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The Nimbus™II and Nimbus™II
LINK Specifications
The computerized central control system shall be the Rain
Bird Nimbus™ II as hereinafter specified. It shall
be capable of controlling three (3) independent, 18-hole
golf courses, each consisting of greens, tees, fairways,
approaches, perimeters, roughs and miscellaneous areas. The
central shall include the Rain Bird “P” Series
computer system, as hereinafter specified. The central equipment
shall include a satellite or decoder__________ interface
unit, an uninterruptible power source, a power circuit surge
arrestor and a grounding network grid with surge arrestors,
all as hereinafter specified.
All Nimbus II central control systems shall be “Hybrid” compatible.
All Nimbus II Hybrid systems will have the ability to control
3 different types of communication interface, two (2) of
the same type of communication interface or a combination
of either using a separate COM port switch device. To
support these additional interfaces, one 9-pin serial port
shall be available for each interface. In addition
to these items, in order for
a Nimbus II system to be capable of Hybrid communication,
the Hybrid software module and an additional Interface (MIM,
MIM LINK or LDI) must be ordered.
Nimbus II Software —The Nimbus II
software shall operate in the Microsoft® Windows® environment
and shall be capable of controlling any one or up to two
of the three (3) types of field unit systems; (1) “hard-wired” satellite
field units; (2)“radio” operated, LINK satellite
field units, or (3) “hard-wired” decoder field
units. The hard-wired, satellite-based systems shall be capable
of controlling 336 channels. Each channel shall be capable
of controlling a maximum of 672 satellite stations or a total
of 8,064 satellite controller stations. The radio LINK type
satellite system shall be capable of controlling four (4)
different groups of LINK satellites. A total of 336 LINK
channels shall be capable of controlling 24 stations (max.)
each. Total system capacity shall be 8,064 (using 3 MIM-LINK
interface units with the Hybrid software module) LINK satellite
stations. The two-wire satellites and LINK satellites shall
be the basic 16-station configuration with capability of
expanding to 72 stations maximum, in modules of 8 stations
per additional module. Total number of station outputs for
each satellite, shall be as shown on the drawings and/or
as directed. The decoder-based system shall have the capacity
to control a maximum of 1,500 (using 3 LDI interface units
with the Hybrid software module) single decoders and activate
up to 3,000 solenoids
Continuous “on-line” communication, between
central computer/interface unit and the field satellite or
decoder units, shall provide “true” central
control. Continuous field unit “feedback” status
information shall be registered at the computer and also
at the satellite interface unit. Nimbus II shall be a program/schedule-based
system providing maximum flexibility of programming and giving
the operator absolute and full control of the entire system.
The Nimbus II system shall be capable of unlimited programs
residing in the system at one time. Each program shall be
further defined by a number of smaller “schedules.” A
maximum of fifty (50) programs and up to 50 schedules may
be operated simultaneously. All programming shall be maintained
in the computer memory and on the hard drive, from which
they shall be executed. Programming shall NOT be “downloaded” to
the field units. It shall NOT be possible to change or reprogram
from the field thus assuring the operator full control at
all times. A “time window” may be defined for
each individual program, confining its operation to this
specific time period. Individual schedules shall be capable
of being designated for up to 12 “start times” within
the specified time window for their program. Individual programs
shall be capable of being designated for up to 6 “start
times.” It shall be possible to designate the sequence
of operation of areas and the sequence of operation of stations
in these areas, within a given schedule.
The Nimbus II system shall provide for the selection of
three (3) different flow measurement units -U.S. gallons
per minute, metric of cubic meters per hour or liters per
second. It shall also provide for the selection of any one
of six (6) different languages for display.
A built-in “Flo-Manager®” feature shall
automatically distribute and limit flow within the system,
to eliminate hydraulic “overload” while maintaining
maximum system operating efficiency, without the requirement
of entering flow zone or branch piping data.
The system shall also be capable of entering complete flow
management database information for up to six (6) independent
pump stations; up to 250 piping network branches and up to
500 flow zones for each pump station. This shall result in
the highest efficiency of pump station operation, shortest
watering cycle time and conservation of energy. During operation,
individual flow graphs shall be automatically generated for
each of the three (3) courses, with individual station activity
information being presented in colorful charts. Flow graphs
shall be automatically maintained on file for future access
and reference.
The Nimbus II “SMART WEATHER™” optional
software module shall monitor and respond to climatic conditions
as they occur by tracking evapotranspiration (ET) rates and
other sensory inputs. “SMART WEATHER” shall also
track weather conditions for future reference. SMART WEATHER
shall provide automatic response from user- defined thresholds
on up to five (5) Weather Stations. The SMART WEATHER responses
shall be provided to the computer for programmed response
and shall be capable of sending an alphanumeric page to the
user for alarm conditions with the optional Smart Weather
paging module.
Pump Profiling™—Shall provide
user-definable pump consumption to increase operation and
decrease power consumption during added peak electrical periods.
The Nimbus II system shall also provide for programs to
be set to adhere to manual water budgeting; at the system
level, at the individual program level and/or at the individual
schedule level. A waterSaver feature shall provide water
budgeting capabilities from 0 to 300% in 1% increments. Automatic
rain shutdown shall be possible with the integration of a
rain sensor.
The Nimbus II “CYCLE + SOAK™” feature
works with Flo-Manager to achieve maximum efficiency and
conservation. It helps control water application on slopes
and in areas with poor drainage. CYCLE + SOAK maintains the
pumping station demands while preventing over application
in challenging areas of the course. The CYCLE + SOAK
feature will ensure the maximum cycle time defined by the
user is never exceeded and will not change with changing
runtimes.
A “dry run” feature shall provide for testing
of a program and will also make the necessary adjustments
before actually operating it in the field. A printout of
the “dry run” results shall be possible, as well
as being displayed on the monitor.
An innovative, guided initialization and “start-up” programming
method in Nimbus II shall result in a customized “Quick
Start™” program that gets the system “up” and “operating” in
the shortest possible time. Built in rotor database tables
shall provide for easy specification of station sprinklers
for custom irrigation scheduling. Precipitation rates for
each station shall be automatically calculated with the selection
of sprinkler model, pattern and spacing. A graphic display
of the golf course can be achieved using any of two (2) methods:
(1) Create a map using the Scorecard function, (2) Import
a picture of the course as a bmp or tif drawing file. Each
hole can be defined to indicate the areas to be irrigated
such as greens, tees, fairways, approaches, perimeters, roughs
and miscellaneous areas. The system shall provide for multi-station
programming and operation of satellite stations. A station
data table shall give complete database information for each
individual station. A unique “QuickIRR™” method
of programming shall provide for a quick and easy method
to automatically build programs to meet all irrigation challenges
and allow programming by specific areas and designating sequence
of operation of these areas. This feature is enhanced in
Nimbus II by providing the ability to program multiple courses.
Select the course, hole, area, sequence and run time and
Nimbus II will do the rest.
The Nimbus II system shall be capable of direct manual access
of any stations, at any time. Full system remote control
via handheld radio or remote telephone commands shall be
possible with the integration of The FREEDOM™ System
and handheld software module. The decoder-based system shall
be controlled from the field by means of a
“plug-in,” handheld field transmitter unit or The FREEDOM System
Handheld. The Nimbus II system shall provide for an individual course, daily
and seasonal logs for record keeping and easy compliance with regulatory requirements
regarding water usage. A unique “Cost Estimator” feature shall
provide projections of water and power costs for specific irrigation cycles,
which can be used in establishing budget requirements.
The Nimbus II decoder-based system shall provide an automatic
decoder and line condition testing program, for easy check-out
and troubleshooting of the system.
Hardware—Computer-Furnish and install
at the central location a Rain Bird “P” Series
computer system, consisting of the following minimum specifications:
500 MHz Pentium® III processor
128 MB RAM
6.4 GB Hard Drive
USB Optical Mouse
56K Modem
14/32x CD-ROM
Integrated Sound
External Speakers
Quiet Key 104 keyboard
17" Flat-Panel Color Monitor or better
Preinstalled software shall consist of:
The Rain Bird Nimbus II program
Map Import Software
PcAnywhere communication software
Norton Antivirus Software
Microsoft® Windows®
Voltage Stabilizer—At the central
location, furnish and install a combination voltage stabilizer
and uninterruptible power source unit. Unit shall have a
rated output of 600VA and 400 Watts. It shall be suitable
for 50/60 Hz operation with input power of 120VAC. The unit
shall operate in the AC mode from 92VAC input up to 132VAC
input, regulating the output voltage within proper limits.
Boost capability shall be +12%. Transfer to battery mode
shall occur at any input voltage less than 92VAC or greater
than 132VAC. Return to AC mode shall occur when input voltage
reaches 98VAC or greater or drops to less than 126VAC on
the high side. Typical transfer time shall be in the 2 millisecond
range. In battery mode, output shall be a true Sine wave
form. Output voltage regulation shall be + or - 5%. Frequency
regulation shall be + or - 0.1 Hz. Battery back-up shall
have a minimum time of approximately 12 minutes minimum at
half load capacity. The unit shall have a painted enamel
metal housing and four (4) electrical outlets.
Power Surge Arrestor—At the main
electrical panel and on the circuit supplying the central
equipment. Furnish and install a Model “Z1” Zap
Trap surge arrestor. Unit shall be for 120 Volt, single-phase
power rated for 100 Amps. It shall have a discharge capacity
of 15,000 Amps at an 8 x 20 second pulse. It shall have a
clamping voltage of
130 Volts and a response time of 1.5 N/sec. Surge arrestor
shall be as manufactured by Tytewadd Power Filters, Springfield,
Missouri 65807, phone: 417-887-3770.
System Grounding Grid—At the central
control location, as close to the Interface unit as possible,
install a 3-rod grounding grid. This shall consist of three
(3) - 5/8" Diameter x 8' long copper or copper clad
ground rods arranged in a triangular pattern with each rod
at least 8' away from any other rod. The rods shall be tied
together below ground using #10 gauge or larger bare copper
wire and brass clamps. A separate clamp shall be used for
each attachment. Rods shall be driven into the ground with
top 6" below the finish grade. Install a standard 12" x
18" x 12" rectangular valve box around the top
of any rods connected by a grounding wire to a surge arrestor,
the grounding lug of a piece of equipment or an MGP-1 grounding
plate assembly. This shall provide future access to inspect
and/or maintain it properly. Other rods shall have a standard
6" diameter round valve box and cover installed around
the top of the rod for future access.
A #10 gauge or larger bare copper ground wire shall be run
from the grounding lug of the MIM or MIM LINK interface unit
or from the line termination box of the decoder-based system,
out and attached to one rod of this 3-rod grounding grid.
On each two-wire path, coming from the interface unit or
line termination box and going out to the field satellite
units or the field decoders. Furnish and install an MSP-1
surge arrestor, which is to be mounted in an MGP-1 grounding
plate assembly that is securely attached to one rod by means
of the “U” clamps provided. Connect the MSP-1
arrestor into the two-wire path. A 10 OHMS or less resistance
shall be maintained at the grounding grid, if at all possible.
Hard-Wired Interface Unit—(two-wire
satellite system)—The interface unit shall be a Rain
Bird Interface Module (MIM) unit with all solid-state electronic
circuitry. It shall provide the necessary interface between
the computer and the field satellite units. The interface
unit shall provide both communication from the computer out
to the field satellite units and “feedback” communication
from the field satellite units to the computer. It shall
be capable of controlling four (4) two-wire paths of 28 independent
channels each. Status lights shall indicate activity on the
two-wire paths, as well as to channels being operated on
the various two-wire paths and the individual stations in
operation on each of these channels. A memory switch shall
provide for past performance data. The unit shall have the
capability of manually operating any stations of any satellites
directly from the MIM unit. The MIM unit shall be complete
with 117/220 VAC power supply cord and an RS-232-C communication
cable to be connected between it and the serial port of the
computer. The MIM unit shall be constructed of heavy gauge
steel with rust preventative plating and a “baked-on” enamel
finish. The unit shall be mounted near the central computer.
The MIM shall have a power supply fuse and a resettable circuit
breaker on each of the two-wire output circuits. Connect
a #10 gauge or larger bare copper ground wire to the ground
lug of the MIM unit. Route it out and connect it to one rod
of the 3-rod grounding grid using a brass clamp.
LINK Interface Unit—(radio LINK satellite
system)—The interface unit shall be a
Rain Bird “MIM LINK” unit with all solid-state
electronic circuitry and two-way radio and receiver, with
___________ radio frequency. It shall provide the necessary
interface between the computer and the LINK field satellite
units. The interface unit shall provide true two-way radio
communication from the computer out to the LINK field satellite
units and “feedback” radio communication from
the LINK field satellite units to the computer. It shall
be capable of controlling up to 336 LINK channels within
a maximum of four (4) groups. Status lights shall indicate
activity on the various groups as to LINK satellites being
operated and the individual stations in operation on each
of these satellites.
A memory switch shall provide for past performance data.
The unit shall have the capability of manually operating
any stations of any satellites directly from the MIM LINK
unit. The MIM LINK unit shall be complete with 117/220 VAC
power supply cord and an RS-232-C communication cable to
be connected between it and the serial port
of the computer. The MIM unit shall be constructed of heavy
gauge steel with rust preventative plating and a “baked-on” enamel
finish. The unit shall be mounted near the central computer.
The MIM LINK shall have a power supply fuse.
Furnish and install, outside on the building or on an antenna
tower, near the central equipment location a Rain Bird model “ANT-02”, “ANT-03” or
Yagi type antenna. An RG8 type coaxial cable shall be attached
to the antenna and routed into the building near the floor
and near the MIM LINK unit location. Furnish and install,
inside the building on the wall near the floor, a PolyPhaser
Model IS-IE50LU-C1 surge arrestor to which the coaxial cable
shall be connected to the antenna terminal on this surge
arrestor. Furnish and install from the equipment terminal
of the surge arrestor an RG8 type coaxial cable and connect
it to the coaxial cable connection on the MIM LINK interface
unit. Connect a #10 gauge or larger bare copper ground wire
to the antenna and a second ground wire to the ground lug
on the surge arrestor. Route each of these ground wires and
connect them to one rod of the 3-rod grounding grid at the
central location. Furnish and install all necessary mounting
clamps, brackets, etc. as may be required for the antenna,
coaxial cable, ground wires and the surge arrestor. Also
connect a #10 gauge or larger bare copper ground wire to
the ground lug of the MIM LINK interface unit and route it
out and connect it to one rod of the 3-rod grounding grid
using a brass clamp.
Decoder Interface Unit—(decoder-based
system)—The interface unit shall be a
Rain Bird Decoder Interface “LDI” unit with all
solid-state electronic circuitry. It shall provide the necessary
interface between the computer and the field decoder units.
The interface unit shall provide both communication from
the computer out to the field decoder units and “feedback” communication
from the field decoder units to the computer. It shall be
capable of controlling, over a two-wire path, up to 500 (max.)
single decoders and up to 1,000 (max.) solenoids. The LDI
unit shall be complete with 117/220 VAC power supply cord
and a communication cable, which shall be connected between
the LDI interface unit and the serial port of the computer.
Connect a #10 gauge or larger bare copper ground wire to
the chassis of the LDI and route it out and connect it to
one rod of the 3-rod grounding grid using a brass clamp.
PAR+ES Field Satellite Units—(hard-wired
PAR+ES satellite system)—Furnish and install, where
shown on the drawings and/or where directed, Rain Bird Model
PAR+ES PP (plastic pedestal) or PAR+ES SS (stainless steel
pedestal),16 station, two-wire field satellite controllers.
In addition furnish and install additional OSM-8 valve output
modules for each basic satellite field unit to configure
it for the total number of station outputs indicated on the
drawings and/or as directed.
MSC+ Field Satellite Units—(hard-wired
MSC+ satellite system)—Furnish and install, where shown
on the drawings and/or where directed, Rain Bird Model MSC+
PP (plastic pedestal) or MSC+ SS (stainless steel pedestal),
16 station, two-wire field satellite controllers. In addition,
furnish and install additional OSM-8 valve output modules
for each basic satellite field unit to configure it for the
total number of station outputs indicated on the drawings
and/or as directed.
PAR+ES LINK Field Satellite Units—(radio
PAR+ES LINK satellite system)—Furnish and install,
where shown on the drawings and/or where directed, Rain Bird
Model PAR+ES LINK PP or PAR+ES LINK/R PP (plastic pedestal)
or PAR+ES LINK SS or PAR+ES LINK/R SS (stainless steel pedestal),
16 station, radio LINK type field satellite controllers.
Those satellite units, with radio/modem units, shall be furnished
with dome hood type antennas. In addition furnish and install
additional OSM-8 valve output modules for each basic satellite
field unit to configure it for the total number of station
outputs indicated on the drawings and/or as directed. For
those units so indicated on the drawings and/or where directed,
furnish and install COM LINK units.
MSC+ LINK Field Satellite Units—(radio
MSC+ LINK satellite system)—Furnish and install, where
shown on the drawings and/or where directed, Rain Bird Model
MSC+ LINK PP or MSC+ LINK/R PP (plastic pedestal) or MSC+
LINK SS or MSC+ LINK/R SS (stainless steel pedestal), 16
station, radio LINK type field satellite controllers. Those
satellite units, with radio/modem units, shall be furnished
with dome hood type antennas.
In addition, furnish and install additional OSM-8 valve output
modules for each basic satellite field unit to configure
it for the total number of station outputs indicated on the
drawings and/or as directed. For those units so indicated
on the drawings and/or where directed furnish and install
COM LINK units.
Field Decoder Units—(decoder-based
system)—Furnish and install, where shown on the drawings
and/or where directed, Rain Bird Model FD-101, FD201, FD-202,
FD-401 or FD-601decoders. All decoder models shall be solid-state
electronic circuitry and epoxy potted in a sturdy plastic
case suitable for direct burial. Each decoder shall be factory
set for specific response code(s) with code number(s) permanently
and prominently marked on the decoder case. Also furnish
and install in the two-wire path where shown on the drawings
and/or where directed, Rain Bird Model LSP-1 surge arrestors.
One LSP-1 ground wire shall be attached to the solenoid core
tube and the other to a 4' copper ground rod, installed near
the LSP-1 surge arrestor.
Wire—(hard-wired satellite system
and decoder based system)—Furnish and install, for
the two-wire communication paths, double jacketed type wire,
consisting of two tin-coated type UF insulated (4/64" PVC),
soft drawn, annealed solid copper conductors. The two conductors
shall be color-coded (one RED the other BLACK).
The second outer jacket shall be a solid color, high density,
polyethylene insulation. Jacket colors and conductor sizes
shall be as shown on the drawings and/or as directed.
Weather Station—Furnish and install,
where shown on the drawings or where directed,
a Rain Bird Model WS-PRO-SH, direct hard wired or Model WS-PRO-PH
remote telephone operated, On-Site Weather Station. The station
shall monitor the following daily critical weather conditions:
wind direction, wind speed, solar radiation, air temperature,
relative humidity and rainfall. Sensors shall be polled every
5 seconds and the data recorded in a micro-logger located
in the bottom of the Weather Station mast. The Weather Station
shall be furnished complete with 120V/16V step-down transformer,
12-Volt battery and both calling and answering modems, for
the WS-PRO-SH and with answering modem for the WS-PRO-PH
unit. For the WS-PRO-PH unit furnish and install, at the
computer, a modem and a dedicated telephone line at both
the computer location and the Weather Station location. For
the WS-PRO-SH unit, the communication wire between weather
station and central computer shall be Belden #9883 direct
burial type cable, consisting of three twisted wire pairs
and with metal shield. Furnish and install the necessary
MSP-1 surge arrestors, to be wired into the communication
wire paths and power wires, at both the Weather Station location
and at the central equipment location, as well as, the required
MGP-1 grounding plate assemblies in which the MSP-1 surge
arrestors are to be mounted.
Furnish and install a 3-rod grounding grid, at the Weather
Station location, as previously specified for the central
system grounding grid.
Nimbus
II Specs