropriate station terminals.

Indoor Cabinet Wiring:

Route transformer cable through the hole on the bottom left side of the controller. Connect one Yellow Wire to each of the screws marked AC and the Green Wire to GND.

Note: It is recommended that a licensed electrician perform the power installation.

Note: Pro-C/PCC controllers are intended to be supplied AC power with a 15A rated over current protective device.

Outdoor Cabinet Wiring:

Route AC power cable and conduit through the 1/2" (13 mm) conduit opening on the left side of the bottom of the cabinet. Connect the wires to the transformer wires located inside the junction box. International units are supplied with a built-in terminal strip. Always use a UL listed conduit 1/2" (13 mm) male adapter when installing the AC wiring. Insert the adapter into the 1/2" (13 mm) hole at the bottom of the controller and attach a nut to the adapter inside the enclosure.

Installing Station Modules

The Pro-C controller comes with a factory-installed base module for up to 3 stations. Additional modules (PCM-300 for 3 stations, PCM-900 for 9 stations) can be added to expand capability up to 15 stations. Additional modules are sold separately.

Note: Using a PCM-900 to expand to 15 stations requires a PCM-300 in the first expansion slot (stations 4-6) and the PCM-900 in the upper two expansion slots.

The Pro-C uses automatic module recognition firmware to identify installed or removed modules, correctly recognizing the number of stations without needing a reset or power cycle.

Installing PCM Modules:

The Pro-C features a simple Power Lock for securing modules. Push the Power Lock slide to unlock or lock all modules.

1. Slide the Power Lock to the Power Off (unlocked) position. Insert PCM modules into the appropriate sequential position in the controller cabinet.
2. Note: Your Pro-C controller is designed to work only with BLACK PCM expansion modules.
3. Once modules are in place, slide the Power Lock to the Power On (locked) position to energize and secure them.
4. The Pro-C automatically recognizes the correct number of stations; no reset or power cycle is needed.

Connecting the Battery (Optional)

Connect a 9-volt alkaline battery (not included) to the battery terminals and place it in the front panel compartment. The battery allows programming without AC power. Watering requires AC power. The controller has non-volatile memory that retains program clock and calendar data during power outages, even without a battery.

Connecting a Master Valve

Note: Complete this section only if you have a master valve installed. A master valve is a normally closed valve at the supply point of the main line that opens only when the automatic system is activated.

1. At the Master Valve, attach the common wire to either solenoid wire of the valve. Attach a separate control wire to the remaining solenoid wire.
2. Route the wires into the controller.
3. Connect one wire from the Master Valve to the P/MV terminal. Connect the remaining wire to the “COM” (Common) terminal.

Connecting a Pump Start Relay

Note: Complete this section only if you have a pump and pump start relay installed. A pump start relay is an electronic device that uses a signal current from the irrigation controller to activate a pump.

When a pump is operated by the controller, a pump start relay is typically used. Hunter offers a range of pump start relays.

1. Route a wire pair from the pump relay into the controller housing.
2. Connect the pump common wire to the “COM” (Common) terminal slot and the remaining wire from the pump relay to the P/MV screw slot.

Relay holding current draw must not exceed 0.28 amps (24 VAC). Do not connect the controller directly to the pump, as this will cause damage.

Connecting a Weather Sensor

A Hunter Mini-Clik® rain sensor or other micro-switch weather sensor can be connected to the Pro-C to stop watering when precipitation is sufficient.

1. Route the wires from the rain sensor up through the same conduit used for valve wiring.
2. Remove the metal jumper plate from the two SEN terminals.
3. Connect one wire to the SEN terminal and the other wire to the other SEN terminal.
4. When the weather sensor deactivates automatic watering, “OFF” and “SENSOR” will appear on the display.

Manually Bypassing the Weather Sensor:

If the rain sensor is interrupting irrigation, bypass it using the switch on the front of the controller. Slide the switch to the BYPASS position to disable the rain sensor for controller operation. You can also bypass the sensor for manual operation using the MANUAL - SINGLE STATION function.

Note: If the rain sensor switch is left in the ACTIVE position with no sensor connected and the jumper removed, the display will read “SEN OFF” and no irrigation will occur. To prevent this, leave the switch in the BYPASS position or install a short jumper wire between the sensor terminals.

Connecting a Hunter Remote Control

Hunter remotes allow operation of the system without returning to the controller. The SmartPort connector provides a simple interface for connecting a Hunter remote to a Hunter controller (SmartPort connectors are included with Hunter remotes).

To install the SmartPort connector:

1. Install a 1/2" female threaded “Tee” in the field wiring conduit approximately 12 feet (3.7 meters) below the Pro-C.
2. Feed the red, white, and blue wires of the harness through the base of the “Tee” and into the wiring compartment.
3. Screw the SmartPort harness housing into the “Tee”.
4. Attach the red wire to the bottom AC1 screw slot, the white wire to the upper AC2 screw slot, and the blue wire to the screw slot marked REM.

The SmartPort is now ready for remote control use. Refer to the Hunter remote control owner's manual for further information or contact your local Hunter distributor.

Note: Any extension of the wiring on the SmartPort may result in an error message or malfunction due to radio interference. Use shielded cable to minimize electrical noise. For easiest installation, order a new Hunter SmartPort shielded cable wiring harness (part #SRR-SCWH) with 25 feet (7.6 meters) of shielded cable.

Connecting to the Hunter Solar Sync

The Solar Sync sensor system, when connected to the Hunter Pro-C, automatically adjusts watering based on local climate conditions. It uses solar and temperature sensors to measure on-site weather conditions to determine evapotranspiration (ET). The Solar Sync sensor also includes Hunter Rain-Clik™ and Freeze-Clik™ sensors to shut down the system during rain or freezing conditions.

A small module connects the sensor to the controller and automatically increases or decreases watering run times based on weather changes, promoting water conservation and healthier plants. Program the controller as usual; the Solar Sync manages adjustments.

Power Failures

Due to the possibility of power failures, the controller has non-volatile memory to preserve the program indefinitely. There is no default program. The Pro-C can also keep the current time and date for an extended period during power outages.

Controller Programming and Operation

Sprinkler System Fundamentals

Automatic sprinkler systems consist of three main components: the controller, valves, and sprinklers. The controller is the brain, instructing valves when to supply water and for how long. Sprinklers direct water to plants and lawns.

A valve controls a group of sprinklers, known as a watering station. Stations are laid out based on plant type, location, and water needs. Each valve connects via wire to the controller, corresponding to its station number.

The controller operates valves sequentially, one at a time. After a station completes watering, it moves to the next programmed station. This is the watering cycle. Program details include watering times for individual stations.

Creating a Watering Schedule

Guidelines for determining watering times and durations depend on soil type, landscape part, weather conditions, and sprinkler types. A watering schedule form is included with your Pro-C for reference.

• Station Number and Location: Identify the station, its location, and the type of plant being watered.
• Watering Day: Choose a calendar day, interval, or odd/even day schedule. For calendar days, circle the desired days. For intervals, indicate the interval number.
• Program Start Times: Indicate the time of day the program begins. Each program can have 1-4 start times; one start time runs an entire program. Write “OFF” for unused Pump Start Times.
• Station Run Time: Indicate the run time (1 minute – 6 hours) for each station. Write “0:00” for stations not to be operated.

Keep the schedule in a safe place for quick reference.

Note: Watering one or two hours before sunrise is recommended. Water pressure is optimal, and water soaks into roots with minimal evaporation. Mid-day or evening watering may damage plants or cause mildew.

Note: Monitor for under- or over-watering. Over-watering shows as pools that take long to soak in. Under-watering shows as discoloration and dryness. Adjust programming immediately if needed.

Programming Fundamentals

A watering program operates valves sequentially. To create a program:

1. Select a program (A, B, or C) using the PRG button. Program A is recommended to start.
2. Set a program start time. Only one start time is needed per program.
3. Set the run time for each valve assigned to the program.
4. Set the days you want the watering program to run.

Example: A program starts at 6:00 a.m. Station 1 runs for 15 minutes, Station 2 for 15 minutes, and Station 3 for 20 minutes. Stations 4, 5, etc., are programmed separately. The controller activates Station 1, then Station 2, then Station 3. The total cycle time is 6:50 a.m. The controller automatically advances between stations.

The Pro-C has three independent programs (A, B, C) for different plant needs. Programs cannot run simultaneously; overlapping programs are stacked automatically.

Programming the Controller

The display changes based on dial rotation to show programming information. Use the + and - buttons to change flashing values. Press the appropriate button to move between fields.

To activate a program, enter the following:

1. Set current day and time: Turn dial to SET CURRENT DATE/TIME.
2. Set program start time: Turn dial to SET PROGRAM START TIMES.
3. Set station run times: Turn dial to SET STATION RUN TIMES.
4. Set days to water: Turn dial to SET DAYS TO WATER.

Note: All stations operate in numerical order. Only one program start time is required per watering program.

Setting the Current Date and Time

1. Turn dial to SET CURRENT DATE/TIME.
2. The year flashes; use + and - buttons to change. Press button to proceed to month.
3. The month flashes; use + and - buttons to change. Press button to proceed to day.
4. The day flashes; use + and - buttons to change. Press button to proceed to time.
5. The time displays. Use + and - buttons for AM/PM or 24-hour format. Press button to move to hours, then use + and - for hour. Press button to move to minutes, then use + and - for minutes.

Setting Program Start Times

1. Turn dial to SET PROGRAM START TIMES.
2. Factory preset is Program A. Select B or C with the PRG button if needed.
3. Use + and - buttons to change start time (15-minute increments). One start time activates all stations sequentially in that program.
4. Press button to add an additional start time, or PRG button for the next program.

Note: Start times are arranged chronologically when the dial is moved off the SET PROGRAM START TIMES position.

Eliminating a Program Start Time

With the dial at SET PROGRAM START TIMES, press + and - until 12:00 AM (Midnight) is displayed. Press the button once to reach the OFF position.

Note: If all four start times are OFF for a program, that program is inactive. No watering will occur.

Setting Station Run Times

1. Turn dial to SET STATION RUN TIMES.
2. The display shows the selected program (A, B, or C), station number, and flashing run time. Press PRG to switch programs.
3. Use + and - buttons to change station run time (1 minute to 6 hours).
4. Press button to advance to the next station.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each station.

Setting Days to Water

1. Turn dial to SET DAYS TO WATER.
2. The display shows the selected program (A, B, or C). Press PRG to switch programs.
3. The controller displays the current active day schedule. Options include specific days, interval watering, or odd/even days. Each program uses only one type of water day option.

Selecting Specific Days of the Week to Water

1. Press the button to activate a watering day (starts with Monday). Press the button to cancel watering for a day. The display advances to the next day. A ▲ icon indicates a water day; a blank space indicates no water day.
2. After programming, set the dial to RUN for automatic execution.

Selecting Odd or Even Days to Water

This feature uses numbered days of the month for watering (odd days: 1st, 3rd, 5th; even days: 2nd, 4th, 6th).

1. With the cursor on SU, press the button once. The ODD icon will flash.
2. If desired, turn the dial back to RUN.
3. If even day watering is desired, press the button once. The EVEN icon will flash. You can toggle between ODD and EVEN by pressing the + and - buttons.

Selecting Interval Watering

This feature provides a consistent watering schedule without needing to track specific dates. The interval selected is the number of days between watering, including the watering day.

1. Turn dial to SET DAYS TO WATER. The water drop above Monday should be flashing.
2. Press the button until the drop over EVEN flashes, then press the button again. The display changes to interval mode, and the Interval Day number flashes.
3. Press + or - buttons to select the desired Interval Day(s).
4. Press the button to advance to NO WATER DAYS to select days you do not want the Pro-C to water.

Note: If days are selected as non-water days, Interval Day watering will exclude them. For example, if Interval Days are set at 5 and Monday is a non-water day, watering occurs every 5th day, but never on Monday. If the interval falls on a non-water day, watering is skipped for 5 more days.

Run

After programming, turn the dial to RUN to enable automatic execution of all selected programs and start times.

System Off

Turning the dial to SYSTEM OFF stops all watering and discontinues active programs. To return to automatic operation, return the dial to RUN.

Manually Run a Single Station

1. Turn dial to MANUAL - SINGLE STATION.
2. Station run time flashes. Use the button to move to the desired station. Use + and - buttons to select watering time.
3. Turn dial to RUN to execute the station watering. The controller returns to automatic mode after the designated station runs.

Note: The manual single station function overrides the sensor.

Seasonal Adjustment

Seasonal Adjustment makes global run time changes without reprogramming. It's ideal for minor adjustments due to weather changes. Increase for hotter weather, decrease for cooler weather.

1. Turn dial to SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT.
2. Press + or - buttons to set the percentage (5% to 300%).

View adjusted run times by turning the dial to SET RUN TIMES. The displayed times update accordingly.

Note: The controller should initially be programmed at 100%.

One Touch Manual Start and Advance

Activate a program to water without using the dial.

1. Hold down the button for 2 seconds.
2. Defaults to Program A. Select Program B or C by pressing the PRG button.
3. Station number flashes. Use the or buttons to scroll through stations and + and - buttons to adjust run times. If no buttons are pressed after steps 2 or 3, Program A begins automatically.
4. Press the button to scroll to the desired starting station. After a 2-second pause, the program begins.

This feature is useful for quick cycles or inspecting the system.

Advanced Features

Set Pump/Master Valve Operation

By default, all stations have the master valve/pump start circuit ON. This can be set ON or OFF per station, regardless of program assignment.

To program pump operation:

1. Turn dial to SET PUMP OPERATION.
2. Press + or - buttons to toggle master valve/pump start ON or OFF for the specific station.
3. Press the button to advance to the next station.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all necessary stations.

Programmable Rain Off

This feature stops all programmed waterings for a designated period (1 to 31 days). After the period, the controller resumes normal automatic operation.

1. Turn dial to SYSTEM OFF.
2. Press the button; a '1' displays, and the DAYS LEFT icon illuminates.
3. Press as needed to set the number of days off (up to 31).
4. Turn dial back to RUN. OFF, the number of days, and the DAYS icon remain displayed.
5. Leave the dial in RUN. The days off count down daily. When it reaches zero, normal time and irrigation resume at the next scheduled start time.

Setting Specific Day(s) Off

Programming “No Water Days” prevents watering on specific days, like mowing days. This ensures you don't mow wet grass.

1. Turn dial to DAYS TO WATER.
2. Enter an interval watering schedule (see page 21).
3. Press the button once; MON will flash.
4. Use the button to move the cursor to the desired day of the week.
5. Press the button to set this day as a no water day; the icon will illuminate over it.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all desired days off.

Hidden Features

Program Customization

The Pro-C is factory configured with 3 independent programs (A, B, C) with four start times each. You can customize it to display only required programs, hiding others to simplify programming.

To customize Pro-C programs:

1. Press and hold the button. Turn the dial to SET DAYS TO WATER.
2. Release the buttons.
3. Use the + and - buttons to change program modes (Advanced, Normal, Limited).

• Advanced Mode: 3 programs / 4 start times
• Normal Mode: 2 programs / 4 start times
• Limited Mode: 1 program / 1 start time

Programmable Delay Between Stations

This feature inserts a delay between when one station turns off and the next turns on. It's useful for systems with slow-closing valves or pump systems operating near maximum flow or with slow well recovery.

1. Start with the dial in the RUN position.
2. Press and hold the button while turning the dial to SET STATION RUN TIMES.
3. Release the button. The display shows delay time in seconds, and the DELAY icon lights up.
4. Press + and - buttons to adjust delay time (0 to 59 seconds in 1-second increments, or up to 4 hours in 1-minute increments). “Hr” displays for minutes/hours.
5. Return the dial to the RUN position.

Note: The Master Valve/Pump Start circuit operates during the first 15 seconds of any programmed delay to aid valve closing and prevent unnecessary pump cycling.

Programmable Sensor Override

Allows programming the controller so the sensor disables watering only on desired stations. For example, patio gardens under overhangs may need watering even when it rains.

1. Turn dial to RUN.
2. Press and hold the button while turning the dial to START TIMES.
3. Release the button. The station number, ON, and the icon flash.
4. Press + or - buttons to enable (ON) or disable (OFF) the sensor for the station. ON suspends irrigation; OFF allows watering.
5. Use the or buttons to scroll to the next station for sensor override programming.

Note: The controller defaults to disabling watering on all zones when rain occurs.

When the Pro-C receives a sensor input to disable watering, the display indicates stations programmed for sensor override. Stations in override mode flash the and icons alternately.

Total Run Time Calculator

The Pro-C tracks each program's station run times, providing a quick way to determine total watering duration per program.

1. In Set Station Run Time mode, use the button to advance to the highest station position.
2. Press the button to review total run times programmed.
3. Use the PRG button to review additional programs.

Test Program

A simplified method for running a test program. It operates each station sequentially. You can start with any station to check system operation.

To initiate the test program:

1. Press and hold the PRG button. The station number flashes.
2. Press the or button to scroll to the desired starting station. Use the + and - buttons to set a run time (up to 15 minutes). The run time is entered once.
3. After a 2-second pause, the test program begins.

Easy Retrieve™ Program Memory

Saves preferred watering programs for later retrieval, allowing quick resetting to a programmed schedule.

To save a program:

1. With the dial in RUN, press and hold the + and PRG buttons for 5 seconds. The display scrolls = (left to right) indicating saving.
2. Release the + and buttons.

To retrieve a saved program:

1. With the dial in RUN, press and hold the + and PRG buttons for 5 seconds. The display scrolls = (right to left) indicating retrieval.
2. Release the + and PRG buttons.

Hunter Quick Check™

This circuit diagnostic procedure identifies “shorts” caused by faulty solenoids or a bare common wire touching a station control wire.

To initiate the Hunter Quick Check test:

1. Press the +, -, and PRG buttons simultaneously. In standby mode, the LCD displays all segments (helpful for display troubleshooting).
2. Press the button to begin the test. The system checks all stations for high current paths. An ERR symbol with the station number flashes on the LCD if a short is detected. After completion, the controller returns to automatic watering mode.

Clearing Controller's Memory/Resetting Controller

To reset the controller to factory defaults and erase all programs and data:

1. Press and hold the PRG button.
2. Press and release the RESET button on the back of the front panel.
3. Wait until the display shows 12:00 AM. Release the PRG button. All memory is cleared, and the controller can be reprogrammed.

Winterizing Your System

In regions where frost levels fall below installed piping depth, systems are often “winterized.” Methods include draining water. If using the blow-out method, it's recommended a qualified licensed contractor perform it.

WARNING! WEAR ANSI APPROVED SAFETY EYE PROTECTION!

Exercise extreme care when blowing out the system with compressed air. Compressed air can cause serious injury, including eye injury from flying debris. Always wear ANSI approved safety eye protection and do not stand over irrigation components (pipes, sprinklers, valves) during blow out. SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT IF YOU DO NOT PROCEED AS RECOMMENDED.

Troubleshooting and Specifications

Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications

Operating Specifications:

• Station Run Time: 1 minute to 6 hours on programs A, B, and C.
• Start Times: 4 per day, per program, for up to 12 daily starts.
• Watering Schedule: 7-day calendar, interval watering up to a 31-day interval, or true odd/even day programming, enabled by the 365-day clock/calendar.

Electrical Specifications:

• Transformer Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz (230 VAC, 50/60 Hz International Use).
• Transformer Output: 25 VAC, 1.0 amp.
• Station Output: 24 VAC, 0.56 amps per station.
• Maximum Output: 24 VAC, 0.84 amps (includes Master Valve Circuit).
• Battery: 9-volt alkaline battery (not included) for non-AC programming; non-volatile memory maintains program information.
• Battery, Front Panel: Internal CR2032 Lithium for real-time clock.

Dimensions:

• Indoor Cabinet: Height: 8.25", Width: 9.5", Depth: 3.75"
• Outdoor Cabinet: Height: 9", Width: 10", Depth: 4.5"
• Outdoor cabinet is NEMA 3R, IP44 rated.

Default Settings:

All stations are set to zero run time. The controller has non-volatile memory that retains all entered program data during power outages without needing a battery.

Cleaning:

Clean only with a cloth dampened with mild soapy water.

FCC Notice

This controller generates radio frequency energy and may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with FCC Rules, Subpart J of Part 15, designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, interference is not guaranteed to not occur in a particular installation. If interference occurs, try correcting it by:

• Reorienting the receiving antenna.
• Moving the controller away from the receiver.
• Plugging the controller into a different outlet on a different branch circuit than the receiver.

Consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for further suggestions. The booklet “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems” (U.S. Government Printing Office, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4) may be helpful.

Certificate of Conformity to European Directives

Hunter Industries declares that the irrigation controller Model Pro-C complies with the standards of the European Directives for “electromagnetic compatibility” (87/336/EEC) and “low voltage” (73/23/EEC).

This product should only be used as described in this document and serviced by trained and authorized personnel.

Hunter Industries Incorporated
The Irrigation Innovators
1940 Diamond Street
San Marcos, California 92078
www.hunterindustries.com