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Hunter X-Core & Rain Sensor

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have had a Hunter X-Core with the (wireless) rain sensor working for a while. I recently had to reprogramm/change some of the schedules and all of a sudden, when in "Run" mode the controller ALWAYS shows "Off" and indicates the Umbrella (rain sensor).
My issue is that i cannot get the X-Core to run normally anymore, unless i change the switch from active to bypass. I removed the rain sensor connections and reinstalled the jumper, reset the X-Core several times, but anytime I turn the dial to "Run" the "Off" message with the umbrella will show up.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
irritation said:
There is probably a setting to turn sensor off. Even with jumper in place it thinks rain.
Click to expand...
I can do a full bypass and the controller will execute, but that's not the point. With the jumper in place and the rain sensor entirely disconnected, the controller should not "think" that it has rained...
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#7 ·
What I see alot with icore's is if the controller loses power with a wireless sensor mapped/ addressed to it, when the controller regains power it loses/ forgets the address of the sensor. A complete pita when your by your self and you have to pull the sensor down. What you can try and do is, with the power to the controller 'on', hold the spindle of the rain sensor down, unplug the clock, wait.............. plug the clock in, wait............. release the spindle, they should be remapped.
 
#8 ·
You have diagnosed it down to the controller.

By restating the controller you eliminate slight mishaps.

By reinstalling the jumper and having the same issue you eliminate the rain sensor.

Hunter is a good brand, though not my preference. The xcore however is a consumer product.

All major irrigation brands will have the professional / commercial geared products and there consumer big box store products. I don't agree with it but money is money to them.

Your controller has a fault to it that is thinking the sensor is always active.
Time fore a replacement. Rain bird espme or smart, weathermatic smart line 1600' , Hunter pro c. Many new ones out there and other brands I didn't mention, longevity and support from the communal industry gets my vote.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Thanks for all your replies. I did implement a workaround - instead of connecting the wireless rain sensor to the sensor terminal, I connected it in-line with the common valve wire and set the X-Core controller to "Bypass". The jumper across the sensor terminals appears to have no impact whatsoever - appears that some circuit related to the sensor terminals might be fried.

A manual test showed that it works as desired.

Thx.
 
#10 ·
Try performing a total reset. Start with the dial in the RUN position:

1. Press and hold the PRG button. (Program Button)
2. While holding the PRG button press the RESET button (on the right side of the controller) for 3 seconds, then release the RESET button while continuing to hold the PRG button.
3. Continue holding the PRG button until the time of day is displayed (this takes about 8 seconds).

If the time of day resets to 12:00 AM, the controller is successfully reset. Did the umbrella go away, with a jumper connected to the sensor terminals? If yes, then rewire the sensor back to the sensor terminals and test.

If the umbrella and previous problems still exist, I suspect the controller is now defective and can be exchanged under warranty. Hope this helps.
 
#11 ·
The reset procedure I stated above is correct for "new" X-Core controllers. If the reset does not work, let's try a different method that covers most all Hunter controllers since the dawn of time:

1. Dial in RUN position.
2. Press and hold the Plus (+), Minus (-), and Right Arrow (with the hand on it) buttons, simultaneously.
3. Next, press the RESET button for 3 seconds. Continue to hold the other keys down.
4. Release the RESET button.
5. After 3 seconds, release all buttons.
6. The time of day should show 12:00 AM.
 
#13 ·
The original XC was on the market long before any retail considerations. The X-Core gained more features including Solar Sync and the ability to connect to a wireless remote. It was never designed with a retail strategy in mind. It just happens that it hits a price point for that market. Good question, Boots!
 
#16 ·
Captain Stream Rotar (plus any LawnSite members) - I invite you to contact me offline to discuss product suggestions. You guys can send me a private message any time. For the VAN nozzles, I would like to hear your concerns, then directly connect you with the Product Manager or Engineer for Spray Heads in order to discuss more thoroughly. I like to stay in my tech "lane" and funnel product development questions to the right people. That's the cool thing about the irrigation business. We're not Microsoft. You do have easy access to us and we do like to listen. Unless, of course, you want a 50-foot radius VAN.
 
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