To avoid spam and other problems, your comment won’t appear until it’s been approved. Don’t worry if you don’t see it right away.
To add a question, go to the bottom of the page, fill in the comment and click Post Comment.
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.
Thank you Brian for solving my problem of running the rain dial manually. It worked like a charm!
You’re very welcome, thanks for letting me know 🙂
My RD-600 keeps loosing its time and the time is flashing. Should the board be replaced? The system is about 10 years old.
Hi Mike,
Definitely do not replace it. I repair Irritrol RainDials with that problem frequenly for much less than buying a replacement. The RD-600’s are very popular and the repair is solid. If you’re not in the Phoenix area, simply mail it in, I’m turning them around same or next day right now. The RainDial sprinkler timers are much nicer and better quality than the inexpensive ones you’d find at Home Depot. I’ll send you a follow up email as well. Thanks for posting.
Brian – aka – the Rain Dial Doctor
I do not have my controller set for everyday watering, however it kicks on everyday. I have a Irritrol rain dial plus 12 station. Why would this problem occur.
Hi Lori,
Thanks for posting. It’s likely a programming problem where a program is set that you don’t know of. I don’t recall the details with the rainDial Plus, but the rain dial RD series have 3 possible programs (schedules) that can run. YOu’ll want to make sure all of the schedules are turned off. After a power outage, the irritrol rain dial’s RD 600 and others have a default program for 7am, every day, every station for 10 minutes.
I’d suggest you reset the controller by removing the battery and power for a few minutes and the reprogram it.
Does that help?
Brian
Hi Brian.
I posted a question on the other site, will update the situation here.
There are 2 switches not working so I did the wire swop and that had the same result – the non-working line still didn’t spray. (Line 2 is not spraying – I swopped wires 1 and 2 and did a manual run on both with the same results).
Is the next step to remove the solenoid on line 2 (non-working) and check for debris etc ?
System is a RD-600.
Thanks again,
Quentin
Cape Town
South Africa
Hi Quentin, thanks for posting. It’s unlikely for 2 valves to fail at the same time.
If you have a volt meter and can check the 24VAC, that would help. If not, look at troubleshooting item “B.” and check that.
Question 1: does the timer indicate the valve should be on (with a little number in the top row)?
Brian
I found the problem – a wire to non-functioning solenoid / valve was broken. Fixed and the line is working again. The other line was actually fine so it was only the one that wasn’t working.
Quentin
I have an RD-900 (Blue) and had to disconnect the time clock to relocate box. When I hooked it back up with power and error message now flashing the time and “OF3”.
Hi Brian,
You’ll find what you’re looking for here:
https://raindialdoctor.com/why-does-my-timer-say-of/
Thanks,
Brian
That fixed it. Thank you Brian
I have a RD-600 ext and I am having a problem with Battery replacement. Everything else works fine. The unit turns on and off with the setting I have set. I have been replacing batteries about every month. I replace the battery then go back to check it in a month and the display is usually dim. I try and set a manual start for a few minutes and when I push the button to start, the display changes to OFF. I then change to a fresh battery and try it again and the manual start and everything else is working fine. This has been going on about a year. I would think that the battery should last a year of so. Can you let me know if this is normal or is there something I can do to solve this problem. Thanks
Hi Robert,
Thanks for asking. Unfortunately, what you describe is the classic symptom of an Irritrol RainDial failing circuit in the controller. They tend to get progressively worse as time goes by, so it’ll probably get intermittent for a while until it fails completely. I fix them all the time and am happy to help if you’d like me to.
I’ll follow up with a separate email. Thanks for posting,
Brian
Hi, Display can barely be seen. Replaced battery and still very dim numbers.
Seems that all programming is working just difficult to read.
Hi Charlie, Display issues can be challenging to repair, but I can usually take one from an older system to replace it. I’d suggest sending it in and I’ll take a look, I don’t think there’s much else you can do on your end.
Drop me an email using the Contact-Us form on the website and I’ll send you details.
Thanks for posting,
Brian
I have a RainDial (mostly grey) turned it off last Fall – if by chance it was un-plug and plugged back it would it reset ? but, ad it turned “off”
I did not turn on or reset
it may have gotten un-plug by someone and plug back in
This morning , sprinkles went on !
thank you ,
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
If you unplug the gray model rain dial timers or power is removed for a long time, they only last on battery for a while, then they default to 7am, 10minutes, every day of the week.
If you slide the bottom center switch to “off” it should not turn on any valves ever.
If that doesn’t help answer your question, just reply here.
Thanks
Brian
it may have been unplug then plug back in shortly afterwards
if so would that have turn on system ?
thank you
I can think of a way this could happen:
If you had no valves programmed to turn on, but the off/run/program switch was set to “run” (far right side) and power is removed (and no battery), it will remove all programming. When power is supplied again, it will go to the default program which would make the valves come on per the default program described previously. So, yes, power removal and restoration could cause it to start coming on when you don’t expect it to.
Brian
Can I unplug my rain dial during winter months?
Hi Rick, Yes, you can unplug the rainDial during the winter months, but you may have to reprogram it when you plug it in again. Irritrol made the older models (mostly gray label) with programming memory that needed a 9V backup to keep it alive when power was removed. The battery is intended to be used for short power outages. If you leave it for weeks, it’ll just drain it.
The newer irritrol rain dial series “-R” models that have the mostly blue label only use the battery to maintain the clock. Thus, you will only need to reset the time when you power it back on, the programming will remain in tact.
I hope that helps,
brian
I am going to send this unit in for repair, but I had a couple of questions. This is a nine station controller. The mounting case says rd600. Is the difference between the 600 and 900 just the amount of stations. I added stations years ago and I must have just changed out the control module. I measured the output voltage to the solenoids and it was only about 10 vac. I developed many years ago the first digital controller when IC’s came out. I used power FET’s for the final output. Are they still used today. Haven’t done any projects for over 30 years. Kind of miss it, but can’t see for squat.
Hi Phil, thanks for posting.
The case will support 600,900 and 1200 controllers with no problem.
Voltage output of 10VAC should be around 27VAC, it needs to be repaired. I’m happy to meet another designer – sounds like you saw some big advancements. There’s FETs (TRIACs really, but similar) that drive the valves. My company is laying off people again. I have made it through several layoffs, but they’ll eventually get me as they seem to want to push all the work overseas :-(. I may have to look for start looking for a career change.
Anyway, I think I answered your questions. I recommend that people send the controller module (with the LCD/DIAL) and also the back connector board so I can check and touch it up as well, but from your description, you probably don’t *need* to send it; I’ll leave it up to you.
If you have other comments/questions, reply here, or use the contact-us page to get an email exchange going.
Regards,
Brian
Irritrol rd 600 is set to run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday but it is running at correct time every day.
Thanks for the question. There are a few things to try when the RD600 misbehaves like you’ve described:
1) I’d suggest checking the AM/PM setting – the difference on the LCD is very subtle; it often causes confusion.
2) 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.
3) If you see the time getting corrupted or display blanking or battery dying frequently or it keeps going back to default programming, it just needs repairing and the process is simple. Just drop me an email using the contact-us page and we’ll get it fixed for you.
Good luck.
how do i open a rain dial box without a key? are replacement keys sold in any retail stores?
Hi Maureen,
Here’s a little info that can help in the short term:
https://raindialdoctor.com/what-to-do-if-you-cant-open-the-case-door/
You can find keys at your local irrigation supply store (not a big box like home depot, look for a landscaping/irrigation specific store or check ebay too).
Good luck,
Brian
Hi, I have an RD 1200 and the screen is showing ERR (error?). I have tried a factory reset and it wont work. I have turned it off at the power source and it wont work. Can you tell me what I could possibly do to fix it?
Hi Jo,
That’s strange behavior. I have not see that message before and I don’t see it in any of the manuals. Is the model number in the lower left corner an RD-1200 or RD-1200-R. If it’s not the -R version, make sure you let it sit powered down for quite a while (say 15min) before powering it up and testing it again.
If nothing seems to work, I’d really be interested in seeing it to try to debug the problem. However, I suspect you may be in Australia based on your email address, so that may be difficult.
Let me know about the model number,
thanks,
brian
Rain Dial RD-1200-R
Face is blue
No date under battery but date on circuit board appears to be 07/07/15
Rain delay feature does not behave as documented in the user guide.
Steps:
* Slide SET PROGRAMS switch to off
* Set dial to Special Functions – Display says “OFF”
* Press + button at top right of face
Display does not display alternating time and delay days remaining. Display remains “OFF”. If I change the PROGRAM SWITCH and repeat the steps I get the same result.
Does the RD-1200-R support “Rain Delay”? If so, is there a step I am missing?
Hi Dave,
To set the rain delay feature, you need to set the bottom center slide switch to “set programs” not “off”
Reply here and let me know if that helps,
Thanks,
Brian
Brian
Although the .pdf version of the manual says to place the function switch (set programs switch) in the OFF position, I tried your method and it worked. Now all we need is some rain!
Thanks Doc!
Dave
Hello I have a RD600 that works ok but recently when trying to change water times I noticed that when the dial is turned to current day the timer displays -01
and off times are displayed as off but days on are displayed as —– . Is this a symptom of a possible failure?
Hi Danny,
Thanks for the question. The timer is not having a problem, you’ve just activated the skip-days feature instead of “days of the week” which is more common. Set the dial to skip-days and set it to off. Then the other dial settings will be as expected.
Thanks for posting
Brian
I have the Rain Dial RD900-EXT and live in an area that has freezing temps. I can’t find anything about how to drain and blow out the system to prevent freezing.
Thanks-
Hi Denise,
I have to laugh at the question a little because I’m so underqualified to answer it. I’m a Phoenix resident; nothing really freezes here, ever.
You won’t find anything to answer your question if you’re looking for at sprinkler timers, they just control the water. I did a quick search on google that provided lots of information though. Try this: “winterize sprinkler system”
Good luck,
Brian
i went on vacation and when i got back i could not open the raindial sprinkler box cover – it appears that someone somehow locked it but i have no key. How do i open it?
Here’s a little info that can help in the short term:
https://raindialdoctor.com/what-to-do-if-you-cant-open-the-case-door/
You can find keys at your local irrigation supply store (not a big box like home depot, look for a landscaping/irrigation specific store or check ebay too).
good luck,
Brian
My sprinkler timer switched back and forth between the time and OF2 recently. I checked OF2 and it says it’s rain delay, I tried online suggestions but nothing works to fix it and it’s causing sprinker not to work when you set it to trigger at specific time so I have to press the manual button all the time to water my backyard. I even tried to reset it few times, it shows 12AM meaning that reset was done correctly but again after few minutes when you program it same problem pops up and switches between time and OF2. Any suggestion what would be the problem?
Thanks,
-Sooraj
Hi Sooraj,
It sounds like you’ve tried all the right things.
Try reading this link. I know you looked in the manual, but try there’s a little info at the bottom on how to turn off the delay. If it doesn’t work, play with the off/set programs/run switch – it’s possible that it’s just a little off from the position it should be in.
https://raindialdoctor.com/why-does-my-timer-say-of/
Let me know how it goes,
Brian
Hi Brian,
I have a 2006 RD900 and have replaced the circuit board a few days ago along with a fresh 9V battery. Everything seems to be working fine except the battery back-up. When AC power is disconnected the screen went blank, no clock. and when clock is set, defaults to SU as the current day. The program is there. Did I restore AC power too quickly? Would the clock have come back on its own eventually?
Hi Tony,
If the irritrol rain dial battery backup circuit is working, the display should never go blank with a good battery. I’d try another battery. If it doesnt work, you can send it to me for repair. Thanks for the question. brian
If the rain dial is in Program mode, will it run on schedule? (ie: if someone forgets to switch the mode to RUN)
Hi Katie,
Good question. The official answer for the Irritrol RD600 series controllers is that you should not assume it to run unless the switch is in the “run” position. The unofficial answer is that some models may run. Regardless, if yout want it to run, it’s best put in the run position. If you left on vacation and are worried that you may have left it in the set programs position by accident, I’ll try to check tonight when I get home and try it on a couple models and see what they do and post more.
Brian – aka the Irritrol Repair RainDial Doctor
Hi Katie,
I just tested two units, one old, one new. It appears that both will run the schedule, even when the switch is in the run position.
Brian
Thanks so much Brian. Actually we just returned from vacation and found it in Program mode so we wondered what had been happening while we were away. Some plants felt dry and others looked ok so we weren’t able to tell. So it made me curious and I looked in the manual and online and couldn’t find the answer! Appreciate your help.
Katie
I have a RD600 controller. recently I noticed the sprinklers didnt come on when scheduled at 5:30 AM I checked the controller and the zone number did appear when the sprinkers were to come on but the vlave didn’t open I shot the unit off and turned back on trying to start manually and had the same issue. This has happened several times. However if I waited til after 12:00 noon every time then select semi or manual the sprinklers worked. Would this be a controller or circuit board problem
Hi Bob,
Sorry for the late reply, I was out of town. The RD600 problem you describe sounds like a back connector board problem. If you’d like to bring it by, I can repair it for you and also replace the other parts inside the controller that typically fail.
Let me know – the best way to reach me is via the contact form on the RainDialDoctor site.
Thanks,
Brian
We have a 1200 and it only shows PM. We can’t make it show AM so we can’t program for morning watering. What’s wrong with this thing?
Hi Angel,
Sorry for the late reply, I was out of town. The Irritrol RD1200 problem you describe is strange. The AM PM difference is a little difficult to see because the leg on the A is very small. It’s possible that the display is broken or a connection inside the controller. I’m happy to take a look if you’d like to send it in. I can be reached using the contact form on this site. Thanks,
Brian
The battery dies very quickly. I have to change it every month
Hi Rex,
The RD600 series controllers do that when they’re failing. The internal circuit components fail slowly and the battery sort of “makes up the difference” until it fails completely. The good news it that I can repair it. I’ll send you a separate email on the repair steps.
1) wait for the email
2) stop by, mail it
3) I’ll repair it and get it back to you.
All the details are in the email.
thanks,
Brian
We have a RD-900. Zone 1 won’t come on. All other zones seem to be working fine. We aren’t sure what to check. Thanks!
Hi Renea,
Thanks for the question. I would try swapping the wire with zone 2 and then try to turn on zone 2. If it does not work, you probably have a valve problem. usually it’s a solenoid. You can take a picture of it and go to a irrigation supply store and show it to them. They usually have replacement solenoids for less than $20 and you can do it yourself. Just try googling “sprinkler valve solenoid replacement” and you’ll find several videos on youtube.
If zone2 does work after the switch, let me know and we’ll try some other troubleshooting steps.
Thanks,
Brian
I have a RD-600-R (blue face). Date code is 9/23/09. My problem is….it does not work….I replace the battery…nothing. There IS power going to unit. When I open it up and push on the board located on the back of the side of the case…sometimes the display comes on, sometimes it does not. If it does and I ever so carefully close it up AND it still works I can run everything just fine. Problem is it may stay on for a few minutes up to a few days but never consistently. This is my 2nd control since 2008.
**Side note I live in Chandler (Arizona) and the unit is on the southwest side of the house and not shaded so it get a good amount of direct sunlight during the day if that makes any difference**
Hi Dan, Thanks for the question. What you’re describing is a classic symptom for a problem I repair. I’m happy to take a look. You can drop it by and I’ll fix it while you wait if you like, we just need to schedule it. I’ll send you a separate email with repair details. After I’m done, you won’t need to buy another one for a long time.
Thanks,
Brian – aka the Irritrol RainDial RD600 “doctor”
Sounds good. I haven’t received the e-mail yet. Thanks for the reply and glimmer of hope.
Lol – you’re fast – I just hist send a minute ago. If you don’t get it, just let me know. The rain dial RD600’s are really good timers except for a couple minor problems that I repair – they’re well worth repairing. Let me know if you have any other questions. It shows the steps to follow for repair.
Brian – aka – the rain dial doctor