Step-by-Step Guide

The BaseStation 3200 allows you to configure start, stop, or pause conditions using event switches, moisture sensors, or temperature sensors. These conditions can control when programs begin, terminate, or temporarily suspend irrigation based on external inputs.

Accessing the Start/Stop Settings

1. Turn the dial on your BaseStation 3200 to the Start/Stop dial position.

Understanding Event Switch Condition Types

Each condition type behaves differently when triggered

Start Condition: 
When activated, a start condition initiates a program and runs all zones assigned to that program for their full allotted runtime. Common uses include giving a coach a button to manually start a syringe program for field watering.

Stop Condition: 
A stop condition is a hard stop that immediately terminates any active irrigation. This is useful when you need to halt watering quickly, such as when a program starts while a team is on the field and you need to stop it immediately.

Pause Condition: 
Unlike a stop condition, a pause condition temporarily suspends irrigation. Once the pause condition clears and the allotted pause time expires, the program automatically resumes watering from where it left off.

Setting Up an Event Switch Condition

Event switches use an event decoder connected to a physical switch device to trigger start, stop, or pause conditions.

1. From the Start/Stop dial position, navigate to Event Switch Setup and press Enter.

2. Select whether to apply the condition to all programs or to a specific program. You can set up conditions for individual programs (such as Program 1) or apply them globally to all programs.

3. Press the Next key, then use the Plus or Minus keys to highlight and select the event decoder you want to use for your condition.

4. Once you have selected the program and event decoder, press Next to configure the condition type.

5. Configure your desired condition:

• For a Start condition:
  • Set Start = Open or Start = Closed depending on your switch configuration. The display shows the current contact status (closed or open) from the last reading.
     
• For a Stop condition: 
  • Use the Next key to navigate to the stop option, press Plus/Equals, then select Open or Closed.
     
• For a Pause condition: 
  • Navigate to the pause option and configure it the same way as start or stop conditions.

Setting Up a Moisture Sensor Condition

Moisture sensors allow you to start, stop, or pause irrigation based on soil moisture levels. These are commonly used for landscape irrigation, pond keep-fills, and turf management.

1. From the Start/Stop dial position, navigate to Moisture Control.

2. Select the program you want to control with the moisture sensor.

3. Press Next, then use the Plus or Minus keys to select your moisture sensor.

4. Press Next to configure the moisture threshold condition:

• Start Below: Program starts when moisture falls below the set threshold
• Start Above: Program starts when moisture rises above the set threshold
• Start Equal To: Program starts when moisture equals the set threshold

5. Set the moisture value threshold. The current moisture reading from the selected sensor appears in the upper right corner of the display as Moisture Equals.

6. Configure stop or pause conditions using the same process if needed.

Moisture sensor conditions work the same way as event switch conditions: 

• a Start condition begins the program and runs zones for their full runtime.
• a Stop condition immediately terminates irrigation
• a Pause condition suspends watering until the condition clears and the pause time expires.

Setting Up an Air Temperature Condition

Air temperature conditions are useful for crop cooling, frost protection cycles, or preventing irrigation when temperatures are too cold (such as avoiding water on sidewalks during freezing conditions).

1. From the Start/Stop dial position, navigate to Air Temperature Control.

2. Select the temperature sensor you want to use. The BaseStation 3200 supports both the built-in temperature device on soil moisture sensors and external dedicated air temperature sensors.

3. Configure the temperature threshold condition:

• Start Above: Program starts when temperature rises above the set value
• Start Below: Program starts when temperature falls below the set value
• Start Equal To: Program starts when temperature equals the set value

4. Set your desired temperature value. The current temperature reading displays as Temperature Equals (for example, 75.9°F).

5. Configure stop or pause conditions as needed using the same process.

Video Walkthrough

If you have questions, here are 3 ways to get answers:

1. Search within this HydroPoint knowledgebase

2. Visit the HydroPoint support page

3. Call 800-362-8774 or email support@hydropoint.com, hours are Mon-Fri 3:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT and Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT.