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MDC Two-Wire Decoder
Single Site Central Control System

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional controller systems, the Rain Bird MDC Two-Wire Decoder system may be the right solution for you. Decoders are essentially simple and reliable switching stations. They work just like conventional controller stations outputs but are installed with the individual valves in the valve box.  A two-wire cable interconnects the MDC Controller and the Decoders providing control of up to 200 valves (400 solenoids).

A technology long since proven in Europe, decoder systems are quickly gaining popularity in the U.S. commercial market. Over 500,000 Rain Bird Two-Wire Decoders have been installed worldwide over the past 20 years. MDC Two-Wire Decoder systems provide cost-effective control of a large number of valves over two wires.  MDC is ideal for multi-phase projects where the two-wire cable can be stubbed out for future expansion. 

Decoders can be easily added to the system anywhere along the two-wire path at any time providing ultimate flexibility.  
The MDC Controller comes with software that provides local or remote programming and management of the system from a computer. The controller is modular and has an expandable capacity from 50 to 200 decoder address (in 50 address increments). 

Features and Benefits

  • Control and monitor the system locally or remotely via computer – software provided with controller
  • Increase flexibility and confidence with UL listed, indoor/outdoor, modular MDC controller
  • Improve aesthetics and reduce chance of vandalism with in-field controls installed in valve boxes
  • Protect against the elements with completely encapsulated electronic decoder components
  • Utilize less wire than conventional controller systems
  • Simple two-wire system can be spliced or stubbed-out for ultimate versatility
  • Pre-coded decoder addressing eliminates confusion associated with switch-based addressing

A Cost-Effective Alternative

A simple wiring configuration and absence of protective enclosures keeps the cost of installation and maintenance low. Traditional controllers require dedicated wiring to each valve location. Decoder systems utilize a single two-wire path to connect to all valve locations saving money and labor.

Protect Against the Elements

All electronic components of the MDC decoders are fully sealed within a watertight enclosure, virtually eliminating damage from floods, frost, rodents or vandals.

Flexible Control

The MDC Two-Wire Decoder system offers the flexibility and confidence that has become synonymous with Rain Bird products. Whether your site requires an indoor or outdoor installation, a UL listing or an expandable option, the MDC controller will meet your needs.

In-Field Control Options

The addition of decoders doesn’t mean the elimination of in-field control. Decoders can be turned on and off in the field with a plug-in Rain Bird Field Transmitter. The Rain Bird Field Transmitter is a portable key pad that can be plugged into the system at certain points on the site to provide on-the-spot control.

Right Amount of Control

Select different decoders to operate one, two, four, or six valves/solenoids. Five different decoders let you choose the amount of control you need.

DPU-210 Decoder Programming Unit tests and verifies operation of  decoders. Also allows for re-programming decoder addresses for maximum site set-up flexibility.

Controller Specifications

Model:
MDC-50-200 is capable of controlling 50 decoder addresses, with expanded capacity of up to 200 addresses in increments of 50 utilizing MDC/M50D expansion modules. MDC-200 is capable of controlling up to 200 decoder addresses.

Input voltage:
120V / 60Hz ±10%

Output voltage:
34Vpp (24V AC)

Maximum number of decoder addresses:
50/100/150/200 depending on model selection and/or number of expansion modules.

Maximum number of simultaneous valves:
10 irrigation valves plus 1 non-irrigation valve

Programs:
10 + 1 auxiliary

Maximum number of simultaneous programs:
2+1 auxiliary

Irrigation methods:
Steps

Days:
14, every X day (X=1-14)

Start times:
6 per program

Start methods:
Day and time start, every X day + first day

Pausing of programs:
Yes

Run time:
0-999 minutes

Water Budget:
0-250%

Pump Control:
1 master and 2 booster pumps

Manual operation:
Individual decoders or programs

Sensors:
One direct sensor input on controller:
on/off switch (rain or alarm.) 2 sensor
decoders (for one flow and one on/off
sensor) can be installed anywhere on
the line.

Overload protection:
Electronic

Test:
Built-in diagnostics

Monitoring:
Active decoders shown with remaining time, all actions logged in memory. Log has 1500 action capacity.

Field Transmitter:
Optional

Models

Controllers

  • MDC-50-200 – Controls up to 50 decoder addresses; expandable up to 200 decoder addresses using MDC/M50D
  • MDC-200 – Controls up to 200 decoder addresses
  • MDC/M50D – expansion modules for MDC-50-200; maximum 3 additional modules may be used on the MDC-50-200

Accessories

  • FT-210/B Field Transmitter for field operation of the system; includes bag
  • PED-250 Pedestal for Field Transmitter
  • FTB-250TURF Field Transmitter Connection Box
  • CO-210/CA Socket for Field Transmitter / Cabinet Mounting
  • CO-210/EX Socket for Field Transmitter / External Mounting
  • CO-210/CO Cover for CO-210/CA and CO-210/EX

Tools

  • VM-250 Volt/Ohmmeter for AC/DC with LCD display. 0-600V, 0.1-40 Mohms
  • AM-250 Clampmeter for VM-250, 2mA-20A

Click here for FD-TURF Field Decoder Specifications

 


 

MDC Decoder-based Control System

Tech Specs
(PDF: 549 KB)

Installation Poster
(PDF: 151 KB)

Manual, English
(PDF: 3,153 KB)

Manual, Spanish
(PDF: 3,222 KB)

MDC Decoder-based Control System
click to enlarge

MDC Decoders
click for specifications

DPU-210 Decoder Programming Unit DPU-210 decoder programming unit
click to enlarge

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