Claber Hydro-4 Irrigation Timer

General Information & Components

The Hydro-4 unit is designed for easy installation and operation. It can be buried at ground level or placed above ground.

Components:

• 1. 3/4" Threaded Male Connector: For connecting to the main water supply (tap).
• 2. Valve Box: The housing for the timer unit, typically buried.
• 3. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): Shows current time, program status, and settings.
• 4. Back Button: Navigates to the previous screen or setting.
• 5. Enter Button: Confirms selections and enters modes.
• 6. Forward Button: Navigates to the next screen or setting.
• 7. Cover Fastening Screw: Secures the main unit cover.
• 8. Cover Fastening Washer and ORing: Ensures a watertight seal for the cover.
• 9. Valve Box Cover: The main external cover of the unit.
• 10. Line Connectors (3/4" Threaded Male): For connecting irrigation lines (1/2" or 3/4" diameter hoses).
• 11. Line Closing Plug Gasket: Seals the end of unused irrigation lines.
• 12. Line Closing Plug: Seals the end of unused irrigation lines.
• 13. Transparent Cover: Protects the display and buttons.

Technical Data:

Battery Replacement:

To replace batteries, carefully unscrew the transparent cover (A), ensuring the sealing gasket (B) is correctly seated. Replace the old batteries with new 1.5V Alkaline AAA batteries. Screw the transparent cover back on securely to maintain the IP 68 rating. Always ensure the main green cover is also closed properly with its screws and seals.

Installation:

The Hydro-4 can be installed buried at ground level or placed on the surface. If burying, use draining material and a protective sheet at the bottom of the hole to prevent soil and debris from entering the unit. Remove protective sheets and line plugs only after the system is fully installed.

Connection Tips:

Connect water supply to the 3/4" inlet. Connect irrigation lines (16-20-25 mm diameter hoses) to the 3/4" line connectors. Use line closing plugs and gaskets for any unused line outlets.

Recommendations:

Read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference. This device is intended for adult use by experienced individuals. Improper use voids the warranty. Replace batteries at the start of each season. Test the unit upon first use. Do not use chemicals or liquids other than water with the timer.

Disposal (WEEE Symbol):

The symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of as normal household waste. It must be taken to an appropriate collection point for recycling electrical and electronic equipment. Proper disposal helps prevent negative environmental consequences. Contact local authorities or your retailer for recycling information.

Warranty Conditions:

Claber offers a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase, requiring proof of purchase (invoice, receipt). Claber guarantees the product is free from material or manufacturing defects. Within two years of delivery, Claber will repair or replace defective parts free of charge. The warranty is void if proof of purchase is missing, if used or maintained improperly, if tampered with by unauthorized personnel, if installed incorrectly, or if damaged by atmospheric agents or chemicals. Claber is not liable for third-party products used with its own. Shipping costs and risks are borne by the owner. Assistance is provided by authorized Claber service centers.

Optional Accessories:

• Rain Sensor RF (90831): Wireless rain sensor that can disable watering when rain is detected.
• Rain Sensor with Cable (90915): Wired rain sensor (Note: Hydro-4 is only compatible with the RF version).
• 16 mm connectors
• 20 mm connectors
• 25 mm connectors

Declaration of Conformity:

Claber S.P.A. declares that the Hydro-4 (90829) complies with applicable European and British directives. Declarations of Conformity are available at: www.claber.com/conformity/

Programming the Hydro-4

The Hydro-4 timer controls up to 4 irrigation lines, each with two independent programs (A and B). Each program can have up to 4 daily start times, with watering durations from 1 to 60 minutes per line. Watering cycles for different lines run in sequence.

Legend for Display Icons:

• 1: Start Time (Partenze Progr.): Indicates start time pages.
• 2: Start Time Pages: Shows the pages for setting start times.
• 3: Time or Duration and Start Time: Displays the set time or duration for a start time.
• 4: Run Time Pages: Shows the pages for setting watering duration.
• 5A: Day of Week: Shows current day and the day selected for watering.
• 5B: Programs to be Activated: Indicates which programs (A, B, A+B, OFF) are enabled.
• 6: Parameter Change Mode: Mode for editing settings.
• 7: Manual Watering/Test Page: Accesses manual watering function.
• 8: Enabled Programs: Shows status of programs (A, B, A+B, OFF).
• 9: Line Being Programmed: Indicates which irrigation line is currently being configured.
• LOW BATT: Low battery indicator.
• PROG: Program indicator.
• ERR: Error indicator.
• EXIT: Button to exit current mode.
• OK: Button to confirm selection.
• Arrow Buttons: Navigate through menus and adjust values.

Settings Mode Navigation:

Use the arrow buttons to scroll through pages, access editing modes, change values, and confirm your selections with the OK button.

Programming Sequence Outline:

The programming process generally follows this sequence:

1. Select Program (A or B)
2. Set Run Time (duration for each line)
3. Set Start Time (when watering begins)
4. Set Weekly Schedule (which days to water)

Setting Time and Day:

Use the arrow buttons to set the current time (e.g., 20:00) and the current day of the week (e.g., Wednesday). Confirm with OK.

Enabling/Disabling Programs:

You can enable or disable Program A, Program B, or both. Press the relevant buttons to toggle between enabled and disabled states.

Run Time:

Set the watering duration for each line from 1 to 60 minutes. 'OFF' means no watering for that line in the current cycle.

Start Time:

Set the desired start times for watering. The timer automatically manages sequential watering for multiple lines. If both Program A and B are enabled, the timer resets start times to prevent overlap within a single program's cycles but allows overlap between Program A and B cycles.

Weekly Schedule:

Select the days of the week for watering by pressing the corresponding day buttons (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) to enable or disable watering for that day.

Rain Sensor RF:

The Hydro-4 is compatible with the Claber Rain Sensor RF (90831). When rain is detected, the sensor automatically disables watering cycles. Recognition between the timer and sensor typically occurs within 5-10 minutes.

Manual Watering:

You can initiate manual watering for a specific duration (default 5 minutes, adjustable from 1 to 60 minutes) by accessing the manual watering function. Press the central button to interrupt manual watering at any time.

Programming Example:

Program A:

• Line 1: Run Time 5 min, Start Time 5:00 AM
• Line 2: Run Time 10 min, Start Time 9:00 PM (21:00)
• Line 3: Run Time 5 min, Start Time OFF
• Line 4: Run Time 10 min, Start Time OFF
• Weekly Schedule: Water on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat.

Program B:

• Line 1: Run Time 5 min, Start Time 6:00 AM
• Line 2: Run Time 20 min, Start Time OFF
• Line 3: Run Time 5 min, Start Time OFF
• Line 4: Run Time 10 min, Start Time OFF
• Weekly Schedule: Water on Tue, Thu, Sun.

Watering cycles start in sequence: after Line 1 finishes, Line 2 starts, and so on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a start time be set for each line individually?

A: No, you only set the first start time for a program. Subsequent lines will start automatically in sequence based on their set run times. To set the other three start times, consider the sum of minutes for each line plus 1 minute automatically calculated by the timer.

Q: Can I temporarily disable programs without losing settings?

A: Yes, you can disable one or both programs. Refer to section 1C for details.

Q: What are the default times for manual watering?

A: The timer defaults to 5 minutes for manual watering, which can be adjusted from 1 to 60 minutes. Watering can be interrupted by pressing the central button.

Q: How do I reset the timer to factory settings?

A: To perform a full reset, press and hold both arrow buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds.

Q: Can the Hydro-4 be controlled remotely?

A: No, control is exclusively manual via the display.

Q: Can the Hydro-4 be connected to a wired Rain Sensor (90915)?

A: No, it is only compatible with the Claber Rain Sensor RF (90831).