Hunter X-CORE Outdoor Residential Irrigation Controller
X-CORE COMPONENTS
LCD Display
| 1 | Run Times | Allows a user to set each valve station run time from 1 minute to 4 hours |
| 2 |  Start Times | Allows 1 to 4 start times to be set in each program |
| 3 | Station Number | Indicates currently selected station number |
| 4 | Program Designator | Identifies program (A, B, or C) in use |
| 5 | Day of the Week | Identifies the day of the week |
| 6 | Interval Watering | Identifies month when programming current date |
| 7 | Odd/Even Watering | Identifies if Odd or Even watering has been selected |
| 8 | Flashing Sprinkler | Indicates that watering is taking place |
| 9 |  System Off | Allows user to discontinue all programs and watering. Also allows the user to set the programmable “rain off,” which stops watering for a period from 1 to 7 days. |
| 10 | Umbrella | Indicates that the rain sensor is active |
| 11 |
| Allows the user to make run-time changes according to the seasons without reprogramming the controller. Bars on the left allow quick visual reference to the seasonal adjustment percentage. When using Solar Sync ET Sensor, it will display seasonal adjust updated daily by a sensor. |
| 12 |  Rain Drop | Indicates watering will occur on the selected day |
| 13 | Crossed Rain Drop | Indicates the watering will NOT occur on the selected day |
| 14 |  Calendar | Indicates interval watering schedule has been programmed. Icon also appears when programming the current-day |
Seasonal AdjustmentWiring Compartment
| 15 | Lithium Battery | The replaceable lithium battery (included) allows the controller to be programmed in the absence of AC power. In addition, the battery will provide power for backup timekeeping in the event of a power outage. |
| 16 | Internal Junction Box | Junction box in outdoor models for making AC power connections |
| 17 | Terminal Strip | Use to attach transformer, sensor, and valve wires from their source to the controller |
| 18 | Reset Button | Use to reset the controller (located on the right side of the controller) |
| 19 | REM | Allows for connection of Hunter SmartPort® and Hunter Remote Controls |
| 20 | Sensor Bypass Switch | Ignores “Clik” weather sensor input when in Bypass position |
- Note: Plug may look different from illustration
Dial Settings
| Run | Normal dial position for all controller automatic and manual operation | |
| Current Time/Day | Allows current day and clock time to be set | |
| Start Times | Allows 1 to 4 start times to be set in each program | |
| Run Times | Allows the user to set each valve station run time from 1 minute to 4 hours | |
| Water Days | Allows the user to select interval days to water | |
| Seasonal Adjustment | Allows users to make run-time changes according to the seasons without reprogramming the controller. Bars on the left allow quick visual reference to the seasonal adjustment percentage. | |
| 1 Manual-One Station | Allows the user to activate a one-time watering of a single valve | |
| System Off | Allows users to discontinue all programs and watering. Also allows the user to set the programmable “rain off,” which stops watering for a period from 1 to 7 days | |
| SOLAR SYNC® Settings | Allows the user to program settings when using Solar Sync ET Sensor | |
| External Transformer (Indoor Model Only) | ||
| A plug-in transformer is provided to supply AC power to the controller | ||
MOUNTING THE CONTROLLER TO WALL
- Secure one screw into the wall. Install screw anchors if attaching to drywall or masonry wall.
- Slide the keyhole on top of the controller over the screw.
- Secure the controller in place by installing screws in the holes below the terminal strip.
CONNECTING VALVES AND TRANSFORMER
Installation of the X-Core should only be done by trained personnel.
- Route valve wires between the control valve location and controller.
- At valves, attach a common wire to either solenoid wire on all valves. This is most commonly a white-colored wire. Attach a separate control wire to the remaining wire of each valve. All wire connections should be done using waterproof connectors.
- Route the valve wires through the conduit. Attach the conduit through the bottom right side of the controller.
- Secure the white valve common wire to the C (Common) screw on the terminal strip. Attach each of the individual valve control wires to the appropriate station terminals and tighten their screws.
- Indoor Models: route the transformer cable through the hole on the left side of the controller and connect the wires to the two screws marked 24 VAC. Outdoor Models: transformer wires are already connected to the AC terminals so all that is required is to connect primary power to the junction box (see below).
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
- After installing your X-Core, make sure to remove the battery contact insulator to allow the X-Core to keep time in the event of a power outage
REPLACING THE BATTERY
A high-energy lithium battery is included with your X-Core controller. The battery allows the user to remotely program the controller without connecting AC power. It is also used to keep the current time and day during power outage conditions.
To replace the battery:
- Remove the screw from the battery holder.
- Slide the battery holder down to access the battery.
- Remove and replace the new battery into the battery holder and reinstall the battery holder
CONNECTING A MASTER VALVE
- At the Master Valve, attach the common wire to either solenoid wire of the valve. Attach a separate control wire to the remaining solenoid wire.
- The common wire should be attached to the C terminal inside the controller. The other wire coming from the master valve should be attached to the P terminal inside the controller. Tighten each terminal screw.
CONNECTING A HUNTER “CLICK” WEATHER SENSOR
A Hunter weather sensor or other micro-switch type weather sensors can be connected to the X-Core. The purpose of this sensor is to stop automatic watering when weather conditions dictate.
- Remove the metal jumper plate that is attached across the two SEN terminals inside the controller.
- Connect one wire to one SEN terminal and the other wire to the other SEN terminal.
- When the weather sensor has deactivated automatic watering, the OFF, and Umbrella icons will appear on the display.
- Testing the Weather Sensor
- The X-Core provides simplified testing of a rain sensor when the sensor is wired into the sensor circuit. You can manually test the proper operation of the rain sensor by running an AUTO CYCLE or by activating the system using the One Touch AUTO CYCLE. During the Manual cycle, pressing the Top spindle on the Mini-Clik® will interrupt watering.
- Manually Bypassing the Weather Sensor
- If the rain sensor is interrupting irrigation, you can bypass it by using the bypass switch on the front of the controller. Slide the switch to the SENSOR BYPASS position to disable the rain sensor from the system to allow for controller operation. When using the MANUAL–ONE STATION function, the controller will automatically bypass sensor inputs for the selected time. Once complete, the controller will default to the selected settings.
CONNECTING A HUNTER SOLAR SYNC AND SENSOR
Region
- For accurate Solar Sync measurements, the controller needs to be programmed for the average peak season ET for your region. Use the table below to determine your region.
- Use the following table to choose your region (reference below). You can use methods A, B or C to help you choose which region is best for your area:
- A: Based upon the ET of your region use the average July ET or peak summer ET (inches/mm per day). This is the preferred option when selecting your region.
- B: Based upon the temperature for your region use the average July or the driest month high temperature (not the highest temperature for July).
- C: Based upon the general description of your region.
| IF ANY OF THE CHOICES IN THE ROWS APPLY TO YOUR SITUATION, THEN THAT IS YOUR REGION-SETTING CHOICE. | |||
| A | B | C | |
| If the average July ET is < 0.17″ (4.3 mm) per day | If the average temperature for July is 65°– 75° (18°C – 24°C) | • U.S. Northern States • Coastal Regions | |
| If the average July ET is 0.18″ – 0.23″ (4.6 mm – 5.8 mm) per day | If the average temperature for July is 75°– 85° (24°C – 29°C) | • Mountains • U.S. Northern Inland States | |
| If the average July ET is 0.24″ – 0.29″ (6.1 mm – 7.4 mm) per day | If the average temperature for July is 85° – 95° (29°C – 35°C) | • U.S. Southern States • Inland/High Desert | |
| If the average July ET is > 0.30″ (7.6 mm) per day | If the average temperature for July is 95° – 105° (35°C – 41°C) | • Deserts | |
CONNECTING A HUNTER REMOTE
Connecting to a Hunter Remote (not included)
- The X-Core Controller is compatible with Hunter Remote Controls (not included). The SmartPort® wiring harness (included with all Hunter Remotes) allows for fast and easy use of the Hunter controls. The Hunter remotes make it possible for you to operate the system without having to walk back and forth to the controller.
To install the SmartPort connector
- Install a 1/2″ Female threaded “Tee” in the field wiring conduit (not included) approximately 12 inches below the X-Core.
- Feed the red, white, and blue wires of the harness through the base of the “Tee” and into the wiring compartment as shown.
- Screw the SmartPort harness housing into the “Tee” as shown.
- Attach the red, white, and blue SmartPort wires to the controller terminal as shown below:
• Red wire to left side “24 VAC” terminal
• White wire to right side “24 VAC” terminal
• Blue wire to “REM” terminal
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER
Setting the Date and Time
- Turn the dial to the CURRENT TIME/DAY position.
- The current year will be flashing. Use the or buttons to change the year. After setting the year, press the button to proceed to set the month.
- The month and day will be in display. The month will be flashing and the icon will be displayed. Use the or buttons to change the month. Press the button to proceed to set the day.
- The day will be flashing and the icon will be displayed. Use the or buttons to change the day. Press the button to proceed to set the time.
- The time will be displayed. Use the and buttons to select AM, PM, or 24-hour. Press the button to move to hours. Hours will be flashing. Use the and buttons to change the hour shown on the display. Press the button to move to a minute. Minutes will be flashing. Use the buttons to change the minutes shown on the display. The date, day, and time have now been set.
Setting the Program Start Time(s)
- Turn the dial to the START TIMES position.
- The factory preset is set on program A. If necessary, you can select program B, or C by pressing the PRG button.
- Use the Plus or Minus button to change the start time. (The start times advance in 15-minute increments).
- Press the
button to add an additional start time, or PRG button for the next program.- NOTE: One start time will activate all stations sequentially in that program. This eliminates the need to enter each station’s start time. Multiple start times in a program can be used for separate morning, afternoon, or evening watering cycles. Start times may be entered in any order. The X-Core will automatically sort them.
button to add an additional start time, or PRG button for the next program.TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem Causes Solutions
| The controller is continuously watering | Too many start times have been programmed | Only one start time is necessary to activate a program (refer to Setting the Program Start Times on page 18) |
| There is no display | Check AC power wiring | Correct any errors |
| The display reads “No AC” | There is no AC power present (the controller is not receiving any power) | Check to see if the transformer is properly installed |
| The display reads “Off, ” | The rain sensor is interrupting irrigation or the sensor jumper has been removed | Slide the rain sensor bypass switch to the BYPASS position to bypass the rain sensor circuit, or reinstall the jumper |
| The rain sensor will not shut off the system | • Defective rain sensor • The jumper was not removed when the sensor was installed • Stations have been programmed to override the sensor | • Verify the operation of the rain sensor and proper wiring • Remove the jumper from the sensor terminals • Reprogram the sensor override to enable the sensor (see page 11) |
| Frozen display, or showing incorrect information | Power surge | Reset the controller per page 24 “Clearing Controller Memory/Resetting the Controller” |
| The display shows “ERR” with a number (1 to 8) | Short in the valve wiring circuit, or faulty solenoid on the station number indicated | Check the wire circuit or solenoid for the valve number indicated. Repair the short or replace the solenoid. Press any button to clear the “ERR” from the display |
| The display shows “P ERR” | • Faulty pump relay or master valve wiring • Incompatible or defective relay or solenoid • Undersized wire to the pump relay or master valve | • Check wiring to relay or master valve solenoid. Press any button to clear the “P ERR” from the display • Check electrical specifications for the pump relay. Do not exceed the controller’s electrical rating. Replace if defective • Replace wire with larger gauge wire |
| The display shows a station is running but the icons are flashing | The sensor is interrupting irrigation, however, the station has been programmed to override the sensor | Check the sensor override status (see page 23) |
| Automatic irrigation does not start at the start time and the controller is not in the System Off mode | • AM/PM of time of day not set correctly • AM/PM of start time not set correctly • Start Time is disabled (set for Off) • Controller is not receiving AC power | • Correct AM/PM of time of day • Correct AM/PM of start time • See Setting Program Start Times (see page 18) • Check AC power connections |
| The display shows dashes when the dial is in the Solar Sync Settings position | • The Solar Sync sensor is not connected to the controller • The Solar Sync sensor wires may have a break in them or a bad connection | Connect the Solar Sync to the “SEN” positions on the wiring terminal. The display will then show the Region and Water Adjustment setting. |
| Run times for a particular station are too short/too long when using a Solar Sync sensor | Program Run Time too long/short | Solar Sync provides a global seasonal adjustment to the controller. If a particular station has run times too long or too short, make the appropriate adjustment to the program in the controller. Make sure to change seasonal adjustments back to 100% before making changes to program run times. Do this by turning the dial to the Seasonal Adjust position and increasing/decreasing the value to 100%. |
| Seasonal Adjust seems low | • Region too high • Water Adjustment too low • The location of the sensor does not allow for full sun | Increase the value on the Water Adjustment scale (the default setting is 5). If you max out on the Water Adjustment scale at 10 and still require more seasonal adjustment, move down one Region (from 4 to 3, for example) and start at Water Adjustment setting 5. Solar Sync will immediately update the Seasonal Adjust on the controller. If it is still too high, repeat the adjustment until the desired seasonal adjustment is shown on the controller. |
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Hunter X-CORE Outdoor Residential Irrigation Controller-FAQs
Why aren’t my Hunter X-Core sprinklers turning on?
Try resetting the system by turning off the power and unplugging the controller for a few minutes. Then, reconnect and power it back on to reset any internal settings or errors.
Why does my Hunter X-Core sprinkler system run twice?
This usually happens due to multiple programmed start times. Only one start time is needed per active program; adding extra start times causes additional cycles.
How does the rain sensor work on a Hunter sprinkler system?
The rain sensor detects rainfall and interrupts the controller’s circuit, preventing irrigation when a set amount of rain has accumulated.
Does the Hunter X-Core controller have a fuse?
Yes, it has a built-in fuse that may need to be replaced if the controller does not power on. Also, check the wiring connections to ensure they are secure.
Do I need to reset my Hunter sprinkler system after a power outage?
No, the controller has non-volatile memory that retains all programmed settings even after a power outage, eliminating the need for manual resetting.
Why do my sprinklers keep cycling repeatedly?
This usually happens due to too many programmed start times. Ensure you set only one start time per program to prevent multiple cycles.
Does the Hunter sprinkler system have a mobile app?
Yes, Hydrawise is a mobile app (available for Apple® and Android®) that allows remote control and monitoring of your irrigation system.
What does the umbrella symbol on my Hunter sprinkler system mean?
1. Umbrella symbol – Indicates that the rain sensor is preventing irrigation.
2. Crossed-out umbrella – Means the rain sensor has been manually bypassed.