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.