Cycle and Soak

NOTE: The hidden features described below can only be entered by starting with the dial in the RUN position and holding down various buttons while the knob is turned to various setup positions. This makes it virtually impossible for someone to stumble onto these features.

Cycle and Soak

The Cycle and Soak feature allows the user to split each station’s run time into more usable, shorter duration waterings. This feature is particularly applicable for slopes and tight soil (such as clay) because Cycle and Soak will help prevent excessive run off. You should enter the Cycle time as a fraction of the station’s watering time and the Soak time as the minimum soak required before watering the next portion. The total number of cycles is determined by taking the total programmed station run time and dividing it by the Cycle time.

For example: Suppose Station 1 required 20 minutes worth of water but after only 5 minutes, runoff occurred. However, after 10 minutes all the water was absorbed. The solution would be to program 20 minutes for the Station Run Time, 5 minutes for the Cycle time, and 10 minutes for the Soak. Station 1 will then water for 5 minutes and then the rest of the stations in the program will water. After all the other stations have watered the controller will check to see if Station 1 had soaked for at least 10 minutes. If it had, then Station 1 will water for another 5 minutes. This process would continue to repeat itself until Station 1 watered 4 times for 5 minutes each time, a total of 20 minutes.

  1. Start with the dial in the RUN position.
  2. Press and hold the button down while turning the dial to the SET STATION RUN TIMES position.
  3. Release the button. At this point, the display will show the station number, the cycle time will be blinking. The CYCLE and soak icons will also be lit.
  4. Press the or buttons to increase or decrease the cycle time from 1 to 60 minutes in 1 minute increments.
  5. Press the key to advance to the next station and its cycle time.
  6. Pressing the key will display the previous station and its cycle time.
  7. Return the Dial to the RUN position after setting all the cycle and soak times.