The GARDENA Water Computer MultiControl duo (Art. 1874) is an electronic watering control device designed for private use in domestic and hobby gardens. It is intended exclusively for outdoor use to manage sprinklers and watering systems, offering automatic irrigation, particularly useful during holidays. The device features two separate outlets, allowing for versatile watering setups.
Function Description:
The Water Computer enables fully automatic garden watering up to three times a day (every 8 hours) through both outlets. It can be used with sprinklers, sprinkler systems, or drip head watering systems. The device operates according to a pre-set program, ensuring efficient water usage by scheduling watering during periods of low evaporation, such as early morning or late evening.
The control unit can be removed from its housing for mobile programming. If the controller is removed while a valve is open, the valve will remain open until the controller is re-fitted. Programming should ideally be done with the tap turned off to prevent unintentional water penetration.
The device offers three watering modes:
- Scheduled watering: Watering begins according to a set program. This mode can incorporate soil moisture or rain sensor data to stop or prevent watering if the soil is sufficiently moist or if it's raining. Manual watering is still possible in this mode.
- Direct sensor control: Watering is exclusively controlled by soil moisture between 20:00 and 06:00 if the sensor registers dry conditions. One or two Soil Moisture Sensors can be connected. A previously set scheduled watering program is stored but not executed in this mode. After each watering, a 2-hour pause is triggered for the sensor to record soil moisture.
- Manual watering: Watering starts immediately after pressing "Man. + OK" and can be operated independently of the sensor status. Each valve can be opened or closed manually at any time. A program-controlled open valve can also be closed early without altering the program data. The manual opening period is stored, and if set to 0:00, the valve remains closed (child lock). If a manual opening overlaps with a programmed start, the program will not execute.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Number of controlled valves: 2
- Min./max. operating pressure: 0.5 bar / 12 bar
- Flow medium: Clear fresh water
- Max. liquid temperature: 40 °C
- Temperature area: 5 °C to 60 °C (LCD display may extinguish above 60°C but programming is unaffected)
- Minimum water output: 20 – 30 l/h per outlet (e.g., at least 10 x 2-litre Drip Heads for Micro-Drip System)
- Number of program-controlled watering cycles per valve and day: 3x (every 8 hrs.), 2x (every 12 hrs.), 1x (every 24 hrs.)
- Number of program-controlled watering cycles per valve and week: Every day, every 2, 3 or 7 days; or individual selection of weekdays
- Watering duration: 1 min. to 3 hours 59 min.
- Battery required: 1 x 9V alkaline manganese battery type IEC 6LR61
- Operating time of the battery: approx. 1 year
- Connection: Sleeve nut (G 1" / 33.3 mm thread) for taps, with supplied adaptor for G 3/4" (26.5 mm) thread.
Usage Features:
- Controls:
- Man. button: Manually switches water throughput on or off.
- OK-Taste: Applies set values.
- Menu button: Changes to the next program level.
- ▼-▲ buttons (V1/V2): Changes adjustable values in each level/selection of outlet.
- Display Levels: The device features 6 display levels accessible via the Menu key:
- Normal display
- Current time and day of the week
- Watering start time
- Watering duration
- Watering frequency
- Switch program on or off / Deactivate sensor
- Display Messages: Includes indicators for weekdays, time (12-hour am/pm option), watering start time, run time, watering cycle (8h, 12h, 24h, 2nd, 3rd, 7th days), program ON/OFF, direct sensor control, sensor dry/wet status, valve status (connected/open), and battery level (3 bars: fully charged, 2 bars: half full, 1 bar: low, 0 bar: almost flat, flashing frame: flat).
- Battery Status: The display shows 5 battery levels. When the battery frame flashes, the valve will not open. An opened valve will close if the battery becomes flat. The battery display resets upon battery change. It is recommended to replace the battery when it shows only 1 bar to prevent failure during extended absences.
- Sensor Connection: Optional Soil Moisture or Rain Sensors (Art. No. 1188, 1189) can be connected to stop or prevent watering if the soil is moist or it's raining. Sensors are automatically activated after 60 seconds. Sensor assignment (to Valve 1, both valves, or separate valves) and dry/wet status are displayed. Older sensors (2-pin connector) require the GARDENA Adapter Cable 1189-00.600.45.
- Anti-theft Device: An optional anti-theft device (Art. No. 1815-00.791.00) can be fitted using a screw clamp to secure the Water Computer.
- Programming: The device allows setting the current time, day of the week, watering start time (hours and minutes), watering duration (hours and minutes), and watering frequency (cycles or specific days). Programming can be interrupted at any time by pressing the Man. button, saving all changes confirmed with OK. If no entry is made for over 60 seconds during programming, the normal display reappears, applying all changes made.
- Reset: Factory settings can be restored by pressing the Man. and Menu keys simultaneously for 3 seconds. This clears all program data (sets to zero), resets manual watering period to 0:30, but retains time and day of the week.
Maintenance Features:
- Filter Cleaning: The filter (24) should be checked regularly and cleaned as needed. This involves unscrewing the sleeve nut (19), removing the adaptor (18) if present, taking out the filter, cleaning it, and re-fitting the Water Computer.
- Storage/Overwintering:
- Remove the battery to preserve it. Programs remain stored, requiring only time and weekday re-entry in spring.
- Store the controller and valve unit in a dry, frost-protected place.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as no display, manual watering not possible, or watering program not carried out, with corresponding remedies. For other faults, contact GARDENA Service.
- Disposal: The product and flat batteries must be disposed of according to local environmental regulations, not with normal household waste. Batteries should be returned to a GARDENA dealer or recycling centre.
Safety Instructions:
- Not for industrial purposes or use with chemicals, foodstuffs, easily flammable, or explosive materials.
- Only for outdoor use.
- Must be set up vertically with the sleeve nut at the top to prevent water ingress into the battery compartment.
- Do not pull the hose connected to the Water Computer to avoid tensile strain.
- Only use clear fresh water.
- Program with the tap turned off.
- Not to be used by children under 16 or individuals unfamiliar with instructions, or those with reduced physical/mental abilities unless supervised.
- Never operate when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medicine.
- Keep operating instructions in a safe place.
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