DIG 400A - User Manual

Battery Powered
Anti-Siphon Valve
Irrigation Controller
400A
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Summary

Introduction to the DIG 400 A Controller

About the 400 A Battery Operated Controller

Provides an overview of the 400A irrigation controller's features and power source.

DIG 400 A Controller Component Identification

Controller Cover and Labels

Identifies the controller's protective cover and quick reference label.

Display and Programming Keypad

Details the LCD display and the 7-button keypad for operation and programming.

Power and Connection Components

Locates battery compartment, rain sensor connection, and solenoid wire.

Valve Features and Connections

Identifies the anti-siphon valve, air vent, flow control, bleed screw, and pipe fittings.

Understanding the LCD Display and Controls

LCD Display Icons Explained

Explains the meaning of various icons displayed on the controller's screen.

Control Buttons Functionality

Describes the function of each button used for operation.

Installing the Batteries

Anti-Siphon Valve Installation

Programming the Controller

Setting Current Time and Date

Essential steps to set the current time and date for accurate operation.

Setting Watering Day Schedules

Options for specific days, even/odd days, cyclical intervals, and every X days.

Setting Watering Start Times

Configuring up to four distinct start times for daily irrigation.

Setting Watering Run Times (Duration)

Defining the length of time the valve remains open for each watering cycle.

Advanced Features and Operation

Setting Rain Delay

Temporarily suspending irrigation for a specified number of days.

Manual Watering Operation

How to start and stop a watering cycle manually.

Connecting a Rain Sensor

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repairs

Changing the Batteries

Procedure for replacing the controller's batteries when needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addresses problems like no watering, manual mode only, blank display, and valve issues.

Warranty Information

Technical Assistance and Parts Ordering

Technical Assistance

Provides contact information for customer support and troubleshooting.

Ordering Replacement or Spare Parts

Guidance on how to order spare parts for the controller.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The DIG 400A is a battery-powered, single-station anti-siphon valve irrigation controller designed for residential and light commercial irrigation systems. It offers comprehensive programming features, a compact and waterproof housing, and is powered by two AA alkaline batteries, providing up to 3 years of operation with name-brand batteries.

Function Description:

The 400A controller manages irrigation schedules by opening and closing a 3/4 inch anti-siphon valve. It allows users to set watering days, start times, and durations, offering flexibility for various irrigation needs. The controller can be programmed for specific days of the week, odd/even days, or cyclical watering from every 1 hour up to every 30 days. It supports up to four independent start times per day (or one start time if set to water every X hours) and watering durations ranging from 1 minute to 5 hours and 59 minutes. An optional rain delay feature allows temporary suspension of irrigation for 1 to 99 days, automatically resuming the schedule afterward. The device also includes a manual watering mode for testing the system or performing unscheduled irrigation, which bypasses the sensor condition. A key safety feature is its anti-siphon design, requiring installation at least 6 inches higher than the highest sprinkler head to prevent back-drainage.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Model: 400A
• Power Source: 2 AA alkaline batteries (not included)
• Battery Life: Up to 3 years (with name-brand alkaline batteries)
• Valve Type: 3/4 inch anti-siphon valve
• Inlet/Outlet: 3/4 inch FNPT (Female National Pipe Thread)
• Operating Pressure:
  • Rated: 10 to 125 PSI
  • Recommended: 10 to 80 PSI
• Watering Duration: 1 minute to 5 hours 59 minutes (maximum 59 minutes if set to water every X hours)
• Start Times: Up to 4 per day (1 if set to water every X hours)
• Watering Frequency: Specific days of the week, odd/even days, cyclical (every 1-12 hours or every 1-30 days)
• Rain Delay: 1 to 99 days
• Rain Sensor Connection: Compatible with most "normally closed" rain sensors (e.g., Rain Bird RSD, Hunter Mini-Clik) via yellow wire connection.
• Housing: Compact, waterproof.
• Solenoid: 2-wire DC solenoid.

Usage Features:

• LCD Display: Features an icon-based display for easy navigation and program review, showing current time, date, sensor status, watering status, set watering days, start times, run times, rain delay status, manual run status, and battery level.
• 7-Button Programming Keypad: Intuitive interface for selecting programming modes, turning the program ON/OFF, starting/stopping manual cycles, and adjusting values.
• Time and Date Setting: Allows setting current time (12 or 24-hour format) and date, which is crucial for proper timer operation.
• Watering Day Schedules: Offers flexible scheduling options:
  • Specific Days: Select individual days of the week for watering.
  • Even/Odd Days: Program watering for even or odd calendar days.
  • Every X Hours: Set cyclical watering from every 1 to 12 hours.
  • Every X Days: Set cyclical watering from every 1 to 30 days.
• Multiple Start Times: Supports up to four distinct start times per day, allowing for multiple irrigation cycles within a 24-hour period.
• Adjustable Run Times: Users can define precise watering durations for each program.
• Rain Delay Function: Temporarily suspends irrigation for a user-defined period (1-99 days) to conserve water during rainy weather, with automatic resumption of the schedule.
• Manual Watering: Allows for immediate, unscheduled watering cycles for testing or additional irrigation, independent of programmed schedules and sensor input. This can be initiated via the controller's button or by manually turning the solenoid or external bleed screw.
• Battery Level Indicator: Flashes when batteries are low, signaling the need for replacement.
• Rain Sensor Integration: Connects to normally closed rain sensors to automatically prevent watering during excessive rainfall, indicated by a sensor icon on the display.

Maintenance Features:

• Battery Replacement: Simple process of opening the battery compartment cap, replacing two AA batteries, and securely re-tightening the cap. The controller retains current time settings for up to 60 seconds during battery changes.
• Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides solutions for common issues such as the timer failing to open/close, not watering automatically, blank display, or water discharging from the air vent.
• Default Settings Restoration: A procedure is available to reset the timer to its factory default settings while retaining the current time and date.
• Valve Maintenance: Instructions for flushing the main line before installation, proper tightening of fittings, and checking for debris in the solenoid port.
• Solenoid and Air Vent Maintenance: Guidance on tightening a loose solenoid and re-aligning or replacing the air vent/poppet assembly if water fails to stop discharging.
• Flow Control: The manual highlights the importance of the flow control knob and provides instructions for adjusting it to ensure proper water flow.
• Warranty: DIG CORPORATION offers a three-year warranty covering defects in material and workmanship, with provisions for repair or replacement.

DIG 400A Specifications