Appendix B: Maxicom
2
Central Control System Overview
34
ESP-MC and ESP-SAT Controllers
The controller is one part of Rain Bird’s Maxicom
2
Central Control System. (See the illustration on the next page.)
The satellite controllers receive commands from the Cluster Control Unit (CCU) and operate stations according to
schedules programmed at the central computer.
The Maxicom
2
Central Control System for ESP-MC and ESP-SAT controllers chiefly consists of seven parts:
1.
Central Computer
uses the Maxicom
2
software program to control the entire irrigation system
2.
Computer Data Path
transfers information from the central computer to the CCU by phone
communication or by radio/direct communication
3.
Cluster Control Uni
t
operates field devices by executing commands received from the central
computer
4.
Satellite Data Path
transfers information from the cluster control unit to the field devices by a
two-wire path (TW) or by MAXILink radio communication
5.
Field Devices
includes either satellite controllers or decoders:
Satellite controllers
— send a 24 VAC power signal to each station
Decoders
— control and monitor system functions
6.
Stations
consist of irrigation valves, sensors or switch-operated devices
7.
Weather Station
interprets weather conditions and sends information to the central computer
