Verdi Block Controller Installation Guide

The Verdi Block Controller is designed to be modular to meet the uniqueness of every farm. It can be installed on a post above ground where it is exposed to the elements or below ground in a valve box. The tools, parts, and installation procedures for both configurations are mostly the same except for the antenna.

Box Contents

Every Verdi Block Controller purchased includes the following items in the box.

• 1 x Verdi Block Controller

• 1 x Verdi Stick Antenna for Block Controller

• 2 x Panduit UV Resistant Zip Ties

• 1 x Energizer Ultimate Lithium 9V Battery

• 2 × 3M Waterproof Insulation Displacement Connector

• 1 × Dielectric Grease Packet (1 cc. Packet)

Recommended Tools

Adjustable Pliers (top quality choice Knipex 8701180 7-1/4-Inch Cobra Pliers)

Side Cutters (top quality choice Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter)

Above-Ground Valve Installation

If your valve is above ground, you can simply use zip ties (cable ties) to secure the Block Controller to the valve manifold or attach the Block Controller to a post with a bolt or zip ties (cable ties). Above-ground valve installations use a stick antenna that directly screws onto the Block Controller. Every Block Controller arrives with this antenna in the box. If you need to move the antenna to a better location, such as to the top of a post, Verdi supplies extension cables. Please contact your account manager to order these.

Below Ground Valve Installation

If your valve is below ground in a valve box, you can simply rest the Block Controller in the bottom of the valve box. Valve box installation uses a roadway antenna that is installed on the valve box lid and connected to the Block Controller via a cable. The roadway antenna is a separate purchase and comes in a separate box with an antenna and adhesive.

The roadway antenna is suitable for installations where the valve box lid will be driven over daily by trucks and tractors.

The roadway antenna requires an ⅝ inch (0.625 inch) hole to be drilled into the valve box lid for the antenna cable to pass through and the antenna to sit flat.

The roadway antenna adheres to the valve box lid using a 1.811" ID x 3.961" OD x .062" Thick 3M VHB 5962 Double-Sided Donut (industrial grade double-sided bonding tape). The adhesive patch is suitable for bonding both metal and plastic materials.

The Verdi Block Controller is fully sealed and submersible, so it is suitable for installations in valve boxes that are susceptible to flooding.

It is important to note that Verdi-supplied pressure sensors, although they are outdoor rated, will not work when submerged underwater as this will plug the port used for venting to atmospheric pressure.

Install Antenna

1. If you are using a wired antenna, make sure the cable is routed through the appropriate PVC channels or cutouts in the valve box or valve box lid. For the roadway antenna, this involves drilling an ⅝ inch (0.625 inch) hole in the valve box lid, thoroughly cleaning the location around the cutout on the valve box lid, applying the Double-Sided Donut to the antenna base, and then sticking the antenna down. Step on the antenna to ensure it is sitting flat with the lid.

2. Remove the protective plastic antenna dust cap from the Block Controller.

3. Apply a pea-sized amount of dielectric waterproofing grease to the antenna connector.
   

4. Connect the antenna to the Block Controller. Use pliers to get the connection a little tighter than hand-tight.

Install Solenoid

1. Install the DC Latching Solenoid into the valve

2. Use 3M Scotchlok Electrical IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) to electrically and mechanically connect the Pulse + and Pulse - pins of the controller to the black and red wires of the solenoid. Two of these connectors are included in the box with every Block Controller.

   1. Ensure all wires are not stripped before inserting them into the insulation displacement connectors.

   2. Use a pair of pliers to crimp the connector.

Install Battery

Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are used for superior temperature stability, long shelf life, and high capacity and performance. Alkaline batteries are acceptable.

1. Remove the battery compartment cap to reveal the Energizer Ultimate Lithium 9V battery inside. Remove the protective plastic bag and connect the 9V battery to the connector.

2. When putting the battery compartment cap back on, ensure that the o-rings that seal the battery compartment are present and clean and that the cap is screwed on tight like a water bottle. This will ensure water does not enter the battery compartment.