TRC Irrigation Remotes with BaseStation 3000 FAQ/Info:

1. TRC Commander 32 compatibility: The TRC Commander 32 "System" includes a stock model 01035 FM handheld transmitter that is compatible with the TRC receiver packages from Baseline. This handheld is only capable of controlling 90 zones - this is a limit of the FM transmitter. This kit comes with a 32 zone "sidekick-style" connector and universal receiver that allows it to control up to 32 zones on any conventional controller. Many contractors have one of these kits they use during installation & troubleshooting on conventional systems.

 
2. 200 zone support: The standard TRC FM Transmitter, model 01035, only supports 90 zones. This is to support special features in the handheld unit, and is a limitation of the unit itself. TRC also sells (for slightly more) a model 01035-256 which will support 250 zones, but does not have all of the same 3-digit features. See the TRC data sheet and manual for more information on the handheld features. Baseline recommends FM Transmitter model 01035-256 to support 200 zones with BaseStation 3000 units. Baseline does not resell FM Transmitter units - they should be purchased directly from TRC.

 
3. Range: TRC specifies "Up to 5 miles" for all 2 watt handhelds, including the model 01035 and 01035-256. As TRC says in all of their literature: "The Range of all Radio products is dependent on local conditions and antenna selection/location." We have found that range varies significantly due to (1) installation quality, especially that the antenna cabling & shielding is well grounded, and (2) that obstructions significantly limit range. Baseline range tests all units to 1/4 mile prior to shipment, but strongly recommends an on-site range test to verify installation quality.

 
4. Pedestals: In pedestal units, the TRC receiver card is factory installed by Baseline in the pedestal, and the antenna is side mounted on the pedestal head such that the antenna clears the top of the unit for 360 degree unobstructed line of sight. The kit is not field installable (requires significant drilling). The TRC uses one of two available mini-serial connections on the 3000 controller. For temporary use, the wall-mount receiver kit (see below) may be connected to a pedestal unit.

 
5. Wall mount: The wall-mount receiver kit comes in a separate plastic enclosure, and includes a plug-in 24VAC power supply. The plastic enclosure is suitable for exposed exterior installations, but is not submersion proof. Because most BL-3000C controller installations are interior, the unit comes with a 10' RG-58 coax antenna cable to allow the antenna to be mounted in an exterior location to improve range. Longer cables are available (but excess cable is not recommended). See the antenna mounting section below for more details. The wall mount unit includes a four foot serial cable which connects to any 3000 controller via one of the two available mini-serial connections. The receiver unit may be moved at will between any number of 3000 controllers. The wall mount unit may be powered from any standard 24VAC power supply for built-in installations, or may be powered using the plug-in power supply provided.

 
6. Antenna mounting: Interior antenna locations suffer from up to a factor of 10 reduction in range. TRC does not recommend interior antenna locations. Longer antenna cables and alternate mounting brackets and antennas are available from TRC. Failure to mount the antenna appropriately can result in significant loss of range. See TRC's antenna mounting guide for more info: http://www.irrigationremotes.com/PDF/datasheet/Antenna-CUT-2004-NA-Web.pdf

 
7. Security: All group code and receiver # features are supported with either the standard 01035 or the 01035-256 handheld FM transmitters. See the commander manual (link below) for more information.

 
8. More information: for more information, consult the TRC web site at: http://www.irrigationremotes.com/ Also see the FM transmitter model 01035 data sheet:
   http://www.irrigationremotes.com/PDF/datasheet/CMDTX-CUT-NA.pdf and the commander manual:
   http://www.irrigationremotes.com/PDF/installation/Commander-Manual-2002.pdf