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Rain Bird ESP-ME3 Controller Guide

May 3, 2025

Rain Bird ESP-ME3 Controller Advanced User Manual

Technical Support

  • Contact: Rain Bird Technical Support at 1-800-724-6247 (USA and Canada).

Hazardous Warnings

  • CWARNING: Could lead to death or serious injury.
  • CCAUTION: Could lead to minor or moderate injury.
  • NOTICE: Important information, not hazard-related.

Safety Instructions

  • Follow specific safety-related instructions or procedures.

Symbols & User Operations

  • NUMBERS: Steps to operate the controller.
  • NOTE: Important operating instructions.
  • REPEAT: Repetition of steps may be required.

Contents Overview

  • Technical Support and Introduction
  • Features: Wi-Fi enabled, installation instructions.
  • Basic & Advanced Programming
  • Troubleshooting: Error detection, electrical issues.
  • Certifications & Safety Information

Introduction

  • Welcome to the Rain Bird ESP-ME3 Controller.
  • Commitment to water efficiency.

ESP-ME3 Controller Features

  • Supports up to 22 stations.
  • Master valve/pump start relay supported.
  • WiFi, rain/freeze sensor supported.
  • Seasonal adjustments and manual watering options.
  • LNK TM WiFi Module for remote access.

Installation

  • Mount Controller: Close to a 120VAC outlet.
  • Connect Valves and Sensors: Separate field and power wires.
  • Power Connection: Follow proper power wiring connections.

Station Expansion Modules

  • Install modules to increase capacity.
  • Modules are hot-swappable.

Normal Operation

  • Controls: AUTO, OFF, manual watering.
  • Indicators: Display shows active functions and issues.

Basic Programming

  1. Set Date and Time.
  2. Set Watering Start Times: Up to 6 per program.
  3. Set Station Run Times: From 1 minute to 6 hours.
  4. Set Water Days: Custom, odd/even, cyclic days.

Program-Based Scheduling

  • Avoid setting multiple program start times to prevent repeated cycles.

Manual Watering Options

  • Test all stations or run a single station/program.

Advanced Programming

  • Odd/Even Days: Set watering to odd or even calendar days.
  • Cyclic Days: Set intervals, e.g., every 2 days.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: Modify run times by percentage.
  • Delay Watering: Suspend for up to 14 days.

Special Features

  • Interstation Delay: Ensures valve closure before next opens.
  • Rain Sensor by Station.
  • Save/Restore Programming.

Options

  • Reset Button: Reset without losing schedules.
  • Remote Accessories: 5 pin accessory port.

Detached Programming

  • Front panel can be programmed remotely with a 9V battery.

Troubleshooting

  • Error Detection: ALARM LEDs and messages indicate issues.
  • Electrical Errors: Short circuits and solutions.
  • Flow Alarms: High/low flow conditions.

Safety Information

  • Follow proper wiring precautions to prevent electrical hazards.
  • Installation must comply with local building codes.

Certifications

  • Compliance information under FCC and ICES standards.
  • Commitment to water conservation and efficient product design.