MODEL RT-50A / RT-50A-24V

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

RAIN TRACKER RAIN SENSING WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL

RT-50A-24V IS FOR INSTALLATIONS INTO 24 VOLT SYSTEMS.

1. GET A WIRING DIAGRAM FOR YOUR VEHICLE

Go to www.raintracker.com and click on “Compatibility.” Print out any special installation wiring diagrams that pertain to your car or truck.

If the instructions refer to either the HSS or GSS diagrams included with this manual, write your specific vehicle wire colors on the diagram. If the instructions call for external components, they are usually included in the accessory kit. Not all vehicles/years are documented.

2. TEST THE EXISTING WIPER SYSTEM

Make sure that the existing wiper system works in off, intermittent (if so equipped), slow, and fast modes of operation, and that the wash motor works.

SENSOR CABLE ROUTED

UNDER HEADLINER

SHADE-BAND

SENSOR CABLE

BEHIND PLASTIC TRIM

SENSOR

REARVIEW

MIRROR

AREA SWEPT

BY WIPERS

3. LOCATE THE

WIPER SYSTEM

PARTS

You will likely need to remove access panels.

You can often trace wires from the switch or motor, or listen for clicking relays when the wiper system is in intermittent mode.

TYPICAL RAIN TRACKER

INSTALLATION

RAIN TRACKER

ACTIVATION SWITCH

WIRING

HARNESS

EXISTING

WIPER

SWITCH

WIPER MOTOR

ASSEMBLY

RAIN TRACKER

INTERFACE MODULE EXISTING CONTROL MODULE,

BODY-COMPUTER, OR RELAY.

BUILT INTO SWITCH IN SOME CASES

4. MOUNT THE RAIN TRACKER ACTIVATION SWITCH

The supplied round activation switch turns the Rain

Tracker ON. Mount the switch before you connect the switch wires to the Rain Tracker. Select a mounting location in a dash knock-out panel, or in an under-dash panel (available at auto parts store.)

To mount the round activation switch, drill a hole

(5/8 inch or ¾ inch depending on switch model supplied) and file the hole slightly larger until the switch can press in appropriately. File a locating notch as needed. Other styles of (SINGLE POLE) switches are available from Radio Shack and other suppliers.

5. INSTALL THE RAIN TRACKER

INTERFACE MODULE

Make sure the location you select for the module will not conflict with the operation of any equipment, such as accelerator or brake cables. Use the wiring diagram as a guide in connecting the Rain Tracker interface module into the existing wiper system. See last pages for tips on making connections.

5A. MAKE THE INTERFACE CONNECTIONS

Connect the wires as shown in the diagram. If the diagram requires that you make a chassis ground connection, find a suitable metal frame member and screw, and make sure that it is free of paint. Bad grounds are the most common problems we encounter when troubleshooting Rain

Tracker installations.

6. INSTALL THE SENSOR

Select a coupler mounting location within the area swept by the wipers, and out of the shadeband. Just below the mirror mount is usually a good location. Tip: mark the location with a piece of masking tape on the outside of the windshield, and stand back from the vehicle to make sure the mark is level.

Prime the sensor mounting location with isopropyl alcohol.

Do not skip this step! Un-snap the coupler from the sensor.

5B. PLUG IN THE INTERFACE MODULE

Plug in the interface connector so that its locking ramp engages the locking ramp on the interface module. The BLK ground wire should be closest to the sensor Jack, J1.

DO NOT PLUG THE INTERFACE MODULE

CONNECTOR IN UPSIDE-DOWN.

Remove the red protective film from the coupler, and rock the coupler onto the windshield.

Snap the sensor into the coupler.

7. INSTALL THE SENSOR

CABLE

Connect one end of the sensor cable to the sensor, and route the cable under the head liner and down the vehicle's trim to connect it to the interface module.

8. SECURE THE

INTERFACE MODULE

Use cable ties to secure the interface module to a bracket or convenient location. Reinstall access panels as needed.

9. TEST THE RAIN TRACKER SYSTEM WITH A SPRAY

BOTTLE OR GARDEN HOSE

Turn the ignition to accessory mode. Use the wiper control switch to verify that all manual modes (off, slow, fast, and wash) work.

Put the system in Rain Tracker mode by turning on the activation switch. Spray a light mist at the sensor and verify that the Rain

Tracker runs the wipers in intermittent mode. Spray more water and confirm operation in steady slow and fast speeds.

Rain Tracker Model RT-50A Installation Manual - Page 1 of 4

DOCUMENT NUMBER 001-1125-001 B

WASH

+12V*

WASH

CAM

WASH

MOTOR

OFF

INT

+12V*

RUN

+12V*

PARK

CAM

SLO GROUND GROUND

FAST

INT

RELAY

SLOW

BUTT-SPLICE

CONNECTION

CUT

BUTT-SPLICE

CONNECTION

SLOW

WIPER

MOTOR

+12V*

OFF

INT

SLO

FAST

FAST

FAST

RAIN TRACKER

ACTIVATION SWITCH

MOTOR

COMMON

TERMINAL

MOUNT THE SWITCH

BEFORE YOU WIRE TO IT!

TYPICAL EXISTING WIPER

CONTROL SYSTEM

J3 - OPTIONAL

HEADLAMP

CONTROL AND

CAM FEEDBACK

Most applications do not require this connection.

J3 CON.

10

FAST

RELAY

9 8 7 6

SLOW

RELAY

5 4 3 2 1

B+ GND

(+12V*)

SENSOR

CON. J1 SENSOR

Use this drawing for applications where the motor common terminal (may be through chassis/case of motor) connects to ground, with motor windings switched to

+12V*.

+2.5V on CAM Engages SLOW Relay

MODEL RT-50A

DRAWING:

RT-50A - HSS

RAIN TRACKER RT-50A IN HOT-SIDE SWITCHING APPLICATIONS (MOST COMMON)

*

Note that for the RT-50A-24V, the input voltage must be 24 Volts.

FOR VEHICLE-SPECIFIC WIRE COLORS AND DETAILED WIRING DIAGRAMS,

GO TO WWW. RAINTRACKER.COM. CLICK ON “COMPATIBILITY.”

WASH

+12V*

WASH

CAM

WASH

MOTOR

OFF

INT

GROUND GROUND

RUN

CAM

+12V*

PARK

SLO

FAST

+12V*

INT

RELAY

SLOW

BUTT-SPLICE

CONNECTION

CUT

BUTT-SPLICE

CONNECTION

SLOW

WIPER

MOTOR

+12V*

OFF

INT

SLO

FAST

FAST

RAIN TRACKER

ACTIVATION SWITCH

MOTOR

COMMON

TERMINAL

FAST

MOUNT THE SWITCH

BEFORE YOU WIRE TO IT!

TYPICAL EXISTING WIPER

CONTROL SYSTEM

J3 - OPTIONAL

HEADLAMP

CONTROL AND

CAM FEEDBACK

Most applications do not require this connection.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

B+ GND

(+12V*)

SENSOR

CON. J1 SENSOR

Use this drawing for applications where the motor common terminal connects to

+12V*, with motor windings switched to ground.

CAM/LIGHT

SENSING

CON. J3

FAST

RELAY

SLOW

RELAY

+2.5V on CAM Engages SLOW Relay

MODEL RT-50A

DRAWING:

RT-50A - GSS

RAIN TRACKER RT-50A IN GROUND-SIDE SWITCHING APPLICATIONS

*

Note that for the RT-50A-24V, the system voltage must be 24 Volts.

Rain Tracker Model RT-50A Installation Manual - Page 2 of 4

TROUBLESHOOTING: SENSOR SENSITIVITY ISSUES

WIPES TOO MUCH

Make sure the Rain Tracker is in an area that is being completely cleared by the wipers. Sometimes at the edges of wipe patterns the wipers leave a film of water, and this will make the Rain Tracker wipe too much. Also, worn wiper blades will cause excessive follow-up wipes.

WILL NOT SENSE RAIN OR WIPES TOO LITTLE

Make sure the Rain Tracker coupler is properly mounted to the windshield, and is reasonably free of air bubbles. Note that the Rain Tracker will not see through the red tape- the coupler must be mounted to the glass. Also, the glass just over the sensor should be free from RAIN-X or other windshield treatments.

TROUBLESHOOTING: VEHICLE INTERFACE ISSUES

Check Ground First - Check that the Rain Tracker is getting a good

ground. Use a multi-meter to verify that the resistance between the black ground wire on the Rain Tracker interface connector and the vehicle chassis is less than two ohms.

One or more manual modes (Off, Slow, Fast, Wash) does not work - If so, then the problem is in the interface wiring, not the sensor.

Wipers still run after you stop spraying water at it - This is to remove water that may blow off the hood onto the windshield, but miss the sensor.

When you spray the Rain Tracker with a spray bottle, it will appear to accelerate too slowly, and keep going too long. When you drive with the

Rain Tracker in a real rain storm, it will respond appropriately to changing conditions, and will not appear jerky or erratic.

Wipers stop in middle of windshield, or will not run manual slow:

Check the wiring to J2 pin 8 (PPL). Also, see CAM Feedback below.

Wipers will not run automatic-fast: Check wiring around J2 pins 9, 10

Automatic fast speed is slower than manual fast: Be sure you do not wire the system in some way that applies power to both fast and slow windings with no blocking diode.

J3 - OPTIONAL CAM FEEDBACK

Some newer vehicles that utilize digital communication (most notably

CAN bus) from the wiper switch do not have power wires from the wiper switch that the RainTracker can tie into. Many of these installations can be made to work using the CAM feedback input, at pin

3 of J3. This features engages the SLOW relay when between 2.5 and

15V is present at the input. In many installations, this can be use to return the wipers to home position. See www.raintracker.com, and click on "support" for more information about this feature.

ADJUSTING THE SENSITIVITY (RARELY NEEDED!)

The Rain Tracker adjusts itself for the windshield of your car and typically requires no adjustments. The sensitivity adjustment is to account for driver preference; the Rain Tracker is a very high quality product, thoroughly tested, and unit variation is low. Consider carefully before adjusting the sensitivity-- the wiper response rate is appropriate for most drivers and vehicles. Inappropriately high sensitivity can lead to more smearing, and is usually not better. The Rain Tracker increases the sensitivity slightly at night, when most drivers want higher sensitivity, and decreases the sensitivity in bright sunlight, when sensed water is often due to road spray. It decreases the sensitivity slightly in cold weather, to prevent over-wiping.

But if you still want to adjust the sensitivity, the sensor itself may be adjusted. There is a trimmer potentiometer on the sensor, and a qualified technician can adjust this with the aid of a tiny screwdriver.

The potentiometer ships from the factory at nominal. For more sensitivity, adjust this about 20% clockwise. For less sensitivity, go

20% counter clockwise. Move this just a little at a time.

SENSITIVITY ADJUST

J3 - OPTIONAL HEADLAMP CONTROL

The RT-50A may be configured to automatically turn on headlamps at dusk and when it is raining. This is a more complex installation than typical wiper control. See www.raintracker.com, and click on "support" for further details. The light control closes a relay contact between pins one and two of J3 when the headlamps should be on. These contacts are rated for

15A, which is not sufficient for most headlamp applications. Thus, most headlamp applications will require an external relay. We provide the contacts, but we do not offer technical support in applying this feature.

POT TOP

VIEW:

For more detailed troubleshooting instructions, please visit www.raintracker.com/rt_support

TIPS ON MAKING GOOD INTERFACE CONNECTIONS

CRIMPING INSTRUCTIONS-- ALL

CRIMPS

Use a crimp tool and apply enough force. Twist wire strands together after stripping, and avoid broken strands. Always check each crimp with a gentle tug on the wire to make sure it will not come undone.

CRIMP-POINTS

BUTT SPLICES

To connect a single wire to another single wire.

Strip off 3/8” from end of wire. Slide wire into terminal barrel as far as it will go.

CRIMP-POINTS

CLOSED-END TEE SPLICES

To connect three to five wires to each other. Strip

1/2” from the end of each wire. Twist the wires together and slide them all into the barrel of the terminal.

CRIMP-POINTS

SEPARATING WIRES IN A RIBBON

CABLE

To connect to vehicle wires in a ribbon cable, separate them first. Use a single edge razor blade or a utility knife, with many light passes. Be careful not to damage the wires!

CLOSED-END

TEE-SPLICE

EXISTING VEHICLE WIRE

RAIN TRACKER WIRE

NO-STRIP TEE SPLICES

Use the blue tee-splices to connect a single Rain

Tracker interface wire to an existing heavy gage

(16 or 18) vehicle wire, or to connect Rain Tracker wires to each other. Use a slip-joint pliers to close the splice over the wire. Also: NMEDA guidelines prohibit these connectors in mobility-enabled applications.

RESISTORS have three colors and then a gold band that signifies 5% tolerance.

GROUND CONNECTIONS

If the wiring diagram calls for a connection to ground that is not through one of the vehicle wires, be sure to provide a solid ground. (Bad grounds are the most common wiring problem we encounter.) Use the ring terminal to a screw or bolt that runs into a metal part of the chassis. Alternatively, you may be able to find an existing vehicle wire that provides a good ground. The ground side of the cigarette lighter is often a good candidate.

DIODES

SYMBOL

ANODE

PART

CATHODE

TAPE

THOROUGHLY!

RESISTOR

EXTERNAL RESISTORS OR OTHER

COMPONENTS

If a vehicle interface requires an external resistor or other component: 1) Strip 3/8” from the ends of the connecting wires. 2)

Twist the ends of each of the resistor leads around the wires. 3) Crimp a closed-end tee splice over the connection. 4) Wrap electrical tape around the connection assembly, and tape the two connecting wires together.

Rain Tracker Model RT-50A Installation Manual - Page 3 of 4

HOW THE RAIN TRACKER INTERFACE WORKS

ACTIVATION - The RT-50A is turned ON by connecting the mode reader

(J2 Pin 3, GRY) is to +12V (+24V on model RT-50A-24V)

MANUAL MODES - The Rain Tracker relies on the existing wiper system to operate the wipers in manual slow, fast, intermittent.

AUTOMATIC INTERMITTENT MODE - When the Rain Tracker commands the system to wipe intermittently, the slow relay pulses on. The fast relay remains off.

AUTOMATIC STEADY SLOW MODE - The Rain Tracker turns on the slow relay and leaves the fast relay off.

AUTOMATIC STEADY FAST - The Rain Tracker turns on both the slow and the fast relays.

BLOCKING DIODE- The built-in rectifier (J2 pins 4 and 5) is provided so that no Rain Tracker application ever shorts fast and slow windings together, which would cause an over-current condition.

WIPER PATTERN COMPATIBILITY

In most vehicles, the wipers move from side to side in tandem, making it easy to mount the Rain Tracker sensor out of view, behind the rearview mirror.

SENSOR

TANDEM WIPE PATTERN

(TYPICAL INSTALLATION)

WINDSHIELD COMPATIBILITY

Some vehicles use a center-out wipe pattern.

The Rain Tracker needs to be in the area swept by the wipers. It will not work if mounted behind the rearview mirror on these vehicles. You can locate the sensor between the wipers when they are out of the park position, or up in a corner of the windshield near the pillars-- but an inch and half away enough from the edge of the pattern so the wipers do not leave a film of water.

The Rain Tracker will work on almost all windshields used in cars and light trucks sold in the US. The Rain Tracker will work with all commonly available thicknesses and windshield tints, from clear glass to high performance solar absorbing glass. Choose a mounting location that is not deep within the shade-band.

The Rain Tracker will not work on (relatively rare) solar-reflective windshields. (E.g. “Sun-Gate”, KOOL-LOF) You can identify a film coated windshield by looking for the edge of the film coated region, which usually ends about an inch from the edges of the windshield. Sometimes these windshields have a non-coated region where you can mount the Rain

Tracker sensor. This Rain Tracker will work on windshields up to 12 mm /

0.47” thick-- generally well above that required for even recreational vehicles and heavy trucks.

WIPERS OUT

OF PARK

CENTER OUT-WIPE PATTERN

ALTERNATIVE SENSOR LOCATIONS

RAIN TRACKER SPECIFICATIONS:

Wiper relay contact ratings: 15A

Power diode rating: 6A continuous (used only intermittently in application)

Input voltage RT-50A: 10 - 16V, 12V nominal. 24V overvoltage protected.

Input voltage RT-50A-24V: 20 - 32V, 24V nominal,

Sensor operation: invisible infrared beams (880 nM)

Windshield thickness: 0.12” - 0.47” (3 - 12 MM)

Windshield transmittance requirement: 12% - 100% at 880 nM

Mechanical: Sensor: 1.75" x 1.75" x .75" / 1 oz.

Interface module: 4.45" x 2.45" x 1.15" / 4 oz.

TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS, AND PATENTS

“Rain Tracker” is a trademark of Hydreon Corporation. Other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. This manual is copyright 2001-

2011 Hydreon Corporation. No portion of this document may be reproduced without the express written permission of Hydreon Corporation.

The Rain Tracker product is protected by one or more of the following US

Patents:

4,620,141 5,059,877 5,239,244 5,262,640 5,556,493 5,568,027

5,743,991 5,898,183 6,078,056 6,091,065 6,124,691

WARRANTY

RAIN TRACKER THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Hydreon Corporation warrants to the original purchaser that this Rain

Sensing Windshield Wiper Control is free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and maintenance for a period of three

(3) years from the date of original purchase, whether or not actual use begins on that date. User, however, is responsible for removal, packaging, and transportation of product to Hydreon.

LABOR IS NOT COVERED.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Complements? Criticism?

Please contact us:

If the Wiper Control fails within the three (3) year period, it will be repaired or replaced during normal working hours, at Hydreon's option, at no charge, when returned prepaid to Hydreon with Proof of Purchase.

The sales receipt may be used for this purpose. All replacement parts, whether new or re-manufactured, assume as their warranty period only the remaining time of this warranty.

In the US and Europe:

Hydreon Corporation

6440 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 207

Eden Prairie, MN 55344 www.hydreon.com - E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (952) 943-2378 Fax: (952) 943-1020

Toll free: 1-866-80TRACK (866-808-7225)

This warranty does not apply to damage caused by improper installation, accident, misuse, abuse, improper voltage, service, flood, lightning, vehicle accident or other acts of God, or if the product was altered or repaired by anyone other than Hydreon. Hydreon does not warrant installation of the Wiper Control (labor) and therefore will not be responsible for installation or re-installation charges. Hydreon under no circumstances shall be liable for any consequential damages for this unit.

In South-East Asia:

XENSO Electronics Sdn. Bhd.

No. 2, Jalan Selat Selatan 20,

Portland Industrial Park, Pandamaran

42000 Port Klang

Selangor, Malaysia www.xenso.com

Tel : +603 - 3167 6060, 3167 6080

Fax: +603 - 3167 6050

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have rights which vary from state to state.

Pb

LEAD-FREE /

RoHS COMPLIANT

Hydreon Corporation

EDEN PRAIRIE,

MN 55344 USA

MADE IN

MALAYSIA

Rain Tracker Model RT-50A Installation Manual - Page 4 of 4