The Lawn Genie Dual-Program Electronic Controller is an automated watering system designed to manage the irrigation of lawns and gardens. It allows users to precisely control when and how much water is delivered to different parts of their yard, eliminating the need for manual watering once programmed. The controller is available in models L60204, L60206P, and L60208P, which support up to four, six, and eight watering zones, respectively.
Function Description
The core function of the Lawn Genie controller is to automate the watering schedule. It acts as the central hub for your sprinkler system, connecting to individual sprinkler valves (referred to as "Zones") to activate them according to a user-defined program. The controller offers a dual-program feature, allowing users to divide their yard into two distinct groups (Program A and Program B), each with its own set of watering days and start times. This is particularly useful for areas with different watering needs, such as lawns that require daily watering and shrubs that might need water every third day.
The controller manages watering through several key parameters:
- Zone Control: Each sprinkler valve and the sprinklers it controls constitute a "Zone." The controller allows for tailored water delivery to each Zone, ensuring that different types of foliage receive appropriate amounts of water.
- Programming Options: The dual-programming capability enables flexible scheduling. For example, Program A could water specific Zones every third day, while Program B waters other Zones on designated days like Monday and Friday. This adaptability caters to diverse landscape requirements.
- Start Times: Users can set up to six different start times per day, which can be shared between Program A and Program B in any combination. When a program's start time is activated, all Zones assigned to that program will water sequentially.
- Watering Run Time: For each Zone, the controller allows users to specify a run time from 1 to 99 minutes. This ensures that each Zone receives the correct amount of water before shutting off.
- Day Schedules: Watering can be scheduled either on specific days of the week (Sunday through Saturday) or at specific intervals (e.g., every day, every second day, every third day). This provides granular control over the watering frequency.
Usage Features
The Lawn Genie controller is designed for user-friendly programming and operation.
- Installation: The controller is intended for indoor installation near a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. It should be mounted at eye level using the provided mounting bracket and screws. Wiring involves connecting individual valve wires to numbered terminal screws and a common wire to the "C" terminal. For systems using a water pump or master valve, specific connections to the "P" (PUMP) and "C" (COMMON) terminals are required, often involving a pump-start relay.
- Setting Current Time and Day: Upon initial power-up, the controller displays 4:00 PM. Users can easily set the current hour and minute using the "TIME," "HOURS," and "MINUTES" keys. The current day number (1 for Sunday, 2 for Monday, etc.) is set using the "DAY" and "MINUTES" keys.
- Programming Watering Schedules:
- Dividing the Yard: Users first decide which Zones belong to Program A and which to Program B based on their watering needs.
- Assigning Start Times: Start times are set for each program using the "START A" or "START B," "HOURS," and "MINUTES" keys.
- Setting Run Times: Run times for each Zone within a program are set using the "ZONES A" or "ZONES B" keys and the "MINUTES" key. Zones not connected or not intended to water should be set to "OFF."
- Setting Day Schedules: Watering days can be set for each program either as specific days of the week or as intervals (e.g., every other day) using the "DAYS A" or "DAYS B" keys.
- Manual and Semi-Automatic Watering:
- Manual Watering (Selected Zone): Users can manually water a single Zone by pressing the "MANUAL" key, then selecting the desired Zone using the "ZONES A" or "ZONES B" keys. The controller will flash "MAN" and the Zone number, watering only that Zone.
- Semi-Automatic Watering (All Zones): To water all Zones in Programs A and B, press "MANUAL" once, then "ON/OFF" once. To water only Program A Zones, press "MANUAL" twice, then "ON/OFF" once. To water only Program B Zones, press "MANUAL" three times, then "ON/OFF" once. In all semi-automatic modes, the controller will water Zones in sequence.
- Interrupting Watering (Pause Function): During a manual or semi-automatic watering cycle, pressing "MANUAL" will pause the cycle, displaying "PSE." Pressing "MANUAL" again resumes the cycle. If left paused, the controller will automatically reset at midnight and resume its normal programmed schedule.
- Turning Off the System (Rain Switch): To prevent automatic watering, for instance, during rain or winter, press the "ON/OFF" key once. The display will show "OFF." Pressing "ON/OFF" again resumes automatic watering.
- Electronic Circuit Breaker Operation: If a short circuit is detected, the controller automatically turns off power to the affected Zone's valve, displaying "FUS" and the shorted Zone's number. Other Zones continue to water as programmed. To reset, the short must be repaired, and then the "TIME," "START A," or "START B" key must be pressed.
Maintenance Features
The Lawn Genie controller incorporates features to ensure reliable operation and ease of maintenance.
- Battery Backup System: A 9-volt alkaline battery (not supplied) can be installed in the wiring compartment to maintain the programmed watering schedule in memory during temporary power failures. The battery should be replaced once a year, or more frequently if power failures are common.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section that addresses common malfunctions, such as valves not watering, "FUS" flashing, incorrect time, Zones turning on when not programmed, and Zones not shutting off. This guide helps users identify and resolve issues like faulty solenoids, poor wire connections, power failures, or stuck valves.
- Wiring Guidelines: The manual provides recommendations for valve wiring, including wire gauge based on run length and proper splicing techniques to ensure water-resistant connections. It also warns against connecting multiple controllers with a common transformer or common wire.
- Environmental Considerations: The controller should not be placed where temperatures exceed 130°F (55°C), on a circuit controlled by a switch, or on the same circuit as high-power users (e.g., refrigerators, air conditioners) to prevent malfunctions.
- Preset Factory Program: In the event of a power failure and an inactive battery, the controller has a preset factory program that will start a watering cycle every day at 2:00 AM, watering all Zones for 5 minutes. This ensures basic irrigation continues even without user programming or backup power.
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