Weather Center II User Manual Part # 500009 Rev.
Weather Center II
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction .....................................................................................1 1.1 Determining Weather Center II Location ......................................3 1.1.1 Weather Center Site Overview ..............................................3 1.2 General Information.......................................................................8 2.0 Weather Center Installation..................................
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 6.1.2 Wind Speed Sensor Installation Checks ..............................37 6.1.3 Wind Speed Sensor Information..........................................37 6.1.4 Wind Speed Sensor Interface...............................................37 6.1.5 Reading Wind Speed Values at the Controller ....................38 6.2 At the RME Eagle Controller.......................................................38 6.2.1 Features and Benefits....................
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Table of Figures Figure 1 - Evolution Weather Center II ....................................................2 Figure 2 - Evolution Weather Center Configuration ................................3 Figure 3 - Base Mounting Bolt Installation ..............................................9 Figure 4 - Eyebolt Assembly Procedure .................................................10 Figure 5 - Eyebolt Assembly Procedure ....................................
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 1.0 Weather Center II User Manual Introduction The Weather Center II is comprised of four major measurement sensors, these include: • • • • The Solar Radiation Sensor Temperature/Relative Humidity Sensor The Rain Fall Sensor The Wind Speed Sensor (Anemometer) The Weather Center II calculates Evapotranspiration (ET) and measures rain and wind speed.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Figure 1 - Evolution Weather Center II Page 2
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Determining Weather Center II Location Height of Tree (T) 1.1 Weather Center II User Manual H 10H 10T Figure 2 - Evolution Weather Center Configuration 1.1.1 Weather Center Site Overview Wind, air temperature, and humidity mesurements are affected by surface type and roughness, soil moisture, regional topography and obstructions. Sites selected for their applicability to a broader area should be free from obstructions such as buildings, trees, and steep slopes.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems irrigation zones, for that microclimate. The following general rules will help you determine the best location: Mount in an open area, clear of all obstructions. The area should be in direct sunlight, away from buildings, trees or other objects, which may restrict wind movement or cast shadows. Avoid locations that will generate reflective heat (buildings, parking lots, roadways, etc.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Table 1 - Sensor Placement Sensor Type Measurement Height Exposure Considerations Wind 3.0 meters +/- 0.1 meters is recommended (AASC). No closer than ten times the obstructions height. 2.0 meters +/- 0.1 meters, ten meters +/- 0.5 meters (optional) AASC. Ten meters (WMO & EPA) Air Temperature Two meters for temperature only (EPA). Two Meter and 10 meter for temperature difference (EPA).
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems (AASC) 30 cm minimum (WMO) be no closer than four times the obstruction height. The orifice of the gage must be in a horizontal plane, open to the sky, and above the level of in-splashing and snow accumulation. Table 2 - Weather Center Configuration Part Number Description Quantity EV-SEN-WD EV-WETHRCMPTR Anemometer Assembly 1 Weather Computer Assembly 1 EV-SEN-RN Rain Fall Sensor Assembly 1 EV-PS Power Supply, 12V DC Reg.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Table 3 - Required Equipment - Evolution DX2 Controller Part Number DX-FLOW EV-CABWS12 User Supplied User Supplied User Supplied User Supplied User Supplied User Supplied Description Evolution DX2 Controller equipped with optional DXFLOW (Flow and Weather sensing) Cable, 12 conductors, 18-gauge stranded, foil shield w/drain, direct burial. (Order to length, maximum length 500 ft.
Weather Center II User Manual User Supplied User Supplied User Supplied User Supplied User Supplied Rain Master Irrigation Systems 3/8, 5/16, 7/16 inch socket wrench Screwdriver, flat blade 8 foot step ladder PVC Conduit 1 inch, for tower base wiring.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 2.0 Weather Center II User Manual Weather Center Installation Use the following step to assembly the Weather Center tower. Step 1 Prepare and pour a concrete support slab according to the enclosed drawing, see Figure 6 - Weather Center Base Mounting. Use the provided template to set the 5/16" mounting eye bolts. The bracket must be level and plumb. The conduit should extend at least 2 inches above the horizontal of the concrete.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Figure 4 - Eyebolt Assembly Procedure Page 10
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Figure 5 - Eyebolt Assembly Procedure Figure 6 - Weather Center Base Mounting Page 11
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Step 2 Install the 12-conductor cable (EV-CAB-WS12) from the controller to the Weather Center through the conduit. From the Weather Center tower to the controller allow a minimum of 36 inches of cable to extend beyond the conduit into the controller’s pedestal cabinet. On the Weather Center tower, allow a minimum of 70 inches of cable to extend beyond the conduit into the Weather Center tower assembly.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Figure 7 - Weather Center Tower Mounting Page 13
Weather Center II User Manual Step 4 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Using a 7/16-inch socket wrench; remove the four Extension arm mounting bolts from the tower mast. Attach the Rain Fall sensor to the tower and insert the signal cable, with connector, through the 5/8-inch hole in the side of tower (See Figure 8 - Sensor Mounting Configuration).
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Step 5 Attach the wind cup assembly to the anemometer and secure the assembly to the shaft using the provided Allen wrench. Step 6 Attach the anemometer to the tower and insert the signal cable, with connector, through the 5/8-inch hole in the side of tower. (See Figure 8 - Sensor Mounting Configuration) Step 7 Remove the lower access plate using the supplied hand tool (ET-610).
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Figure 9 - Weather Center Terminal Access Page 16
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Figure 10 - Weather Center Tower Wiring Detail Page 17
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Figure 11 - Evolution DX2 Wiring Detail Page 18
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Figure 12 - Evolution Weather Computer Installation Page 19
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Figure 13 - Weather Computer 2.1 Evolution DX2 Controller Wiring Step 1 Turn off power to the Evolution DX2 Controller using the AC power switch. Step 2 Connect the remaining ends of the EV-CAB-WS12 (12 conductor) cable to the sensor terminal board and/or Weather Computer at the Evolution DX2 Controller according to the color code and wiring diagram supplied (see Figure 11 - Evolution DX2 Wiring Detail).
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Figure 14 - Weather Center Evolution DX2 Controller 2.2 Step 5 Plug the 12 VDC power supply (EV-PS) into the Evolution DX2 Controller’s internal AC receptacle. Step 6 Connect the red and black wires of the Weather Center cable (417-0059) from the Weather Computer terminal block to the DX2 terminal strip. (See Figure 11 Evolution DX2 Wiring Detail). Step 7 Turn on power to the Evolution DX2 Controller using the AC power switch.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems conductor) cable to the sensor terminal board and/or Weather Computer according to the color code and wiring diagram supplied (see Figure 15 - RME Eagle Wiring Diagram). Step 3 Locate the 12 Volt DC Power Supply assembly (EV-PS). Step 4 Plug the 12 VDC power supply (EV-PS) into the enclosures internal AC receptacle. Step 5 Connect the red and black wires to the Weather Computer terminals 1 & 2. (See Figure 15 - RME Eagle Wiring Diagram).
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Figure 16 - Eagle Weather Computer Wiring Diagram Page 23
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Figure 17 - Eagle-SP Stainless Enclosure Installation 3.0 Weather Center Instrumentation 3.1 Features and Benefits The Rain Master Weather Computer is a precision electronic instrument that calculates Evapotranspiration (ET). The Weather Computer, using Solar Radiation, Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Wind Speed will calculate ET to an accuracy of 0.01 inches.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual The Rain Master Weather Center allows the irrigation system to optimize water usage by replacing only as much water as was used by the turfgrass. The simplicity of the system has given it a major advantage in cost and effectiveness. The Rain Master Weather Center II will directly model the ET (evapotranspiration) on any given site.
Weather Center II User Manual 3.2 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center Theory of Operation The principle of the Rain Master Weather Center II is to directly measure the effects of weather and estimate the evapotranspiration loss of water from the reference crop (i.e. Turfgrass). Transpiration is the movement of water from plant tissues directly into the atmosphere.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual J12 J4 J5 1 2 3 4 5 6 INPUT (SILVER) RAIN SENSOR 24VAC (COPPER) ET – (WHITE WITH BLUE STRIPES) ET + (BLUE) ET DEVICE – (BLK) + (WHT) FLOW Figure 18 - RME Eagle Sensor Interface Connections Table 7 - RME Eagle Sensor Interface Connections Sensor Name Rain Input Rain 24 VAC Flow + Flow ET + ET - Connector Number (J12) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Color Code Silver Copper White Black Blue White w/Blue Stripe Page 27
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Sensor Accuracy: +/-1% of evapotranspiration. Sensor Resolution: Sensor Output: Sensor Capability: 0.01 inch reference Evapotranspiration ( ET). A single pulse per 0.01 inch of ET. Solar Radiation, Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, Wind Speed. Connects directly into a Rain Master Evolution DX2 controller equipped with a sensor board. The ET is read directly from the Evolution DX2 controller by the Evolution Central Computer.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 4.0 Reading the ET Values 4.1 At the Evolution DX2 Controller Weather Center II User Manual The ET values may be read from the display of the Evolution DX2 controller by following the steps listed below. Advance to the ET Sensor screen through the following menu sequences: F1 = Main Menu F3 = Status F2 = Measurements F4 = ET SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT .07 .08 .11 .10 .14 .09 .
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems each .01 inch change in ET. The RME EAGLE controller will accumulate the Weather Center counts from midnight to midnight (24 hour accumulation) and store the total for use in the next day station runtime calculations. The total number of counts received from the Weather Center will increase or decrease based on weather conditions and will change through-out the year (i.e. summer to winter, hot to cold).
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual The controller will return to the Automatic Mode. EXAMPLE: Review Status of the Weather Center Device. Continue to Press: ET Until display indicates: DVICE ON PROGRAM OR DVICEOFF PROGRAM Press: QUIT The controller will return to Automatic Mode. 4.2.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems complete 24 hour accumulation period (midnight to midnight). The value will then be used for all next day and future day calculations. NOTE: If controller power is lost for more then one hour, the Weather Center count will be invalidated and the controller will store and use Historical ET data for the current day accumulation. The display indicates the total ET (measured in inches) accumulated since midnight.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 5.0 Rain Fall Sensor 5.1 At the Evolution DX2 Controller Weather Center II User Manual Note: Rain Fall sensor management can only be performed through the use of the Evolution Central Computer. 5.1.1 Features and Benefits The RMIS Rain Fall sensor provides accurate rainfall measurements (to the nearest 0.01 inch) and storage of rainfall data.
Weather Center II User Manual 5.1.3 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Rain Fall Sensor Installation The housing of the Rain Fall Sensor should be level. After installation is complete, check to make sure that the Rain Fall sensor is not held in a dead center position by pressing either end down against the stop. 5.1.4 Rain Fall Sensor Information Accuracy: 1.0% at 2 inches per hour or less. Maintenance: Occasional cleaning of debris from the filter screen may be required. 5.1.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 5.1.6 Weather Center II User Manual Reading Rain Fall Sensor Values To insure that all cables are properly connected, the Rain Fall Sensor reading should be checked at the Evolution DX2 Controller. Proceed to the Rain/Wind display through the following menu sequences: F1 = Main Menu F3 = Status F2 = Measurements F4 = Rain/Wind RAIN = 000.01/INCH WIND = 012 MPH 5.2 At the RME Eagle Controller 5.2.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems condition and evaluate which irrigation programs are associated to the Rainfall sensor, programs so designated will be inhibited from activating the associated valves. After the rainfall has ended the rainfall sensor will start to dry out, the material will start to contract and eventually the switch will again open. The RME controller will then indicate a DRY condition and the RME Eagle controller will again start to irrigate. 5.2.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 6.0 Wind Speed Sensor 6.1 At the Evolution DX2 Controller Note: 6.1.1 Weather Center II User Manual Wind Speed sensor data management can only be performed through the use of the Evolution Central Computer system. Features and Benefits When used with a Rain Master Evolution Central Computer System, wind speed sensing provides the following features and benefits: • • • 6.1.
Weather Center II User Manual 6.1.5 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Reading Wind Speed Values at the Controller Refer to paragraph 5.1.6 Reading Rain Fall Sensor Values at the Evolution DX2 Controller. 6.2 At the RME Eagle Controller 6.2.1 Features and Benefits When used with a RME Eagle Controller the Wind Speed Sensor values are provided directly to the Rain Master Weather Computer for use in Evapotranspiration (ET) calculations only. 6.2.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual complete anemometer assembly to the factory. 7.1.2 Rain Fall Sensor The Rain Fall or Rain Switch sensor should be visually inspected at least once a year or once per irrigation season to ensure no leaves, bird droppings or debris have accumulated within. To clean the Rain Fall Sensor, remove the top funnel unit and tip the screen out onto your hand. Wash the screen thoroughly and reassemble the top funnel unit.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Figure 19 - Bird Wire Installation 7.1.6 Weather Tower Assembly The Weather Tower Assembly should be visually inspected at least once a year or once per irrigation season to ensure mechanical stability of the tower and the attached sensors. 7.1.7 Weather Computer The Weather Computer should be visually inspected at least once a year or once per irrigation season to ensure that the system is free of any debris.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 8.0 Weather Center II User Manual Troubleshooting If any of the conditions listed below should develop in the Weather Center readings, a problem may exist within one or more of the sensors. Use one or more of the following troubleshooting steps to correct the error readings: • • • • • 8.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 8.2.1 Symptom: Low ET Reading Start 1 Is weather station located in the proper environment? No See Determining Weather Center Location.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual 8.2.2 Symptom: No ET Reading Start 1 Is the Weather Computer Transformer Plugged In? No Check and if necessary reset the GFI breaker. Plug in the Weather Computer Transformer Yes 2 Are the K and Offset values for Flow Sensor 2 set to Zero? No Refer to the DX2 User’s Manual (4-51), set Flow meter 2 “K and Offset” values to Zero.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 1 4 Can +5 VDC be measured at terminal inputs 2(+) and 2(-) of the Sensor Terminal Board? Disconnect the two wires from the Sensor Terminal at terminals Input 2(+) and Input 2(-) and re-measure voltage. If voltage reads 0, contact the factory. If voltage reads +5VDC, the problem is in the wiring 5 If voltage reads greater than +5 VDC, reconnect the two wires to the Sensor Terminal board Inputs 2(+) and 2(-).
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 8.2.3 Weather Center II User Manual Symptom: No Rain Reading – Evolution DX2 Start 1 Is there any accumulation of debris on the top inside screen of the bucket? No Remove and clean screen as described in maintenance section. No Refer to Installation instructions. Check wiring and verify polarity.
Weather Center II User Manual 1 End 4 Page 46 Rain Master Irrigation Systems If voltage reads +8 VDC, reconnect the two wires to the Sensor Terminal board Inputs 3+ and 3-. At the tower terminal block, unplug the rain gauge connector. Re-measure voltage at terminals Input 3+ and 3-. If voltage reads +8 VDC, problem lies in rain gauge. If voltage reads 0, check for shorts in cable and terminal block connections.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems 8.2.4 Weather Center II User Manual Symptom: No Rain Reading – RME Eagle 1 4 If RME Eagle Is there +24 VAC at pin 2 of the sensor terminal connector? No Check cable continuity from terminal block to Sensor Terminal connector. No Check and repair cable continuity from terminal block to Rain Fall switch.
Weather Center II User Manual 8.2.5 Rain Master Irrigation Systems Symptom: No Wind Reading Start 1 Does the cup assembly spin freely? No Check bearings and cup assembly mounting. Yes 2 Is the Wind Sensor wired correctly to the DX2 and the Weather Computer? No Refer to the Installation instructions Check and verify wiring.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Reconnect the two wires to the Sensor Terminal board. At the Weather pole terminal block, unplug the Wind Sensor from the connector. Re-measure the voltage at terminals Input 4(+) and 4(-). If voltage reads +12 VDC, the problem is the Wind Sensor. If voltage reads 0, check for shorts/opens in the cable and terminal block connections.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems 8.3 Verification of Weather Computer Input 8.3.1 At the Evolution DX2 Controller This procedure describes the steps necessary to verify the operation of the Evolution DX2 Controller ET input. This process simulates the incoming pulses from a Rain Master Weather Computer, displaying the results on the Evolution DX2 controller ET display screen.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual displayed on the RME Eagle Controller display. Step 2 Disconnect the the cable harness from J12 on the RME Eagle Controller. Using a short wire (14 - 12 AWG) touch end to pin 5 of J12 and the other side to pin 6 of J12. Step 3 Observe the controller ET display screen and note the present ET value for today.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems Table 9 - Interconnect Cables From To Sensor Terminal Board Sensor board Sensor board Main board Description 12”, 25 conductor flat ribbon cable 2”, 26 conductor flat ribbon cable Check that the cables are properly installed. If the cables check out OK, the Sensor Terminal board may be defective. Contact the factory for a replacement. 8.4 Rain Fall Sensor Verification Procedure 8.4.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual Step 4 Observe the Rain reading again and verify that the reading has increased by the number of times the tipping bucket mechanism was activated. Step 5 If readings change properly, the Rain Gauge and associated wiring is functioning properly. Re-assemble the funnel collector onto the rain gauge. If the Rain readings do not change, the problem must be isolated to either the Rain Gauge or the Controller.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems problem must be isolated to either the Rain Switch or the Controller. 8.5 Verification of Rain Fall Sensor Electronics 8.5.1 At the Evolution DX2 Controller This procedure provides the recommended steps to check and verify the operation of the Evolution DX2 Controller Rain fall sensor input. This process simulates the incoming pulses (+ 8 volts) from a Rain Gauge, displaying the results on the controller’s Rain/Wind display screen.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual 8.6 Wind Speed Sensor Verification Procedure 8.6.1 At the Evolution DX2 Controller This procedure assumes that the wind sensor inputs 4 (+) and 4 (-) on the Sensor Terminal board are functioning properly. Proceed to the Rain/Wind display through the following menu sequences: F1 = Main Menu F3 = Status F2 = Measurements F5 = Rain/Wind RAIN = 000.
Weather Center II User Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems RAIN MASTER LIMITED WARRANTY Rain Master Irrigation Systems Inc.
Rain Master Irrigation Systems Weather Center II User Manual The RME EAGLE Controller has a 5 year limited warrant from date of purchase. All other Rain Master Brand products carry a 2 year limited warranty unless otherwise specified. SERVICE Should it be necessary to require servicing of your controller, contact your local Rain Master distributor or contact Rain Master at 1-805-527-4498 for a listing of distributors in your area.
3910-B Royal Avenue Simi Valley, California 93063 Telephone: (805) 527-4498 Fax: (805) 527-2813 www.rainmaster.
