Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Program Paused Event Switch Message
When a program paused event switch is triggered, you will receive a message with the following information:
- Message title: Program Paused Event Switch
- Program number: The specific program that has been paused (e.g., Program 2)
- Date and time: When the pause event was triggered
- Priority level: Low
- Event BiCoder number: The serial number of the event switch that triggered the pause (e.g., P000309)
- Limit versus value: The switch condition that triggered the event (e.g., Closed versus Closed)
What Happens When This Event Triggers
When a program paused event switch is activated, all watering for the affected program stops immediately. All zones assigned to that program are paused as well. Watering will automatically resume where it left off once two conditions are met: the switch changes state and the configured pause time expires.
What Event BiCoders Are
Event BiCoders, also called event switches, are devices that allow dry contact switches to influence a program's operation. They can start programs, stop programs, or pause programs based on switch contact changes.
There are two main types of event BiCoders:
- BL-5401 (Coaches Button): This type has a built-in switch integrated into the device
- BL-5402: This type allows nearly any dry contact switch to be connected and influence the BiCoder and its associated program
Common Causes for Program Paused Event Switch Messages
This message is typically triggered when:
- An event BiCoder has been set up to influence a program with a start, stop, or pause condition
- The switch condition changes to the state configured to influence the program
How the Pause Condition Is Configured
Programs can be configured with pause conditions using event BiCoders. For example, a program may have a pause condition set up using an event BiCoder with a specific serial number (such as P000308). When the switch contacts change to the specified state (such as closed), a pause time begins (such as a two-hour pause).
In the example message, Program 2 is the program impacted by the event. The event BiCoder and its switch must change to close contacts before triggering the configured pause time.
Troubleshooting a Program Paused Event Switch Message
Troubleshooting this message is straightforward since it is an alert-only notification with no action required. However, there are two key items to review:
1. Review the switch limit condition. In the example case, verify that the contacts are set to close as the trigger condition.
2. Check the pause time configured for the site. In the example, the pause time is set to two hours, meaning watering will remain paused for that duration after the switch triggers.
Video Walkthrough
Video originally published July 2021.
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