User's Guide

MANUAL

START

SET TIME / DAY

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

AUTO / ON

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

PROGRAMS

ECx Features:

• Expandable Up To 8 Zones

With Plug-In Modules

• 3 Watering Programs With:

- Calendar and Interval Days

- 1 Min. to 4 Hrs. Zone Run Time

- 4 Start Times Per Day

• Battery Back-Up

• Automatic Pump Start

• Seasonal Run Time Adjust

• Rain Delay

• Rain Sensor Ready

• Snap-In Wire Connectors

Automatic Sprinkler System Timer

User’s Guide

ECx Introduction and Set Up

■ Timer Components.........................................2-5

■ Sprinkler System Basics....................................6

■ Watering Program Basics..................................7

■ Watering Program Details ..............................8-9

■ Planning Your Watering Schedule...................10

■ Filling Out The Watering Schedule Form ...10-11

❚ Watering Schedule Form ..............................12

■ “Remote” Programming ...................................13

■ Installing The Battery.......................................13

■ Selecting Optional Control Features................14

❚ 24-Hour Clock Mode .....................................14

❚ 15-Second Run Delay ..................................14

■ About The Timer Memory................................14

■ Resetting The Timer Memory ..........................15

❚ To reset The Permanent Memory .................15

❚ To Clear The Memory ..................................15

Programming The Timer

■ Setting The Current Time And Day..................16

■ Setting The Watering Day Schedule ..........17-19

❚ Setting A Calendar Schedule........................17

❚ Setting An Interval Schedule.........................18

❚ Turning A Program Off..................................19

■ Setting Program Start Times ...........................20

■ Setting Zone Run Times..................................21

Installation

■ Mounting The Timer.........................................22

■ Connecting The Valves....................................23

■ Connecting A Pump Start Relay......................24

■ Connecting The Transformer...........................24

■ Connecting A Toro Rain Switch.......................25

Timer Operation

■ Automatic Operation .....................................26

■ Manual Operations ........................................27

❚ Starting Programs Manually..........................27

❚ Watering Control Features............................28

❚

To Pause Watering.....................................28

❚

To Resume Watering..................................28

❚

To Cancel Watering....................................28

❚

To Skip Zones.............................................28

❚

To Adjust The Zone Run TIme ...................29

■ Turning Off The ECx........................................29

■ Using The Rain Delay Feature ........................29

■ Using The Season Adjust Feature...................30

Service and Specifications

■ Replacing The Fuse.........................................31

■ Adding A Zone Module ....................................32

■ Troubleshooting...............................................32

■ Specifications...................................................33

■ Warranty Information .......................................33

■ FCC Rules .......................................................34

Table of Contents

Timer Components

ECx Introduction and Set Up

SENSOR

FUSE

ALK

SENSOR

NiCad

DELAY 24HR

12HR

9V Battery

OFF

24 VAC MV/ PUMP COM

34 56 78

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PGM A B C

SU MO TU WE TH FR SA

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4

D E

K L

PROGRAMS

Timer Components

The following are brief descriptions of the ECx compo-

nents and display elements. Each of these items will be

explained in further detail within the appropriate pro-

gramming, operating and installation sections of this

guide.

1 - LCD Display

A -

“Start Time” symbol – Alarm clock is displayed

when setting the program start times.

B - Program start time identification numbers 1–4.

C - Main display of various time values and prompts.

D - Program A, B and C identifiers.

E - “Watering On” symbol – Water droplet indicates a

watering zone is running. Droplet flashes if water-

ing is paused.

F - “Watering Off” symbol – Water droplet with slash

indicates all watering activity is Off.

G - “Power Off” symbol – Displayed when 24 VAC is

disconnected and timer is on battery power only.

H - “Low Battery Voltage” symbol – Indicates low bat-

tery voltage (when transformer is disconnected).

I - Watering Zone identification numbers.

J - “Percent” symbol– Indicates the Season Adjust fea-

ture is in use.

K - Day of the week identifiers.

L - “Run Time” symbol – Hourglass is displayed when

setting the watering zone run times.

2 - Control Buttons

+/ON button – Increases the time display, scrolls for-

ward through the program information and selects

watering days.

–/OFF button – Decreases the time display, scrolls

backward through the program information and

removes watering days.

NEXT button – Advances to the next portion of pro-

gram information. Resumes watering if paused.

Advances through stations manually when watering.

MANUAL START button – Selects and starts manual

watering operations.

3 - Control Dial – Selects all timer programming and

operation controls (except Manual Start).

Control Dial Positions

AUTO/ON – Normal dial position for all automatic and

manual operations.

SET TIME/DAY – Enables clock time and day to be set.

SET WATERING DAYS – Enables watering day sched-

ules to be set and reviewed.

SET PROGRAM START TIMES – Enables program start

times to be set and reviewed.

SET ZONE RUN TIMES – Enables zone run time to be

set and reviewed.

(continued)

Timer Components

3 - Control Dial Positions (continued)

SEASON ADJUST – Selects the Season Adjust feature.

See page 30 for details.

OFF – Shuts off and prevents all automatic and manu-

al watering activity. See page 29 for details.

RAIN DELAY– Selects the Rain Delay feature.

See page 31 for details.

4 - Program Select Switch – Three position slide switch

used to select watering program A, B or C during the

programming procedures and manual operation.

5 - Fuse – 0.75 Amp, 250V Fast Blow fuse.

6 - Sensor Bypass Switch – Controls input from the

optional Toro Rain Switch (if installed). See page 25

for details.

7 - Battery Select Switch – Alkaline and NiCd position

to select the type of battery installed.

8 - Sensor Connection Terminals – Snap-in connec-

tors for optional Toro Rain Switch control wires.

9 - Transformer Connection Terminals – Snap-in con-

nectors for the transformer wires.

10 - Pump/Master Valve Connection Terminal–

Snap-in connector for the power wire from the pump

start relay or master valve.

11 - Valve Common Terminal – Snap-in connector for

the valve common wire.

12 - Optional 12/24-Hour Clock Feature – A small wire

jumper which can be cut to select 24-hour

(military time) clock mode.

13 - Optional Run Delay Feature – A small wire jumper

which can be cut to select a 15-second delay period

before a zone starts watering.

14 - Plug-In Zone Control Module – Each control mod-

ule has snap-in connectors for two zone control

valve power wires. Up to four modules can be

installed.

15 - 9-Volt Battery – The battery maintains the timer

memory if the transformer power is disconnected.

Either an Alkaline or NiCd battery can be installed.

16 - Transformer – Supplies 24 VAC power to the timer.

Plugs into a standard 120 VAC outlet.

See transformer specifications on page 33.

SENSOR

FUSE

ALK

SENSOR

NiCad

DELAY 24HR

12HR

9V Battery

OFF

24 VAC

34 56 78

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

MV / PUMP COM

PROGRAMS

Timer Components

The three main components of every automatic sprinkler

system are the timer, zone control valves and sprinklers.

The timer is the brain of the system, telling the control

valves when and how long to supply water to the sprin-

klers. The sprinklers direct and control the water applied to

the lawn and plants.

Each valve controls a specific group of sprinklers called

a watering

zone. The zones are generally laid out and

installed according to the type of plant material to be

watered, the location plant within the landscape and the

maximum amount of water which can be supplied. Each

valve is connected to a numbered terminal within the

timer, identifying it as Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.

The timer operates the valves in order, one at a time. In

other words, one zone would water completely before

another zone would turn on. This is called a watering

cycle. The information stored in the timer memory which

determines when and how long the zones will water is

called a

program.

The next section of this guide is very important. It

explains what a program is and how the ECx controls the

operation of the sprinkler system.

Sprinkler System Basics

Valve 1 - Zone 1 - Parkway Lawn - Fixed Spray

Valve 2 - Zone 2 - Front Lawn - Fixed Spray

Valve 3 - Zone 3 - Front Shrubs - Flood Bubbler

Valve 4 - Zone 4 - Back Lawn - Geared Rotor

Valve 5 - Zone 5 - Garden - Drip

Valve 1

Timer

Valve 2

House

Valve 3

Valve 4

Valve 5

A watering program requires three basic instructions to

operate automatically:

• What days to water –called

watering days

• When to water – called a program start time

• How long to water – called zone run time

The following example illustrates how a typical watering

program could be set for the sprinkler system shown on

the previous page.

Example: The program start time is set for 5:00

AM. Lawn

zones 1 and 2 each have a run time of 10 minutes and

lawn zone 4 is set to run for 20 minutes. Note that zones

3 and 5 water shrubs and flowers and have been exclud-

ed from this program. (These zones will be set to oper-

ate on separate programs).

As shown in the watering program diagram, at 5:00

the timer starts the program watering cycle. Zone 1

sprinklers run for 10 minutes and shut off. Zone 2 sprin-

klers turn on, run for 10 minutes and shut off. The timer

skips zone 3 and turns on zone 4, which runs for 20 min-

utes and shuts off. Zone 5 is skipped and the watering

cycle ends at 5:40

AM.

As you can see from this example, only one program

start time was needed to operate three different zones.

Because of variations in plant watering needs, the ECx

provides three separate programs. The programs, called

A, B and C, are completely independent of one another

– like having three timers in one housing.

Using more than one program for example, would enable

lawn zones to be watered every day on program

shrub zones to run on on Monday Wednesday and Fri-

day on program

B and drip irrigation to soak the flower

beds every three days on program

Although the ECx offers the multiple program feature,

you may want to have all zones on one program if it

meets your needs. The other programs can remain

turned off until you need to use them.

Watering Program Basics

Zone 1

Program

Starts - 5:00

Program

Ends- 5:40

Zone 2

Zone 4

Watering Program Diagram

This section covers in detail each of the three parts of a

watering program – watering days, program start times

and zone run times.

Selecting Watering Days

The ECx provides three options for scheduling watering

days: Calendar, Interval and Off.

Calendar Schedule

A Calendar schedule enables you to select specific days

of the week to water, for example, Monday, Wednesday

and Friday. This is a seven-day schedule which starts on

Sunday and ends on Saturday.

This illustration shows how a Calendar schedule would

be displayed when the control dial is in the

SET WATER-

ING DAYS position.

In this example, program

has watering days set for MO

(Monday), WE (Wednesday)

and

FR (Friday).

Interval Schedule

An Interval schedule enables you to set watering days

without regard to the actual days of the week. For exam-

ple, if you want to water every third day, you would

select a 3-day Interval.

Interval schedules range from 1-day (watering every

day) to 7-day (watering every seventh day). Once you

have selected an Interval schedule, you can choose

which day of the week will be the first day of the Interval.

The number of days in the Interval determines the avail-

able start days. For example, if you have selected a 3-

day Interval and today is Sunday, you may choose to

start the Interval today, Monday or Tuesday.

This illustration shows how

an Interval schedule would

be displayed. In this exam-

ple, program

B has a 3-day

Interval schedule which will

start on Monday.

Program Off

Selecting Off suspends the operation of the program

when it is not needed. Turning the program Off does not

alter or erase the Calendar or Interval schedule informa-

tion of the program, it simply places the program on hold

until it is needed.

This illustration shows how a

program would be displayed

if its watering day schedule

is turned Off. In this exam-

ple, program

C is Off.

Watering Program Details

PGM A

SU MO TU WE TH FR SA

PGM A B C

SU MO TU WE TH FR SA

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Selecting Program Start Times

A program start time is the time of day you select to

begin an automatic program watering cycle.

It is important to remember that a program only

requires one start time to operate automatically.

When a program starts, each zone assigned to a pro-

gram will water in numerical order, one at a time for its

set run time.

Sometimes it is necessary to run a watering program

more than one time per day. For example, when growing

a new lawn. The ECx enables each program to have up

to four separate start times per day.

Program start times are numbered 1 through 4. These

numbers are shown at the top left of the display next to

the start time symbol when the control dial is in the

SET PROGRAM START TIMES position and indicate how

many start times are currently set for the program.

This illustration shows how

a program start time is

displayed. In this example,

program

A has one start

time (start time number 1)

set for 5:00

AM.

Setting The Zone Run Time

A zone run time is the length of time the zone (controlled

by the valve) will water during the program watering

cycle. The run time for each zone can be set from Off

(no run time) to 4 hours, in one-minute increments.

A zone is

assigned to a program when it is given a run

time. If the run time for a zone is turned Off in a program,

it will not operate during the program watering cycle.

This is how the ECx enables you to assign watering

zones to different programs.

All zones assigned to the program are shown on the

lower portion of the display when the control dial is in

the

SET ZONE RUN TIMES position.

This illustration shows how

a zone run time is displayed

for a program. In this exam-

ple, zones 1–6 are assigned

to program

A. Zone 1 has a

10-minute run time and

zone 2 is set to run for 25

minutes.

The zone run time being

displayed is identified by the

flashing zone number.

Flashing

It is always helpful to plan your watering schedule on

paper before beginning the programming steps. You will

have a record of your watering schedule and zone loca-

tions which can be kept with your ECx after it is installed.

A watering schedule form is provided on page 12 for you

to fill out.

••

Guidelines For Watering

There are several factors to be considered when decid-

ing when and how long to water. For example, the con-

tent of your soil, the part of the landscape being watered,

climate conditions and the type of sprinklers being used.

Because of these variables, we cannot give you an exact

schedule to follow, but here are some general watering

guidelines to help you get started.

• Water early in the morning, one to two hours before

sunrise. You will have the best water pressure at this

time and the water can soak into the plant root zone

while evaporation is minimal. Watering during mid-day

or in the evening may cause plant damage or mildew.

• Watch for signs of under- or over-watering and make

program adjustments immediately.

Filling Out The Watering Schedule Form

When filling out this form, use a pencil so changes can be

easily made. Carefully remove the page from the booklet

to use as a guide during programming. After installing the

timer, fold the form in half and store it in the pocket

behind the timer.

Refer to the example form shown on the opposite page

and fill out your form in a similar manner with the follow-

ing information:

•

Location - Identify the location of each watering zone

and the type of plant being watered.

Note: Enter the following information for each pro-

gram. If the program is not needed, leave its informa-

tion column blank.

•

Watering Day Schedule - For a Calendar schedule,

indicate which day(s) of the week watering is desired.

For an Interval schedule indicate the desired Interval

number.

•

Zone Run Time - Indicate the amount of run time

(1 minute to 4 hours) for each zone. Write “Off” for any

zone which you do not want to operate in the program.

•

Program Start Times - Indicate the time of day to

start the program. Each program can have 1 to 4 start

times per watering day.

Planning Your Watering Schedule

Watering Schedule Form

SU MO TU WE TH FR SA SU MO TU WE TH FR SA SU MO TU WE TH FR SA

23 456 7123 456 7123 456 7

CALENDAR

ZONE

LOCATION

ZONE RUN TIME

WATERING

DAY SCHEDULE

INTERVAL

PROGRAM

START TIMES

PROGRAM A

PROGRAM B

PROGRAM C

Parkway Lawn 10

Front Lawn 10

5:00 AM 4:00 AM 6:00 AM

Off

Front Shrubs Off

Off

1 hr

Off

Back lawn

Garden

(Example)

SU MO TU WE TH FR SA SU MO TU WE TH FR SA SU MO TU WE TH FR SA

23 456 7123 456 7123 456 7

CALENDAR

ZONE

LOCATION

ZONE RUN TIME

WATERING

DAY SCHEDULE

INTERVAL

PROGRAM

START TIMES

TOTAL ZONE RUN TIME

PROGRAM AWatering Schedule Form

PROGRAM B

PROGRAM C

The ECx timer features the ability to be fully programmed

before installation. Installing its 9-volt battery brings the

ECx to life, so you can program your new timer while in

the comfort of your home.

The ECx can use either type of 9-volt battery: Alkaline or

rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd). The Alkaline bat-

tery provided will keep the timer’s clock and programma-

ble memory functioning for about 72 hours and should be

replaced every year. A fully-charged NiCd battery will last

about 24 hours, but is continuously recharged to provide

service for many years.

If your home has frequent power interruptions, installing a

rechargeable NiCd battery is recommended.

Note: The battery does not supply power to operate the

zone control valves; power from the transformer must be

supplied.

1. Slide the lower housing cover toward the bottom of

the timer to remove. Locate the battery clip and attach

it to the battery terminals.

2. Insert the battery into the timer housing as shown in

Figure 1.

3. Slide the battery switch (7) to the left for Alkaline or

right to activate the NiCd battery charging circuit.

See

Figure 2.

Caution: The battery switch (7) must be set correctly.

Damage to the timer can result from an Alkaline bat-

tery which may fail if charged.

4. Press the +/ON button to stop the display from flash-

ing. The colon (

:) will continually flash while displaying

the time and during watering operation.

Installing The Battery

“Remote” Programming

OFF

PUMP/MV C

SENSOR

FUSE

ALK

SENSOR

NiCad

DELAY 2

12HR

9V Battery

OFF

24 VAC

Figure 1

Figure 2

24-Hour Clock Mode

The ECx is set to display time in the 12-hour clock mode.

If you prefer to use a 24-hour clock mode (military time)

select this option by following the steps below.

15-Second Run Delay

The 15-second run delay feature is useful for sprinkler

systems utilizing a pump or master valve. For example, a

pump usually requires a few seconds to build pressure

after first turning on. With the 15-second run delay

selected, the pump would be running (or the master

valve would open) 15 seconds before the first zone

begins watering. A 15-second delay would also occur

between zone operations. This helps ensure that one

valve is closed before another valve opens.

Note: A 2-second run delay will occur if this option is not

selected.

Caution: To prevent timer

damage, ensure trans-

former is disconnected

during this procedure.

1. Using small wire cutters,

clip jumper (13) to select

24-hour clock mode. Clip

jumper (12) to select

15-second run delay.

The ECx has a permanent watering schedule within its

memory to assist you in two ways. First, it will restore

watering operation in case your watering program is lost

due to a power interruption lasting longer than the bat-

tery life. This prevents your landscape from going unwa-

tered if the power outage occurs while you are away.

Secondly,

if you do not want to program your ECx,

you may use the permanent watering schedule to

operate your sprinklers. Just set the current time

and day and your ECx will be ready to operate auto-

matically.

The permanent watering schedule operates as follows:

When power is applied, the timer clock is set to 12:00

Sunday. Program A has a Calendar watering schedule

set to water every day. One program start time is set for

5:00

AM (5:00) and a run time of 10 minutes is set for

each zone. Programs

B and C are turned Off and have

no program start times or run times.

Note: An optional feature is provided which enables the

The ECx memory to be reset to the permanent program

or cleared completely if you choose. If you do not want to

use this option, skip the next procedure “Resetting The

Timer Memory” and continue at page 16 to begin pro-

gramming.

About The ECx MemorySelecting Optional Features

DELAY 24HR

12HR

The ECx program memory can be reset to the perma-

nent program values or cleared completely at any time

without removing power.

Resetting the permanent program erases all user input

and replaces it with the permanent program values.

Clearing the program memory sets all program values to

Off (i.e., no active days, program start times or zone run

times). You may find that this simplifies programming the

timer if your watering requirements are quite different

than the permanent values.

Note: When power is first applied, the ECx will always

reset to the permanent program values.

To Reset The Permanent Program (Figure 3)

Turn the control dial to the OFF position. OFF will be

displayed.

Press the +/ON and –/OFF buttons at the same time

until CLR is displayed.

Return the control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

To Clear The Memory (Figure 4)

Turn the control dial to the OFF position. OFF will be

displayed.

Press the +/ON and –/OFF buttons at the same time

until CLR 0 is displayed.

Return the control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

Resetting The Timer Memory

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

Figure 3

Figure 4

Turn the control dial to the SET TIME/DAY position.

The hour digits will begin flashing.

To set the current hour (and

AM/PM), press the +/ON

button to scroll forward or the –/OFF button to scroll

backward.

Note: The display will begin to change rapidly if

either button is held down for more than two sec-

onds.

Press the

NEXT button. The minute digits will begin

flashing.

To set the current minute, press the

+/ON button to

scroll forward or the

–/OFF button to scroll backward.

Press the

NEXT button. The weekday abbreviation

will begin flashing.

To set the current day of the week, press the

+/ON

button to scroll forward or the –/OFF button to scroll

backward until the current day is displayed.

The weekday abbreviations are as follows:

SU (Sunday) MO (Monday)

TU (Tuesday) WE (Wednesday)

TH (Thursday) FR (Friday) SA (Saturday)

When the current time and day are displayed, return

the control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

Setting The Current Time and Day

Programmimg The Timer

2 4

3 5

2 4 6

5 6

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

For each program, you can select Calendar, Interval or

Off. To set a Calendar schedule, continue here. To set

an Interval schedule see page 18. To turn Off a program

see page 19.

Setting A Calendar Schedule

Turn the control dial to the SET WATERING DAYS

position.

Check the

PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary,

reposition the switch to select the desired program.

The current watering schedule will be displayed:

CAL for Calendar, Int for Interval or OFF

• If CAL is flashing, continue at step .

• If Int or OFF is flashing, press the +/ON or –/OFF

button to select CAL, then continue at step .

Press the NEXT button. The watering days currently

set for this program will be displayed.

SU (Sunday)

will begin flashing.

To select Sunday as a watering day, press the

+/ON

button. To remove Sunday from the schedule, press

the

–/OFF button. MO (Monday) will now begin flash-

ing. Continue to select or remove each day of the

week until only the desired watering days are shown.

6. To set a Calendar schedule for another program,

repeat all of the steps beginning at step .

When you have completed setting the Calendar

schedule for each program (as needed) return the

control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

Setting The Watering Day Schedule

PGM A

SU MO TU WE TH FR SA

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

Setting An Interval Schedule

Turn the control dial to the SET WATERING DAYS

position.

Check the

PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary,

reposition the switch to select the desired program.

The current watering schedule will be displayed:

CAL for Calendar, Int for Interval or OFF.

• If CAL or OFF is displayed, press the +/ON or –/OFF

button to select Int, then continue at step

• If

Int is displayed, continue at step .

Press the

NEXT button. The current Interval number

(1–7) will begin flashing. The day of the week on

which the Interval will start will be shown.

To change the Interval number, press the

+/ON or

–/OFF button until the desired number is flashing.

Press the

NEXT button. The Interval start day will

begin flashing.

To change the Interval start day, press the

+/ON

button or the –/OFF button until the desired day is

flashing.

8. To set an Interval schedule for another program,

repeat all of the steps beginning at step .

When you have completed setting the Interval

schedule for each program (as needed) return the

control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

5 7

4 6

5 73

PGM A

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

Turning Off A Program

Note: Selecting the Off setting does not alter or erase

the Calendar or Interval schedule of the program, it sim-

ply places the program on hold until the Calendar or

Interval schedule is reselected.

Turn the control dial to the

SET WATERING DAYS

position.

Check the

PROGRAMs switch setting. If necessary,

reposition the switch to select the desired program.

The current watering schedule will be displayed:

CAL for Calendar, Int for Interval. Press the +/ON or

–/OFF until OFF is flashing.

4. To turn another program Off, repeat steps and

as needed.

Return the control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

PGM B

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

Turn the control dial to the SET PROGRAM START

TIMES

position.

Check the

PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary,

reposition the switch to select the desired program.

Program start time number 1 will begin flashing. The

current program start time or OFF will be displayed

for start time number 1. To select a different program

start time number, press the

+/ON or the –/OFF button

until the desired number is flashing.

Press the

NEXT button. The hour digit(s) or OFF will

begin flashing.

Note: To remove the start time, select OFF by

pressing the

+/ON and –/OFF buttons at the same

time

, and continue at step .

To set the hour (and

AM/PM), press the +/ON or the

–/OFF button until the desired hour is flashing.

Press the

NEXT button. The minute digits will begin

flashing.

To set the minutes, press the

+/ON or –/OFF button

until the desired minute is flashing.

Press the

NEXT button. The next program start time

number will begin flashing.

To select another start time number, press the

+/ON

or the –/OFF button until the desired start time num-

ber is flashing.

10. To set, change or remove a program start time for

the start time number selected, repeat all of the

steps starting at step .

11. To set program start times for another program,

repeat all of the steps starting at step .

Return the control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

Setting Program Start Times

PGM A

3 57

4 5 6 7

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

Turn the control dial to the SET ZONE RUN TIMES

position.

Check the

PROGRAMS switch setting. If necessary,

reposition the switch to select the desired program.

Zone number 1 will be flashing and its current run

time or OFF will be shown. To select a different zone

number, press the

+/ON or the –/OFF button until the

desired zone number is flashing.

Press the

NEXT button. The run time (or OFF) will

begin flashing.

To set the run time, press the

+/ON or the –/OFF but-

ton until the desired run time is shown.

Note: To remove the run time, select OFF by press-

ing the

+/ON and –/OFF buttons at the same time.

Press the NEXT button. The next zone number will

begin flashing.

7. Repeat steps and as needed to set, change,

or remove the run time for the remaining zones

8. To set the zone run time for another program, repeat

all of the steps starting at step .

Return the control dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

Setting Zone Run Times

PGM A

123456

3 5

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

Note: The ECx timer is not weather resistant and

must be installed indoors or in a protected area.

For

outdoor installation, an optional weather-resistant out-

door cabinet (model # 53335) is available.

1. Select a location for the timer within 4' (1.2m) of an

electrical outlet to enable the transformer wires to

easily reach. Make sure the outlet is not controlled by

a light switch.

2. Remove the mounting bracket attached to the back

of the timer housing by pulling the lower edge of the

bracket away and downward from the timer housing.

3. Place the mounting bracket (A) against the wall align-

ing the top edge at about eye level. Drive three 1"

(25mm) wood screws (B) into the wall through the

three holes provided in the bracket.

Note: If you are installing the bracket on drywall or

masonry, install screw anchors (C) to prevent screws

from loosening.

4. Align the slotted openings on the back of timer hous-

ing with the mounting bracket tabs. Slide the timer

downward to engage the tabs.

Note: Store the Quick Reference Guide and the

Watering Schedule Form in the pocket (D) between

the timer and bracket.

Mounting The Timer

Installation

1. Route the valve control wires between the valves and

the timer.

Note: Using 18 AWG (0.75 mm

) multi-wire sprinkler

valve connection cable is recommended. This cable

is insulated for direct burial and is color-coded to sim-

plify installation.

2. Attach the white color-coded wire from the cable to

one

wire from each valve solenoid. (Either solenoid

wire can be used for this connection.) This is called

the

valve common wire.

3. Attach a separate cable wire to the remaining wire

from each valve solenoid. Make a note of the wire

color code used for each valve and the watering zone

it controls. You will need to have this information

when connecting the valve wires to the timer.

4. Use screw-on wire fasteners to secure each wire con-

nection. Waterproof all connections with grease caps

or simular insulation method.

5. Route the wire cable into the timer. Strip insulation

back 1/2" (13mm) from all cable wires.

Note: The ECx has snap-in wire terminals. To attach

wires, simply raise the lever, insert the stripped wire,

and press the lever down to secure.

6. Referring to the Timer Components on page 5 and the

diagram above, secure the valve common wire to the

terminal labeled COM (11). Connect the individual

zone valve wires to the appropriate zone module ter-

minals (14). Connect the master valve wire (if applica-

ble) to the terminal labeled PUMP/MV (10).

Note: Connecting a master valve (or pump relay) is

optional and may not be required in your sprinkler

system.

Connecting The Valves

1 23

SENSOR

SENSOR 24VAC

FUSE

ALK

NiCad

DELAY 24HR

12HR

9V Battery

OFF

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

14 11 10

Valve Common

Zone Valves

Master

Valve

(Optional)

Caution: To prevent timer damage, ensure the

relay current draw does not exceed 0.35 Amps. Do

not connect the timer directly to the pump starter.

1. Route a wire pair from the pump relay into the timer

housing

2. Connect one wire to the terminal labeled COM (11).

Connect the remaining wire to the terminal labeled

PUMP/MV (10) as shown below.

Caution: To prevent pump damage due to “dead-

heading”, connect a jumper wire from any unused

zone terminal to a zone terminal with a valve con-

nected.

Caution: Do not plug the transformer into an elec-

trical outlet until all of the wiring procedures have

been completed.

1. Ensure the transformer is unplugged.

2. Connect one transformer cable wire to each terminal

labeled 24 VAC (9). The wires can be connected to

either terminal.

Connecting The TransformerConnecting A Pump Start Relay

SENSOR

SENSOR 24VAC PUMP/MV

COM

FUSE

NiCad

DELAY 24HR

12HR

9V Battery

OFF

1 2 3 4

5 6

Transformer

123

SENSOR

SENSOR 24VAC

FUSE

ALK

NiCad

DELAY 24HR

12HR

9V Battery

OFF

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

10 11

Pump

Relay

Valve Common

Jumper Wire

(Optional)

The Toro Rain Switch (model # 53221) is a remote rain

sensing device which can be connected directly to your

ECx to automatically interrupt watering during rain.

A sensor bypass switch is provided in the ECx which

enables the Rain Switch operation to be turned On and

Off.

When the Rain Switch absorbs rain water it automatically

signals the ECx to suspend all watering operations. The

“No Watering” symbol will appear in the upper right

corner of the display until the Rain Switch drys out and

automatically resets. The “No Watering” symbol will dis-

appear and timer operation will resume as programmed.

1. Route the wire cable from Toro Rain Switch into the

timer housing with the valve wires.

2. The Rain Switch cable has four wires: two copper

wires and two silver wires. Only two of the wires are

used. Connect the heavier 18 AWG (0.75mm

) copper

wire and the thin 24 AWG (0.50mm

) silver wire to the

terminals labeled SENSOR (8). Trim off the remaining

two cable wires.

3. Set Sensor Switch (6) as required: ON allows the

Rain Switch to interrupt watering; OFF bypasses the

Rain Switch input.

Connecting A Toro Rain Switch

SENSOR

24VAC 24VAC

FUSE

ALK

NiCad

DELAY 24HR

12HR

9V Battery

OFF

Toro Rain Switch

The ECx timer has three modes of operation: Automatic,

Manual and Off. In the Automatic mode the timer tracks

the time and day and operates the automatic watering

schedules. The Manual mode enables the watering pro-

grams to be started and controlled manually at any time.

The Off mode shuts off all watering activity and prevents

any zones from operating automatically or manually.

The Rain Delay and Season Adjust control features are

provided to enable quick, temporary changes in operation

to help compensate for variables in weather and season.

Each of the operating modes and control features are

explained in this section of the guide and can be found

on the following pages:

• Automatic Operation, page 26

• Manual Operations, page 27 & 28

• Turning Off The ECx, page 29

• Using the Rain Delay Feature, page 29

• Using the Season Adjust Feature, page 30

In the Automatic mode, the ECx keeps track of the cur-

rent time, day of the week and the automatic watering

program schedule. Automatic operation will occur when-

ever a programmed watering day and start time match

the current time and day.

The Automatic mode is selected when the control dial is

in the

AUTO/ON position. While in the automatic mode,

the display will show two types of information:

status and operation.

This illustration shows the

status display. In this

example the current time is

2:45

PM and the current

day is Monday. Programs

A and B are active on

Monday.

When watering starts, the operating display appears and

is shown for the duration of the program.

In this example, program

is operating. Zone 1 is

watering and has 10 min-

utes of run time remaining.

Zones 2, 3 and 4 will oper-

ate during this program.

Note: If the control dial remains in any other position

(except

OFF) for more than 8 minutes, the timer reverts to

the Automatic mode.

The

PROGRAMS switch is not functional in the Automatic

Mode.

Automatic Operation

Timer Operation

Flashing

Manual control operations enable the automatic watering

programs to be started at any time. During operation

temporary changes can be made to increase or

decrease zone run time, step through the watering zone

sequence and pause or stop watering. Upon completion

of a manual watering operation the timer will return to the

Automatic mode.

Starting Programs Manually

Watering programs can be started individually or set to

start in order. When one program finishes the next

selected program will operate.

Ensure the control dial is in the

AUTO/ON position.

Position the

PROGRAMS switch to select a program

you wish to start.

Press the

MANUAL START button.

4. To select additional programs, repeat step and .

Note: Additional programs set to start will operate

one at a time in alphabetical order regardless of the

order they were selected. Each program letter will be

displayed as it is selected. The program currently

operating is indicated by the flashing letter.

Manual Operation

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

PGM A B

1234

Flashing

Example: Program A is operating. Program B will start

when program A is finished.

The following watering control features enable you to fur-

ther control the watering program during operation.

All watering control features apply to watering programs

started manually

and automatically.

To Pause Watering

Press the +/ON and –/OFF buttons at the same time.

• The zone currently watering will shut off.

• The “Watering On” symbol will begin flashing.

• The display will show the amount of run time remain-

ing for the paused zone.

Note: If watering is not resumed within 8 minutes, all

watering operations will be canceled and the timer will

return to the automatic mode.

To Resume Watering (when paused)

Press the NEXT button.

• Watering activity will resume from the point of inter-

ruption.

To Cancel Watering

Press the +/ON and –/OFF buttons at the same time -

two times

• All watering operations will be canceled and the timer

will return to the automatic mode.

Note: Placing the control dial in the OFF position for

two seconds, then back to

AUTO/ON will also cancel

all watering operations.

To Skip Zones

Press the NEXT button one time.

• The zone currently watering will shut off and the next

zone will start.

• If the last zone is skipped, the program will end. If

additional programs have been set to operate the

next program in alphabetical order will start.

To Adjust The Zone Run Time

Press the +/ON button to increase run time or the –/OFF

button to decrease run time.

• If the zone run time is decreased to less than 1

minute, the zone will shut off. The next zone in

sequence will start.

• The zone run time is changed during this operation

only. The program memory will not be changed.

Watering Control Features

When the control dial is turned to the OFF position, the

timer immediately shuts off any watering operation cur-

rently in progress. Leaving the control dial in the

OFF

position will prevent all automatic and manual watering

operations. The timer will continue to track the current

time and day of the week.

For extended shutdown of the

sprinkler system leave the control

dial in the

OFF position.

The word OFF will be displayed

for 8 minutes. The automatic sta-

tus display will then appear with

the “No Watering” symbol as

shown in this illustration.

Automatic operation is resumed by turning the control

dial to the

AUTO/ON position.

This feature enables all watering operations to be

delayed from 1 to 7 days. For example, rain is forecast in

your area for the next two days. Instead of turning the

timer off (and possibly forgetting to turn it back on), a

rain delay of 3 days can be easily entered. At the end of

3 days, the timer will resume automatic operation as

scheduled.

Turn the control dial to the

RAIN DELAY position. The

rain delay display will begin alternating with the auto-

matic status display.

To set the number of rain delay days, press the

+/ON

or –/OFF button until the desired number (1–7) is

flashing.

Return the control dial the control to the

AUTO/ON

position.

Note: The rain delay number will automatically

decrease as each day passes. When the number

reaches 0 (zero), automatic operation will resume at

the next scheduled start time.

To cancel the rain delay, turn the control dial

momentarily (3 seconds) to the

OFF position.

Using The Rain Delay Feature

Turning Off The ECx

PGM A

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

Flashing

Changes in season and temperature generally require a

change in zone run time to maintain a healthy landscape

and conserve water. The season adjust feature enables

you to change the run time of all zones assigned to a pro-

gram, simultaneously up or down, in 10% increments –

with just the press of a button. Adjustments can be

reduced to 10% or increased to 200% of the programmed

run time of each zone.

A 50% setting, for example, would decrease a 20-minute

zone run time to 10 minutes. Increases however, work a

little differently. With any adjustment above 100%, the

ECx will first increase the run time by the adjustment

percentage, then split the time in half and run the water-

ing program twice. This allows the water to soak-in

instead of pooling or running off. For example, adjusting

to 150% would first increase a 20-minute zone run time

to 30 minutes, then split the time in half and run two

watering cycles back-to-back with 15 minutes in each

operation. During operation the % symbol will flash to

indicate a multiple watering operation.

Note: All zone run times are retained in the timer memory

and returned to their set value when the season adjust is

reset to 100%. The only time a zone run time will appear

changed is during operation.

Turn the control dial to the

SEASON ADJUST position.

The season adjust display will be shown and 100%

will be flashing.

Check the

PROGRAMs switch setting. If necessary,

reposition the switch to select the desired program.

Press the

+/ON or –/OFF until the desired adjustment

value is flashing.

4. To apply the Season Adjust feature to another pro-

gram, repeat steps and .

Return the control dial the

AUTO/ON position.

Using The Season Adjust Feature

PGM A

MANUAL

START

AUTO / ON

SET TIME / DAY

SET ZONE

RUN TIMES

SEASON

ADJUST

OFF

RAIN

DELAY

SET

WATERING

DAYS

SET

PROGRAM

START

TIMES

OFF

PROGRAMS

A 0.75 Amp fuse protects the timer from damage due to

power surges and excessive current draw through the

Zone Modules. Before replacing the fuse, check for the

probable cause, such as a shorted or improperly connect-

ed control valve wire, then replace the fuse as follows:

1. Unplug the transformer from the wall receptacle.

2. Remove the lower front cover from the timer housing

by sliding it downward.

3. Carefully remove the blown fuse from the retaining

clip.

4. Remove the replacement fuse from the back side of

lower cover and install it into fuse retaining clip.

CAUTION: Never install a higher amperage fuse!

Severe damage to the timer can result.

5. Install the lower front cover.

6. Plug the transformer into the wall receptacle.

1. Turn the control dial to the

OFF position.

2. Remove the lower front cover from the timer housing

by sliding it downward.

3. Place the back of the zone module squarely between

the guides of the first open expansion slot (from left to

right). Pushing lightly on the bottom of the module,

slide it upward until it locks into position.

4. To connect the valve wires, refer to “Connecting The

Valves” on page 23.

5. Install the lower front cover.

6. To set the zone run time, refer to “Setting Zone Run

Times” on page 21.

7. To test the operation of the new watering zone(s),

refer to “Manual Operations” on pages 27 and 28.

Adding A Zone Module

Replacing The Fuse

Service and Specifications

VAC

FUSE

iCad

DELAY 24HR

12HR

7 8

WARNING

REMOVE TRANSFORMER FROM POWER SOURCE

PRIOR TO SERVICING THE FUSE. FAILURE TO

COMPLY MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR DAM-

AGE TO TIMER.

If you are having a problem with the timer, check the following symptoms, possible causes and remedies. If

the problem cannot be resolved or you would like assistance with any Toro irrigation product, call our toll-free

Toro Help Line, 1-800-367-8676 Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)

Troubleshooting

Possible Cause

The battery is dead and one or more

of the following causes:

Blown fuse.

Transformer wires disconnected or

the transformer is unplugged.

Open circuit breaker to wall plug

receptacle.

Watering programs have overlapping

schedules.

Faulty control valve wire connections.

Zone run time is turned Off.

Control valve problem.

More than one start time on the

program.

Season Adjust setting greater than

100%.

Remedy

Replace the battery and one or

more of the following:

Replace the fuse. See page 31.

Check the transformer connections.

Check circuit breaker at service.

Shorten zone run times and/or

space start times farther apart.

Check the wire connections at the

control valve and controller.

Enter a zone run time. See page 21.

Inspect, clean and/or replace the

valve solenoid.

Remove additional program start

times. See page 22.

Set Season Adjust to 100%. See

page 32.

Symptom

The display is blank and the

timer does not operate.

Watering programs start at

unscheduled times.

Watering zone does not turn on.

Watering zone does not turn off.

Program restarts unexpectedly

after the completion of an auto-

matic operation.

Transformer: Plug-In Class 2, UL Listed, CSA Certified

Input: 120 VAC 50/60 Hz

Output: 24 VAC 50/60 Hz; 0.75 Amps

Fuse: 0.75 Amp, Fast Blow – Protects AC Return

Maximum Load Per Zone:

0.35 Amps @ 24 VAC @ 140° F

Maximum Load For Pump/Master Valve:

0.35 Amps @ 24 VAC @ 140° F

Total Maximum Output: 1 Zone plus Pump,

not to exceed 0.70 Amps @ 24 VAC @ 140° F

Battery Type and Back-Up Duration:

9-Volt Alkaline – 72 hrs. or 9-Volt NiCad – 24 hrs.

Recommended Control Valve Wire Size:

8 AWG (0.75 mm

)

Housing: Plastic, indoor, wall mount,

8" W x 8" H x 2" D (20cm W x 20cm H x 5cm D)

The Toro Promise – Limited One Year Warranty

The Toro Company warrants, to the owner, each new piece of equipment

(featured in the current catalog at date of installation) against defects in

material and workmanship provided they are used for irrigation purposes

under manufacturer’s recommended specifications for the period

described below. Product failures due to acts of God (i.e., lightning, flood-

ing, etc.) are not covered by this warranty.

Toro is not liable for failure of products not manufactured by Toro even

though such products may be sold or used in conjunction with Toro prod-

ucts.

During

such warranty period, Toro will repair or replace, at its option, any

part found to be defective. Toro’s liability is limited solely to the replace-

ment or repair of defective parts. All other express and implied warranties

are specifically disclaimed.

Return the defective part to the place of purchase.

This warranty does not apply where equipment is used, or installation is

performed, in any manner contrary to Toro’s specifications and instruc-

tions, nor where equipment is altered or modified.

Toro is not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages in

connection with the use of equipment, including but not limited to:

vegetation loss, the cost of substitute equipment or services

required during periods of malfunction or resulting non-use, proper-

ty damage or personal injury resulting from installer’s actions,

whether negligent or otherwise.

All implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness

for use, are limited to the duration of this express warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other

rights which vary from state to state.

WarrantySpecifications

March 1996 Rev. A Irrigation Division • Riverside, California 370-0050

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to com-

ply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to

provide reasonable protection against harmful interfer-

ence in a residential installation. This equipment gener-

ates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if

not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,

may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not

occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does

harmful interference to radio or television reception,

which can be determined by turning the equipment off

and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the inter-

ference by one or more of the following measures:

FCC Rules

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit differ-

ent from that to which the receiver is connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV techni-

cian for help.

The user may find the following booklet prepared by the

Federal Communications Commission helpful:

“How To Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference

Problems”. This booklet is available from the U.S.

Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.