Rain Sensor FAQ (we install Mini-Clik and Ecologic Sensors):

Q: "I have a Toro GreenKeeper controller and my Mini-Clik will not work."
A: The Toro GreenKeeper requires a "normally open" sensor input. We send the Mini-Clik Model 502 from the factory "normally closed." Therefore, you will need to convert the Mini-Clik to a "normally open"switch: Just below the bracket of the Mini-Clik, you will see two "extension wires" connected to two of the three "blue wires." The third wire is usually marked with a sticker reading "Normally open." Cut the "blue wire" from the copper "extension" wire and reattach the copper wire to the "middle blue wire" (leave the silver wire undisturbed). Once you have swapped the wires at the switch, attach the extension wires to the individual "sensor terminals" on the controller, leaving the common lead attached to the common terminal. This lets the controller give you a visual display if rain has shut off the system and provides an internal bypass of the sensor.

Q : "It rained two days ago and my sprinkler system came on again this morning. How do I get it to stay off longer?"
A: There is a "vent ring" located just below the cap that can be closed or partially closed to restrict air flow through the Mini-Clik. Make sure this ring covers the holes on the Mini-Clik, and it will allow the disks to dry more slowly, thus keeping the Mini-Clik shut off longer. This adjustment can compensate for an "overly sunny" installation location.

Q: "How long will a Mini-Clik stay off after it rains?"
A: This depends on many variables and is hard to accurately predict. But between the Mini-Clik set point and how much it actually rains is the first to one inch) the longer the Mini-Clik will stay off. Next, all the variables of the weather will determine how fast the discs dry out: wind, sunlight and humidity all play a roll. The Mini-Clik and the turf are both exposed to the same conditions, so they will roughly parallel each other in drying rate. In practice, all these variables usually result in the Mini-Clik shutting the system off a minimum of a few hours to a maximum of 2 days.

Q: "What setting do I use?
A: Since the objective of the sprinkler system is to supplement what rain does not supply, you will want the Mini-Clik to shut off the sprinkler system only after enough rain has fallen to satisfy the turf's requirements for any given period. Therefore, the Mini-Clik setting you select will depend mostly on what sprinkling cycles the timer-controller is set to apply to the turf. For example, if the controller is set to irrigate the equivalent of 3/4" of rain in a week's time (a common amount) and it does that on 3 days of the week, then each cycle is putting down approximately 1/4" of water. Based on this, the Mini-Clik should be set for 1/4" of rainfall.
The Mini-Clik has settings for rainfall quantities as low as 1/8", 1/4", *", 3/4" or 1". Most homeowners start at 1/4" and monitor the sensor for a period to see if any additional adjustment is needed.

Q: "Can I use 1 Mini-Clik for 2 controllers?"
A: It depends, if any zone on one controller is set to run at the same time as any zone on the other controller then no, you must use 2 Mini-Cliks or incorporate a relay. If neither controller has the same run times, you can "gang" the two commons together from the field, and combine the commons from the controllers and "bridge" a Mini-Clik across the two sets of commons.
We have wiring diagrams available for both wiring situations.

Q: "How long do the disks last?"
A: At least ten years! We have working models of the Mini-Clik II that have been fully exposed to the elements for more than thirteen years and are still working fine.
We do include a 5-year warranty on all our products and will gladly replace parts or a full unit at no charge during the warranty.

Q: "Will I lose my controller settings if the Mini-Clik shuts my system off due to rain?"
A: No, the Mini-Clik acts as a switch to break the circuit to the solenoid valves of the irrigation system when it has rained. This allows the timer to advance as scheduled, but keeps the valves from opening the water flow. Once the Mini-Clik has dried sufficiently, the switch closes again to allow for normal operation.

Q: "What is the ideal installation location for a Mini-Clik?"
A: The Mini-Clik should be mounted where it will be exposed to unobstructed rainfall, but not in the path of sprinkler spray. It is typically installed near the roof line on the side of a building. If vandalism is not a threat, the Mini-Clik can be mounted lower on a fence post or deck railing. Be certain that trees, overhangs and awnings are not blocking direct rainfall onto the Mini-Clik. The closer the Mini-Clik is to the controller, the shorter the wire run will be. This will also reduce the chance for wire breaks. Mounting the Mini-Clik in a very sunny, southern end of a building may cause the Mini-Clik to dry out sooner than desired. Similarly, mounting on the northern end of a building with constant shade may keep the Mini-Clik from drying soon enough. Some experimentation and use of the "vent ring" will usually yield satisfactory results.

Q: "How can I bypass the Mini-Clik if I want my system to come on and the Mini-Clik has it shut off?"
A: There are two simple ways to bypass the Mini-Clik. The first is to add our Bypass Switch Box Model 202. This mounts on or next to the controller, and by simply moving the switch, the Mini-Clik is bypassed. The second method is to raise the "cap"on the Mini-Clik a couple of settings higher or completely remove it. This takes the pressure off the switch button, which allows the valve circuit to close again. Note: Using the "manual" switch on the controller will NOT bypass the sensor.

Q: "My irrigation system will not come on at all, what can I do?"
A: First, check to see that the Mini-Clik discs are dry and the switch "clicks" on and off freely by pressing the top of the spindle. Next, look for breaks in the wire leading to the Mini-Clik and check all wire junctions. Finally, if the Mini-Clik is dry and the wire leading to it is good, check the Mini-Clik switch by nicking the insulation of the two "outer" wires near the unit to expose metal. Turn one sprinkler zone on, and apply a "jumper wire" across the two exposed wires. If the sprinkler zone comes on , the switch is bad. Wrap all nicked wires with electrical tape.

Q: "My irrigation system will not shut off even after heavy rainfall, what can I do?"
A: Turn on one zone of the irrigation system that is visible while you are in reach of the Mini-Clik. Manually depress the spindle at the top of the Mini-Clik until you hear the switch "click" off. The sprinkler zone should stop instantly. If it does not, check the wiring from the Mini-Clik to the controller. If the switch works, check the sensitivity setting on the Mini-Clik by moving the cap to a more sensitive setting. Finally, check the installation site to see if rain is actually hitting the Mini-Clik? Check for obstructions to rainfall such as overhangs, trees or walls.

Q: "How much water and money can be saved?"
A: The amount saved varies, but in a temperate climate with average rainfall savings are usually substantial. There are several factors involved in determining how much a Mini-Clik can reduce water usage: how often it rains, whether or not the controller is left on for automatic operation, and the amount of water applied by the system per cycle.
Basically, if you know the water costs in your area and how much water is being applied per watering cycle by the whole system, then you will know how much is being saved each time the Mini-Clik interrupts the sprinkling cycle because of rainfall.
As an example, take a system that irrigates 1 acre of turf and is set to run each zone so that the equivalent of 3/16" of water is applied per cycle. Volumetric calculations determine that 2500 gallons of water are being applied over the 1 acre of turf per cycle. Using the water cost table for the Washington, D.C. area, it costs $1.96/thousand gallons or for our example, $4.90 for the 2500 gallons. Therefore, every time the Mini-Clik prevents the sprinkling cycle from proceeding because of rainfall, $4.90 is saved, and 2500 gallons of fresh water are not wasted. Multiply this by the number of substantial rainfalls that occur in your area over one growing season and you can see the potential for savings of money and water. The Mini-Clik pays for itself in a short time, and the installed irrigation system is the most efficient it can be.

Q: "Can I use a Mini-Clik with a home automation system?"
A: Yes, many home automation systems have sensor inputs that allow you to override an irrigation system. When using an X10 based system, the MiniClik can be easily connected to a Powerflash™ module to send a control signal to the irrigation controller.

Q: "Is there any maintenance or winterizing required for the Mini-Clik?"
A: There is no required maintenance or winterizing needed for the Mini-Clik. The Mini-Clik is constructed of heavy duty materials including aluminum, stainless steel and a thermoplastic called "Valox" which can withstand all extremes of weather - from direct scorching sun to freezing ice storms.
The Mini-Clik does not collect debris, so it does not require cleaning, unlike other rain sensors that use collection cups. Occasionally, squirrels have been known to chew on the cap of the Mini-Clik or to run off with them. Under our 5-year warranty we will be happy to replace this part.