Decoder System Design

The ACC Controller family is available in two-wire decoder configurations. It is also possible to convert a conventional ACC family controller to two-wire decoder operation, by removing the conventional output modules and inserting the ADM-99 Decoder Output Module. For purposes of this section of our website, "conventional" or "conventionally-wired" means control systems having a separate wire terminal for each station output, running from the controller to each system solenoid, as opposed to two-wire decoder control.

The DUAL Difference

The "DUAL" family of decoder products for the I-Core controller were added to the Hunter line in January, 2010. DUAL decoders share many characteristics of the ACC/ICD family, but there are some important differences. Look for "The DUAL Difference" sidebars in this section. They will call attention to important DUAL differences from ICD decoders.

IMPORTANT: DUAL decoders are not compatible with the ACC/ACC2 decoder systems. They are only to be used with the I-Core controller with Dual module installed.

  • Overview
    Decoder in Valve Box Two-wire decoder technology permits control of large irrigation systems, over relatively long distances, by inserting waterproof decoder modules as
  • Wire Specifications & Rules
    Wire, and wire installation, is a key factor in successful decoder installations. Substitution of wire and wire splices is at the installer’s own risk and is the major cause of
  • Wire Connectors
    Waterproof Connectors Wire Slack for Service All connections and splices in the red/blue two-wire path (IDWIRE) must be made with DBRY-6 or equal waterproof connectors.
  • "T" Splicing Decoder Wire
    It is permissible to T-splice decoder wire paths All T-splices must be made in valve boxes with DBRY-6 or equal connectors T-splices consist of making a three way connection
  • Decoder-to-Solenoid Wiring
    Two valves per output From the decoder outputs to the individual solenoids, use standard irrigation wire sized for the length of the run. Wiring from the decoder
  • Decoder Outputs, Power Factors, and Inrush
    The individual decoder station outputs are designed to operate standard 24 VAC irrigation solenoids. While solenoids vary, inrush current is normally around 0.250 Amps AC on a
  • Cable Design Formulas
    Wire Path Length Formula Lw =  2 x Vd x 1,000 Rw x Iw Lw = Wire path length in feet or meters (1 pair wires) Vd = Allowed voltage drop
  • Cables from Decoder to Solenoid(s)
    The general idea of a decoder system is to have one decoder for each solenoid (valve or head) and to have it close to the solenoid. This gives maximum irrigation control, minimum

Hardware & Models

  • Controller Models
    ADM99 output module ACC family controllers may be ordered in decoder versions as complete model numbers. Individual decoder output modules (ADM-99) may also be retrofitted
  • Pump Starts
    1. P/MV terminals 2. P/MV decoders P/MV outputs may connect to the controller, or designated decoders in the two-wire path. Part of the tremendous flexibility of
  • ICD-HP Handheld Programmer
    ICD-HP Handheld Programmer Learn more about ICD-HP ICD-HP cut sheet Hunter's ICD-HP is a unique tool for programming and diagnostics of both ICD and DUAL decoder
  • Sensor Decoder
    The ICD-SEN Sensor Decoder is a special type of decoder module designed to accept inputs (from sensors), rather than outputs to stations. Each ICD-SEN has 2 sensor ports, which
  • Wireless Remote Controls
    ICR remotes manufactured in or after September, 2006, will have 99-station capacity to operate all possible decoder stations. Set Mode to 240 max station size. NOTE: Setting
  • Installation Specifications
    Download Decoder Spec General Cable layout and design is relatively simple for an ACC decoder system. The general rule is to run the two-wire paths in the pipe trenches, so
  • Programming Decoders
    Programming Port The ICD series of decoders are station-programmable. Each decoder arrives with blank station addresses, and the addresses can be assigned from the
  • Central Compatibility
    All decoder versions of the ACC controller accept the full range of Com modules for use as field controllers in central systems. ACC Decoder controllers may be mixed with other
  • Decoder Surge Protection/Grounding
    A good surge protection system works by totally protecting the system from small to medium lightning storm effects, and by minimizing the effect of large lightning storms. The
  • Earth Grounding
    It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ground all electrical equipment installed in relation to the irrigation control system. Grounding components will include, but not be
  • Power Factor
    The Power Factor setting in the controller for each decoder controls how much power the solenoid gets. It is rarely necessary to change from its default value (2). For "heavy duty"
  • Multiple Solenoids
    A maximum of 2 Hunter standard solenoids can be connected to a decoder output. The multi-station decoders can also have 2 solenoids per output, but the amount of outputs that