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Auto Panel Technical Deep Dive

 

rainman watermakers logo

 

Rainman Technology Pty Ltd
49 Orchard Road
Brookvale, NSW 2100
Australia

www.rainmandesal.com

support@rainmandesal.com


Overview

The main control module inside the Rainman Auto Control Panel manages all system logic, safety interlocks, and operational sequencing. This guide outlines how to access the enclosure, replace power supply fuses, perform firmware updates and helps to understand the wiring layout.

Pressure Sensor Replacement

In rare cases where either pressure sensor provides false readings to the main controller, the affected sensor must be replaced. Both the high-pressure and low-pressure sensors can be replaced without accessing deeper electronic components. Until replacement is available, the system may continue to operate in manual override mode. Locate the sensors on the diagram below.

Rainman Automatic Watermaker Sensors
  1. The wiring needs to be disconnected to replace the pressure sensors. Unplug the connector by lifting the lock mechanism and pulling connector straight out. Do this for both high pressure and low pressure sensors.
  1. An adjustable wrench and 22mm spanner is required to remove the high pressure sensor. Remove it by holding the manifold as in the photo and loosening the sensor.
  1. The low pressure sensor is secured by a push-fit connection. Remove it by pressing the metal collar into the fitting and gently pulling the sensor straight out.

Replace Flow Sensor

The Rainman Auto Control Panel incorporates two turbine‑type digital flow meters. While these meters are highly robust and perform reliably under normal operating conditions, their accuracy can gradually decline over years of use, particularly after repeated winterizing and commissioning cycles. Because they are relatively inexpensive components, replacing them once a noticeable loss of accuracy occurs is a practical and cost‑effective solution.

Accessing Controller

Apart from the two pressure sensors described above, all other components require direct access to the controller module. The following steps outline the procedure for removing the enclosure and accessing the controller.

Opening the Enclosure

  1. Disconnect power before beginning any work.
  2. Remove the four Phillips pan‑head screws located at the corners of the enclosure as shown in the picture.
  3. Lift the front cover straight off to expose the internal components.

Fuse

The controller module circuitry is protected by two separate fuses, which may fail under conditions such as external voltage spikes or a mechanically jammed pressure valve motor continuously attempting to operate.

The fuse located on the left side of the controller protects the sensor electronics. It is a fast‑acting 400 mA glass fuse. The fuse on the right side of the controller protects the circuitry against supply voltage spikes and overload. It is a slow‑blow (time‑delay) 4 A glass fuse.

Info Screen

All operating parameters available through the phone application can also be viewed on the controller’s integrated information display. This provides a useful alternative during fault troubleshooting when use of the phone application is impractical.

System Overview

Rainman Automation operates using two dedicated electronic control systems, each designed for a specific role within the unit:

1. Communication Control Module (Small Board)
This module manages all internal communication functions as well as short‑range external (bluetooth) communication. It ensures reliable data exchange between system components and supports essential connectivity features.

2. Main Control & Power Module (Large Board)
This board serves as the primary hardware driver and power management system. It controls the core operational functions of the Rainman unit and regulates power distribution to all components.

Both circuit boards run their own specialized firmware. Under certain conditions—such as performance improvements, feature updates, or troubleshooting—these firmware versions may require updating.

In the link HERE, you will find two applications along with the latest firmware packages required to update both system boards:

Communications Module – ESP (small board)
Main Controller Unit (large board)

These files ensure you have the correct tools and firmware versions for updating each module as needed.

Firmware Update Compability

Rainman Automation firmware updates are currently supported only on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. These operating systems provide the stability and driver support required to run the update applications reliably.
 
Older versions of Windows may experience compatibility issues and are not recommended for performing firmware updates. At this time, macOS (Apple computers) is not supported, and we are not actively developing macOS compatibility. Support for Apple systems may or may not be added in the future, depending on demand and technical feasibility.

Updating ESP module

Use a 90° elbow USB‑C cable for this update.

  1. Connect the cable to the communications controller first, then plug the other end into your computer.
  1. Open the downloaded package and navigate to the “ESP32 programming” folder. Inside, launch the flash_download_tool_3.9.3 application to begin the update process.
  1. After launching flash_download_tool_3.9.3, the application may take a few seconds to start. When the pop‑up menu appears, configure the settings as follows:

    Chip Type: ESP32‑S3
    WorkMode: Develop
    LoadMode: UART

  1. When the tool window opens, locate the three‑dots button as seen in highlighted area in the picture and click it to choose the firmware file. Select the file whose name begins with “TxRxBLE”.
    The remaining portion of the filename is the date, which represents the firmware version.

  1. Once the firmware file is selected, the line containing its address will turn green.
    Verify the following before proceeding:

    The cell on the right side of the file address displays 0x10000.
    A tick mark is visible on the left side of the file address.
    Do not adjust any settings below this section.
    At the bottom of the window, select your USB port if it is not already pre‑selected.

    When everything is set, click Start to begin the update.

  1. At the bottom of the window, you will see a green progress bar begins to move from left to right, indicating the upload progress. Do not interrupt the process until it is fully completed.

    When the update finishes, a line of white text in blue background reading “Finish” will appear. At this point, you may close the application and disconnect the USB cable from the controller module. The update of communications controller is complete.

Update the Main Controller

  1. To update the Main Controller, open the downloaded package and navigate to the “USB controller bootloader” folder. Inside, launch the RainmanBootloader application to begin the update process.

  1. After launching RainmanBootloader, the application may take a few seconds to start. When the pop‑up menu appears, click ‘Open File’ and select the file whose name begins with ‘RainmCentrale’. The remaining portion of the filename indicates the firmware version.

  1. Once the firmware file is selected, you’ll see its address displayed at the bottom of the screen.
    Now connect your USB‑C cable to the computer. With the cable ready, press and hold the marked reset button on the Main Controller, then plug in the USB‑C connector. Keep holding until the green light flashes, then release.

    Now, on the app select the correct port and click ‘Refresh’.

  1. Once the firmware file is selected and the board is successfully connected, the Connection Status should display “Bootloader Ready”.

    Click “Write” to begin the update.
  1. At the bottom of the window, you will see a green progress bar begins to move from left to right, indicating the upload progress. Do not interrupt the process until it is fully completed.
     
    When the update finishes, Connection Status will change to a green background reading “Upload done”. At this point, you may close the application and disconnect the USB cable from the controller module. The update is now complete.

Wiring Diagram

The following image provides a clear comparison between the physical controller board and its corresponding wiring diagram. The wiring diagram illustrates the electrical connections and pinouts for each terminal, helping you understand how to properly connect and troubleshoot the system.

Instructional Video

The video below provides a step‑by‑step demonstration of how to swap the main circuit board.

Board Replacement Instructions

Follow these steps to safely replace the main controller board:

  1. Early panels may not have labeled wires. Make sure you name each connector before disconnecting. Carefully unplug the 15 connectors attached to the existing controller board. 
    Note: Avoid pulling on the wires directly — grip the connector body to prevent damage.
  1. Gently detach the antenna from the board, pulling straight upwards.
    The antenna connector is sensitive for force applied sideways.
  1. Locate and remove the screws securing the controller board using a small Phillips screwdriver.
    Typically, there will be 5 screws securing the board, confirm all are removed before lifting the board.

  1. Position the new board in place, aligning it with the mounting holes.

    Reinstall and tighten the screws evenly — do not overtighten.

    Reconnect the antenna carefully.

    Reconnect all labeled wires and connectors, ensuring each one clicks or seats firmly.