The rainfall
setting determines the amount of rainfall needed to prevent your irrigation system from watering.
You can adjust the rainfall setting from 1/8" to 3/4" (5mm to 20mm).
The ideal rainfall setting for your location depends on soil type, humidity, amountof direct sunlight the sensor receives, and frequency and amount of rainfall.
The table below gives some guidelines to help determine the appropriate rainfall setting.
| Irrigation Site conditions |
Rainfall setting |
- Dry climate / low humidity
- Infrequent, light rains
- Sensor receives long periods of direct sun
- Clay-type soils
|
1/8" to 1/4"
(5mm to 10mm)
|
- Moist climate / high humidity
- Frequent, heavy rains
- Sensor mounted in a mostly shady area
- Sandy soils
|
1/2" to 3/4"
(15mm to 20mm)
|
| NOTE: At the 1/8" or 5mm setting, a very light rainfall will activate the sensor and suspend watering.
The 1/8" or 5mm rainfall setting is not recommended in areas with high humidity. |
To set the rainfall setting, turn the sensor dial cap until the desired rainfall setting lines up with the arrow on the sensor body (A), as shown in Illustration 2.
Set Vent Ring
The vent ring determines "drying time" -- the length of time the sensor turns off irrigation after a rainfall. For most installations, set the vent ring to the fully open position
For some installations, such as sites where water pools after rainfall, set the vent ring to a partially open position. This will shut down the irrigation system a little longer after a rain.
To set the vent ring, turn the vent ring knob below the dial cap to the desired position, as shown in Illustration 3.
Testing the System
To make sure the RSD Rain Sensor is properly installed, turn on any controller irrigation zone and verify that the zone comes on.
Then press the Rain Sensor plunger located in the top of the dial cap, as shown in Illustration 4 (B).
The irrigation system should stop watering within a few seconds. If the system does not shut off, check all wiring connections to make sure the rain sensor system is correctly installed.
Maintenance
The RSD Rain Sensor operates automatically and usually requires no regular maintenance.
However, the fibrous disks inside the dial cap sometimes become contaminated with debris or insects. If this happens, use the following procedure to clean the Rain Sensor.
- Turn the dial cap to the 3/4" rainfall setting, as shown in Illustration 2.
- Press the tab labeled "Press" on the side of the sensor body, as shown in Illustration 8 (A). Then turn the dial cap about 1 1/4 turns further to remove the cap from the sensor body.
- Remove the plunger and disks from the sensor body, and wash them in clean water.
- Reinstall the plunger and disks. Then reset the rainfall setting to the desired position, as shown in Illustration 2.
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