Hunter Golf System Design Guide

Transcription

1 System Design Guide Surveyor / VSX / AGC 20 10

2 Hunter Golf System Design Guide Hunter Golf control systems are easy to design. The latest system architecture allows the designer to incorporate maximum versatility at the lowest cost. Field-Resident Memory: Hunter control systems are download systems, meaning that the irrigation information is sent out to intelligent field controllers ahead of time, and run by the controllers on schedule. The programs may also be created directly at the controllers in the field. Many Hunter systems start out with standalone controllers for grow-in irrigation, and the computerized central is added later when construction is completed. The complete central package should be planned from the beginning for smooth implementation of central communications in the future.

3 Major Components Hunter central control systems are comprised of 3 major components: 1. Surveyor Central Software (and computer) 2. the Central Interface: This device converts computer signals to long-distance communications (via hardwired cable, or UHF radio) to reach the field controllers TriSend: For use with VSX conventional controllers AGCHUB: For use with AGC decoder or conventional controllers 3. Field controllers (or satellites ): There are two families of controllers: VSX controllers with up to 60 conventionally-wired solenoid station outputs AGC controllers with up to 99 two-wire decoder stations or 42 conventionally-wired solenoid station outputs Note: VSX and AGC controllers should not be mixed in the same system. All Hunter central systems may also include: Maintenance Radio handheld remote control radios Data Retrieval Units Weather Station (use with all Hunter Golf systems) Design Process 1. Determine which type of field activation the controller will use (conventional 24 VAC electric or two-wire decoder). Conventional Electric: Uses a hot 24 VAC wire run to each valve solenoid, and field common ground wire(s) returning to the field controller to complete each circuit. Both VSX and AGC controllers can be configured for conventional operation. two-wire Decoder: A two-wire path on which decoder modules receive both power and signal for activation of valves. Up to 99 decoders may be operated over a single pair of wires, with outputs for local 24 VAC solenoid valves. AGC is the Hunter decoder controller platform. Choose a controller type (VSX or AGC) to build the system. Which Field Controller do I use? Conventional Decoder VSX More station capacity (up to 60) AGC99DPP is the only decoder controller offering. More programs (up to 64) It has up to 99 stations with D-series decoders and is UL, CE, and SAA for global applications. UL-listed Can run up to 12 programs at once in a conventionallywired system AGC Simple operating system 42 station max capacity in conventional and 6 programs (can be simultaneous) Fully modular expansion and service Pre-wired for license-free remote control, separate from central communications UL and c-ul listed CE/SAA 2

4 Design Process (cont d) 2. Choose the type (based on the controller selection) and location of the central interface. The central interface is used with all configurations of all Hunter Golf central control systems and is designed to be installed within a short distance (25 feet/8 meters) of the central computer. 3. Determine the communications type for each device in the system (standalone, hardwire, or radio). This is independent of whether or not decoders are used and defines how the central computer will interact with the field controllers. Modern Hunter systems can mix radio and hardwire technologies within the same system. This means you can hardwire your closest field controllers to the central interface and use radio to control the farthest controllers or those across a right-of-way that would be expensive or impossible to reach with direct wire. The communications type will be invisible to the user, and control signals will automatically use the correct technology to reach a given controller. Standalone controllers are used when central control is not required, and: When central communications will be added in the future In small systems where no central is planned Hardwire communications* are used when central control is desired, and: The system is new construction and open trenches are available for routing communications cable to all field controllers When radio communications are not possible due to terrain (hills blocking signals) or frequency (no channels available in the area) User preference * Maintenance Radio (through the central) is available for remote control of hardwire controllers. Radio communications are used when central control is desired, and: It is too costly, or not possible, to trench communications wire The system is a retrofit (controller upgrade in an existing sprinkler system) and controllers are placed at pre-existing timer locations There is a concern that future excavation and/or lightning might disrupt communications wire User preference Straight Talk Maintenance Radio is a standard feature on all Hunter Golf Radio controllers. 4. Determine how many stations each field controller will control. VSX controllers operate up to 60 stations each in 10-station increments (conventional) AGC controllers operate up to 99 stations (decoder) or 42 stations in 6-station increments (conventional) Locate field controllers in high, dry locations, out of direct spray from sprinklers Radio controllers must be located according to a properly conducted site survey before the controllers are installed, to ensure reliable communications 5. source the primary AC power and size the AC power wire for the controllers. It is best to use a separate AC power source for the controllers, rather than one shared with pump stations VSX power consumption: 1 Amp max. at 120 VAC, 0.62 amp max. at 230 VAC AGC power consumption: 2 Amp max. at 120 VAC, 1 amp max. at 230 VAC These are maximum power draw figures and include the power required by the communications equipment and the facepack brain. When sizing wire, it should be assumed that any or all controllers may operate at or near their maximums simultaneously. Even with the best planning, a short circuit at the controller could cause the maximum power draw in any case. Power conditioning devices may be installed in the controller AC power lines to mitigate fluctuating or dirty power. These devices maintain a power output within 5 percent or less of the specified operating voltage (within the specified limits of the power conditioner) and help prevent surges, transients, and electrical noise. Power line conditioners are available in a wide variety of configurations and capacities, such as those from Sola/Hevi-Duty. 3

5 Conventional Controllers and Options Conventional refers to the station output of the field controllers, with a standard hot 24 VAC wire run to each valve solenoid and a field common ground wire returning to the ground lug on the field controller. The term conventional is used to distinguish this type of operation from decoder controllers, which are described in a subsequent section. VSX Station Size: VSX controllers are available in increments of 10 stations, with a minimum size of 20 stations. In most cases, you can order the size required for a job pre-configured with the desired number of stations. However, you may also expand the controller after initial installation if the need arises. Each increment of 10 stations requires a Triac board and a Lightning Protection Board. Expansion kits are available in 10-station increments, which package both boards together (GFCKTEXP10 or GFCKTEXP10S with the Switch option). You can start with a 20-station controller and expand as needed in the future (in increments of 10) up to the maximum of 60 stations. Switches: Lightning Protection Boards in VSX controllers can have a Switch option (SW at or near the end of the model number). This is a three-position On/Off/Auto switch for each station. It allows any station to be: Manually switched on immediately Manually turned off and removed from any scheduled irrigation Set in the Auto position, which allows normal operations at scheduled times Grounding: All field controllers must be grounded to 10 ohms or less. Grounding is critical to lightning and surge protection. Good electrical grounding may be difficult to obtain, but it is required. Grounding should be checked with a ground resistance tester, or megger, quarterly. Grounding may be achieved through one or more copper rods or plates. Soil treatments are available which improve grounding. Model Number Creation: VSX Conventional Controllers Style Prefix Station Size Comm Type Switch Option Power Option 20 VSX Steel Pedestal VSX Plastic Pedestal VFC VFCP S = Standalone HW = Hardwire R = Radio (blank) = No Switches SW = Switches (blank) = 110 VAC SV = 220 VAC 60 AGC Station Size: AGC conventional controllers are always shipped as 12-station base units. They may be expanded in increments of six stations with AGM-600 Extreme Service Output modules. The AGM-600 is a self-contained, no-tools-required expansion module, and up to five may be added for a maximum total of 42 stations. AGC controllers do not have a switch option. They do have diagnostic LEDs for each station, showing activity (green) or overcurrent conditions (red) for each station. Model Number Creation: VSX Conventional Controllers Style Prefix Station Size Spec Designation AGC Plastic Pedestal AGC AGC controllers are equipped for either 120 VAC or 230 VAC and do not require a special option for voltage requirements. 4

6 AGC Decoder Controllers The Hunter Decoder controller is AGC99DPP, completely configured in a plastic pedestal. There are no options to this complete controller, except to add the desired communications options. You may mix conventional and decoder controllers in an AGC system. Hunter control software will automatically recognize the output configuration of each controller. Decoder systems use a transmitter/power supply in the field controller to communicate with and power individual decoders located near each valve in the field. All decoders (D-100, D-200, D-400 or D-600) are connected to a single pair of wires (ID Wire). Each decoder has its own unique address. Decoders are in turn wired to standard 24 VAC valve solenoids and activate them normally when powered. The D-100 single-station decoder, or the individual outputs of the multi-station decoders, can each activate one or two Hunter solenoids. Solenoids can be up to 150 feet (45 m) away from the decoder without special precautions. Decoder to solenoid distances may be extended up to 450 feet (135 m) if special care is taken in the solenoid wiring, however. Use either twisted wire or webbed pair wire (such as Paige P7351D or equal) for extended distance solenoid runs. P7351D is available in color-codes matching multiple station decoder output wiring. The purpose of this specification is to reduce exposure to lightning damage when using decoder-on-row installations across fairways. The D-100 and D-200 decoders can be mounted inside the flange compartment of the TTS series rotors, within a few inches (cm) of the solenoid. Figure 1. D-100 in Hunter TTS rotor Decoder controllers are always 99 stations, plus two possible additional decoders for Pump/Master Valve operation. They can power and run up to 6 stations or 12 solenoids simultaneously. Decoder systems reduce the amount of wire used in the field and may also reduce the total number of field controllers in a system (due to their high station capacity). An AGC decoder controller may have up to 6 two-wire paths to the field, as long as the total number of decoder stations on a given controller does not exceed 99. You may also splice or T the two-wire path, provided the distance from the controller to any end of the T does not exceed the maximum for the gauge of wire used (10,000 ft/3 km with ID1, 15,000 ft/4.5 km with ID2 wire). Decoder wire paths from one field controller may not be connected to another field controller. All connections or splices in decoder wire paths must be made in valve boxes (except for the decoder-in-head configuration) with high-voltage waterproof connectors (3M model DBR/Y-6 or equal). Allow 5 ft (1.5 m) slack wire in each valve box for every decoder connection or splice to prevent accidental disconnection and facilitate service and inspection. Decoders Hunter currently offers 4 sizes of station decoder: D-100 Single-station decoders (able to activate up to 2 solenoids simultaneously) D station decoders (able to activate 4 separate stations, each with up to 2 solenoids connected, maximum 4 solenoids at once) D station decoders D station decoders Multi-station decoders are an excellent choice for greens, tees, fairway rows, and wherever multiple solenoids are within the specified distance of the decoder. Surge Suppression Surge suppression is integrated into each D decoder module. Each decoder has a bare copper wire for connection to earth ground hardware. The minimum grounding is every 12th decoder module, or 1000 ft (300 m), whichever is shortest. The final decoder in any two-wire path must also be grounded. In high lightning areas, more frequent grounding may be desirable. Earth ground hardware may consist of either a copper plate or a copper-clad steel rod. The ground hardware must be located at least 8 ft/2.5 m away from the two-wire path and at right angles to the two-wire path. Consult the Hunter Industries Decoder Design Guide for a detailed description of earth ground specifications. 5

7 Ground rod Valve wiring D decoder wiring in valve box Copper ground plate 4 X 96 Grounded decoder (every 12 decoders or 1000 ft./300m) Valve-in-head rotor D decoder wiring in valve box Ground last decoder on path Valve-in-head rotor Figure 2. Typical decoder layout ICD-HP Wireless Decoder Handheld Programmer Hunter offers a unique solution for programming and diagnostics of decoders in field installation. This handheld device communicates with decoders through their plastic case, using wireless electro-magnetic induction. The ICD-HP permits programming of addresses, re-programming, station diagnostics, and manual activation without disconnection any wiring or waterproof connections. It is supplied with 6 ft (2 m) of cable and a waterproof programming cup, which fits over the decoder. This maintenance device is highly recommended for any D decoder-equipped course. Standalone Controllers Ground lug Ground rod Concrete pad (15-1/2 x 12 X 8 ) Standalone field controllers are the basic building block of all Hunter control configurations, including decoder systems. The standard field controller has non-volatile, field-resident memory (it contains its own permanently stored programs) and heavyduty lightning protection for the power input as well as each station output. It is possible to completely program and irrigate a golf course or other large installation using only standalone field controllers. A central computer and communications may be added at any time after the initial installation, or the entire system may be ordered and installed as a communicating central system from the beginning, as described in the next section. Figure 3. Typical controller (AGC) on slab Valve wiring 6

8 Central Communications Options Most golf control systems use either radio or hardwire for communications. It is also possible to combine radio and hardwire communications in the same Hunter control system. You may hardwire some of your field controllers and connect to others via radio as cost, distance, and other criteria dictate. The system operator does not need to be concerned how each controller communicates, as the software will track how each controller is connected to the system. Choosing communications options While the system designer is now free to mix communications technologies within a system to achieve the best results at the lowest possible system cost, there are some physical characteristics of each type of communications that may influence the decision. Hardwire communications require no governmental license and are easy to install when pipe trenches are open. There are no concerns about busy frequencies and no site survey requirements. However, communications wiring adds some vulnerability to lightning damage and is liable to accidental damage during installation or as a result of maintenance operations or rodent activity. Buried wire damage can be difficult to trace and repair, and some areas may be inaccessible to wire altogether. Radio communications are less susceptible to lightning damage or cut wires. Radio does not require extensive trenching and is ideal for retrofitting courses that must remain open for play. Radio can also be used to reach controllers across rights-of-way or terrain obstacles which would be expensive or impossible to hardwire. However, radio requires an FCC or other governmental license and a site survey prior to establishing controller locations (to ensure radio coverage). Installations in some urban areas may have difficulty finding a clean channel for communications and may experience delays in uploading or downloading information during periods of heavy interference. Uneven terrain can also create an obstacle for radio, which cannot bend over hills. Additionally, data retrieval units will experience longer reporting intervals in radio-configured systems (every 30 seconds in radio vs. every 5 seconds in hardwire). As data retrieval generates near-continuous communications in the polling mode, it may be advisable to hardwire data retrieval units when possible, even if the rest of the system is radio. If the polling interval is not a major concern, frequency availability is good, and a data retrieval location is difficult to reach with hardwire, radio is a viable medium for data retrieval. The Central Interface A central interface is required for all Hunter central systems. The TriSend (for VSX) or AGCHUB (for AGC) handles hardwire, radio, and Maintenance Radio (for hardwire controllers only) communications simultaneously from a single, all-weather, steel wall-mount enclosure. The central interface comes equipped with hardwire communications capability, and a radio module may be added for wireless communications. The central interface is normally mounted to an inside wall within 25 ft (8 m) of the central computer, and requires a permanent, unswitched AC power source. The central interface must be grounded to earth and a copper-clad ground lug is included for this purpose. Earth ground lead wires and hardware should be located away from and preferably at right angles to any hardwire communications wiring. Copper ground plate 4 X 96 Distance 15 ft. from Ground Rod 2-1/2 ft. minimum to 4 ft. 1 ft. 5/8 X 10 Ground rod Figure 4. Typical central Interface installation 7

9 Hardwire connections to the field are made directly inside the enclosure by routing the GCBL communications cable into the building, through conduit into the enclosure itself, and terminating on the hardwire output board. Radio connections are made from the internal radio module to a 50 ft (15 m) or shorter coaxial antenna cable, and then to the antenna itself. The RA5M mast antenna is about 5 ft (2 m) tall and is normally mounted on or near the roof. A lightning surge suppressor is recommended near the base of the antenna at the point of connection to the coaxial cable, with a dedicated ground wire from the suppressor to earth ground. Model Number Creation: Central Interface Central Interface (One per Site) Communications Power Options TRISEND R = Radio Module NR = Hardwire only (no radio) (blank) = 110 VAC SV = 220 VAC TRISEND - NR versions will not have Maintenance Radio ability for hardwired controllers, unless a radio module is added later. Maintenance Radio Maintenance Radio allows a handheld Two-Way radio (walkie-talkie TRNR) to remote control individual stations at the field controllers. The operator can also include a run time for activated stations, start individual programs or presets, step sequentially through stations, and perform other tasks without actually visiting the field controller. Radio field controllers (both VSX and AGC) are automatically equipped with Hunter s Straight Talk Maintenance Radio capability. They use the same radio and antenna provided for central communications to respond directly to the handheld two-way radio. Maintenance Radio for VSX Hardwire (see Figure 5): For hardwire VSX controllers, Maintenance Radio commands are received (and confirmed) at the TriSend central interface, then re-transmitted to the field over the GCBL communications cable to the appropriate field controller. The computer does not need to be switched on for Maintenance Radio to function. The system operator does not need to remember which controllers are hardwired and which are radio to operate Maintenance Radio. The operator addresses the specific controller by number, and the central interface will recognize whether the signals are for hardwired controllers or not. Maintenance Radio may be added to a hardwire-only central in kit form at any time after the initial installation. The Maintenance Radio through the central interface function uses the same radio module and base antenna (RA5M) that are normally used to contact radio field controllers. Maintenance Radio for AGC Hardwire: The AGC communications modules perform the Maintenance Radio for hardwire function in AGC systems. One controller in each hardwired communications leg must be equipped with a RAD3 or approved equal UHF radio module and an antenna. This device will hear Maintenance Radio commands and pass them down the hardwired leg to other controllers. If a hardwired leg is split at the first controller as described in the Hardwire Communications section, add a radio module to one controller in each leg after the split (see Figure 6). Figure 5. Maintenance radio for hardwire VSX (through TriSend) 8

10 Hardwire Communications Hardwire field controllers are the same as standalone field controllers with the addition of a hardwire communications board. The communications cable (GCBL) connects the field controllers to one another and to the central computer through the central interface. Maintenance radio for hardwire AGC Distance 15 ft. from Ground Rod 2-1/2 ft. minimum to 4 ft. 1 ft. 5/8 X 10 Ground rod Figure 6. Simple hardwire installation Copper ground plate 4 X 96 GCBL communications cable is composed of two 18 AWG twisted pairs of shielded wire, and the foil shield is to be grounded at one end (with the supplied bare silver grounding wire). Armored cable is also available (GCBLA) for maximum resistance to rodent and installation damage. You may run up to 10,000 ft (3 km) of GCBL between field controllers. You may have any number of field controllers in a leg (up to 999 maximum per system). A chain of controllers connected by the communications cable (GCBL) is called a leg. Two separate legs can be wired from the central interface to the field. The legs do not connect to each other, and no special termination is required at the end of a leg. You can also split either (or both) of the legs at the first field controller in a leg. This allows the most cost-effective route to each field controller by allowing the four shortest possible wire runs. The communications is split at the terminal strip on the hardwire communications board inside the field controller. Never splice the cable itself. 9 Figure 7. Hardwire with multiple splits (at first controller in each leg)

11 When adding Maintenance Radio for AGC controllers in such a configuration, there would be a total of 4 radio modules and antennas, one in each leg after the split. Each would relay Maintenance Radio commands down its hardwired leg to the other controllers. In the AGC split leg configuration, the central interface is not part of the Maintenance Radio process. RA5M is connected to the TriSend central interface with coaxial radio cable (RG850NFNF). The cable is also supplied with appropriate connectors, usually type N female standard radio connectors. Radio Communications Radio field controllers are standalone field controllers with the addition of the radio communications board, a radio module, and the radio antenna on the lid of the pedestal. Each proposed radio field controller location must be tested before installation. This is part of the site survey that is required for every radio installation. Communications in Hunter radio systems for North America are via UHF radio signal (450 to 470 MHz). VSX controllers may only use this frequency range. Some expanded frequency ranges (430 to 480 MHz and others) may be available for AGC controllers in selected international markets, subject to local regulations. Maintenance Radio capability is automatic in UHF radio systems. Any TRNR handheld two-way radio on the same frequency can access the radio field controllers directly with the Straight Talk feature. Maintenance Radio commands do not go through the central and do not require any additional hardware at the central. Radio communications may be added to standalone field controllers at any time. Remember that the lid on steel field controllers must be changed at the same time, to add the stealth antenna lid. Plastic controllers may be drilled for routing of the antenna cable. radio systems (including Maintenance Radio) must be licensed Important: Radio Notes All radio systems must have a site survey performed and documented The frequency must be specified at the time of order Figure 8. Simple radio installation 10

12 The Site Survey The mandatory site survey consists of two separate elements: Scanning for clear frequencies Checking each proposed controller location for reliable communications Scanning: Use a good quality handheld scanner (preferably with a detachable antenna), and program your proposed frequencies into it. Scan the frequencies for activity during the entire visit to the site. Listen for voice or data traffic. Eliminate the noisiest channels immediately, then zero in on the quieter channels to determine the best one to use. If all channels are busy, see the Site Survey guide or contact Hunter Golf for a list of other frequencies to try. Checking the controller sites: This requires two people, each with a UHF walkie-talkie (power should be approximately 1 watt). One person remains at the proposed central site (usually the superintendent s office) and monitors the radio. The other person travels to EACH proposed field controller location and calls the first person. Each person slowly counts to 10 and verifies that the other can hear the entire count without static or break-up. Use a Site Survey form to check off each field controller site as it is surveyed. Tips for site selection The single most important factor in radio communications is the positioning of the antennas. Radio is similar to light; the antennas are like light bulbs. When considering a central or field controller location, imagine how much light you would see from the location you are try to reach; this is a rough indicator of how successful the communications from that site will be. Field controllers should be located on level or high ground. The antenna lid is only 36 in (1 m) above ground, so even a slight hill can effectively block signal to it. Trees are generally not a major obstacle for radio communications. If a signal is already weak due to large distances or intervening buildings, dense trees can block the remaining signal. The proximity of power lines is also not a major problem for FM radio (though care should be taken to prevent accidental antenna contact with them). Do not locate controllers: In recessed areas (hollows and valleys) On the opposite side of a hill from the central Directly behind brick or steel buildings Directly behind steel fence posts or similar objects Sometimes such locations are unavoidable. If so, communications must be improved with a remote antenna or another solution (such as hardwire) must be found. A location that has trouble communicating during a site survey will not improve over time, and will spoil an otherwise good control system. The RASREM remote antenna allows the antenna to be located within 12 ft (3.5 m) of a controller and may provide sufficient elevation for acceptable communications. The RA6F or IMMSANTYAGI3 Yagi directional antennas can be remotely mounted even further from the controller and provides a very focused radio beam, which is aimed directly at the central antenna. Use RG850 antenna cable with Yagi antennas, up to 50 ft (15 m). Generally these antennas are not specified as part of the system, but are used as problem-solving tools for specific locations The location of the superintendent s office is generally not controllable, but this is usually where the central computer and its base antenna will be located. If the central is in a hollow or valley, plan to get the antenna up as high as possible. This may require a separate antenna tower. You can legally elevate an antenna up to 20 ft (6.5 m) over an existing man-made structure in most cases. These are general guidelines and are never a substitute for the actual site survey. Hunter Field Services is available to assist with unusual or difficult applications. Figure 9. Radio and hardwire controllers in the same system nce 15 ft. Rod t. 11

13 Communications Options VSX communications options are called out in the model number, and are shipped factory-installed. AGC communications options are ordered separately, and installed in the field. They consist of the following: Model Description Notes APPBRKT ACC-COM-HWR Stainless Steel Bracket for com modules and radios Communications module for hardwire and/or radio communications Used for all Com modules in plastic pedestals Installs in APPBRKT ACC-HWIM Hardwire Interface module Only required for hardwired communications use one in each hardwired controller RAD3 UHF radio (North America) License required RAD460INT UHF radio (International) License required IMMSANT2 UHF antenna Installs in plastic pedestal lid. GCBL Hardwire communications cable Connects hardwired controllers via ACC-HWIM Figure 10. Com Module in APPBRKT, installed in AGC These are the most commonly used components for AGC Golf systems. Note that a controller may have hardwire and radio installed at the same time, using a single ACC-COM-HWR, with both an ACC-HWIM and a RAD (3 or 460INT). Data Retrieval (VSX Systems only) Data retrieval is a unit designed to collect information from up to 6 sensors in the field and send it to the central computer in VSX controller systems. The central software can record this information and display a variety of reports and can also be programmed to recognize and react to alarm conditions (with full or partial system shutdowns). Data retrieval units are not compatible with AGC controller systems. Data retrieval units communicate like VSX field controllers. There are hardwire and radio versions, but there is no standalone. They are often located near pump stations or centrally to other sensors. Data retrieval units are housed in the same weatherproof, steel cabinet as the TriSend central interface, and are designed to be wall or pole-mounted. Hardwire versions are wired anywhere into a VSX hardwire communications leg, just like field controllers. Radio versions are located anywhere within the range of the radio central (as determined by the site survey). Radio data retrieval units do not include an antenna, but usually use the RASREM remote stealth antenna. Data Retrieval units have the same grounding requirements as field controllers and central interfaces. Data Retrieval units can monitor inputs from: Flow Sensor (GENDATFL): Up to 3 flow sensors may be connected to a single Data retrieval unit. Rain Catchment (GENDATRC) Wind Speed and Direction Sensor (GENDATAN) Contact Closures (normally open, or normally closed): This includes any of Hunter s Mini-Clik family of sensors 12

14 2-1/2 ft. min. to 4 ft. Data Retrieval (VSX Systems only) (cont d) Most sensors are connected to the data retrieval unit with GCBL cable. Refer to the data retrieval specifications or installation instructions for detailed descriptions of sensor connections. Model Number Creation: data retrieval Figure 11. Data retrieval (radio) with sensors Data Retrieval Unit Communications Power Options DAT R = Radio Module HW = Hardwire (blank) = 110 VAC SV = 220 VAC Distance 15 ft. from Ground Rod 1 ft. 5/8 X 10 Ground rod Copper ground plate 4 X 96 Weather Station The TW weather station is a complete weather station and includes its own communications, an on-board data logger, and all sensors necessary to produce reliable evapotranspiration (ET) data. TW stations include dedicated software, which communicates directly and automatically with Surveyor software to allow automatic recalculation of irrigation schedules. The TW weather station requires its own dedicated communications port on the central computer. It is never wired into a controller hardwire communications leg. As it has its own hardwire communications path to the computer, it works equally well with hardwire or radio systems. TW configurations Install the weather station: In direct sunlight Where it will NOT be hit by sprinkler spray or near or under trees Where the climatic conditions most closely match those of the plants you are irrigating Figure 12. Weather station with separate hardwire connection 13

15 Modem Central Systems Modem central systems allow the central computer to operate a remote central interface via dial-up telephone line. The central computer dials the remote modem central interface, which is then connected to the radio and/or hardwire network. Modem centrals are used to solve situations where the central computer is not located in a good position from which to reach all controllers via radio or hardwired communications. A dial-up modem is placed at the central computer location and is used to call a central interface placed at an optimum broadcast location. The computer does not need to be permanently connected to the system to irrigate, because the field resident memory in the field controllers runs irrigation schedules on its own. The remote system can be any distance from the central computer, as long as there are telephone connections at either end. Modem central versions of Surveyor systems are single site solutions. They are not designed to call multiple locations. In VSX systems, this is accomplished with a specially-equipped version of the TriSend central interface. Add MOD to any TriSend model number to include the modem in the TriSend. Example: TRISENDRMOD is a central interface with radio and dial-up modem. In AGC systems, there are two alternatives. The MOD option may be added to any version of the AGCHUB, just as with the TriSend. Example: AGCHUBRMOD is a central interface for AGC with radio and dial-up modem. It is also possible to use the ACC-COM-POTS communications module in a single AGC controller, connected directly to a telephone line. This controller may then be sited to communicate with other radio controllers in the system. This method is not as efficient for hardwired systems, as it will only support one hardwired leg of communications. For more details and the latest information, visit us at 14

16 U.S.A. Headquarters and Manufacturing 1940 Diamond Street San Marcos, CA Tel: (1) Fax: (1) Technical Help: (1) Mexico Manufacturing Calle Nordika #8615 Parque Industrial Nordika Tijuana, B.C., Mexico C.P Tel: (52) Fax: (52) Worldwide Offices Australia 8 The Parade West Kent Town, South Australia 5067 Tel: (61) Fax: (61) Europe Avda. Diagonal 523, 5º- 2º Edificio Atalaya Barcelona, Spain Tel: (34) Fax: (34) Middle East P.O. Box Amman 11121, Jordan Tel: (962) Fax: (962) China B1618, Huibin Office Bldg. No.8, Beichen Dong Street Beijing , China Tel1/Fax: (86) Tel2: (86) Hunter Industries Incorporated. Printed in USA. GLIT-045 C 9/10