ESP-TM2 Controller: Basic Programming

See how easy it is to set up and program the Rain Bird ESP-TM2 irrigation controller. This video shows how to set date and time, watering start times, station run times, and how to select the watering days of the week.

[walterslominski]

This is a polished video that cannot help a new owner successfully make the system do what you need. Worthless.

[pavelkto]

As I am seeing here comments from users on how confused and complicated the control pannel and programming options are. I think that the Rain-Bird system was created by the person with a special development.

[ticenits]

what really throws people for a loop programming this thing is the fact that you can only have 1 program running at a time (A B C). Each program can have multiple schedules, but if you set a program up for A then you need to clear all of the data for B and C. I've helped a few neighbors set theirs up and every time they had program A and B with schedules overlapping and stuff. I just ask them what they want to do, 2 or 3 days per week and how long, then I program everything under "A" and clear all the data for B and C and then they're all set.

[pnukxju]

What are programs? We just bought a house with this system and I’m so confused on how to use it

[clarencesmith]

I've successfully programmed most modern technology devices - BUT none as complicated as this - or better stated- it doesn't do what you programmed it to do - so am I missing a step, did they forget to tell us to wearing certain colors or we are supposed to stand on one leg only, possibly a magic word? OR is the auto rain detector picking up rainy conditions and thereby overriding the set program so that it doesn't "activate' due to the rain?

More complicated...

Suggestion- off programming assistance through WI fi... Rainbird Techs could be contacted given location then enter our rainbird system "I.D." so that an online tech can access the programmer, then either assist us or do it automatically for us- I'd even pay for that help!!!

[KBradAdams]

My question is where do you leave the switch after you set it to run programs?

[brianwalters]

I just want to program ONE program and have it use that! Nope, it's out there doing its own thing.

[patriciagray]

I wanted to download a manual for this from the Rainbird site, but while it says it's a ESP-TM2, the manual available isn't quite the same. For instance it has 'run days' vs 'water days' on the timer and the instructions for changing that don't work on this model. I had to do a lot of trial and error and finally got it to work by holding down 2 buttons at the same time. Please provide a manual to download for this model.

[ObsessionoftheMonth]

why is the clock always slow on this unit? I have to reset the time every couple of month.

[clivequarmby]

I am operating two programs both with a 4-30 start time.. I want to run each program every 3 days. How do I ensure that programs 1 and 2 do not both run on the same day.

[metaldude]

I have only program A enabled. Start time on specific days is 5:30a.m. That is for "1st" position. The rest are set to off. Sprinkler did not come on at time specified?? Any ideas? Could rain affect the sensor??

[Skyking]

You'd think with programming from HELL I'd have some detailed instructions on the Tube from the manufacturer, but noooo!

[robertbeck]

110 comments all asking questions. I think we need another, better video. While I graduated college I just can't figure out "water days" as every button I push moves the day.. How do you turn the days on and off?

[MediocreEverything]

Are "stations" the same thing as "zones"? Do I need to set each individual "station" watering times? I was told we need to run Zone 1 for 15 minutes, Zone 2 for 15 minutes, Zone 3 for 15 minutes and so on. Feeling quite defeated..any help would be greatly appreciated.

[christopherterhark]

Once I have everything set up, where do I leave the knob?

[sitccfi]

The irrigation system goes through the zones as programmed but then starts all over again with Zone 1 - how do I get this ghost out of the machine to not repeat the zone cycles??

[sherwinmarlin]

0:56 in the video as they are preparing to set the run times, does the selector switch have to be put back into the auto position first before u set the run times?

[zenlandscaping]

My question is, How to turn OFF for start time ??
I don't need 2nd time and 3rd time watering .
Please help me .

[riaang]

HI. When my controller is running in auto mode and runs through all the start times till the end, it goes back to the start again and runs the same cycle again. I have reset and reprogrammed everything but it keeps on doing this. How can I stop this?

[davion]

Im having issues with my unit. I have the program set up with my days, time, etc. It is very user friendly. My issue is that the sprinkler did not turn on this week even though programmed. I think it might have to do with the 'cyclic' program. I dont know what this is an cant find more information.