Solem BL-IS - User Manual

THE CONNECTED IRRIGATION EXPERT
AC POWERED IRRIGATION CONTROLLER
BL-IS
QUICK
INSTALLATION
GUIDE
Stations 2/4/6/9/12

Summary

Introduction to BL-IS Controller

App Download and Installation

Instructions for downloading and installing the MySOLEM application on smartphone or tablet.

Controller Pairing Process

Wiring the BL-IS Controller

Programming the BL-IS Controller

Useful Information and Troubleshooting

Bluetooth Requirements

Specifies the required smartphone/tablet OS and Bluetooth version for the product to function.

Station Start Issues

Explains why stations may not start and how programs execute sequentially.

Master Valve;Pump Output (P)

Details the function of the P output for master valves or pumps during watering cycles.

Rain Sensor Input (S)

Describes connecting a rain sensor to the S outputs and its effect on programs.

Rain Sensor Functionality

Rain Sensor Operation

Explains how the rain sensor affects program execution and manual controls.

Water Budget Feature

Details how the Water Budget adjusts watering durations based on seasonal changes.

Initialization Procedure Reset

Provides instructions on how to reset the initialization procedure.

Program Memory

Confirms that programs are saved in memory and not lost if power is interrupted.

LED Status Indicators

Green LED Status

Indicates normal operation or a channel in progress.

Blinking Green LED

Signifies a channel is currently active and shows the station number.

Green LED and Red Flashing

Indicates active channel, rain sensor, or product in permanent OFF state.

Red LED Fixed

Shows the product is in initialization mode.

Red LED Flashing (2, 4, 5 times)

Represents time loss, short circuit, overconsumption, or initialization timeout.

LED Off Status

Indicates that the product is not receiving power.

Overview

1. Technical Specifications and Features
2. Installation and Setup
3. Wiring
4. Programming and Operation
5. Useful Information for Programming
6. Rain Sensor Functionality
7. Water Budget Feature
8. Troubleshooting and Maintenance
9. LED Status Information

The BL-IS is an AC-powered irrigation controller designed for indoor installations, such as in technical rooms or other indoor spaces. It offers remote control capabilities via a smartphone or tablet using the MySOLEM application, available in both web and mobile versions. This controller leverages Bluetooth® technology for connectivity, making it a convenient solution for managing irrigation systems.

Technical Specifications and Features:

The BL-IS controller is available in various station configurations, including 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 stations, allowing for flexibility in managing different irrigation zones. It requires a 220/24 Vac power supply for operation and is designed to be used exclusively with 24V valves.

Installation and Setup:

The installation process for the BL-IS controller involves several straightforward steps. First, the lower hatch of the device must be removed to access the terminals. The 220/24 Vac power supply is then connected, and the hatch is replaced.

To begin using the controller, users need to download the MySOLEM app on their smartphone or tablet. The app is available on both the App Store (for iOS devices) and Google Play Store (for Android devices). Once downloaded and installed, Bluetooth® on the smartphone or tablet must be activated to enable communication with the BL-IS controller.

Pairing the controller with the MySOLEM app is the next step. After launching the app, users tap the "Add a module" or "+" button and select the BL-IS from the list of nearby controllers. The app then guides the user through the remaining steps to complete the pairing process.

Wiring:

Wiring the BL-IS to the solenoids is crucial for its operation. The controller features terminals labeled S, SC, P, and 1 through 12 (depending on the number of stations). Solenoids are connected to the numbered terminals, with a common wire typically connected to the SC terminal. The wiring diagram provided in the manual illustrates how to connect multiple solenoids to the controller.

An optional feature is the ability to connect a rain sensor. If a rain sensor is desired, the yellow wire of the BL-IS must be removed, and the sensor connected to the "S" terminals.

Programming and Operation:

The MySOLEM app serves as the primary interface for programming the BL-IS controller. Users can find more detailed information and supplementary documentation on the www.solem.fr website.

Useful Information for Programming:

• System Requirements: To operate the Bluetooth® product, a smartphone or tablet running Android 4.3 or greater with Bluetooth Smart 4.0 or greater, or an Apple iPhone or iPad running iOS 9.0 or greater with Bluetooth Smart 4.0 or greater, is required.
• Station Start-up Issues: If a station does not start, users must ensure that a duration has been set for each station and that it is assigned to a program (A, B, or C). If multiple stations are assigned to the same program, they will run sequentially.
• Program Start-up Issues: If Program B does not start, and its start time is the same as Program A, the two programs will execute one after the other in the order A then B.
• Output P: The "P" output can be used to connect a master valve or a pump. This output automatically activates 2 seconds before each station starts and remains active during the watering duration of each station.
• S Outputs (Yellow Wires): The "S" outputs, connected via yellow wires, are designed for a rain sensor. To connect a rain sensor, the yellow wire must be cut, and the sensor connected to the "S" terminals.

Rain Sensor Functionality:

When connected, the rain sensor impacts all three programs (A, B, and C). If it rains and the sensor is active, none of the programs will start. The system will only resume operation once the sensor's probe has dried. It's important to note that the manual control option for "All stations" does not override the rain sensor's condition.

Water Budget Feature:

The Water Budget feature allows users to adjust the duration of each station by a percentage. This is particularly useful for adapting irrigation schedules to seasonal changes (e.g., summer to autumn, or spring to summer). For example, if Station 1 is set for 1 hour and Station 2 for 30 minutes in Program A, applying a 120% Water Budget to Program A will increase their durations to 1 hour 12 minutes and 36 minutes, respectively.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance:

• Restarting Initialization: To reset the device or restart the initialization procedure (e.g., to change the router access point), simply unplug and reconnect the power supply.
• Program Retention: Programs are saved in the device's memory and are not lost if the device loses power.
• Resetting Programming: To resume programming from the beginning, users can go to the application, select the product, open "Parameters," and choose "Clear programs and durations."

LED Status Information:

The BL-IS controller provides visual feedback through an LED indicator, which communicates the device's status:

• Green LED (normal operation): Indicates that the controller is functioning normally.
• Blinking green LED: Signifies that one channel is currently active. The flashing pattern corresponds to the activated station number.
• Green LED and Red Flashing: This combination indicates that a channel is active and the rain sensor is engaged, or a station is active while the product is in permanent OFF mode or has been off for several days.
• LED Red Fixed: The product is in initialization mode.
• LED Red Flashing 2 times: The programmer has lost time and needs to be re-synchronized.
• LED Red Flashing 4 times: This indicates a short circuit or overconsumption in one of the stations. Alternatively, it could mean the device was powered down twice in a short period while a station was still active.
• LED Red Flashing 5 times: The time required to initialize the timer has been exceeded. The initialization procedure should be repeated.
• LED Off: The product is not powered.

Solem BL-IS Specifications