Rain Bird | User manual | TECH SPECS MDC2 Two-Wire Decoder Controller

TECH SPECS
MDC2 Two-Wire Decoder Controller
Simple and Reliable
The Rain Bird MDC2 Two-Wire Decoder
Controller is Rain Bird’s Next Generation
two-wire decoder controller system with
advanced programming and monitoring
capabilities.
n Proven two-wire decoder technology with
over 500,000 two-wire decoders installed
worldwide on commercial and golf
applications in the past 20 years
n Saves time in installation, troubleshooting
and system maintenance by connecting to
all valve locations using a two-wire pathway
rather than conventional multi-strand wiring
systems
n Uses the same FD-Series field decoders as
SiteControl Central Control System allowing
easy access to full central control capability
Flexible Control
The Rain Bird MDC2 Two-Wire Decoder based
controller offers the flexibility and confidence
that you expect from Rain Bird. MDC2 can be
installed indoors or outdoors (a UL listing is
required), and can be expanded from 50 decoder
addresses to 200 decoder addresses
• Flexible installation with UL listed, indoor/
outdoor mounting configurations
• Enhanced flow sensing capability (up to 10
sensors) allows management of multiple water
sources
• Compatible with Rain Bird ET Manager™ (model
number: ETMi) that manages irrigation based
on real-time weather conditions
• Adjustable solenoid parameters – inrush and
holding currents adjustable at controller to
accommodate multiple solenoid requirements
• Pre-coded decoder addresses eliminate
confusion associated with user-defined
decoder addressing
Protection Against the Elements
• MDC2 Decoder Controller possesses enhanced
protection from surge and water intrusion.
• All electronic components of the MDC2
decoders are fully sealed within an
environmentally hardened enclosure
A Cost-Effective Alternative
A simple wiring configuration keeps the cost
of installation and maintenance low. Traditional controllers require dedicated wiring to
each valve location; typically decoders are
installed with valves in valve boxes in
commercial applications. Decoder systems
utilize a single two-wire path to connect to all
valve locations saving time in installation and
troubleshooting so you can move on to your
next project.
Proven Technology
Over 500,000 Rain Bird two-wire decoders,
which are essentially simple and reliable
switching stations, have been installed
worldwide on commercial and golf applications in the past 20 years.
Proven and Reliable
The Rain Bird MDC2 Two-Wire Decoder
Controller offers the flexibility and confidence that has become synonymous with
Rain Bird products. Whether your site
requires an indoor or outdoor installation (a
UL listing is required), or an expandable
option, the Rain Bird MDC2 Two-Wire
Decoder Controller will meet your needs.
Select different MDC2 decoders to operate
one, two, four, or six valves (up to 200 decoder
addresses). Five different decoder options let
you choose the precise amount of landscape
irrigation control you need.
Remote Control Options
• MDC2 is compatible with the Rain Bird
Freedom Remote Control which can be phoneor UHF radio-based allowing the user to turn
MDC2 decoders on and off in the field and
access the MDC2 system from anywhere on site
or from a remote location
• Remotely program, communicate and monitor
the MDC2 controller via 9-pin serial connector
or phone modem with provided PC software
How to Specify/Order
MDC2 50-200
Model
Controller Type
MDC2-50-200
MDC2M50D
Controls up to 50 decoder addresses;
expandable up to 200 decoder
addresses using MDC2M50D
Expansion modules for MDC2-50-200
Controller Specifications
Decoder Specifications
Model:
MDC2-50-200 is capable of controlling 50
decoder addresses, with expanded capacity of
up to 200 addresses in increments of 50 utilizing
MDC2M50D expansion modules.
Mounting: In valve box (recommended) or
direct burial
Input voltage: 120V / 60Hz ±10%
Output voltage: 34Vpp* (24V AC)
Maximum number of decoder addresses:
50/100/150/200 depending on number of
expansion modules.
Maximum number of simultaneous valves: 10
irrigation valves, 1 non-irrigation valve
Programs: 10 + 1 auxiliary (lighting systems, etc.)
Maximum number of simultaneous programs:
2+1 auxiliary
Irrigation methods: Steps
Days: 14, every X day (X=1-14)
Start times: 6 per program
Start methods:
Day and time start, every X day + first day
Pausing of programs: Yes
Run time: 0-999 minutes
Water Budget: 0-250%
Pump/Master Valve Control:
Ability to support up to 10 points of connection
Manual operation:
Individual decoders or programs from
Controller/PC/Freedom
Sensors:
One direct sensor input on controller: on/off
switch (rain or alarm.) 10 sensor decoders (for
flow) can be installed anywhere on the
two-wire path.
Power Draw:
FD-101TURF: 0.5 mA (idle) 18 mA
(per active solenoid)
FD-102TURF: 0.5 mA (idle) 18 mA
(per active solenoid)
FD-202TURF: 1 mA (idle) 18 mA
(per active solenoid)
FD-401TURF: 1 mA (idle) 18 mA
(per active solenoid)
FD-601TURF: 1 mA (idle) 18 mA
(per active solenoid)
Dimensions:
FD-101TURF: Length: 2.77 in. (70 mm),
Diameter: 1.5 in. (40 mm)
FD-102TURF: Length: 3.35 in. (85 mm),
Diameter: 1.77 in. (45 mm)
FD-202TURF: Length: 3.35 in. (85 mm),
Diameter: 1.97 in. (50 mm)
FD-401TURF: Length: 3.94 in. (100 mm),
Diameter: 2.56 in. (65 mm)
FD-601TURF: Length: 3.94 in. (100 mm),
diameter: 2.56 in. (65 mm)
Solenoids:
FD-101TURF: 1 with individual control
FD-102TURF: 1 or 2 simultaneously
FD-202TURF: 1 to 4 simultaneously
FD-401TURF: 1 to 4 with individual control
FD-601TURF: 1 to 6 with individual control
Wires:
FD-101TURF: Blue to cable, white to solenoid
FD-102TURF: Blue to cable, white to solenoid
FD-202TURF: Blue to cable, white and brown
to solenoids
FD-401TURF: Blue to cable, color-coded to
solenoids
FD-601TURF: Blue to cable, color-coded to
solenoids
Overload protection: Electronic
Surge Protection:
Surge protection required every 500’ along
two-wire path
Test: Built-in diagnostics
LSP-1 Line Surge Protector
Monitoring:
Active decoders shown with remaining time, all
actions logged in memory. Log has 1500 action
capacity.
FD401T with built in surge protection
Remote Control: Optional Freedom Remote
MDC2 PC Software: Included with
every controller (Note: not needed to operate or
program controller)
* Vpp (Peak to Peak voltage)
Standby Current:
FD-101TURF, FD-102TURF: 0.5 mA
FD-202TURF, FD-401TURF & FD-601TURF: 1 mA
Input Fuse (FD-401TURF & FD-601TURF only):
300-500 mA, thermal
Electrical Output:
Max. voltage: 36 Vpp
Max. load:
FD-101TURF: 1 Rain Bird solenoid
(one per address)
FD-102TURF: 2 Rain Bird solenoids
(two per address)
FD-202TURF: 4 Rain Bird Solenoids
(two per address)
FD-401TURF: 4 Rain Bird Solenoids
(one per address)
FD-601TURF: 6 Rain Bird solenoids
(one per address)
Maximum Cable Runs:
14 gauge
Star: 2.4 miles
Loop: 9.6 miles
Decoder/Solenoid Wires - Electrical Resistance:
Max. 3 ohms
Max. Distance Decoder/Solenoids:
Cable length:
14 gauge: 456 feet
Wiring:
MAXI-Cable 14-2UF Double Jacketed
Environment:
Working range: 32° to 122° F (0° to 50° C)
Storage range: -4° to 158° F (-20 to 70° C)
Humidity: 100%
Surge Protection: 40 V, 1.5 kW transil
Note: Rain Bird recommends using 3M DBR/DBY
waterproof connectors for all connections.
FD601T with built in surge protection
Output Power:
Adjustable from controller – Inrush and holding
current values adjustable at controller.
Encapsulation: Fully waterproof
Decoders
How to Specify/Order
FD - 102TURF
Address:
Pre-coded from factory (i.e., no switches)
Electrical Input:
Nominal voltage: 34Vpp (24V AC) from
2-wire line
Minimum voltage: 21 Vpp (15V AC)
Model
FD-101TURF
FD-102TURF
FD-202TURF
FD-401TURF
FD-601TURF
Decoder Type
Single Address (1 solenoid)
Single Address (up to 2 solenoids)
Dual Address (up to 4 solenoids)
Four Addresses (up to 4 solenoids)
Six Addresses (up to 6 solenoids)
2. Connect the controller cables and power
1. Connect the sensor to the controller
Computer
Power supply
DBR/DBY connections
Power cables
RJ-11
Rain sensor
RS232/USB*
or
phone
modem
#18 AWG wire
Mains 120-V
AC Power
#8 AWG (max. gauge) wire
Ground
Two-wire #14 AWG
(max. gauge)
communication cable
3. Connect the field decoders and solenoids
4. Connect the field decoder and pumps
(Master or Booster)
DBR/DBY connections
Source
DBR/DBY connections
Output
120 VAC
Two-wire cable
Output
Relay-100
(401)
Input
Input
(601)
Field Decoder
Solenoid (valve), Master
or Booster Valve
Pump Relay
Pwr Gnd
Pump Motor
120 VAC 1 HP
(401)
Field Decoder (601)
Source
Grounding Rod
401 & 601 only
220 VAC
Relay-100
Valve Box
Pump Relay
Pwr Gnd
Pump Motor
220 VAC 2 HP
Grounding Rod
401 & 601 only
Valve Box
Two-wire cable
5. Connect the sensor decoder and sensor
6. Connect the surge protector
DBR/DBY connections
DBR/DBY connections
Output
Input
Input
(401)
FL O
Gounding rod
Two-wire cable
Input
SD-210 Sensor decoder
Grounding Rod
401 & 601 only
DBR/DBY connections
Field Decoder
Output
Valve Box
*USB Adapter necessary for RS232 to USB connection.
Grounding Rod
(601)
DBR/DBY connection
Sensor
LSP-1 Surge
Protector
Valve Box
Solenoid (valve)
Surge protection recommended for single
and double address decoders
Models
Specifications
Controllers
The controller shall be capable of supporting
up to 50 decoder addresses (expandable up
to 200 decoder addresses total, utilizing 50
decoder expansion modules) and shall have a
maximum capacity of up to 200 decoder
addresses.
• MDC2-50-200 – Controls up to 50 decoder
addresses; expandable up to 200 decoder
addresses using MDCM50D
• MDC2M50D – expansion modules for
MDC2-50-200; maximum 3 additional
modules may be used on the MDC2-50-200
Decoders
• FD-101TURF Field Decoder interfacing
signal line and valve
• FD-102TURF Field Decoder interfacing
signal line and valve or one pair of valves
• FD-202TURF Field Decoder interfacing
signal line and 2 valves or 2 pair of valves
• FD-401TURF Field Decoder interfacing
signal line and up to 4 individual valves
• FD-601TURF Field Decoder interfacing
signal line and up to 6 individual valves
• LSP-1TURF Line Surge Protection
• SD-210TURF Sensor Decoder interfacing
signal line and analog or digital decoders
Accessories
• DPU210 Decoder Programming Unit
for decoder output test and address
re-programming
• Freedom for Central Control
- FREEDOMFOR (phone)
- FREERADNSP (radio, special frequency)
The controller shall be UL listed.
The controller shall be capable of using either
reduced or full alphabet, maximum of six
characters, for naming the decoders.
The controller shall be capable of operating
up to 10 irrigation valves simultaneously. It
shall be capable of storing 10 programs plus
one auxiliary program, of which two
programs plus the auxiliary can be run
simultaneously.
The programs shall run on 14 day cycles and
shall be programmable to start every X day,
where X = 1 to 14. There shall be up to 6 start
times per program and the controller shall
allow for pausing of programs. Run times
shall range from 0-999 minutes, and there
shall be a Water Budget function with
budgeting from 0 to 250%. The programs
shall also be capable of pump control,
controlling one master and up to nine
booster pumps. The controller shall be
capable of monitoring up to 10 flow sensors.
Manual operations shall allow either
individual decoders or whole programs to be
started manually.
The controller shall be capable of remote
programming and monitoring utilizing the
MDC2 PC software and a PC or laptop. The
controller shall also be capable of programming from the controller itself.
The controller shall be as manufactured for
Rain Bird Corporation, Glendora, California.
The MDC2 PC software shall allow for remote
programming, monitoring, and operation of
one MDC2 controller. The MDC2 controller
shall connect to a PC or laptop via an RS232
port or a telephone modem at data rates of
2400 Baud.
The software shall allow the user to upload
and download irrigation data, set-up data
and global water budget. The software shall
be capable of editing all active and passive
irrigation schedules, and all variables
associated with those schedules. The
software shall be capable of inputting and
editing controller type, valve type, field
decoder addresses, pumps/master valve and
activating of rain/alarm sensors directly
connected to MDC2 controller.
The software shall provide monitoring
information of site activity in a ASCII text file
saved on the hard drive of PC.
The MDC2 PC software shall be as manufactured by Rain Bird Corporation, Glendora,
California.
The decoders shall be capable of controlling
one, two, four or six valves per unit. They shall
be sealed in such a manner that they shall not
be susceptible to moisture or inclement
weather and can be buried underground.
The decoder shall be as manufactured for
Rain Bird Corporation, Glendora, California.
Rain Bird Corporation
6991 E. Southpoint Road, Tucson, AZ, 85706, U.S.A.
Phone: (520) 741-6100 Fax: (520) 741-6522
Rain Bird Corporation
970 W. Sierra Madre Avenue, Azusa, CA, 91702, U.S.A.
Phone: (626) 812-3400 Fax: (626) 812-3411
Rain Bird International, Inc.
P.O. Box 37, Glendora, CA, 91740-0037, U.S.A.
Phone: (626) 963-9311 Fax: (626) 852-7343
Technical Service and Support
(800) RAINBIRD (U.S. and Canada only)
Specification Hotline
(800) 458-3005 (U.S. and Canada only)
www.rainbird.com
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® Registered trademark of Rain Bird Corporation.
© 2008 Rain Bird Corporation 9/08
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