Instructions for a Rainbird ISA 304 Sprinkler Timer

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The Rainbird sprinkling timer automates your watering duties.

The Rainbird ISA 304 automatic sprinkling timer controls up to four stations and offers six pre-set watering cycles as well as the ability to create your own customized schedule, conserving water while protecting your landscape. The "Rain-Off" feature allows you to cancel a watering cycle without losing the program. The "Test" mode steps through the watering cycle in two-minute increments, allowing you to make adjustments to individual sprinkler heads.

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Step 1

Set the correct time and day by turning the programming dial to “Time & Day”; the hour and minutes display will flash. Press the "Advance" button (the right arrow key) until the day is flashing. Press the up or down arrow keys until the correct day appears. Press the "Advance" button again and the hour will flash. Use the arrow keys to set the correct hour, making sure the AM/PM indicator is correct. Press the "Advance" button again and set the minutes in the same way. Turn the programming dial to "Auto/Run" to save the settings.

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Step 2

Select one of the preset watering programs by turning the programming dial to “Pre-set Schedules.” The letter C will flash in the display, indicating the default “Custom” schedule. Use the arrow keys to select one of the following programs: 1: Daily at 8 AM for 10 minutes per station 2: Daily at 6 AM, 10 AM and 2 PM for 5 minutes per station 3: Every other day at 6 AM for 10 minutes per station 4: Every third day at 6 AM for 10 minutes per station 5: Every fourth day at 6 AM for 15 minutes per station

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Step 3

Create a customized watering schedule by modifying one of the preset schedules you programmed above. If you selected the custom schedule C, you can modify the days of the week to run the sprinklers. If you selected programs 1 through 5, you can modify the watering interval (i.e. daily, every other day, every third day, etc.). Turn the dial to “Custom Schedule - Days.” If you are using schedule C, the days of the week appear at the bottom of the display, with "Sunday" flashing. Use the arrow keys to turn watering off or on for that day, and the advance key to move to the next day. If you are using programs 1 through 5, the watering interval appears at the top of the display. Use the arrow keys to select an interval from “Every 1 Days” to “Every 7 Days.”

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Step 4

Continue to customize your schedule by turning the dial to “Custom Schedule - Starts.” Use the advance key to select "Start Time 1," then the arrow keys to adjust the start time in 15-minute increments. Use the advance key again to finish that start time, then the up arrow key to move to the next start time if desired. You can program up to three start times per watering day. Then turn the dial to “Custom Schedule - Duration.” Use the arrow keys to select the desired watering station you want to control. Press the "Advance" key; the duration for that station will flash. Use the arrow keys to set any watering duration from 1 minute to 2 hours, then press the advance key to finish. Repeat the process for the other stations.

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Step 5

Turn the programming dial to “Auto/Run” to finish the programming process and start normal operation. If at any time you wish to cancel watering (on rainy days, for example) simply turn the dial to “Rain/Off.” Don’t forget to turn the dial back to “Auto/Run” to allow the watering to run normally.

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