Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding Master Valve Connection Options
When working with a master valve on the WeatherTRAK H2O 2-Wire system, you have two different options for connecting the master valve to the controller.
The first and preferred option is to direct wire the master valve to the controller. This means connecting the master valve using its own specific wire path, just as you would on a conventional wire system. This method is recommended because if your master valve is wired to the two-wire path and something happens to that two-wire path, the issue can create enough interference that the controller won't be able to activate the master valve. The direct wire method is the safest way to ensure that your master valve works when you need it most.
The H2O 2-Wire controller features a valve wire terminal block that allows you to direct wire as many as four separate master valves and/or four separate flow sensors directly to the controller.
The second option is to connect the master valve to the two-wire path using a master valve decoder. While direct wiring is preferred, sometimes the direct wire method isn't convenient or even realistic on retrofit controllers, so the H2O system gives you the option to put that master valve onto the two-wire path.
💡It's important to note that you can mix and match these connection methods—some points of connection can be direct wired while others are wired to the two-wire path. To be clear, the direct wire option does not require a decoder at all. Only when you are putting a master valve onto the two-wire path will you need a master valve decoder.
Master Valve Decoder Components
The master valve decoder (part number WT2W-H2O-MV) includes installation instructions on the back of the device. These instructions cover how to install the device in the field, proper care when installing the device onto the two-wire path and onto the valve, wiring diagrams, and warnings about using the proper wire nuts. The device comes with all of the necessary wire connectors, including DBY wire connectors.
The master valve decoder device features:
- Black and red wires: These connect the device to the two-wire path.
- Orange and white wires: These are for wiring the master valve in the field.
- LED diagnostics: The device includes LED indicators for troubleshooting.
Programming the Master Valve Decoder
- Plug the black and red wires of the decoder into the terminal located on the mini chassis board labeled Station Program (also labeled Black and Red).
- Press the Setup button on the controller.
- Press the forward arrow button until you reach the screen that says Configure H2O 2-Wire on Setup 15.
- Use the plus and minus buttons until the screen display reads Program decoders.
- Press Select.
- Press the Star button to begin the programming process. The screen will automatically display "This decoder Master Valve."
- If this decoder is for the second master valve on the system (or POC 2), use the plus or minus buttons to assign this to Master Valve 2. Otherwise, leave it as Master Valve 1.
- Once you have the proper device address displayed, press the Star button again.
- Select the power level for the decoder. The default setting is Low, which is typically recommended.
- Press the Star button again. You'll see the message "Programming Successful" along with a reminder on the screen of the hot wire for your device in the field.
- Label your decoder with the appropriate identification.
- Unplug the decoder from the Station Program terminal.
💡Remember that there is specific programming for the second, third, and/or fourth master valve that you put on a system. If you're programming the decoder for your second master valve, make sure to program it as MV2, and so on for additional master valves.
Configuring the Controller for Master Valve Decoders
The WeatherTRAK H2O controller will assume that master valves are directly wired to the controller by default. You must program the controller specifically to look for the master valve decoder on the two-wire path.
- Press the Setup button on the controller.
- Press the forward arrow button until you reach Setup 15, which displays Configure H2O 2-Wire.
- Use the up and down arrow buttons until you reach the screen called Configure Direct Connect.
- Press Select.
- You'll see the ability to assign all four master valves. Each master valve can be set to either DI (Direct Installation) or 2W (two-wire path).
- For any master valve connected via decoder on the two-wire path, press the plus or minus button to change the setting from DI to 2W. This tells the controller to look for that master valve decoder on the two-wire path.
- Use the forward arrow button to advance to the next master valve and repeat the configuration as needed.
Configuring a Mixed Installation
You can configure a mixed scenario where some master valves are directly wired while others are on the two-wire path.
For example, if your first master valve is directly wired to the controller but master valves two, three, and four all exist on the two-wire path:
- For Master Valve 1, leave the setting as DI.
- Press the forward arrow button to advance to Master Valve 2.
- Press the plus button to change the setting to 2W.
- Press the forward arrow button to advance to Master Valve 3.
- Press the plus button to change the setting to 2W.
- Press the forward arrow button to advance to Master Valve 4.
- Press the plus button to change the setting to 2W.
This configuration tells the controller that Master Valve 1 is a direct installation, but Master Valves 2, 3, and 4 all exist on the two-wire path.
Video Walkthrough
Video originally published December 2020.
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