WGL Rain8net Pro2 — Master Module Installation Instructions

Installation instructions for the WGL Rain8net Pro2 master module — a modular 8-zone sprinkler controller driven via RS232 serial port, expandable to control up to 32 irrigation zones by daisy-chaining additional modules.

Features

• ON/OFF control of each valve at the Rain8 module itself — no need to run back to a PC to switch a zone
• Each zone has an LED indicating running or idle status
• All valve wires and connections protected against lightning surges
• All RS232 and network connections protected against ESD and lightning
• Each of the 8 valve outputs protected against overload by a self-resetting electronic fuse

Additional units may be daisy-chained to provide control and 24VAC power to as many as 32 irrigation zones from a single COM port. Important: any expansion module added must be identified as a "Pro2 expansion" to remain compatible with this master module.

Shipping Container Contents

• Rain8net Pro2 master module
• 110 to 24-VAC, 20VA transformer (US only)
• 10013 DB9 adapter
• 6-conductor modular data cable

Controller Location

• Select a mounting location close to an electrical outlet and the valve wires that will connect to it.
• The controller should not be exposed to water. If used outside, provide a weatherproof housing.

Wiring the Valves

• If the maximum wire run is less than 600 feet, use a single 20-gauge plastic-insulated wire for each valve.
• Each valve has two wires — one is the common. All common valve wires must be connected together, going only to the first module.
• Only one valve should be connected to each zone.
• Rated output: 24 VAC at 0.30 amps (300ma) per zone.
• Determine which valve connects to each zone, insert the valve wire into its terminal strip position, and gently tighten the setscrew. Connect the common wire from all valves to the terminal labeled "common."

Network & Power Wiring

A 12-position terminal strip is found on all modules. Connect the 24 VAC transformer to this terminal strip only on the first module — remaining modules in the chain are powered over the 8-conductor network cable, which also carries communications.

• There is a single RS232 connection between the controlling computer and the "master" Rain8.
• 24VAC power and network communications transfer from master to slave-to-slave, etc.
• The slave network connection uses an 8-conductor RJ45. Each slave has a pair of modular jacks to pass data and power to the next unit in the chain.
• Each slave also has an RS232 connection used only to assign its address during initial configuration.
• Connect the RS232 cable's RJ11 plug to the RJ11 jack on the left side of the module; the DB9 end connects to your computer's serial port.
• A ground rod connection is necessary to protect the module and PC from lightning surges.

Input Wiring (Rain Sensor / Flow Meter)

Connect a rain sensor or flow meter using the 3.5mm phono jack to the right of the RJ45 jacks. The input feature accepts only passive contact closure devices — do not connect to anything powered.

Configuring the Module

Necessary only if default settings are not used. Rain8net modules ship with an address of "1" and default run timers disabled — for most 8-zone, single-module setups this is the desired configuration and hardware installation is complete without further configuration.

Important: only one module should be connected to the PC during configuration.

1. Ensure the 24VAC transformer is connected and plugged in.
2. Connect the modular cable and DB9 adapter into the RJ11 jack on the Rain8 labeled "RS-232"; plug the DB9 end into a PC serial port.
3. Download configuration software V4.6 or greater from wgldesigns.com/rain8pro.html.
4. Click "Apply" to verify COM port selection and Rain8net connection.
5. Select the desired address (1–255) for this module from the list box.
6. If desired, check "enable" for the default run time feature and enter the default run time for each zone.
7. Click "load module" to save the configuration.

Troubleshooting — Status LED

The Rain8 features a status LED visible on top of the unit.

WGL & Associates, 5418 Lancashire, San Antonio TX 78230 · (210) 342-2858 · wgl@wgldesigns.com · www.wgldesigns.com