Underhill ICC 2 Wire - User Manual

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Summary

Cannot Water Any Stations

Confirm Decoder Seating and Operation

Verify the ICC Decoder Module is seated properly and test its operation via the Reset button.

Measure AC Voltage Across L1;L2

Measure AC voltage across L1/L2 terminals to verify power output from the decoder module.

Solenoid Resistance Test

Conduct an ohms test on the valve solenoid to confirm its functional resistance.

Verify Grounding Connection

Check the grounding terminal connection to a ground rod or plate for proper system grounding.

Check 2 Wire Communication Cable

Ensure the 2Wire communication cable is properly connected to the L1/L2 terminals.

Stations Not Irrigating Manually or Scheduled

Identify 2 Wire Path Break

Determine if a break in the 2Wire path is causing stations not to irrigate.

Reprogram and Test Decoders

Reprogram the decoder and test its operation at different locations to diagnose issues.

Managing More Than 32 Stations

Synchronize Controller and Decoder Module

Ensure the Hunter ICC controller and decoder module synchronize to manage up to 48 stations.

Cannot Operate Station 08 from 2 Wire Decoder

Reprogram Decoder for Unused Station Number

Reprogram the non-operating decoder to an unused station number above 08.

Cannot Operate Stations 12-16

Reprogram Decoders to Higher Station Numbers

Reprogram decoders to station numbers higher than the last used station.

Stations Turn Off During Test Sequence

Isolate ICC Controller or Decoder Issue

Determine if the issue lies with the ICC controller or the ICC decoder module.

Difficulty Programming Beyond 32 Stations

Resynchronize Controller and Decoder

Resynchronize the Hunter ICC controller and decoder module for programming.

Verify Decoder Programming and Connections

Verify decoder programming and ensure correct connections to L1/L2 terminals.

ERR Message When Irrigating

Verify Capacitor Installation on Power Module

Check if a blue capacitor is installed on the Hunter ICC power module.

Two Solenoids Sharing a Single Decoder

Diagnose Decoder or Solenoid Failure

Diagnose potential decoder failure or issues with individual solenoids.

Check 2 Wire Path for Splices

Inspect the 2Wire path for splices that might cause issues with shared decoders.

Stations Wont Operate

Check Station Order and 2 Wire Path Integrity

Determine if inoperable stations are sequential or random to assess 2Wire path.

Test Solenoid and Decoder Functionality

Test solenoid resistance and decoder operation with a known working solenoid.

Reprogramming After Module Replacement

How to Program a Decoder

Connect Decoder to Programmer and Reset

Connect the decoder to the programmer and use the Reset button for programming.

Confirm Decoder Programming

Confirm programming by connecting the decoder to L1/L2 and a working solenoid.

Hunter ICC Controller Runs Stations Briefly

Troubleshoot Controller Motherboard Issue

Troubleshoot potential Hunter ICC motherboard failure by swapping faceplates.

Locating 2 Wire Path

Master Valve Wire Path Issue

Run Temporary 2 Wire Path for New Station

Run a temporary 2Wire path to test a new station connected to a master valve wire.

Random Station Operation

Measure Current to Detect Failing Decoders

Measure current along the 2Wire path using a digital clamp meter to find failing decoders.

Repeatedly Blowing Up ICC Modules

Confirm Proper ICC Module Grounding

Ensure the ICC module is grounded to a separate ground rod or plate.

Check for Duplicate Decoder Addresses

Verify there are no duplicate decoder addresses or defective decoders causing issues.

Test 2 Wire Path Current Draw

Test Station Output with Clamp Meter

Check Solenoid Resistance

Troubleshoot Break in 2 Wire Path

Use Digital Clamp Meter for Voltage Drop Measurement

Measure AC voltage drops along the 2Wire path using a digital clamp meter.

Identify Path Breaks by Voltage Drop

Identify breaks by zero volts AC readings or significant voltage drops along the path.

Station 07 Causes Other Stations to Operate

Bypass Station 07 and Test Others

Temporarily bypass station 07 and test other stations to isolate the issue.

Check Solenoid Resistance for Station 07

Conduct an ohms test on the solenoid for station 07.

Confirm 2 Wire Path Configuration

Confirm the 2Wire path is not looped back on itself.

Overview

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

The Underhill ICC Decoder Module is a specialized device designed to expand the station management capabilities of Hunter ICC irrigation controllers, particularly enabling them to handle more stations than their standard configuration. It integrates with the Hunter ICC controller to facilitate a two-wire (2Wire) communication system, which simplifies wiring for larger irrigation systems.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Underhill ICC Decoder Module is to allow a Hunter ICC controller to manage a greater number of irrigation stations, specifically up to 48 stations, even with plastic wall-mount enclosures typically limited to 32 stations with standard Hunter station modules. It achieves this by converting the controller's output signals into digital commands that are sent over a 2Wire path to individual decoders located at each valve. Each decoder, once programmed, activates its corresponding valve based on these digital commands. The module also includes a programming interface for assigning station numbers to individual decoders.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Station Capacity: Expands Hunter ICC controller capacity to up to 48 stations.
• Wiring System: Utilizes a 2Wire communication path for connecting decoders to valves.
• Voltage Output (L1/L2 terminals): When a station is operating, the L1/L2 terminals should show 26-28 volts AC.
• Solenoid Resistance: A typical functional solenoid should have a resistance value between 24-65 Ohms. Solenoids reaching end-of-life may show 100 Ohms or higher.
• Decoder Current Draw: Damaged decoders typically draw a lower or higher current than the expected 2.9 to 3.1 mA.
• Grounding: Requires a #8 or #10 bare copper wire terminated to a copper-clad 8" long x 5/8" diameter ground rod (driven full-depth) or a ground plate. The ground rod/plate should be installed a minimum of 10' away from the controller, though shorter distances may be acceptable as an exception.
• Part Number: The Underhill ICC Decoder Module is identified by p/n TW-IC-48.
• Programming Tools: Can be programmed using the ICC controller's built-in programming terminals or an Underhill Portable Programmer (p/n DEC-PROG-115).
• Troubleshooting Tools: Recommended diagnostic tools include a digital Clamp Meter (Underhill p/n TW-DCM) and a Fault-finding Transformer (Underhill p/n TRANSFRMR-115V).

Usage Features:

• Installation: The module is inserted into a station module space within the Hunter ICC controller. Proper seating and grounding are crucial for operation.
• Programming: Decoders are programmed by connecting their red and black wires to the "Decoder Programmer" terminals on the module, setting the controller to "Manual – Single Station" mode, selecting the desired station number, adding time, and then pressing and holding the "Reset" button on the decoder module until the green LED flashes. The station number is retained in the decoder once programmed.
• Manual Operation: Stations can be operated manually from the ICC controller to test decoder and solenoid functionality.
• Error Indication: A red "Error" LED on the module illuminates to indicate potential issues. A green "Accept" LED blinks during reset and programming.
• Station Numbering: The starting station number for the Underhill module depends on the number of existing Hunter station modules. For example, if an 8-station Hunter ICC has 7 stations used, the Underhill module would begin with station 09.
• Multi-Solenoid Operation: The system supports multiple solenoids sharing a single decoder, though troubleshooting specific issues for such configurations is detailed.

Maintenance Features:

• Reset Functionality: A "Reset" button on the module allows for a system reset, indicated by the green "Accept" LED blinking. This is often a first step in troubleshooting.
• Grounding Verification: Regular checks of the ground wire connection to a proper ground rod or plate are essential for preventing module damage, especially from electrical surges.
• Solenoid Testing: Ohms testing of valve solenoids (24-65 Ohms is good) helps identify failing solenoids, which can cause operational issues.
• 2Wire Path Troubleshooting: Techniques for identifying breaks or shorts in the 2Wire path include measuring AC voltage with a multi-meter or digital clamp meter, and using a fault-finding transformer to locate issues. The "halving method" is recommended for isolating breaks.
• Decoder Replacement: If a decoder fails to program or operate correctly, it should be replaced. The module itself (TW-IC-48) can also be replaced if it is damaged.
• Capacitor Installation: For controllers connected to Roam, Roam XL, or Solar Sync, a blue capacitor on the power module is necessary to prevent continuous "ERR" messages. Verification of its presence and proper contact is a troubleshooting step.
• Controller Faceplate/Motherboard Issues: If the controller runs stations for only 3 seconds and then moves on, it may indicate a failing Hunter ICC motherboard, suggesting replacement of the faceplate or the entire controller with a compatible alternative like the Sapien 2Wire controller.
• Cable Locating: Specialized cable detectors (generating 20-50V at higher frequencies) are recommended for locating the 2Wire path, as standard multi-wire cable detectors (500V pulses) can be ineffective due to lighting protection modules.
• Wire Connection Integrity: Ensuring good contact for all 2Wire communication cable connections and using 3M DBRY connectors for waterproof wire connections in the field are critical for long-term reliability.

Underhill ICC 2 Wire Specifications

General

Brand	Underhill
Model	ICC 2 Wire
Category	Media Converter
Language	English