The Rain Bird FD601GOLF is a six-address field decoder for two-wire golf and large-turf irrigation systems, with one solenoid per address. Decoders replace the traditional in-field controller. The switching happens in a small sealed unit buried below grade, while your central control system runs the schedule as it normally would. The system uses a single 14-gauge two-wire path connecting the central, decoders, and valves, running under 30 volts. This can cut wire use by up to 80 percent compared to conventional controller wiring, and adding capacity later just means splicing another decoder into the line. The electronics are fully potted in a watertight body, so being buried protects the unit from flooding, frost, rodents, and vandalism. Addresses are pre-coded at the factory, so there are no dip switches to set during install. Rain Bird's Decoder Programming Unit (DPU), sold separately, can reassign addresses later if needed.
