Installation: Rain Bird ESP-8 Irrigation Controller User Manual

Overview

The ESP-8 Irrigation Controller is a solid-state sprinkler timer designed to automate watering across eight irrigation stations. It is suitable for residential and light commercial systems that use remote-control sprinkler valves, allowing each zone to run for a programmed length of time on selected days.

Two independent programs, A and B, provide flexible scheduling. Each program can include its own watering days, up to three daily start times, and individual station run times. The controller can also adjust all programmed watering durations with a single seasonal water-budget setting.

Specifications

• Model: ESP-8 irrigation controller
• Station capacity: Eight separately controlled irrigation stations
• Station run time: 0 to 99 minutes per station
• Programs: Two independent programs, A and B
• Automatic start times: Up to three start times per program
• Watering schedules: Every second, third, or fifth day, or a custom seven-day schedule
• Primary power: 117-volt AC supply
• Backup battery: Rechargeable 9-volt NiCad battery
• Battery backup duration: Up to three days for the program and current time when fully charged
• Water-budget range: 10% to 200% in 10% increments
• Terminal connections: Numbered station terminals, COM common terminal, and MV terminal for a master valve or pump-start relay
• Cabinet dimensions: Approximately 7 1/2 inches wide, 8 5/8 inches high, and 4 1/2 inches deep

Detailed Description

The controller operates irrigation valves in sequence. When a station receives its start signal, its connected valve opens and the sprinklers in that zone operate. After the assigned run time expires, the ESP-8 Irrigation Controller closes that valve and advances to the next active station.

The LCD display normally shows the current time. During programming, it displays the setting being changed. While watering, it identifies the active station and shows the remaining minutes.

• LCD display: Shows time, programming values, station numbers, and remaining run time.
• Arrow buttons: Change times, days, percentages, and other displayed values.
• A/B program button: Switches between program A and program B.
• Manual Start/Advance button: Starts a program manually and advances from one station to the next.
• Programming dial: Selects automatic operation, shutdown, clock settings, station durations, start times, and water-budget adjustment.
• Schedule slide switch: Selects a fixed two-, three-, or five-day interval, or the custom schedule position.

Each program consists of watering days, one or more start times, and a run time for every station assigned to that program. A station may be assigned to program A, program B, or both. With a custom schedule, the two programs may use different days. With a fixed interval, both programs follow the same watering cycle.

Safety

• Disconnect the 117-volt AC power before making transformer or electrical connections.
• Use code-approved insulated connectors and wiring approved for underground irrigation installations.
• Do not install an alkaline battery. The controller uses a rechargeable 9-volt NiCad battery, and an alkaline battery may leak or rupture in the charging circuit.
• When a pump-start relay is installed, jumper unused stations to an active station as specified for the system. Otherwise, a restored default program may operate the pump without water flow, potentially overheating or damaging it.
• Mount the controller in a sheltered location and keep the power supply readily accessible.
• Electrical installation and mains-voltage connections should be completed by a qualified person in accordance with applicable electrical codes.

Setup and Installation

Choose a Location

Install the weather-resistant cabinet indoors or outdoors at approximately eye level in a protected location. Leave about 7 1/2 inches of clearance on the left side so the door can open fully. The mounting surface should be a flat wall or vertical stud with accessible 117-volt AC power.

Mount the Cabinet

1. Open the controller door and swing the face panel outward from right to left.
2. Hold the cabinet against the mounting surface and mark the upper keyhole locations. Use the two outer keyholes for wall mounting or the center keyhole when mounting to a stud. Also mark the lower mounting hole.
3. Install suitable fasteners at the upper marks, leaving slightly more than 1/4 inch between each fastener head and the mounting surface.
4. Hang the cabinet on the upper fasteners, ensuring that the fastener shafts sit in the narrow portions of the keyholes.
5. Install a fastener through the lower mounting hole to secure the bottom of the controller.

Connect Station Valves

1. Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from each field-wire end.
2. Loosen the appropriate terminal screw and place the stripped conductor around the screw base.
3. Tighten the terminal securely, then gently pull each wire to confirm that it is held firmly.
4. Connect one separate valve wire from each irrigation valve to its numbered station terminal.
5. Connect one lead from every valve to the common wire, then connect the common wire to the COM terminal.
6. Route field wiring through the right-hand opening at the bottom of the cabinet.

Connect a Master Valve or Pump-Start Relay

If the irrigation system uses a master valve or a 24-volt pump-start relay, connect the control wiring to the MV and COM terminals. Complete this connection only when the system requires one of these devices.

Connect the Transformer

1. Confirm that the 117-volt AC supply is switched off.
2. Connect the controller's white wire to the white supply wire using an approved insulated connector.
3. Connect the black controller wire to the black supply wire.
4. Connect the green controller wire to the green grounding wire.
5. Close the weatherproof junction box after all connections are complete.

Install the Backup Battery

1. Open the cabinet door and swing the face panel out on its hinges.
2. Remove the existing battery from its holder and disconnect it from the clip.
3. Connect a new rechargeable 9-volt NiCad battery to the battery clip.
4. Place the connected battery into the holder.

The backup battery preserves programming and the current time during a power interruption, but it cannot operate the irrigation valves. After installation, the charging circuit requires approximately 12 to 14 hours to recharge the battery.

Programming

Prepare a Schedule

Before entering settings, record a short description for every station. For each program, identify the watering schedule, start times, and station durations. Enter zero minutes for stations that will not be used by that program. Keeping this information on the controller's program sheet makes later adjustments easier.

Select the Watering Schedule

Move the schedule switch to one of the fixed positions or to the custom position:

• 2: Waters every other day.
• 3: Waters every third day.
• 5: Waters every fifth day.
• C: Allows individual days of the week to be enabled or disabled.

The selected schedule type applies to both programs.

Set the Current Time

1. Turn the dial to HR.
2. Use the arrow buttons to set the current hour and confirm the correct AM or PM indication.
3. Turn the dial to MIN.
4. Use the arrow buttons to set the current minutes.

Set the Current Day

For a custom schedule, set the schedule switch to C, turn the dial to DAY, and use the arrow buttons to select the current weekday.

For a fixed schedule, select the two-, three-, or five-day position, turn the dial to DAY, and set the current position within the cycle. Day 1 is always a watering day. To make tomorrow the next watering day, set the current cycle day to the final day in the selected interval.

Select a Program

Press the A/B button until the required program appears on the display. Program A and program B are configured separately, although a fixed schedule gives both programs the same watering days.

Set Custom Watering Days

Use this procedure only when the schedule switch is set to C.

1. Turn the dial to the weekday being programmed.
2. Check whether the display shows ON or OFF.
3. Use the ON or OFF control to enable or disable watering for that day.
4. Repeat the process for each weekday and for the selected program.

Set Station Run Times

1. Turn the dial to the first station.
2. Use the arrow buttons to select a duration from 0 to 99 minutes.
3. Set unused stations to 0 minutes.
4. Move the dial through the remaining station positions and enter each required duration.

A newly programmed controller may display a default duration of 10 minutes for a station. Replace that value with the duration required for the zone.

Set Start Times

1. Select program A or B with the A/B button.
2. Turn the dial to start time 1.
3. Use the arrow buttons to choose the first start time. Settings change in 15-minute increments.
4. Use start time positions 2 and 3 when additional watering cycles are needed.
5. To remove an unwanted start time, select the blank setting between 11:45 PM and 12:15 AM.

A start time begins the first active station in the program. Other assigned stations then run in sequence.

Operation

Automatic Mode

Turn the dial to AUTO to enable scheduled watering. During normal standby, the display shows the current day and time. While a program is running, it shows the active station and the minutes remaining. When the program finishes, the display returns to the current day and time.

Turn Watering Off

Turn the dial to OFF to suspend all automatic watering. This setting is useful during rainfall, seasonal shutdown, or maintenance. The controller continues to show the current day and time, while the blinking minute digit indicates that watering has been disabled.

Adjust the Water Budget

1. Turn the dial to ADJUST WATER %.
2. Use the arrow buttons to select a value from 10% to 200% in 10% increments.
3. Return the setting to 100% when normal programmed durations are required.

The adjustment applies to every station in both programs. For example, a 10-minute station run time becomes 8 minutes at 80% and 12 minutes at 120%. This setting can reduce watering during cool weather or increase it during unusually hot conditions.

Start a Program Manually

1. Select program A or B.
2. Press MAN START/ADV. to begin the selected program with its first assigned station.
3. Press MAN START/ADV. again to advance through the stations manually.

Run the Test Program

1. Turn the dial to AUTO.
2. Press and hold both arrow buttons at the same time.
3. Confirm that the first station appears with two minutes remaining.

The test function runs each station in sequence for two minutes. Stations set to zero minutes are skipped. After the sequence is complete, the controller returns to AUTO mode.

Troubleshooting

Display Shows “PR OFF”

• Blown fuse: Replace the fuse with one of the same amperage rating. Use MAN START/ADV. to test the stations. If the fuse fails again on a particular station, inspect that station's solenoid and field wiring for a short circuit.
• Interrupted controller power: Restore the controller's electrical supply and determine why power was lost.

Display Is Blank

• Possible surge damage: Switch off controller power, open the lower face panel, and disconnect the battery. Allow the unit to remain off for about five minutes, then reconnect the battery and restore power. If the display returns, reprogram the controller.
• Persistent blank display: The controller may have suffered permanent electrical damage and may require service.
• Discharged backup battery: Restore AC power and reprogram the controller if necessary. The rechargeable battery should take approximately 12 to 14 hours to recharge.

Display Is Frozen

If the display shows numbers and letters but does not advance, follow the power-reset procedure used for a possible surge condition: disconnect controller power and the backup battery, wait about five minutes, reconnect the battery, and restore power. Reprogram the controller if the display resumes operation.

Station Does Not Operate During Testing

Confirm that the station has a run time greater than zero. If it still does not operate, inspect the station terminal connection, field wiring, valve solenoid, and common wire. A fuse that fails again when that station is selected indicates a likely short circuit.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Eight-zone control, two independent programs, three start times per program, flexible fixed or custom schedules, manual station advancement, built-in two-minute station testing, and adjustable watering from 10% to 200%.
• Pros: A rechargeable battery preserves settings and time during short power failures.
• Cons: The backup battery cannot run valves during an outage and requires a specific rechargeable NiCad type.
• Cons: The controller uses a dial-and-button interface rather than a modern graphical display, so careful programming is recommended.
• Cons: Incorrect pump-relay wiring or missing unused-station jumpers can create a no-flow pump condition after a prolonged power interruption.