Rain Bird - ESP4ME3 - 4 Station Indoor/Outdoor Wifi Ready Sprinkler Controller 22 Zone Capable | ESP4ME3 |

The Rain Bird ESP4ME3 is the industry's most flexible irrigation controller. It provides a versatile and expandable solution for any home or business, starting with 4 stations and growing up to 22. With optional LNK WiFi and flow sensor support, it's the only controller you'll need to manage your landscape efficiently.

Key Features:

• LNK WiFi Ready: Upgrade to a smart controller by adding the LNK WiFi Module (sold separately). This allows you to control your system from anywhere using the Rain Bird app, receive real-time alerts, and enable automatic weather-based adjustments to save up to 30% on water.
• Flexible & Expandable: Starts with a 4-station base and is expandable up to 22 stations using 3- or 6-station hot-swappable expansion modules (sold separately). This allows the controller to grow with your landscape.
• Flow Monitoring: Compatible with wired flow sensors (sold separately) to monitor for high or low flow conditions, helping to prevent water waste and protect your property from leaks.
• Indoor/Outdoor Installation: Features a durable, weather-resistant cabinet with a locking door and an included power plug, making it suitable for installation in a garage or on an exterior wall.
• Easy to Use: A large 3” back-lit LCD screen and a simple, color-coded dial make programming straightforward and easy to read in any light.
• Powerful Programming: Offers 4 individual programs (A, B, C, D) with 6 independent start times per program, allowing for precise and flexible watering schedules.
• Advanced Water Savings: Includes one-touch Seasonal Adjust (from 5% to 200%), a "Delay Watering" function (up to 14 days), and the ability to bypass the rain sensor for individual stations.
• Contractor Default™: Easily save your default program and restore it in two steps if the original schedule is accidentally overwritten.
• Alerts & Diagnostics: Provides alerts for electrical shorts, programming errors, or high-flow issues (when a flow sensor is used) via an LED and scrolling messages, with mobile alerts enabled via the LNK WiFi module.

Specifications:

• Station Count: 4 (base), expandable to 22
• Station Timing: 1 minute to 6 hours
• Input: 120 VAC ± 10%, 60Hz
• Output: 25.5 VAC 1A
• Master Valve/Pump Start Relay: 24VAC
  • Max Coil Inrush: 11VA
  • Max Coil Holding: 5VA
• Max Operating Temperature: 149°F (65°C)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 10.7 in. x 7.7 in. x 4.4 in.
• Memory: Non-volatile memory permanently saves programming, and a 10-year lithium battery maintains time/date during power outages.

Installation & Maintenance Tips:

• Mounting: Install the controller in a location close to a 120VAC wall outlet.
• Wiring Safety: Always route valve and sensor (field) wires separately from power wires. Use the provided conduit openings for a professional installation.
• Valve Wiring: Connect the common wire from all valves to the "COM" terminal. Connect the individual control wire for each valve to the corresponding station number terminal.
• Master Valve/Pump: Connect your master valve or pump start relay to the "MV" terminal.
• Sensors: To install a rain sensor, remove the yellow jumper wire from the "SENSOR" terminals and connect the sensor wires. To install a flow sensor, connect its wires to the "Flow" terminals.
• Expansion: Add 3- or 6-station modules easily by sliding them into an open slot and securing the locking lever—no need to power down the controller.
• Remote Programming: The front panel can be removed and programmed remotely using a 9V battery (not included).

Common Uses/Applications:

• Residential: Ideal for homes of all sizes, from small yards to large estates, especially those planning future landscape expansions.
• Light Commercial: A reliable and cost-effective choice for small businesses, office parks, schools, and apartment complexes.
• Water-Managed Properties: Perfect for users who want to add smart, water-saving features like WiFi control and flow monitoring.

Common Questions:

Q: Is the ESP4ME3 a WiFi controller?

A: The ESP4ME3 is WiFi-ready. To enable WiFi connectivity, you must purchase and install the Rain Bird LNK or LNK2 WiFi Module (sold separately).

Q: How many stations does the ESP4ME3 support?

A: It comes with a 4-station base module. You can add 3-station or 6-station expansion modules (sold separately) to expand the controller up to a maximum of 22 stations.

Q: Can this controller be installed outside?

A: Yes, the ESP4ME3 comes in a weather-resistant cabinet with a locking door and is designed for both indoor and outdoor installation.

Q: Does this controller work with a pump start relay or master valve?

A: Yes, it includes a master valve/pump start relay circuit.

Q: What happens if the power goes out?

A: Your watering schedule is saved in non-volatile memory, so it will be retained even without power. A 10-year lithium battery maintains the current time and date.

With its rugged design, flexible station expansion, and ability to upgrade to full WiFi smart control, the Rain Bird ESP4ME3 is the only controller you'll need for your landscape for years to come.