Hunter PRO-C Residential and Light Commercial Irrigation Controller
P2C Series Modular Controller | Indoor/Outdoor
Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions
About the PRO-C Controller
The PRO-C is a versatile irrigation controller designed for residential and light commercial applications. It offers modularity, allowing expansion up to 32 stations with the EZ Decoder System, and supports advanced features like Solar Sync® sensor integration.
Specifications
Operating Specifications
- Station Count: Conventional wiring from 4 to 23 stations; two-wire EZ Decoder System option up to 32 stations.
- Station Run Time: 1 minute to 6 hours (optional Seconds Mode available).
- Start Times: 4 individual starts per program, with three programs (A, B, C) available.
- Watering Schedule: 7-day calendar, interval watering up to a 31-day interval, or true odd/even day programming.
Electrical Specifications
- Transformer Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz (230 VAC, 50/60 Hz for international use).
- Transformer Output: 24 VAC, 1 A.
- Station Output: 24 VAC, 0.56 A per station.
- P/MV Output: 24 VAC, 0.28 A.
- Maximum Output: 24 VAC, 0.84 A (includes Master Valve Circuit).
- Battery: 9 V alkaline battery (not included) for non-AC programming; internal CR2032 lithium battery for real-time clock.
Cabinet Dimensions
- Height: 9" (23 cm)
- Width: 10" (21.5 cm)
- Depth: 4½" (10.9 cm)
- The cabinet is NEMA 3R, IP44 rated.
Default Settings
All stations are set to zero run time by default. The controller features non-volatile memory that retains all entered program data, even during power outages, without requiring a battery.
Pro-C Controller Components
A. Control Dial
The control dial allows for operation and programming:
- Run: Normal dial position for automatic operation.
- Set Date/Time: Set the current date and time.
- Set Program Start Times: Set 1 to 4 start times per program.
- Set Station Run Times: Set run time for each station (1 minute to 6 hours).
- Set Days to Water: Select watering days (specific days, interval, odd/even).
- Set P/MV Operation: Enable or disable the Pump or Master Valve for each station.
- Seasonal Adjustment: Apply global adjustments to station run times based on seasonality (5% to 300%).
- Solar Sync® Sensor: Configure settings when using a Solar Sync ET Sensor.
- Manual - Single Station: Activate one-time watering for a single station.
Diagram A shows the control dial with numbered positions for programming.
B. Wiring Compartment
The wiring compartment houses connections for power and sensors:
- 9 V Battery: For programming without AC power.
- Reset Button: Resets the controller while retaining programmed data.
- SmartPort® Input Terminals: For connecting Hunter remote controls via a wiring harness.
- Transformer: Internal 24 VAC transformer with power cord and plug.
- Junction Box: Area for connecting primary AC power.
- Common Terminal: For solenoid valve common connections and sensor circuit wiring.
- Sensor Inputs (x2): For connecting Hunter Solar Sync and Clik Sensors.
- Power Slide: Locks/unlocks PCM output modules.
Diagram B shows the internal wiring compartment with numbered terminals.
Mounting the Controller to a Wall
All necessary hardware is included for indoor and outdoor installations.
- Use the top hole 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.
- Align the controller with the screw and slide the keyhole on top of the controller over the screw.
- Secure the controller by installing screws in the remaining holes.
Diagrams illustrate the mounting process using a wall screw and the controller's keyhole slot.
Note: The outdoor model is water- and weather-resistant. Connecting the outdoor PRO-C Controller to 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.
Connecting AC Power
P2C models are prewired with a power cord and plug for simple installations. If powering by direct line voltage:
- Route the AC power cable and conduit through the ½" (13 mm) conduit opening on the left side of the cabinet bottom.
- Connect the wires to the transformer wires inside the junction box. Use a UL Listed conduit ½" (13 mm) male adapter for AC wiring.
- Insert the adapter into the ½" (13 mm) hole at the bottom of the controller and attach a nut to the adapter inside the enclosure.
Diagram shows AC power connections: GROUND (Green), NEUTRAL (White), HOT (Black) for 120V U.S. and 230V International.
Note: To be performed by a licensed electrician only. Always use UL Listed ½" (13 mm) conduit with a male adapter. PRO-C Controllers are intended to be supplied AC power with a 15 A rated overcurrent protected device.
Installing Station Modules
The PRO-C Controller comes with a base module for up to 4 stations. Additional modules (PCM-300 for 3 stations, PCM-900 for 9 stations, PCM-1600 for 16 stations) can expand capacity up to 23 stations conventionally. It also supports the EZ Decoder System (EZDS) for up to 32 stations.
Installing PCM Modules
The controller features a Power Lock system for securing modules:
- Slide the Power Lock to the 'Power Off' (unlocked) position. Insert PCM modules sequentially into the controller cabinet.
- Once all modules are in place, slide the Power Lock to the 'Power On' (locked) position to secure and energize them.
- The controller automatically recognizes the correct number of stations.
Diagrams show inserting PCM modules and engaging the Power Lock.
For more details on the EZ Decoder System, refer to the PC-DM Installation Guide.
Find more information at: hunter.info/P2CDecoder
Connecting Station Wires
- Route valve wires between the control valve location and the controller.
- At each valve, attach a Common wire to one solenoid wire (typically white). Attach a separate control wire to the remaining solenoid wire. Use waterproof connectors for all wire splices.
- Route valve wires through the conduit and attach the conduit to one of the cabinet bottom openings.
- Strip ½" (13 mm) of insulation from wire ends. Secure the Common wire to the COM terminal. Attach individual valve control wires to the appropriate station terminals (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4).
Diagram shows wiring from four valves to the controller's station terminals (1-4) and the COM terminal.
Connecting a Master Valve
Connect one wire from the Master Valve to the P/MV terminal on the bottom of the 4-station base module. Connect the remaining wire to the COM (Common) terminal.
Diagram shows a Master Valve connected to the P/MV and COM terminals.
Connecting a Pump Start Relay (optional)
Route a wire pair from the pump relay into the controller housing.
- Connect the pump Common wire to the COM (Common) terminal slot.
- Connect the remaining wire from the pump relay to the P/MV terminal slot on the 4-station base module.
Important: The relay holding current draw must not exceed 0.28 A (24 VAC). Do not connect the controller directly to the pump, as this can cause damage.
Diagram shows a Pump Start Relay (PSR) connected to the P/MV and COM terminals, with a minimum distance recommendation of 15' (4.5 m) to the pump.
For more information, visit: hunter.help/PSR
Connecting a Hunter Clik Weather Sensor
Hunter weather sensors or other micro-switch-type sensors can be connected to stop automatic watering based on weather conditions.
- Remove the metal jumper plate attached across SEN-2 and COM.
- Connect one sensor wire to the SEN-2 screw terminal and the other sensor wire to the COM terminal.
When the weather sensor deactivates watering, 'OFF' will appear on the display.
Diagram shows sensor connections to SEN-2 and COM terminals. The controller display shows 'OFF'.
Note: The Manual single-station function ignores any attached sensor and will allow watering to occur.
Manually Bypassing the Weather Sensor
If a rain sensor is interrupting irrigation, you can bypass it using the bypass switch on the front of the controller.
Pressing the Sensor Bypass button temporarily bypasses the sensor status, allowing normal operation. The bypass remains active for a maximum of 24 hours before reverting to active sensor status. A bypass indicator will be shown on the display.
Diagram shows the controller display with the 'SENSOR BYPASS' indicator active.
Connecting a Hunter Remote
The PRO-C Controller is compatible with Hunter remote controls. The SmartPort Wiring Harness allows for fast and easy use of remote controls, enabling system operation without being physically at the controller.
Installing the SmartPort Connector
- The SmartPort Connector can be installed directly on the cabinet via side knockouts or in the electrical conduit.
- Connect the red wire to the AC1 terminal, the white wire to the AC2 terminal, and the blue wire to the REM terminal.
Diagram shows the SmartPort connector wiring to REM, AC2, AC1, and GND terminals, with a 12" (30 cm) distance recommendation.
Connecting to a Hunter Solar Sync® Sensor
The PRO-C Controller can be enhanced with a Solar Sync ET Sensor, which calculates daily evapotranspiration (ET) rates and adjusts irrigation schedules based on local weather. It also provides automatic rain and freeze shutdown.
The Solar Sync Sensor must be wired to sensor terminal #1 labeled SEN in the PRO-C Controller.
Diagrams show wired and wireless Solar Sync sensors and their receiver.
Solar Sync Wiring
- WIRE COLOR: Green (A) | SENSOR TERMINAL: SEN
- WIRE COLOR: Black (B) | SENSOR TERMINAL: COMMON
*Do not remove the jumper from SEN-2 to COM.
For additional installation and programming instructions, visit: hunter.info/SolarSyncSen
Operation and Settings
Setting the Current Date and Time
- Turn the dial to the DATE/TIME position.
- The current year flashes; use the [+] and [-] buttons to change it. Press the [→] button to set the month.
- The month flashes; use [+] and [-] to change it. Press [→] to set the day.
- The day flashes; use [+] and [-] to change it. Press [→] to set the time.
- The time displays. Use [+] and [-] to select AM, PM, or 24 hr format. Press [→] to move to hours, use [+] and [-] to adjust. Press [→] to move to minutes, use [+] and [-] to adjust.
The date and time are now set.
Diagrams show the controller display updating during date and time setting.
Setting Program Start Times
- Turn the dial to the START TIMES position.
- Press the PRG button to select Program A, B, or C.
- Use the [+] and [-] buttons to change the start time (advances in 15-minute increments). One start time activates all stations sequentially in that program.
- Press the [→] button to add another start time or press PRG for the next program.
To eliminate a program start time, set the dial to START TIMES, push [+] and [-] until 12:00 AM (midnight) is displayed, then push [-] once to reach the 'OFF' position.
Note: All stations operate sequentially. Only one start time is needed per program. If all four start times for a program are set to 'OFF', that program will not run.
Diagrams show controller display examples for start times (e.g., 'A 1 1:30 AM', 'A 2 OFF').
Setting Station Run Times
- Turn the dial to the RUN TIMES position.
- The display shows the selected program (A, B, or C) and station number. The run time for that station flashes. Press PRG to switch programs.
- Use the [+] and [-] buttons to change the station run time (1 minute to 6 hours).
- Press the [→] button to advance to the next station. Repeat for each station.
Run Times in Seconds Mode
Enable Seconds Mode for run times with second resolution (up to 5 minutes):
- With the dial set to RUN, hold [+] and turn the dial to START TIMES, then release [+].
- Use [+] and [-] to toggle between SEC (seconds) and HH:MM (minutes).
- With Seconds Mode enabled, turn the dial to RUN TIMES and use [+] and [-] to adjust run times in 1-second intervals.
Diagrams show controller display examples for run times (e.g., 'A 1 0:15') and seconds mode (e.g., 'A 1 0:0125').
Setting a Watering Schedule
Turn the dial to the WATER DAYS position. The controller displays active day schedule information.
Selecting Specific Days of the Week to Water
- Press [+] to activate a day for watering; press [-] to cancel. The display advances automatically.
- After programming, turn the dial to RUN to enable automatic execution.
Selecting Odd or Even Days to Water
- This feature uses numbered days of the month (e.g., 1st, 3rd, 5th for odd; 2nd, 4th, 6th for even).
- With the cursor on SU (Sunday) in the specific days mode, press [→] once.
- Press [-] to toggle between ODD and EVEN.
- Once selected, turn the dial back to RUN TIMES.
Note: The 31st of any month and February 29th are always OFF days if Odd day watering is selected.
Diagrams show controller display examples for watering schedules.
Selecting Interval Watering
Set a consistent schedule based on the number of days between watering.
- Turn the dial to WATER DAYS. The water drop above Monday should flash.
- Press [→] until EVEN days are selected, then press [→] again. The display changes to interval mode, and the Interval Day number flashes.
- The display shows two numbers: the interval and days remaining.
- Use [+] and [-] to select the number of days between waterings (the interval).
- Press [→]. The days remaining in the interval flash; use [+] and [-] to set the number of days until the next watering.
- Press [→] to select non-water days (optional). Use [←] and [→] to select specific days, then press [-] to designate them as non-water days.
Note: If days are designated as non-water days, the interval watering will exclude them. For example, if the interval is 5 days and Monday is a non-water day, watering will occur every 5th day, but never on a Monday.
Diagram shows controller display example for interval watering (e.g., 'A 3 1').
Options for Running Your Irrigation System
- Run: Turn the dial to RUN to enable automatic execution of all programs and start times.
- System Off: Turn the dial to SYSTEM OFF to stop all watering. Return to RUN for normal operation.
- Manually Run a Single Station: Turn the dial to MANUAL. Select station and time using [+] and [-]. Turn dial to RUN to start watering for that station only.
- Seasonal Adjustment: Turn dial to SEASONAL ADJUST. Use [+] or [-] to set a percentage (5% to 300%) to globally adjust run times.
- One-Touch Manual Start and Advance: With the dial in RUN, hold [→] for 2 seconds to start Program A. Use PRG to select B or C. Use [←]/[→] to scroll stations and [+] / [-] to adjust run times. Press [→] to start the program.
- Set Pump/Master Valve (P/MV) Operation: Turn dial to PUMP. Use [+] or [-] to toggle P/MV ON or OFF for each station. Press [→] to advance.
- Programmable Off: Turn dial to SYSTEM OFF. Press [+] to set the number of days off (1-99). Return dial to RUN. The controller will resume normal operation after the set period.
Diagram shows controller display example for seasonal adjustment (e.g., 'A 6 0:10').
Note: The controller should initially be programmed at 100%.
Hidden and Advanced Features
Feature | Where Found | Description |
---|---|---|
Programmable Sensor Override | Hold [←] and turn to Start Times | Sets individual stations to ignore sensor shutdowns. Use [←]/[→] to select stations, then [+] / [-] to set to 'Off'. |
Cycle and Soak | Hold [+] and turn to Run Times; enter Cycle and press PRG to set Soak | Sets max run time per station and minimum wait time between cycles. Divides run time to prevent runoff. |
Delay Between Stations | Hold [←] and turn to Run Times | Inserts a delay (seconds or minutes) between stations for slow valves or recharging tanks. |
Hide Programs | Hold [←] and turn to Water Days | Use [+] / [-] to change from 4 to 1 to hide programs. '1' shows only Program A, start time 1; '4' shows all programs (A, B, C) and 4 start times. |
Solar Sync Delay | Hold [+] and turn to Solar Sync | Sets number of days before Solar Sync Sensor adjusts run times, allowing landscape establishment. |
Clik Delay | Hold [+] and turn to Off | Sets number of days watering remains off after sensor activation. |
Total Run Time | Turn to Run Times; press [←] when station 1 is shown and PRG to select other programs | Calculates and displays the total run times for a program. |
Test Program | Hold PRG 3 seconds | Runs all stations for a test or diagnostic period. |
Easy Retrieve® Memory | Hold [+] and PRG to Save; Hold [←] and PRG to Restore | Saves and restores all program information. |
Total Reset | Press PRG and Reset button | Erases all watering information. |
Quick Check™ Technology | Hold [←], [→], [+], [-] together, then [+] | Checks all stations for wiring problems. |
Run Program | Hold [←], PRG to select | Runs all stations in the selected program; use [→] to advance to the next station. |
Seconds Mode Run Times | Hold [+] and turn to Start Times | Allows seconds resolution for Run Times up to 5 minutes. Use [+] and [-] to toggle between Seconds and Minutes Modes. |
Troubleshooting Guide
Feature | Where Found | Description |
---|---|---|
Display shows ERR with number | Short in field wiring or bad solenoid | Check field wiring and valve solenoid. Press any button to clear ERR message. |
Display shows P ERR | Short in Pump/Master Valve wiring or solenoid | Check wiring and solenoid at P/MV. Check specifications for Pump Start Relay. |
Display shows SP ERR | SmartPort error; electrical noise is present near connection to remote or other SmartPort device | Move connections away from sources of electrical noise. |
Display shows "No AC" | There is no AC power to the controller | Check fuse/breaker and incoming power supply to controller. |
Display shows watering, but no watering is occurring | Problem in field wiring; problem with solenoids; no water pressure to the system | Check field wiring (voltmeter). Check valve solenoid(s). Verify water source is open. |
Rain sensor does not stop irrigation | Jumper wire is not removed; sensor switch in BYPASS position | Remove jumper wire on SEN-2 terminals. Set sensor switch to Active position. |
Controller seems to water continuously | Too many start times | One Start Time operates all stations in a program. Remove unnecessary start times. |
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device 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 off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by taking one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Hunter Industries could void the user's authority to operate this device. If necessary, consult a representative of Hunter Industries Inc. or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.
Note: This product should not be used for anything other than what is described in this document. This product should only be serviced by trained and authorized personnel.
Company Information
Helping customers succeed is what drives Hunter Industries. Their commitment to innovation and support aims to keep customers in the Hunter family for years to come.
Gene Smith, President, Landscape Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting
HUNTER INDUSTRIES | Built on Innovation®
1940 Diamond Street, San Marcos, CA 92078 USA
hunterindustries.com
© 2023 Hunter Industries™. Hunter, the Hunter logo, and all other trademarks are property of Hunter Industries, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Please recycle.
LIT-690-OM EN B 4/23