Download Tech Specifications - Signature Control Systems

TECH SPECIFICATIONS
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications
The field controller/satellite shall be Signature Control Systems Model ADC, CDC, and GDC, as
specified on the drawings.
The field controller/satellite shall be configured to operate as required within the Signature
enclosure format as specified on the drawings. The enclosure configurations shall be Signature part
number(s) SWME, LWME, SDPE and PDPE.
The field controller/satellite shall be capable of being upgraded to control further field decoders
by inserting decoder modulator boards [Signature part number ACDEC1]. Each ACDEC1 shall be
capable of controlling 125- Signature Decoders, [Signature part number AD1, AD2 & AD4].
The field controller/satellite shall not be limited to operating Signature style decoders only, but
shall allow for operation of various decoder models as manufactured by others. Each field
controller/satellite shall be capable of operating a maximum of 6 - Signature Modulator boards [Signature
part number ACDEC1]. The limitation shall be provided by the external decoder wiring configuration and
the required decoder operating voltage.
The field controller/satellite shall be capable of being upgraded in the field to control decoders,
valves, or pumps via inserting valve modules [Signature part number ACVLV0, ACVLV1, ACVLV016,
ACVLV116 and ACVL216].
The field controller/satellite shall be capable of reading 2-remote pulse-sensors for purposes of
data acquisition. The field controller/satellite shall be capable of connection to sensor board [Signature
part number ACANSC] to read industrial linear sensors capable of transmitting0/4-20mA signals.
Calibration of the sensors shall be done directly via the field controller/satellite’s front panel and not via
an external device.
The field controller/satellite shall be capable of being fitted with an optional remote VHF-radioreceiver [Signature part number ACVRHCI] to receive operation instructions transmitted by a VHF handheld radio [Signature part number AC13VHK]. Each field controller/satellite shall be capable of receiving
and responding to such commands without the intervention or requirement for a central computer.
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
The field controller/satellite shall be microprocessor-based, solid-state and field upgradeable. The
field controller/satellite shall be of a modular-based design. It shall provide for digital communications
technology capable of fully automatic and manual programming and in-field operation. All
communication modules, interfaces, radios, phone modems, etc., shall be easily installed in the field and
removable from the front of the cabinet.
The field controller/satellites shall require 117 VAC (100 VAC minimum to 129 VAC maximum)
at 60Hz input power or 220/240 VAC (200 VAC minimum to 260 VAC maximum) at 50Hz input power.
Each unit shall have a step-down transformer for 117 VAC input power to approx. 33.5 VAC output
power or 220/240 VAC input power to 33.5 VAC output power for the operation of solenoid remote
control valves and/or valve-in-head sprinklers.
The SWME style field controller/satellite shall have a durable steel cabinet with baked epoxycoated enamel finish, complete with a gasketed door, key-operated lock and shall be suitable for wall
mounting.
The SDPE style field controller/satellite shall have a durable, heavy-duty stainless steel pedestal
with baked epoxy-coated enamel finish, complete with front and rear entry gasketed doors, fitted with
key-operated lock and shall be suitable for concrete pad mounting (concrete pad provided by others)or
Signature Quick-Pad mounting [Signature part number ACSDPEQP].
The PDPE style field controller/satellite shall have a durable, heavy-duty plastic pedestal cabinet
with front and rear splash proof sealed doors, lid with key-operated lock and shall be suitable for concrete
pad mounting (concrete pad provided by others)or Signature Quick-Pad mounting [Signature part number
ACPDPEQP].
The field controller/satellite shall be capable of being operated in standalone mode, satellite peerto-peer mode, or satellite mode, dependent on the product type chosen at time of purchase. The field
controller/satellite shall be programmable in the field to insert all manufacturers’ updates without the need
to remove any integrated modules.
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
The field controller/satellite shall be operated in either local or central control mode and will be
able to perform any satellite specific manual and/or automatic functions in all modes. These modes shall
be automatic to the operator and shall not rely on operator intervention.
The field controller/satellite shall be protected against electrical surge at all incoming and
outgoing wiring connections.
The field controller/satellite shall be capable of being fitted with increased incoming mains surge
suppressor modules on the incoming mains supply wires [Signature part number SPNTI] and increased
outgoing mains surge suppressor modules on the control wires [Signature part number TWSPK].
The field controller/satellite shall be further protected from electrical surges on the control wires
with the further installation of grounding surge suppression kits [Signature part number TWSGK] with infield surge suppression kits [Signature part number TWSPK].
The control panel shall have a large 80-character alphanumeric, back-lit liquid crystal display
(LCD) to show operation information and diagnostic data. The field controller/satellite's control panel
shall have 16 large, raised buttons with clear, descriptive icons and English labeling.
The control panel shall be capable of being removed whilst the field controller/satellite still
operates as programmed and accepts instructions from remote devices.
The field controller/satellite shall be programmable in English with an optional second language
installed. The optional second languages shall be to include the following languages at minimum; Dutch,
German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian.
The field controller/satellite shall not be limited to a number of irrigation programs, but shall
allow for individual output station control which can have different start times, watering days, day cycles
and station timing. All programming shall not be limited to 7- or 14-day operation, but shall permit for
365- day calendar programming. Each station shall have a minimum of 8 start times per day.
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
The field controller/satellite shall provide each independent station the capability of station
operating durations of 0-23 hours and 59 minutes, in 1-second increments. Controller station operation
shall be of automatic sequential stacking to avoid overlapping operation, unless programmed to overlap.
Programs will run on an ODD/EVEN day cycle, day-of-the-week/month ON/OFF cycle, or in cycles from
1-365 days. In addition, the controller shall have a programmable rain shutdown from 1-99 days. The
controller shall be capable of being programmed for a complete 12-month period with each day and
station uniquely programmed, either from the central computer or via the keypad.
The field controller/satellite when configured in peer-to-peer mode or central control mode shall
be capable of connecting to and monitoring ET, flow, pressure, temperature, rainfall, etc., from sensors
mounted on the communication network and shall transmit unsolicited messages to any field
controller/satellite, which requires the measured data for program adjustments, reporting, or alarm paging.
This scheme shall be independent of any central computer connected to the field controller/satellite
system.
The field controller/satellite shall have multiple user-definable master valve/remote pump-start
circuits for use with a master valve to pressurize the system when the irrigation cycle starts, or to activate
a remote pump-start relay to run the pump during the irrigation cycle.
The field controller/satellite shall be capable of being operated fully, manually or semiautomatically at any time via a remote field controller/satellite or remote devices such as VHF style
handheld radios, mobile phones, laptop computer or PDA’s or Tablet PC’s. Signature Decoder Controller
Specifications.
The field controller/satellite shall be internet compatible with the addition of modems with
internet protocols & dependencies [Signature part number Sat/***/***/*/5]. The field controller shall be
Ethernet compatible with the addition of modems with LAN protocols & dependencies [Signature
part number Sat/***/***/E/*]. The field controller shall be BlueTooth compatible with the addition of
modems with internet protocols & dependencies [Signature part number Sat/***/***/B/*].
The field controller shall be Wi-Fi [802.11g] compatible with the addition of modems with
Signature protocols & dependencies [Signature part number Sat/***/***/W/*]. The field controller shall
be SMSSIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
Messaging compatible with the addition of modems with mobile phone protocols & dependencies
[Signature part number’s Sat/***/***/3/*, Sat/***/***/4/*, Sat/***/***/5/*].
The field controller/satellite shall have Signature “Peer-to-Peer” communication technology and
shall be capable or responding to instructions sent from other remotely located Signature field controllers
on the same communications network, without the need for a central computer and Signature central
software.
The field controller/satellite shall have an internal non-volatile memory, which will retain the
irrigation program and the programmed date and time for a minimum of 10 years without any power.
The field controller/satellite shall be equipped to support an optional 2-watt digital radio and modem
directly, without the need for any communication module. If fitted with radio, the field controller/satellite
shall be able to operate on any FCC-approved UHF, VHF, or unlicensed Spread Spectrum frequency. The
radio shall be fully programmable and shall be configurable on site and shall support 60-channel units as
hereinafter specified or as directed.
Each field controller/satellite shall be capable of utilizing standard telephone, cellular phone,
point-to-point radio (450-470 MHz [UHF]; 150-174 MHz [VHF]), spread-spectrum radio (902-960 MHz
[USA]; 2.4000-2.4835 GHz [INT]), or a directly connected serial cable as a communication link to the
central computer or remote handheld device. If fitted with radio, the field controller/satellites shall also
have a domed hood antenna mounted on the enclosure or integrated into the pedestal cabinet and the
antenna coaxial cable connected directly to the radio unit.
The field controller/satellite shall operate on a multiple communication platform. Each field
controller/satellite shall be factory-set to accept hybrid communication configurations. These units shall
be capable of cross platform communication, meaning hard-wire to radio and vice versa, including UHF
to VHF and/or Spread Spectrum, in any combination thereof. The central software shall download new or
updated control data to all field controller/satellites for operation as programmed from the central, and the
field controller/satellite shall operate as programmed. The field controller/satellites shall operate as
programmed for the calendar period defined, without any intervention from the central system.
The field controller/satellite shall communicate solicited or unsolicited data back to the central
system, other satellites, or to any other approved Signature remote devices.
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
The field controller/satellite shall be equipped with Signature Smart-Switch™ to facilitate manual
operation of station outputs without the need to alter programs or the usage of mechanical switches. The
technology will provide for data communication into the network of occurrences when any outputs are
activated.
The field controller/satellites can be operated in any mode, including random operation of any
individual stations, and shall not be required to operate in numerical sequence.
The field controller/satellites shall be capable of multi-station operation as programmed at the
central computer, remote handheld device, remote laptop computer, or via the front panel
All communications shall be two-way, with each field controller/satellite being able to send unsolicited
messages to any receiver programmed by the user. Two-way communication, from the central to the
satellites and from the satellites back to the central, shall be by digital data signals and shall not be tone
based or AC-voltage based signals. The network of field controller/satellites and central software shall
use these signals to verify and log all satellite and network activity. The maximum length of decoder
cable between the field controller/satellite and all decoders connected, shall be calculated where the
minimum voltage present at the furthest decoder connection point, shall be 19VAC. The cable routing
shall not be restricted to individual single runs, but shall be capable of being looped back to the controller,
either configured in a single path, a star configuration or in multiple spurs, whereby the total cable length
shall not exceed the technical current draw depleting operating voltage to less than 19VAC.
The field controller shall be capable of being fitted with decoder modulator cards [Signature part
number ACDEC1] to further control Signature decoder modules mounted on Signature Decoder Control
Cable and in accordance with SIGNATURE CABLING / WIRING SPECIFICATION.
All splices in the station output wiring and all underground connections shall be made using approved
direct burial splice kits. All underground wire joints and connections shall be in the standard-size valve
boxes, except at solenoids and terminal stop connections.
The field controller/satellite shall allow for low-voltage station output wiring compatible with
type UF, single-conductor, annealed soft-copper wire with 4/64" thick PVC insulation jacket. Wires shall
be of the sizes indicated on the drawings and of the colors indicated or directed. Line conditioners shall be
installed at the main electrical panel and on the circuit supplying the field controller/satellite units. Unit
shall be for 120 Volt, single-phase power rated for 100 Amps or 240 Volt, single-phase power rated for
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
100 Amps. It shall have a discharge capacity of 10,000 Amps at an 8 x 20 second pulse. The 120 Volt
devices shall have a clamping voltage of 130 Volts and a response time of 1.5 N/sec and the 240 Volt
devices, shall have a clamping voltage of 250 Volts and a response time of 1.5 N/sec. Surge arrestor shall
be CSA and UL approved. At the time of installation, each field controller/satellite shall be fitted with a
mains surge suppressor [Signature part number SPNTI] on the incoming mains supply line.
The field controller/satellite shall be properly grounded and in accordance with Signature Control
Systems; SIGNATURE EARTH GROUNDING SPECIFICATION and ASIC Guideline 100-2002.
The controller shall be CUL, &/or CSA, listed for North America, and CE listed for Europe.
The field controller/satellites shall be as shown on the drawings or as instructed and shall be
manufactured and furnished by Signature Control Systems Inc., Irvine, California.
The decoders shall be Signature Control Systems decoder Model AD-1, AD-2 and AD-4. The
decoders shall be capable of controlling one, two or four 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 decoders shall be controlled exclusively via a field controller/satellite and such field
controller/satellite shall be Signature Control Systems ADC, CDC and GDC models as specified on the
drawings.
The decoder shall be programmed via a digital programming device and shall not rely on
mechanical switches for address programming [Signature part number ACPROG].
The decoder shall be controlled via a digital signal communicated down the cable whilst connected to the
decoder modulator [Signature part number ACDEC1] as mounted in the field controller/satellite.
The decoder shall be programmable such that each decoder output can be individually controlled
via instructions from the field controller/satellite.
The decoder shall respond to all control commands and shall transmit electrical diagnostic data
back to the field controller for further analysis.
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
The field decoders shall be as shown on the drawings or as instructed and shall be manufactured and
furnished by Signature Control Systems Inc., Irvine, California.
Technical Specifications
Model:
AD-1 single field decoder (1 address and 2 solenoids)
AD-2 dual field decoder (2 address and up to 2 solenoids per address)
AD-4 four-in-one field decoder (4 addresses and 2 solenoids per address)
Controller to Decoder Specifications: Power Draw:
AD-1: 1 mA (idle) 10 mA (per active solenoid) AD-2: 1 mA (idle) 10 mA (per active solenoid) AD-4: 1
mA (idle) 10 mA (per active solenoid) Dimensions:
AD-1, AD-2, AD-4: Length: 3.5 in. (89 mm), Width: 1.2 in. (31 mm), Depth: 1.2 in. (31 mm)
Surge Protection:
AD-1, AD-2, AD-4:: 40 V, 1.5 kW transient Protection *
* Integrated within decoder. Requires optional grounding rod [Signature part number TWSGK] and
optional field surge protection device for extra protection from surges [Signature part number TWSPK].
Mounting and Encapsulation:
In valve box or direct burial. Fully waterproof for direct emersion into casual water
Address: Fully field programmable using field programmer [Signature part number ACPROG].
Electrical Input:
Nominal voltage: 34V peak-to-peak (24V AC) Minimum voltage: 19 V peak-to-peak (15V AC)
Standby Current: AD-1, AD-2 & AD-4: 1 mA
Output Power: Adjustable from field controller for specific manufacturers’ decoders, if optional highpower transformer is fitted.
Electrical Output:
Max. Voltage: 33.5 VAC Max. Load:
AD-1: 1 Signature solenoids (2 per address) AD-2: 2 Signature solenoids (2 per address) AD-4: 4
Signature solenoids (2 per address) Maximum Output Load:
AD-1: 1 or 2 Signature solenoids simultaneously; Single station control [1-address] *
AD-2: 1 to 4 Signature solenoids simultaneously; Individual station control [2-addresses] *
AD-4: 1 to 8 Signature solenoids simultaneously; Individual station control [4-addresses] *
* Number and performance depends on position of decoder in relation with cable length and type.
Connections:
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
AD-1: x to cable, x to cable, black to solenoid & white to solenoid
AD-2: x to cable, x to cable, black to solenoid & white to solenoid
AD-4: x to cable, x to cable, black to solenoid & white to solenoid
Maximum Cable Runs*:
APPROXIMATE values for 14 gauge (1. 5mm²)); Star: 1 mile; Loop: 2 miles
* Determined by the current Signature Decoder Run- Length Application Note.
Total Electrical Resistance*:
Max. 5 ohms - Calculated from controller output with all decoders connected and splices made.
Signature recommends using 3M DBYelectrical connectors for all connections.
Decoder to Solenoid Specifications: Total Decoder Load Output:
Max. 5 ohms
Max. Distance Decoder/Solenoids: Max. Cable length: 14 gauge: 450 feet Minimum cabling
requirements:
2 x 14-gauge (1.5 mm²) stranded copper, 1 x earth ground,
UF insulated type
2 x 14-gauge (1.5 mm²) solid copper, 1 x earth ground UF insulated type
Environment:
Working range: 32° to 122° F (0° to 50° C) Storage range: -4° to 158° F (-20 to 70° C) Humidity: 100%
& P7318 Twisted [3-conductor]
The decoder control cable shall be Paige Electric Co. model P7313, 2/C control-cable or P7318 3/C
control- cable to operate valve decoders consisting of 14AWG10AWG solid conductors, insulated with PVC and having low density high molecular weight
polyethylene insulation twisted, suitable for direct burial applications for operation up to 600volts and
conductor temperatures up to 60ºC, as specified on the drawing. The conductors shall be soft drawn bare
copper meeting the requirements of ASTM specification B-3 or B-8. The cable shall be tested physically
and electrically in accordance with UL Standard 493 and 83 (paragraphs 28.1, 29.1 and 29.2). All reels
and cartons shall bear UL labels. The cable shall have a temperature rating of 55ºC + 60ºC.
The cable shall have an insulation thickness of no less than 0.060” with conductor colors are black, red
and reduced green for P7318 & blue and red for P7313. Conductors shall be twisted with a 4” lay.
The cable shall be able to pass the following tests without showing signs of degradation.
COLD BEND: The insulation shall not show any cracks when sample is bent around a mandrel of 3 x
wire diameter, after being subjected to -55°C ± 1°C for one (1) hour.
ELECTRICAL: AC test voltage, 5 minutes at 3,000 volts.
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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TECH SPECIFICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL AGING: Immersed for 14 days in concentrated solutions of fertilizers, herbicides
and insecticides.
Splicing Recommendations: Splicing shall be accomplished using 3M DBY connectors. PVC adhesives
or sealing compounds shall be utilized. Surface marked with Paige-Electric, PE- 60, voltage rating, size
and type, and UL file number. The irrigation control cable P7313 &/or P7318 shall be manufactured by
Paige Electric Co. L.P. Union, New Jersey.
SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR THE LATEST PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, VISIT SIGNATURECONTROLSYSTEMS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR SIGNATURE SALES REPRESENTATIVE.
Signature Decoder Controller Specifications [REVISION 3/2015]
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