Ask your questions here – (They will appear shortly)

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Please look at the DIY Troubleshooting section before posting; answers to most questions can be found there. 

You can also reply to other people’s questions if you like. (Thanks for helping)

Please try to include the following with your question, list:
1) the date code (located under the battery),
2) the model number shown on the face of the controller (usually below and to the left of the dial, e.g., RD-600 or RD-600-R).
3) Color (mostly Gray or Blue) based on the example rainDials shown at the top of the page.

1,284 thoughts on “Ask your questions here – (They will appear shortly)”

    • Hi Tina,
      Thanks for the inquiry. It sort of depends on what all you have programmed, but here’s what I’d do. First of all, you can look up the “skip days” feature in the manual. This is the gist of how I’d set it up.

      Assuming you have schedule A being used, and either B or C is available, I’d remove valve 4 from your the A-schedule and move it to the B or C schedule depending on which one is open. Lets say that C is open. Setup schedule C like this: Put the schedule switch on C, set the lower switch to set-program; turn the dial to skip-days and press + until it reaches 21, set a start time and then set the time for Valve 4 to be the duration you want. When done, set the bottom slide switch back to the Right position (run).

      If that helps, please reply and let me know.
      Regards,
      Brian – aka – the Rain Dial Doctor

      Reply ↓

  2. Manual station and semi-auto run won’t work, they just did yesterday, I know I followed all the proper steps. My water is on, I have no master valve, my timer is hard wired into the circuit breaker. I only have one zone.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jessica,
      Thanks for the inquiry, I appreciate it. If the controller just says blinks to “off” when you try to run it, I’d mail it in for repair. If that isn’t happening, you may have to add more to your description of “won’t work”. Can you tell me the steps, what shows up on the LCD when you try to turn them on etc.

      Brian

      Reply ↓

  3. I have the Irritrol 600. Just noticed the grass is browning. put in program mode and noticed all the days of the week are off. Pressed the + and – buttons and cant get the display to change. All the stations work on manual.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sean, Thanks for the question, I appreciate it. When the +- buttons don’t work, it typically means the bottom center slide switch is not quite in the right position, or maybe that the switch is failing. I’d try switching that switch through its positions a few times and then try again. You said it works on manual, but I’m not sure if you were able to use the +- buttons when you turned it on with the manual button.

      Let me know how it goes. If it continues to be a problem, the switch probably needs replacing. I’m happy to do that for you and also replace some other common parts that typically fail. Just drop it by or send it in.

      Thanks for the question,
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  4. I have a RD 600 built 10/08/07. I want to skip 5 days in watering my plants, so I put “5” in the skip day mode. If my plants were watered yesterday, what number do I put in the “Today” selection?
    Similar question, but I want to water a different program every 7 days, watered 2 days ago, what goes in that “Today” field?
    The user guide is not too helpful, and I thank you for helping.
    Steve

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Steve, Thanks for the good question. I believe the way to think of it is like this.
      The timer will run the schedule when the “today” day number matches the value you set as skip days.
      Example: You want to water every 3 days and have today set to 1, and skip days=3. “Today” which is currently “1” will increment every day, so tomorrow it will be 2, and so on. When “today” shows “3” the water will come on.

      I think that will help you figure out the answers to all your questions. If that doesn’t help, or if you find it’s incorrect, please re-post and I’ll clarify. If it is correct, re-post and let us know.

      Thanks!
      Brian
      P.S., be careful your schedules do not overlap. since you have two different schedules, one on 5 and one on 7, they will eventually overlap and run on the same day. Make sure you schedule their start times so they do not overlap or things will get ugly. E.g, set the 5-day schedule to run in the evenings and the 7-day schedule to run in the mornings. See the programming tips for more details.

      Programming Guide

      Reply ↓

  5. I have a RD-1200 with date code 012506 gray color. It works only with battery installed, but the battery dies quickly. Any suggestions?

    Thanks,
    David Tai

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks for the question.

      What you’re describing is something I repair often; I’m happy to help. Here’s a link >
      to the repair service that describes everything you need to know Repair shop. If this doesn’t interest you or you’re a do-it-yourself guy with a solder iron, drop me an email using the Contact-Us menu and let me know.
      Thank you very much.
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  6. I had a Hardie controller installed in my home in 1997 to control the drip irrigation. The back panel for the original Hardie controller had space for 12 valves even though I only use three stations. In 2011, the Hardie controller failed and I installed a RD-600 controller (all blue and recommended by the local irrigation store) as a direct replacement to the Hardie. The controller worked perfectly for the past several years, but has been working intermittently the past six months. Right now the controller does not turn on any vales. I checked each valve manually and they work fine. Next, I tried running each valve in manual mode and that it where I noticed the problem. The controller display and all programming functions work fine, have only been able to activate the valves in manual mode on a couple occasions. It’s hit and miss and 95% of the time none of the stations work even though the valve number shows up in the display. While in manual mode, there is no voltage being applied to the valve even though there is 24 volts on the 24VAC terminals. I checked the ribbon cables (the ribbon cable on the controller and the adapter ribbon cable to fit the Hardie backplane) for kinks and although there are several folds in the cable, I detect no breaks in the cable. Do you think it is a problem with the controller or possibly the ribbon cable? Would appreciate your feedback.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Ray, Thanks for the question.

      What you’re describing is something I repair often; I’m happy to help. Here’s a link >
      to the repair service that describes everything you need to know Repair shop. If this doesn’t interest you or you’re a do-it-yourself guy with a solder iron, drop me an email using the Contact-Us menu and let me know.
      Thank you very much.
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  7. I have an RD-1200 model which is at least seven years old and possibly dates back to 1997 when the house was built. I am attempting to run the pool fill zone in manual mode. The switch is in the manual/run position and the dial points to the desired zone.. After I set the number of desired minutes and push the “manual” button, the screen flashes “M10” as usual then immediately flashes back to off.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Todd,

      Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do besides send it in for repair. That’s the classic symptom of a circuit board problem. I repair them frequently and am happy to help. Here’s a link to the repair service that describes everything you need to know Repair shop. If for some reason you don’t decide to get it repaired, just let me know.
      Thank you very much.

      Reply ↓

  9. I have a Rain Dial RD 600, if I turn it off due to the recent rains will it lose the program settings ?
    I find it very difficult to program and hate wasting water.
    By turning it on again in a week or so is the program saved ? Is it as simple as turning the switch ON/OFF ?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mary, good question. If you just slide the bottom center switch to the “OFF” position, it will stop watering until you slide the switch back to the “RUN” position. You don’t have to worry about losing the programming.

      If you have a newer model (the mostly blue label shown at the top of the web page, you can use the rain delay feature. This simply suspends the programming for a number of days you specify. This is nice because it automatically restarts after the delay so you don’t have to remember to turn it on again. Here’s the excerpt from the manual:

      The Rain Delay enables the Rain Dial to suspend all automatic watering activity from 1 to 9 days.
      1. Place the Function switch in the OFF position.
      2. Press the button to set 1 to 9 delay days (OF 1 – OF 9).
      3. Place the Function switch in the Run position.
      The display will begin alternating between the current time and the number of delay days remaining. The delay day number will decrease each day until watering automatically resumes at the
      end of the selected delay period. Note: To disable Rain Delay at any time; returning the controller to active mode, repeat steps 1 and 2 to decrease the Rain Delay day to one increment below OF 1 (current time will be displayed)

      The older gray model does not have this feature.
      Thanks for the question.
      Brian – “The rain dial doctor”

      Reply ↓

  10. I have a Rain dial 600 – R and it works okay for the most part, However recently it will stop sending the command to commence the watering cycle. If I jiggle the wire that is connected to the valve control terminal (VC), it will start the cycle. It works well for awhile ( a few weeks) and then it will stop again and I have to initiate the correction procedures again. Any ideas why it is failing like this? It now won’t start at all no matter what i do with wire.

    There are no error codes this applies when I run in both auto and manual modes. Any suggestions?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dave, Thanks for the inquiry. You’re experiencing one of the top 4 problems I typically see and repair with the Rain Dial controllers. If you’d consider sending it in for repair, I can have it back to you in no time. I’ll drop you a separate email with some more information on the repair process and we can discuss other options if you don’t want to send it in. Thanks, and happy new year (almost).
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  11. Hi, Brian, I have the RD-900 and after having just cut and re-established the power I noticed that the lcd readout screen displays “OF” with something that looks like a 7 (may be coincidental as I did look at the screen prior to this). It’s actually the top half of a 7. The entire unit is frozen, not responding to any combination of touches or dial turning. I read in an earlier thread regarding OF-5 that this was a sprinkler delay and I could remove it by turning the unit to the off position and hitting the minus key 7 times etc, but this has no effect on the unit’s condition. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for your input.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mark,

      Thanks for the inquiry. When things are frozen up, I’d definitely try a good reset first. Following this link
      If it freezes up again, let me know; that’s a good indicator that it needs to be repaired, and I can help. Happy new year (almost).
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  12. Hello. I have a 2006 1200RD ext. The display is week (fixed with new battery), but 3 stations have low to no pressure and won’t run. There’s chatter from the manifold. I’ve tested the voltage at the transformer and the controller and they’re fine. The controller is covered and dry. Irritrol says the controller is going bad. I believe them, but I stumbled on your website and am wondering if it can be fixed. 9 years doesnt seem like a very long life. Thank you for any help.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mike, thanks for the question, I appreciate it. The symptoms you describe are classic indications of a controller that needs to be repaired. You can try a reset (see the troubleshooting page) but I don’t think there’s much else you can do. The repair is solid, and I provide a year warranty. If it gives you any trouble after a year just let me know; I’ll probably still help out – no charge. I’m comfortable doing that because I’ve only had one return out of hundreds repaired over the last 4-5 years. I’ll send you a separate email shortly with repair details. If you have any other questions that the email doesn’t answer, post them here.
      Thanks,
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  13. timer set water not coming on at set time?
    have switched system off at the mains and re-set timer still not come on

    any ideas please

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Eric, Thanks for the question. I can probably help, but need to know the model number for the controller you have.
      1) Can you tell me the date code (located under the battery),
      2) the model number shown on the face of the controller (usually below and to the left of the dial).
      3) Color (mostly Gray or Blue) based on the example rainDials shown at the top of the page.
      4) Do the valves work in manual mode? Does the timer every indicate a valve should be on by displaying the small valve number on the top row of the display?

      Let me know,
      Thanks

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Jeanette, Thanks for the question. It’s pretty uncommon for “nothing” to be on the display, especially with a new battery. Usually, something shows up. There probably isn’t much else you can do on your end. I would try another battery just to be sure, then send it in for repair. I’ll send you a separate email with details.
      Thanks,
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  15. I have a six station Raindial – 04 model. Device is one of two on inside wall.
    Power is on, fuse is OK, and it will run if I put a new battery in. Two weeks later approx, it is blank on the screen again and system is dead.
    Put a new battery in and it activates screen and I can manually start a station and it works.
    IF I pull battery out it stops.
    I understood the battery would run the Panel, but not run the stations?
    Have cycled two batteries thinking it was OK again but then dies as above.
    Any ideas please? cheers Eric

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Eric, Thanks for the question. I can probably help, but need to know the model number for the controller you have.
      1) Can you tell me the date code (located under the battery),
      2) the model number shown on the face of the controller (usually below and to the left of the dial).
      3) Color (mostly Gray or Blue) based on the example rainDials shown at the top of the page.
      4) Do the valves work at all?

      Let me know,
      Thanks
      Brian

      Reply ↓

      • Hullo again Brian.
        Date code is 042904
        Model is RD600
        Predominantly grey and the screen lights up and valves operate if I put a battery in. ie I can manually activate or put on timer.
        cheers Eric

        Reply ↓

        • Hi Eric,

          A few more questions and we’ll have a plan:
          1)I assume you’re in Australia, is that correct?
          2)If you remove the battery, does the display go completely blank?
          3)If you have a new battery, will the valves operate correctly?
          4)Can you, or do you know someone who can do basic soldering?
          Thanks,
          Brian

          Reply ↓

  16. Hi,

    I have an RD-900 about 13 years old. The Run or Stop switch doesn’t seem to work any more to put the system into rain hold. It just keeps on watering on schedule. The Run or Stop switch also doesn’t stop an active running cycle unless I move run or stop switch back and forth a few times. Can this be fixed?

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks for the question. Yes, I replace switches frequently, and also automatically replace another component that typically fails. I’ll send you a separate email with details, but to answer you question: Yes, it can be fixed and is well worth it.

      Brian

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Raylene, Thanks for the question. The difference between an A and a P on the Irritrol RD600 series display is a little difficult to notice. When you’re changing the time, just keep hitting the + key until you get to 11:15 PM and the next press will put you to 12:00 AM. So it simply wraps around; 12 hours of AM, and 12 hours of PM. Look closely at the A character and you’ll see the lower right leg disappear.

      Reply ↓

  18. I lost the key to my rain Bird six station timer. How can I get into the timer without the key.

    Thank you,

    Jeffrey Samuels

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jeffrey, Thanks for the question.

      Without a key, you can get into the case without a key with a little fiddling around. The key is simple, and is just a rack and pinion mechanism. See Irritrol RD600 Key Lock Concept. The key rotates like a pinion and moves the rack up. The rack is spring loaded to push down normally. The bottom of the rack contains the latch mechanism.

      You can use a flat screw driver, slide it into the key hole with the handle of the screwdriver up as much as possible (roughly 45degrees) and the flat blade of the screw driver horizontal. Then lever the screwdriver handle down while applying a slight pulling pressure to the door. It may take a few tries, but you should be able to get it open. Also note this post.

      You can also find keys on line through Ebay or through your local landscape supply store. If you need the Irritrol RD600 series repaired, please keep the RainDialDoctor me in mind.

      Good luck,
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  19. My RD-600 has a message I don’t see in any of the troubleshooting guides–
    “Err”. I assume this means error but I have no clue what kind. I can’t get the device to do anything and the message has been visible for the last several hours. Help!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi John,
      Thanks for the question. When you see “Err” it’s best to do a full reset and see if it will recover. Following this link

      If that doesn’t work, I’d mail it in and we’ll take a look.
      Thanks,
      Brian

      Reply ↓

    • Question: do you have a battery installed? If you do, and the controller loses its settings, it probably needs to be repaired. If the battery dies quickly, it suggests a different problem. I’d suggest you go to the contact us page and give me the details on the model and color of the controller. I can help more with that information.
      Thanks for the question.
      Brian

      Reply ↓

  21. I am replacing my RD-900. How do you access the compartment with the 120VAC. I want to disconnect the AC from the hi side of the transformer. I realize I need to open the circuit breaker and confirm with a volt meter that the 120VAC has been de-energized.

    Thanks

    Eric

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Eric.
      You probably, hopefully, have an access point for the AC that is below the right bottom entry into the housing. The AC is typically accessed without having to remove the black housing, which is only removed if you have to replace the transformer. You can contact me and send a photo if you want. Regardless, here is the answer to our question:

      Here’s info on the plastic housing: The plastic black insert has 4 tabs around the perimeter that stick into the gray housing. The tabs are located:
      1) on the middle of the right side just below the key hole
      2) on the top, just to the right of the upper left terminal board screw – the one that holds the back connector board in the housing.
      3) on the bottom just to the right of the valve wiring hole
      4) on the left in the middle.

      I’d suggest you put a small screw driver in the top center and pry the black plastic down, slowly working your way from the center toward the left where the tab is. Then work your way around the housing counter clockwise, doing the right side last.
      Be careful with the 120VAC, make sure everything is off before going in there; find someone qualified if it’s beyond your capabilities. Good luck,
      Brian

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Bob, Thanks for the questions.

      If you haven’t done so already, set the dial to skip mode and you should be able to change it (+-) until it says 0, or off, or blank (I can’t remember exactly) That’ll make the days of the week work correctly again. Try that, let, me know if it works.

      Brian

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Joseph, Thanks for the question. I don’t get many rain sensor questions in Arizona :-).

      The RS500 and RS1000 are compatible with the Irritrol RD600 units with some minor caveats.

      If you’re in luck, the back connector or screw terminal boards have a two terminals marked as “Sensor + and -” This is where you would normally connect them. Make sure to set the sensor switch on the top right corner to “active” and not “bypass” and remove the wire jumper between the inputs.

      However, older connector boards do not have these terminals, and some of the newer boards have a place for them, but the screw terminals and switch themselves were not installed at the factory to reduce cost.

      You have several options, all of which can work. Some involve modifying the connector board for easy connection and others involve bypassing the board completely (see link). This works, but the RD600 will not even know the rain sensor is there and display Sen on the LCD.

      The options depend on the controller model and connector board you currently have. Contact me using the “contact us” link and I’ll send more details and ask you to send a photo of the exact model of RD600 and connector board you have. Let me know where you are located.

      Thanks for the posting something “new” for me to explore 🙂 I hope to hear back from you.

      Reply ↓

      • Thanks Brian;

        I got it and hooked up the first one. I am wondering though if when the Rain Sensor stops the contact with the ground, does the clock loose its time of day?

        Joe

        Reply ↓

        • Your welcome. If the ground you are talking about is the VC or VCOM or Voltage Common terminal, then you don’t have to worry about the RD600 losing power. It has a ground through the back connecter terminal board. You should be putting the rain sensor in line with the VC wire, not the 24VAC wire. See the link I added to my post above for a diagram.

          Reply ↓

  25. Hello I have a RD-600 and the display time is flashing and I cannot change the time on it. The display is flashing on any function I change it to. Any suggestions?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dan,

      Thanks for the question. The unit just needs a good reset — follow the directions at this Q&A link and let me know how it goes. This should clear up the problem about not being able to change anything. If it doesn’t, or you see the problem appear again and again, let me know. I’ll probably have you send it in for repair.

      Go to the Common Q&A menu and search for “How do I reset …” or click here

      Reply ↓

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