Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Pump Start Decoder

The H2O pump start decoder functions like a light switch that works in combination with a 24-volt power source to operate the pump station. The pump start decoder sits on the two-wire path and dictates when it passes the 24 volts from the transformer onto the pump relay.

It is important to note that you will need power at the pump as part of the installation. The setup process involves two main procedures: assigning the pump start decoder the correct address, and then assigning the pump start in the WeatherTRAK program.

Pump Start Decoder Components

The pump start decoder (part number WTW-H2O-PS) includes installation instructions with a wiring diagram and warnings about using the proper wire connectors. The package contains DBY-6 wire connectors that must be used on every connection on the device.

The pump start decoder has a black and red wire that connect into the two-wire path. On the opposite side, there are three wires: gray, white with black stripes, and gray with black stripes.

Assigning an Address to the Pump Start Decoder

1. Plug the decoder into the station programming module on the board of the two-wire controller. Plug the red wire on the decoder into the port labeled red and the black wire into the port labeled black.
2. Press the Setup button on the controller.
3. Use the forward arrow to advance until you reach screen Setup 15, which is called Configure H2O 2-Wire.
4. Use the plus and minus buttons until the screen displays the message Program Decoders.
5. Press the Select button.
6. Following the directions on the screen, press the Star button. The controller will read the decoder plugged into the programming port.
7. The controller will automatically identify this as a pump start decoder and display the address PS1 as your first option.

Selecting the Pump Start Address

If you are managing multiple pumps on multiple points of connection, you may need to use the plus or minus key to identify this decoder as PS2, PS3, or PS4. For a single pump installation, assign the decoder as pump start 1 (PS1).

1. When PS1 is displayed on the screen, press the Star button.
2. Select the power level for this decoder. The default is Low and should work in most applications.
3. After confirming the power level, press the Star button one more time to assign that address to the decoder.
4. The screen will display the message Programming Successful and show the color code for the wiring of the pump start decoder.
5. Disconnect the decoder from the controller and label it. The decoder is now ready to be installed in the field.

Programming the Controller for Pump Start Operation

After addressing the pump start decoder, you must program the controller to specify which station operates the pump start. The pump start decoder will come with the default programming of PS1 for the first pump start. If you have multiple points of connection, you will need specific programming for the second, third, or fourth pump start.

🚨Important Difference: H2O 2-Wire vs. Conventional Wire Systems

There is a very distinct difference between WeatherTRAK conventional wire systems and WeatherTRAK H2O 2-wire systems regarding pump start station assignment:

Conventional wire systems: You are allowed to select any station and assign it as your pump start.

H2O 2-wire systems: A specific station must be programmed as your pump start. If you want to assign the pump start to the first point of connection, you must assign that as station 1. Station 1 will be the pump start for POC 1, station 2 will be the pump start for POC 2, and so on.

Assigning the Pump Start Station at the Controller

1. Navigate to the Flow menu on the controller.
2. Press the forward arrow one time to access Flow Options.
3. Use the plus and minus buttons to look for the flow option called Points of Connection.
4. When Points of Connection is displayed, press the forward arrow. This will take you to where you manage the components for the individual points of connection.
5. You will see that you are managing POC 1 and all of the different components on this POC.
6. Press the forward arrow one time to advance the cursor underneath Master Valve. Here you can select the normally open or normally closed master valve if needed.
7. Press the forward arrow again to advance to FS1 (Flow Sensor 1). This is where you can turn on or off flow sensor 1.
8. Press the forward arrow one more time to bring the cursor underneath PS1 (Pump Start 1). This is the setting you need to assign station 1 as the pump start for POC 1 on your two-wire path.

Programming via WeatherTRAK.net

You can also change the pump start station assignment on the program page at WeatherTRAK.net instead of standing at the controller.

Video Walkthrough

Video originally published December 2020.

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.