41
VSX OPERATING MANUAL
Radio Communications. Whether built-in or
through the addition of the GFCKTR commu-
nications kit, radio-equipped VSX controllers
include StraightTalk™ to respond directly to
your TRNR walkie-talkie. No central computer
or other communications are required in this
case. The GFCKTR kit can be added to
standalone VSX controllers to add Maintenance
Radio ability at any time.
Hardwire Communications. Hardwired VSX
controllers communicate with a central com-
puter over direct burial copper cables. To use
Maintenance Radio with hardwired controllers,
the central interface must be Maintenance
Radio-capable. In older systems, the GMR
option provided this capability. Newer systems
(May, 2001 and later) will usually have this
feature built-in to the TriSend™ central inter-
face. If you are uncertain whether this option
was installed in your hardwired system, check
with your Hunter Golf distributor. If it was not,
you can always add a simple kit to the central
interface to enjoy Maintenance Radio’s power-
ful remote control capabilities.
Note: ALL Maintenance Radio systems in the
United States must be licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) under
Part 90 rules and regulations (application forms
included with each radio device). Canadian
radio systems must comply with licensing
requirements of Industry Canada Spectrum
Management. Most other nations have restric-
tions and licensing governing the use of profes-
sional radio equipment. Licensing radio equip-
ment and selecting frequencies is the sole
responsibility of the user, and is NOT the
responsibility of Hunter Industries. Do not
operate an unlicensed system!
Maintenance Radio commands: Most of the
manual irrigation functions that can be started
from the VSX keypad can also be started from
Maintenance Radio. The command codes
follow a simple structure, consisting of (con-
troller) address, function, stations or programs
affected, and timing.
One good, two bad: Maintenance Radio
commands are always two-way communica-
tions. The VSX Controller will confirm every
good command with a single beep tone, indi-
cating that it will perform as instructed.
If the controller hears a command but cannot
understand it, or the command is “bad” (im-
properly formatted or impossible to execute),
you will hear two beep tones. If you do not
hear any confirmation tones at all back from
the controller, it is probable that the controller
did not hear you at all, or is switched off.
“Cheat sheet” stickers of command formats are
available in wallet card format. Most superin-
tendents are able to memorize the common
commands very quickly, and use them daily.
The TRNR radio also features some conve-
nient shortcuts to issuing commands. In addi-
tion to the standard 12-button number, #, and *
keys, there are four letter keys (A, B, C, and D)
which provide shortcuts to common functions
(see the Maintenance Radio Command Table
on page 43).
TRNR also has a “store and send” feature. By
pressing the “*” button one extra time at the
beginning of each command, the command is
stored and displayed on the radio’s LCD
display, instead of being sent out one keystroke
at a time. You may then review the command in
the display to make sure it is correct. When
you are ready to transmit, press the push-to-
talk switch once, briefly, and the entire com-
mand will be sent out in a single string.
You may also hold down the push-to-talk
switch and press the command buttons one at a
time. Remember to release the switch immedi-
