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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.
When I attempt to program my Rain dial and try to add “minutes” to each station..it only gives me ON and OFF option. I cannot add time by pressing (+) and (-) button.
Same problem when try to program START TIME. only ON and OFF option.
Hi Tarek,
That’s not very common. I’ve seen some cases like that where the processor has failed, but hopefully it’s just a problem with the dial or switch interconnects. I’d suggest you send it in and we’ll take a look. Drop me an email using the contact-us form and I’ll send you teh details.
Thanks for the question,
Brian
I can set my rain dial on manual set the timer and press the manual start button the timer will count down but my sprinklers will not pop up or spray water.
Hi Brandon,
If the controller appears to work (you see it indicate a valve should be on by displaying the small valve number in the top row of the LCD) but the sprinklers don’t come on there are some likely causes:
1) Water is turned off
2) Power is off and teh controller is running on battery only
3) Transformer is bad – see the DIY section for transformer testing scenarios
4) Controller system is failing – a frequent thing I repair.
You can check 1 and 2, and follow instructions for #3. If those look good, use the contact-us form to let me know and I’l send you repair info.
Thanks for asking,
Brian
Hi Brian,
Do you make house calls as I’m in Glendale off Northern and 51st Ave. If not, do you know someone that does?
Have a RD-600 (11/06) gray face, whose time flashes and sprinklers don’t come on. I have changed the battery and have reconnected the green ground wire that had become disconnected. The time stops flashing but sprinklers don’t come on then time starts flashing again.
Hi Susanne,
I don’t make house calls, but I know someone who does. Here is what I’d recommend:
1) This will take you 10 seconds and is very easy: Follow the removal instructions for the controller module on my website. Drop it off at my location; include your name and number. I’ll repair it and you can pick it up. If you want to wait while I repair it, use the contact form to email me and we’ll schedule a time. Then you spend 10 seconds to put it back on.
2) If you still want someone else to do it, I recommend Don from SprinklerMan Arizona. His number is 602-738-2201 and he has high quality standards like I do. Tell him Brian the RainDialDoctor sent you 🙂
Let me know if that helps,
Brian
We have a Hardie RD900 rain dial. The controller knob is broken. Can it be repaired?
Hi Saba,
Yes, they can be replaced. I have Knobs to replace them. If you’d like to send it in, just contact me using the Contact-Us page.
Thanks,
Brian
I have an Irritrol RD 1200 with a rain sensor attached. The system appears to be functioning per the schedule I have set, except I cannot get the manual mode to start any zone. I have reset the controller and reprogrammed it. There is no abnormal flashing in the display. Is there a reason the manual mode will not start a zone?
Hi Kathy,
It’s possible the manual button or the switch is not sensing correctly. That’s about the only reason I can think of that it work in a schedule situation, but not a manual one. If the controller changes from the manual time immediately to “OFF” when you hit the manual button, it’s a problem with the controller that I repair often. If you’d like it repaired, please keep us in mind. The best way to reach us is through the contact-us page.
Thanks for the question,
Brian
I have a Rain Dial -R 1200 Irritrol, Blue. The circuit breaker was popped, I reset but a code “5 EN ” is displayed and sprinklers do not come on automatically or manually?
Hi Earl,
That message is actually “Sen” which is for sensor. Click on the DIY Troubleshooting tab and look at it for more information on it and how to clear it.
That message does not sound related to the popped circuit breaker issue. I often fix problems that can cause the Sen error so if you see that again, keep me in mind for a repair. If you still get popped circuit breakers, try manually turning on each valve and see if one causes the breaker to trip; If you can determine that it’s one particular valve causing problems, you can just replace the solenoid to solve the problem.
I suspect you won’t see the breaker pop any more and the Sen error is one that may be intermittent. If it happens again, I’d send it in for repair. You can contact me with the contact-us form.
Thanks for the question – happy 4th of July.
Brian
RD-600 Does not operate. There is a display. When a valve is selected to run manually and I select the desired minutes and push Manual; the display indicates OFF (blinking). The blinking OFF continues until I turn the dial back to Current Time and change the time.
I copied this from someone else, I’m having the same problem. I’m intrigued to see if I can fix it myself, obviously at the risk of doing more damage. Do you have basic instructions or would you be willing to tell me what to look for in trying to get this problem fixed on my own?
Hi Michael,
I might be willing to help a DIYer. Use the contact-us form to send me an email – include your phone number and a time when I can give you a call. (Don’t post your phone number here, just use the contact form)
Regards,
Brian
Hi there. I have the rd600. I currently rent my home and it’s equipped with this system. I found a YouTube video a couple years back how to properly program it and had complete success. I have been here 4 years and haven’t had a problem yet…until a couple days ago. My wife informed me the sprinklers were not shutting off and had been running for over an hour. I went out to the box and turned the system off, but even after a half hour or so, the water wasn’t shutting off. I finally had to shut my main water supply off to avoid flooding my yard. (I live in AZ and it doesn’t take much for standing water to show, my neighbors aren’t happy when that happens) I’ve been going out and letting the water run for an hour everyday to avoid my landscape from dying. I went out today and unplugged the battery, ribbon and pulled the fuse on the board and my water is still on. Can u please help me? My landlord doesn’t live here so getting him to fix anything is impossible. As I said I rent so if I have to pay for this to be repaired I’d like to find a way for it to not break the bank. Thank you.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the question, I appreciate it. Go to the DIY Troubleshooting section and read the information on #8; it should help. When things turn on and don’t shut off, it’s usually a valve problem. It’s my opinion that your landlord is responsible for giving you the equipment needed to maintain your home. If it fails, (depending on your lease agreement) he may be responsible for replacing/repairing “some” of it. Usually the lease agreement will state what you’re responsible for and how much. Keep that in mind.
Valves can often be repaired/replaced by changing out the rubber guts – places like SprinklerWorld sell the parts. Replacing the guts is easier than cutting out the valves and replacing them. Good luck,
Brian
I have a Rain Dial Plus (Model # RD12PLUS-INT) Grey color. I have two programs on the unit: Program A starts on Friday at 1 am and runs 4 valves at 30 minutes each. The second program B starts on Monday at 1 am and runs 4 valves at 60 minutes each. My problem is that Program B should finish watering by 4 am but is still running at 7 am in the morning. I can’t figure out why this program would still be running after 7 hours with a program that should only last 4 hours. Do you know why it is taking so long for this program to finish?
I would follow the steps for doing a reset – see the diy troubleshooting section. You have a program setup that you don’t think is there.
There are also some programming tips and suggestions along with a programming video if you are interested.
Remember that the controller will default to watering every station for 10 minutes, every day of the week at 7am after a reset.
Good luck,
Brian
I have three lines that I run twice daily. I had my power shut off briefly a few days ago and since then, once it gets to the second line, it does not shut off when its time is up but keeps on running and then never goes on to the third run.
I would follow the steps for doing a reset – see the diy troubleshooting section. You have a program setup that you don’t think is there.
There are also some programming tips and suggestions along with a programming video if you are interested.
Remember that the controller will default to watering every station for 10 minutes, every day of the week at 7am after a reset.
Good luck,
Hello, just purchased a home with rain dial plus system. Control box is locked shut. Sticker says there were two keys, but no luck. No luck with previous owner yet. It was open and must have gotten shut. Any idea on what to do for a key?
Hi Jamie,
You can look in the DIY Troubleshooting section for info on how to open it without a key; or you can buy one from my on-line store.
I hope that helps,
Brian
How can I set different days for each stations within the same program. I.e. Want station 6 to run daily and the others 4 days per wk. Do I need to use program B? And would both programs be recognized automatically by the controller?
Hi Judy, thanks for the question. Look under the DIY troubleshooting menu option for programming information. There’s a good video that explains all the programming. You basically set program A to be one “program” like an every day setting; then program B as your every-4-days program. Just make sure the times never overlap so they can’t run at the same time.
let me know if that helps.
Brian
Will the Rain Dial operate without the backup battery installed?
Hi Ray,
Good question. Yes, it will work without a batter installed. The only disadvantage is that the clock time will be lost when power goes out. if you have the gray model and lose power, it’ll go back to the default program (every station, every day for 10min starting at 7am.) If you have the blue model, it’ll keep your programming, but just not the time.
I hope that helps,
Brian
Hi Brian,
I see my symptom in youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGm3z8Rsjk&feature=youtu.be
also, I have timer issue as well as manual problem. When I set a time for the zone e.g from 1 to 5, it only works for zone 1 and it never goes to zone 2,3 and 4. It seems to just stop going to next zone. if I set to start from zone 2, it never start from it. so it works only for zone 1.
Pleas help me for the issue as well.
Hi Eric, thanks for the question. Skipping zones is rather strange behavior, often caused by programming errors, or overlapping programs. However, if you’re seeing the behavior in my video, it means that the controller has component(s) in it that are starting to fail. When this happens, the behavior is somewhat unpredictable. I’m thinking that the valve skipping is a secondary problem and the primary cause is the failing controller. I’d recommend sending it in for repair. I can easily check that the skipping problem has also been resolved. Note that you might be able to put a fresh 9V battery in it and have things work a little better, but the battery will drain quickly as it’s compensating for the failing parts.
I’ll send you an email with repair details in case you’d like me to repair it.
Thanks for the question,
Brian – aka the Irritrol Rain Dial Doctor
The RD 1200 programs are set and work in the semi automatic and manual modes.
Unit does not operate on programmed time schedules…may be off the correct time or not at all?
Thanks
J
Hi J,
Thanks for the question. I’d suggest checking the AM/PM setting – the difference on the LCD is very subtle; it often causes confusion.
Also note that if the system resets, it will default schedule A to watering every station at 7am, every day, for 10minutes. Thus, it may have programming that you are not expecting.
There’s a video link and programming tips under the DIY section of my site.
Good luck.
Brian
I have a rain dial r, how do I run a manual cycle without changing the preset program? Thanks!
Hi Gayla,
1) Set the bottom slide switch to run;
2) set the dial to the valve number you want to use
3) press the + button to add minutes
4) press the Manual On button.
I’d also recommend you check out the video from the DIY Troubleshooting -> Programming tutorial.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t make the video, but it’s quite well done and it all applies to the -R model even.
Let me know if that helps.
Brian
Power went out for 10 minutes and just came back on. Control panel is non-responsive and has the number in the upper right corner like this:
1112
I
Hi Matt, thanks for thi inquiry. I’d suggest doing a reset, look at the DIY page for instructions. if that doesnt work, let me know. thx, Brian
I have an RD 600, 14 Jul 2006, Gray face. the sprinklers won’t run. Here’s what I’ve done: 1) I’ve checked the fuse, 2) I’ve checked the transformer (26VAC), 3) I’ve checked the solenoids by hot wiring them directly to the 26VAC in the controller box, 4) I’ve reset the controller to the factory settings, 5) I’ve tried using the timer start, the auto start and the manual start.
Here’s what I found: 1) When I disconnect the 9V battery I get no power to programming box. I just get a blank screen. 2) When I set the wafer switch to RUN and press the SEMI AUTO button the face of the controller appears to be sending the signal because I see the station number appear on the face of the controller but sprinkler doesn’t start and my multimeter shows no voltage between the valve terminal and the VC.
Hi Wayne,
Thanks for the great description of the problem and the detailed troubleshooting you’ve done. I think I know what the problem is, it’s something I’d suggest you send it in for repair. If you’re handy with a soldering iron, email me using the contact page; we can try a couple more things before sending it.
Brian
I’ve run into another problem with the same controller. I had some landscaping done this summer where the replace the wiring from the controller to the 2 solenoids I already had and added an additional solenoid to the system. It worked fine for about a week but now I have an “123 FUS” message alternating with the current time. I looked in the users guide and it says this will be displayed if there is a short circuit. The landscapers came back to look at it and said the problem was in the controller. Can this fault be caused by the controller? Is there a way to troubleshoot the system to prove that it is not the controller?
Hi Wayne,
You can find a lot of information about troubleshooting the problem here:
https://raindialdoctor.com/qa/
If you have any more questions or determine that it needs to be repaired, just let me know.
Regards,
Brian
Living in CA, which has been plagued by drought for the last 4 years, our church Irritrol controller has been in the ‘off’ position for the previous Winter months. When turned on in the Spring we did a ‘test’ on the system, i.e., made certain current day/time were correct and did a ‘manual’ test of each station. Per County regs we were still only permitted one watering day and since we continued to get periodic rain showers we didn’t really notice the activity of the Irritrol system. As our weather began to warm, and we got fewer rain showers, we noticed that the lawn was not staying green, but was browning. We knew we had other issues within the system, and those have been corrected, we tried a ‘manual’ test on the system. Currently the Irritrol system will typically give a single ‘manual’ test and then fails at each other station. We’ve manually tested each valve (opened the bleed) for each station and each valve operates the associated sprinklers. My question: is this Controller repairable? If so, what would be the proper section to send for repairs (the circuit board behind the door to system, or the part that is beneath the clock)? Would it be less expensive to send unit for repair or to replace unit? Our church is not in the best financial situation at this time so we, obviously, are seeking to minimize our output.
Sincerely,
Patrick McKendrick
United Christian Church
Fresno, CA
Bldg & Grounds Committee
Hi Patrick,
Sorry for the late reply. I can appreciate that “financial situation” problem. I’ve got some challenges these days as well.
If you send the controller (clock) and the back connector board, I’ll repair it for free, no cost but postage, which is about $6-7 each way. I’m happy to help.
Before sending it, make sure you troubleshoot it enough so you are sure it’s a bad controller. Check out the DIY page, especially option C.
Reply here or contact me via the contact-us menu for details.
Kind regards,
Brian
Brian, I will follow Option C this morning. Sounds simple. I’ve also gotten a multimeter and will check voltage at transformer. Will advise if/when Controller is on its way.
I do greatly thank you for offer for ‘postage only’; I hadn’t planned on charging church for shipping/repair costs so, if you’d allow, I will gratefully pay for repairs. I appreciate the businessman and am ready to pay for services beyond my capabilities.
Patrick
We had electric problem and finally had the power restored for our Irritrol RD-900 model. No water came out for the set time but the screen is flashing with “OF2”. What do I need to do to get it going again?
Hi Cathleen,
You’ve somehow enabled the rain delay feature. If you just wait a couple days, it’s start working again. Here are the details:
Rain Delay – OF (Off) and the number of days until watering resumes alternates with the current time.
I found the exact details for you in the latest user manual – see the User Manual page 24 – it’s available on the User manual menu, look for the Irritrol 2008 model.
To turn that feature off, you just press the – sign until it shows 0, or off.
Let me know if that helps,
Regards,
Brian
There is no power to the controller or display. I checked the power, fuse and all circuits have continuity. Is the controller shot? It has run flawlessly since 2007.
Hi John, It’s definitely not shot; I repair them all the time. If you’re getting ~24VAC from the transformer and the fuse it good, it’s likely a controller problem. You can try it with a fresh 9V battery and it’ll probably activate the display correctly, but not likely the valves. If you’d like to send it in, I’m happy to repair it and send it back. If I can’t repair it, there’s not charge, and I do have replacement units for sale if needed… I’ll drop you a separate email with repair details.
Can you show me the correct way to wire a wireless Irritrol receiver (Model 1000) to a Rain Bird SST 600i timer? The wiring digrams provided with the Rain Bird timer are not clear. Also, the RB timer does not have connector terminals at the 24v location, adjacent to the terminals marked “rain sensor”; they look like they are covered. Thanks.
Dan A.
Hi Dan, I don’t deal with rainBird sprinkler timers much, but from a quick look, I think you’d remove the jumper wire from the rainSensor screw terminals and connect the the rain sensor directly.
There’s a diagram of this connection in the latest 2008 RainDial controller manual on page 12. Let me know if that helps.
RD 600-R 72811
System is in seasonal home, no touch system for 3 years, because it was working….then it stopped working.
changed battery & fuse, followed the U-tube instructions for manual operation, all 3 zones worked, tried it 3 times all 3 zones working……3 hrs later I try the same protocol, nothing happens…..tried the process 3 times, nothing happens.
The readings showing the same as they were when it worked.
Only difference is the 3 heads on zone 3 are leaking.
What am I doing wrong ?
Hi Greg,
I don’t thin you’re doing anything wrong –When nothing happens, it’s a symptom of a problem with the system that I frequently repair for people. However, the leaky valves are a different concern. If they are leaking all the time, it’s probably not a controller problem. If they only leak when they’re on it’s likely a problem with the controller. If they leak all the time, it’s usually a valve problem. Here’s a page that will help you through testing a valve by bypassing the controller. It might help you feel more confident that the valves are good and the controller is the problem. https://raindialdoctor.com/sprinkler-controller-testing/
If you don’t see anything wrong with the valves, I’d send it in for repair; hopefully you’ll feel comfortable sending it to me. Just click the menu: “How to get it repaired” for all the details.
Let me know how it goes.
Brian
I have a RD-1200-r that was installed about 3 months ago, with a rain sensor. I noticed that it does not indicate rain delay even after it rained (like OF2). I tried to program the rain delay by setting the switch in off position and using the + switch to set the rain delay, but nothing happens – the time continues to show. I have reset the controller to the factory settings and tried reprogramming but cannot set the rain delay.
Hi Lyer, Thanks for the question. The rain delay feature works differently than you’re expecting. When it rains and the sensor detects it, the display will show SEN indicating the sensor is active due to rain detection. The RainDelay feature is different. This is for someone who does not have a rain sensor and wants to postpone the watering schedule for a number of days. The rain delay feature basically prevents the timer from watering for the specified number of days. When that’s happening, the timer will indicate that it’s postponing the schedule by showing Ofn when n is a number of days it’s waiting.
I hope that helps; if not, let me know. You can also take a look at the latest user manual on my website for more information.
Regards,
Brian
p.s., please reply to the post so I know you got this message.
Thank you Brian for the clarification. I will look for the SEN indication.
Shankar
Hi Brian
I found the problem. The installer forgot to remove the sensor terminal jumper. I removed it and now it shows SEN on the display.
Thank you
Shankar Iyer
That’s great, thanks for letting us know. For the others out there who may be reading: In addition to the jumper, there’s often a switch that can be put in Active (rain sensor) or Bypass (no sensor). When using the sensor, the switch must be in the active spot, and also the jumper between the sensor screw terminals must be removed. We don’t use rain sensors in AZ very often (since it rarely rains) so there isn’t a lot of people familiar with how it works.
I’m glad I could be of help, Happy watering — Brian
RD600 has display but nothing happens when the sprinkler is engaged to run.
Water is on and ready. Checklist to follow and troubleshoot?
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the question.
I’d start with this page and let me know how that goes. https://raindialdoctor.com/sprinkler-controller-testing/
Let me know,
Brian