How do I manually run Rain Bird ESP me?

Rain Bird’s ESP-Me Series of irrigation controllers offer professional-grade capabilities in an easy-to-use design perfect for residential applications. Although ESP-Me controllers have simplified programming and scheduling with a wizard-based interface, some homeowners may still want to manually run their irrigation system at times.

When to Manually Run an ESP-Me Irrigation System

There are a few key times when manually operating your ESP-Me sprinkler system can come in handy:

• Testing the system – After installing a new ESP-Me controller or making changes like adding new zones, you’ll want to manually test that everything is working properly.
• Supplementary watering – If the weather has been hotter or drier than usual, manually starting a cycle can supplement automatic schedules.
• Targeted watering – Running a specific zone manually is useful for newly planted areas, recent sod, or making repairs.
• Avoiding schedules – Manually running zones lets you water on days where automatic schedules are prohibited.

While ESP-Me controllers do the bulk of the scheduling work for you, taking manual control gives you added flexibility when you need it.

How to Manually Start an ESP-Me Zone

The process for manually turning on a zone is quick and straightforward. Here are the steps:

1. From the home screen, press the dial down once to highlight “Manual Operations”.
2. Press the dial again to select it. This will bring up the “Manual Operations” menu.
3. Turn the dial to highlight the zone you want to start. The zones will be listed as numbers, like ZONE 1, ZONE 2, etc.
4. With the desired zone highlighted, press the dial once to start that zone. A “Manual Start” icon will display.
5. The zone will run its programmed runtime and then shut off automatically. Repeat steps for any additional zones.
6. Press the left arrow button to return to the home screen when finished.

That’s all there is to it! Just a few clicks of the dial allow you to easily run any zone whenever needed.

How to Manually Adjust Zone Run Times

By default, manually started zones will run for their programmed runtimes. However, you can also customize the runtime for individual manual cycles. Here’s how:

1. From the “Manual Operations” menu, highlight the zone you want to run.
2. Before pressing the dial to start, press the right arrow button once. This will bring up the runtime entry screen.
3. Use the dial to adjust the hours and minutes for that zone cycle. You can set any runtime from 1 minute to 4 hours.
4. With the desired runtime set, press the dial to start the zone. It will run for that customized time.

Being able to tweak zone run times gives you more control for targeting specific landscape needs. For example, you can set a short 15 minute cycle for spot-watering a distressed area without overwatering the surrounding area.

Starting Multiple Zones at Once

The ESP-Me also allows simultaneously running multiple zones for even faster manual watering. To start multiple zones:

1. From the “Manual Operations” menu, press the + button once. The display will change to “Manual Programs”.
2. Select Program A. You can start zones on either Program A or B.
3. Now highlight each zone you want to run and press the dial to turn them on. A “Stacked Cycle” icon will display.
4. Adjust individual runtimes as needed using the right arrow button as explained above.
5. Once all desired zones are selected, press the left arrow button to start them all sequentially.

Running zones concurrently like this allows you to irrigate large areas of your yard efficiently. Just remember that your irrigation system can only run as many zones at a time as you have stations (valves).

Starting Programs Manually

ESP-Me controllers also give you manual control over scheduled programs:

1. From the “Manual Operations” menu, press the + button twice until the display shows “Programs”.
2. Here you can select Program A or Program B just as if you were starting a scheduled cycle.
3. Use the dial to pick the program, then press it to run. The program’s zones will turn on sequentially.
4. Program runtimes cannot be adjusted manually. Zones will run their preset times.

This provides a quick way to start an entire program’s worth of zones with one press of the dial. A handy feature for a quick landscape-wide sprinkling.

Using the Rain Bird ESP-Me App

In addition to the controller interface, the ESP-Me can also be manually controlled using the Rain Bird app for your smartphone or tablet. The app connects to your controller via Wi-Fi and allows remote access from anywhere. To start watering using the app:

1. Open the Rain Bird app and select your ESP-Me controller.
2. Tap the “Manual Watering” button at the bottom.
3. You will then see options to start individual zones, Programs A and B, and Custom Programs.
4. Tap any zone or program to start watering. Adjust runtimes by tapping the time displayed.
5. Monitor active zones and end manual cycles as needed through the app.

With manual control at your fingertips, you can water right from your phone or tablet whether you’re at home, work, or away.

Rain Bird ESP-Me Manual Watering Options

To recap, the ESP-Me controller provides multiple ways to manually start watering whenever needed:

With a simple dial interface and app control, the ESP-Me makes manual watering a breeze. Whether supplementing automatic schedules or targeting specific landscape needs, you can get the precision control you need.

Troubleshooting Manual Operation Issues

Manual watering with the ESP-Me is typically straightforward. But issues can occasionally arise, such as:

Zone won’t start

If a zone won’t start when selected for manual operation, potential causes include:

• Faulty solenoid – The electric zone valve may have failed. Check valves manually and test/replace if needed.
• Faulty wiring – Wiring issues can prevent valves from actuating. Check connections.
• Pump problems – Make sure pump is running and providing adequate pressure.
• Flow sensor fault – Debris or defects can disrupt the flow sensor. Inspect and clean.

Zone won’t shut off

Zones that stay on past their runtime may be caused by:

• Valve stuck open – Debris or damage can prevent the valve from closing fully. Repair/replace valves.
• Controller not cycling off – If multiple zones run continuously, controller programming may be overridden. Reset controller.
• Short circuit – Electrical shorts that constantly activate valves. Check wiring for faults.

App troubleshooting

Mobile app issues can include:

• No connection – Make sure phone and controller are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Out of range – Move closer if controller is too far away for a strong signal.
• Incorrect app setup – Double check app was set up properly for your controller.
• Cycling controller power – Rebooting the controller may resolve temporary software glitches.

Conclusion

While Rain Bird’s ESP-Me irrigation controllers are designed to handle watering schedules automatically, being able to manually start zones and programs is an indispensable feature. Whether starting a test cycle after installing a new system, providing additional water to hot spots, or targeting a specific area for repairs, manual operation gives you the on-demand control you need for a healthy, thriving landscape all season long.