The Rain Bird FG100 is a flow sensor designed for residential and smaller commercial irrigation applications. Its primary function is to monitor irrigation flow and promptly identify leaks or line breaks, enabling early intervention. This helps manage water efficiency, protect properties from potential damage, and enhance the reputation of irrigation contractors.
Function Description:
The FG100 monitors the flow of water in an irrigation system. When integrated with a compatible Rain Bird controller, such as the ESP-ME3, it uses "Learn Flow" technology to establish a baseline expected flow rate for each irrigation station. During the initial setup, the controller runs each station for several minutes to record this flow data. Once learned, the FG100 can detect deviations from these expected flow rates.
If the FG100 detects a flow exceeding 130% of the learned flow, it triggers a "High Flow Alarm." In this scenario, automatic irrigation is shut off station by station, and an alarm is activated. Conversely, if the flow sensor detects a flow below 70% of the learned flow, it triggers a "Low Flow Alarm," leading to automatic irrigation shutdown by station and an alarm activation. These thresholds and the system's behavior in response to alarms can be adjusted via the Rain Bird app when an LNK2 WiFi Module is connected.
The FG100 is intended for use with Rain Bird ESP-ME3 and ESP-LX controllers. While performance with non-Rain Bird controllers is not confirmed, it may be compatible with third-party irrigation controllers that can be configured using K-factor and offset, or pulses per gallon. For certain 2-Wire controllers like the ESP-LXIVM and ESP-LXD, a sensor decoder (LXIVMSEN, SD210TURF) is required.
Important Technical Specifications:
The FG100 is a 1-inch flow sensor.
- K-Factor (average): 2.822
- Offset (average): 0.1083
- Pulses Output Rate (average): 21 Pulses/gallon
- Minimum Flow: 3 GPM (11.35 LPM)
- Maximum Recommended Flow: 25 GPM (94.63 LPM)
- Maximum Flow: 35 GPM (132.49 LPM)
Each FG100 device is individually tested, and its specific K-Factor and Offset information are printed on a label on the lower body of the device. For improved accuracy, users can manually input these specific values into the controller settings.
Usage Features:
- Learn Flow Technology: Automatically establishes baseline flow rates for each station, simplifying setup and ensuring accurate monitoring.
- High and Low Flow Alarms: Detects significant deviations from learned flow rates (e.g., exceeding 130% or falling below 70%) and triggers alarms and automatic irrigation shutdown to prevent water waste and damage.
- Adjustable Alarm Thresholds: Users can customize the high and low flow alarm thresholds and the system's response behavior through the Rain Bird app.
- Settling Time Adjustment: Allows setting a time duration (1-10 minutes) for which a flow rate must remain outside the threshold before an alarm is issued or action is taken.
- Remote Monitoring (with LNK2 Module): When combined with an ESP-ME3 controller and an LNK2 WiFi Module, users can monitor flow remotely via the Rain Bird Mobile App (available on iPhone and Android devices). This enables managing advanced flow settings, viewing/editing learned flow rates, and adjusting alarm thresholds from a mobile device.
- Flow Sensor On/Off by Station: This feature allows users to disable flow sensing for specific stations that might have expected flow rates outside the FG100's operating specifications, such as high-output rotors or very low-flow drip irrigation.
- Flexible Installation Configurations: The FG100 has no straight pipe requirement, allowing it to be installed immediately after a master valve in the same valve box. It can also be installed before the first irrigation valve or in its own valve box, downstream from the master valve and upstream from the first irrigation valve.
- NPT/BSP Threaded Fittings: These fittings allow for easy removal of the FG100 for maintenance, replacement, or relocation without cutting or permanently altering the piping.
- Slip Fittings: These fittings are glued directly to the pipe, allowing the main FG100 body to be removed for maintenance while the connection hardware remains attached.
- Wiring: Standard 18g irrigation wire is recommended for runs less than 500 feet (152.4m). Shielded wire is recommended for longer runs or in areas with significant wireless interference or high lightning activity. The sensor connects to the FLOW + and FLOW - terminals on the ESP-ME3 controller.
Maintenance Features:
- Winterization: The FG100 does not need to be removed for winterization and can remain in the ground year-round.
- Debris Cleaning: If debris accumulates in the line, the FG100 can be removed by unscrewing the couplings. The internal filter basket can then be cleaned to remove any debris. It is important to ensure the filter and o-rings are securely in place and to avoid over-tightening when reattaching the couplings.
- Installation Test Procedure: Includes steps to verify proper installation, such as turning on water and power, running a manual irrigation program, checking for leaks, and confirming that the controller registers flow rate.
- Troubleshooting Guide: Provides steps to address common issues, including checking the filter basket for debris, confirming flow rates are within recommended ranges, verifying correct wiring, and testing the controller's ability to recognize flow input.
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