New System or New Communication Cable
AC station decoder modules are available in 1-station, 2-station, 4-station configuration or a Toro golf sprinkler with an
integrated 1-station decoder.
The SmartHub pedestal and cabinet can accommodate either two or four daughterboards. An expansion unit is required
to install the 2nd daughterboard. Each daughterboard has two output circuits. Each output circuit can handle up to 125
decoder modules (250 modules per daughterboard then) and 500 stations. The decoder modules can be connected in
parallel anywhere on the two-wire communication line connected to the station terminals. Each station can activate up to
two solenoids.
It is recommended that the decoder modules are installed in an approved valve box to provide easy access to the wiring.
Use approved splice to waterproof all connectors.
Recommended Controller-to-Decoder cable: 14 AWG (2.5mm
2
), solid copper, jacketed 2-conductor, direct burial.
Burial Depth
Toro recommends that the Controller-to-Decoder and Decoder-to-Solenoid cables should have a minimum cover of
6” (150mm). The irrigation plan may specify additional depth to be consistent with the depth of mainline or lateral pipe
work and/or soil conditioning procedures such as aeration. Installation procedures must comply with all applicable local
and national electrical codes.
• Use only wire approved for direct burial if installing the wires underground without conduit.
• All field wiring splices must be accessible to facilitate troubleshooting and/or service.
Steps:
1.
Route communication cable from the controller to the station decoder module installation location.
The maximum wire length between the controller and the decoder module is 6,800’ (2072 m).
2.
Secure the communication wires to terminal 1 of the SmartHub output board. Black wire onto the 1st terminal and
Red wire onto the second terminal. See
Figure 9
.
3.
Install the decoder module in a valve box. Record the decoder module’s address number found on the side label.
This address number identifies the station(s) that the decoder module controls.
4.
Secure the communication wires to the decoder module’s black and red wires. Connect the black communication
wire to the black decoder module wire. Connect the remaining communication wire (red) to the red decoder
module wire. Use approved splice to properly water-proof all wire connections.
5.
Route output wires from the decoder module to the solenoid.
The maximum wire length between the decoder module and the solenoid are 400’ (122m) for 18 AWG wire
and 575’ (175m) for 16 AWG wire.
6.
Connect the solenoid wires to the decoder module’s station wires. The station wires are color coded for easy
identification (Station 1 = Violet, Station 2 = Yellow, Station 3 = White, Station 4 = Orange and Common Wire
= Brown). Connect the solid colored (violet, yellow, white or orange) station wire to one of the solenoid wire.
Connect the similar color station wire with black stripe to the remaining solenoid wire. Use approved splice to
properly water-proof all wire connections.
7.
Connect an additional solenoid to the station wire as necessary.
Each station has a maximum load of up to two solenoids.
8.
Repeat Steps 3–8 for additional decoder modules.
12
Lynx® SmartHub Installation and User Guide
GAC Decoder Installation
