X-Core Support

Welcome to the X-Core irrigation controller support section. The X-Core, which is the XC timer predecessor, is Hunter’s professional controller for 2 to 8 zones. This section will show you how to install, program and troubleshoot your X-Core controller.

  • Components
    LCD Display (both Indoor & Outdoor Models)Run Times: Allows the user to set each valve station run time from 1 minute to 4 hoursStart Times: Allows 1 to 4 start times to be set in
  • Mounting the Controller to the Wall
    Secure one screw into the wall. Install screw anchors if attaching to drywall or masonry wall.
  • Removing Wiring Compartment Cover
    Before securing the controller to the wall, you must first remove the lower wiring compartment door. The door can easily be removed by following the simple steps below: Open
  • Connecting Valves and Transformer
    Installation of the X-Core should only be done by trained personnel.
  • Activating the Battery
    The X-Core controller has a mode that no longer requires the battery tab.   The controller instead goes into a hibernation mode after 30 seconds.  The screen will reactivate after
  • Replacing the Battery
    A high-energy lithium battery is included with your X-Core controller. The battery allows the user to remotely program the controller without connecting AC power. It is also used
  • Valve Wire Distance
    The chart below indicates the maximum wire runs that can be used when installing Hunter AC solenoid valves with controllers. The example in the chart below demonstrates the most
  • Connecting a Master Valve
    Complete this section only if you have a master valve installed in your irrigation system. A master valve is a “normally closed” valve installed at the supply point of the main
  • Connecting a Pump Start Relay
    NOTE: Complete this section only if you have a pump start relay installed. A pump start relay is a device that uses a signal from the controller to actuate a separate electrical
  • Connecting a Hunter "Clik" Weather Sensor
    A Hunter weather sensor or other micro-switch type weather sensors can be connected to the X-Core. The purpose of this sensor is to stop automatic watering when weather conditions
  • Connecting a Hunter Remote
    The X-Core Controller is compatible with Hunter Remote Controls (not included). The SmartPort® wiring harness (included with all Hunter Remotes) allows for fast and easy use of the
  • Setting Date and Time
    The X-Core display shows the time and day when the controller is idle. The display changes when the dial is rotated to indicate the specific programming information to enter. When
  • Setting the Program Start Time(s)
    NOTE: In the Start Times dial position, the numbers 1-4 do not represent stations. The numbers represent the program start times. Each program can start up to 4 times on the set
  • Setting Station Run Times
  • Setting Multiple Programs (Example)
    If you want to run separate stations (or zones) on different days, you would use 2 different programs.  Hunter controllers have multiple programs (A, b, and C) and the ability for
  • Seasonal Adjustment
    Seasonal Adjustment is used to make global run time changes without re-programming the entire controller. To use the Seasonal Adjustment feature: NOTE: The controller should
  • Setting Specific Days To Water
  • Automatic Watering
    After programming the X-Core, set the dial to the RUN position to enable automatic execution of all selected watering programs and start times.
  • Selecting Odd or Even Days to Water
    This feature uses numbered day(s) of the month for watering instead of specific days of the week (odd days: 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.; even days: 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.). NOTE: The 31st of
  • Setting Interval Watering
    With this option, you can select interval watering from 1 to 31 days. This feature is convenient if you want to have a more consistent watering schedule without having to worry
  • Setting Event Day(s) Off
    The X-Core allows you to program a No Water Day(s). This feature is useful to inhibit watering on specific day(s). For example, if you always mow the lawn on Saturdays, you would
  • Cycle and Soak
    X-Core controllers with a date code of July 13 and newer have a Cycle and Soak Feature. The Cycle and Soak feature allows you to split a station’s runtime into shorter watering
  • Reset/Clearing Controllers Memory
    A controller can sometimes experience a “glitch” if it has received a power surge or other electrical anomalies. Your controller may not be damaged, however, it may require
  • Programmable Sensor Override
    The X-Core allows the user to program the controller so that the sensor disables watering on only desired stations. For example, patio gardens that have pots under overhangs and
  • Test Program of All Stations
    The X-Core allows the user a simplified method for running a test program. This feature will operate each station in numerical sequence, from the lowest to the highest.
  • Delay Between Stations
    This feature allows the user to select a time delay between the end of one station run time and the start of another station's run time. The delay can be set for 1 second up to 4
  • Hunter Quick Check Diagnostics
    This feature allows you to quickly diagnose wiring problems with your controller. Instead of having to check each field wiring circuit for potential problems, you can use the
  • Easy Retrieve
    Easy Retrieve allows the user to save a program in the controller's memory for later use. The saved program can be retrieved at any time to overwrite unwanted changes in the
  • Total Run Time Calculator
    The X-Core keeps a running total of each program's station run times. This feature provides a quick way to determine how long each program will water
  • System Off
    The X-Core controller will not water manually or automatically with the dial in the system off position. Valves currently watering will be shut off after the dial is turned to the
  • Programmable Rain Off
    This feature permits the user to stop all programmed waterings for a designated period from 1 to 7 days. At the end of the programmed rain off period, the controller will resume
  • Troubleshooting Guide
    Choose from the links below for troubleshooting your X-Core controller. Station Repeats No Display SP Err ERR with Station # No AC Umbrella Icon Rain Sensor will
  • No AC
    The "NO AC" display is a diagnostic message telling you that the controller has stopped receiving AC power. The controller is running on the power supplied by the backup battery.
  • Controller Not Starting
    There are a number of reasons why the sprinklers may not come on from the automatic program. Assuming the controller will run the zones from the controller manually, you most
  • Station Repeats
    A common reason for a controller to repeat a cycle is too many programmed start times. Only one start time per active program is required, a second start time will cycle the
  • Sprinklers Not Watering
    If your controller shows irrigation running (Flashing Sprinkler Icon), and your sprinklers are not working, you may have a wiring problem at the valves or the irrigation water
  • Err Messages
    Here is a list of the error codes and ways to troubleshoot them:
  • No Zones Running
    If the controller display shows a station running, flashing sprinkler icon (  ),  or an arrow pointing towards running, it sounds like the controller is doing its part. Maybe the
  • Sprinkler Icon
    The sprinkler icon flashes when the controller is outputting power to the station terminal or terminals activating a station (see fig.1).  If the icon is blinking with an umbrella
  • Station Off
    To stop a station from running when the system cycles automatically, simply remove all station Run Times for station that you do not to operate. Make sure Programs A, B, C and on
  • Maximum Solenoids per Output

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