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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.
How do I replace the battery in my RainDial controller model RD 1200.
Hi Philip,
When facing the controller (dial/lcd module) push the plastic tab in the middle of the right side to the right and pull on the right edge of the control module. It should swing out on its hinges so you can see the back connector/wiring board behind it. Once you’ve swung it out, there’s a plastic cover on the back of the module near the top that contains the 9V battery you can replace.
I hope that helps,
Brian
Hello Brian: Have a Rain Dial Plus that displays OPN when zone number one is activated either on schedule or manually.
Have removed wire from timer and same thing occurs. Have run zone one wire to number 2 slot and it works fine there.
System is a residential on house water supply. No pump.
Display reads clearly for all functions.
Suggestions please and thanks!
Hi Cory,
It’s likely there’s a problem in either the controller or back connector board that’s causing the problem. Do you have an extra zone that’s un-used? If so, you can just move #1 there permanently. If you don’t, you can mail it in for repair. If not repairable, I have some controllers for sale that could be used to replace it.
Thanks for posting,
Brian
The display seems to be frozen on FFF.
Hi Jack E. That’s strange. I have not see that before. Here’s what to try: Follow the reset instructions on the diy troubleshooting page. If it happens again, just send it in for repair. Strange behavior is usually an indication that the unit is starting to fail and needs servicing. I’m happy to help if you’re willing, but i suspect the reset will fix it now, at least for the short term.
Brian
When I manually turn on valve #3 it comes on and runs the prescribed time but when I switch to valve #4 and turn it on valve #4 does not come on but valve #3 comes on again. Any idea?
Hi Jack,
When a RainDial valve is on – there’s a small valve number displayed in the top row. That tells you what the timer is doing.
Does it show #4 when the actual valve #3 is on? If that’s the case, then it’s likely a wiring problem. Let me know more and I’ll try to help.
Brian
Thanks Brian, I just rechecked all of the wiring and can find nothing wrong. As a matter of fact I cut them all and restripped them and reconnected. I still have the same problem. To answer you question when I switch the dial to #4 and turn it on the top line still says 3 and the #3 comes on. And now I notice it does the same thing on valves #1 and #2. No matter which it is set on #1 comes on. I am sure the wiring is ok unless its shorted or something in the conduit to the timer.
Is a gray RD600
Hi Jack, OK, that’s interesting. I’ve not see that before, but if you’re telling the timer to turn on one valve and a different valve number shows up, it must be a timer problem. I’d send it in for repair. I’m anxious to see what the problem is. I’ll send you more info on RD600 repair process in a few minutes. If I can’t fix it, there’s no repair charge, and I also have some refurbished units if repairing doesn’t work.
How can I tell how old my RD600 is ?
Hi Patrick,
The date for an Irritrol RainDial model should be stamped in battery compartment; lift out the battery and look underneath it.
Let me know if you find it,
Brian
How can I tell if the timer is broken. I haven’t seen it watering on it’s own. I can turn it on manually. When I set it to day 1 and the time ahead to see if it came on, it did not……hmmmmm. It is pretty old…like 8-10 years.
Hi Lynne,
8-10 years is not old for these timers actually, I’ve repaired them from 1993 and sent them out working like new.
Here are some things to try:
1)Try turning each valve on manually to see if they can all be activated. (set the dial to a valve, add some minutes and press manual on).
If you see it just go to “off” instead of running, that’s an indication of a problem I repair often, especially if it happens with more than one valve. If it only happens with one valve, that could mean the valve is a problem.
2) try your schedule trick again. Set the day and time for just before it should turn on. Be careful of the AM/PM; it’s the one thing the trips people up on the RainDial Timers. The difference is subtle. Leave the dial on the valve number that’s schedule to come on and watch it.
When it’s time for them to come on look for the display to indicate the schedule is running and/or a little number in the top row of the LCD for the valve that’s on.
Let me know what you see.
Brian
I have a brand new Rain Dial RD 1200 and am getting error P:On or P:0n. Any ideas?
Hi Marc – that p:on message is related to a pump setting that is rarely used and only used by people who have a separate pump, typically for a well, or a rather large irrigation system that needs booster pumps to increase water pressure.
If you don’t have that, then it’s likely you hit some button/dial sequence that got it turned on. Here’s what I recommend:
1) If you want to know more, read the 2008 user manual on my manuals page. Look at page 30 for more info
2) follow the reset procedure(s) on the DIY Troubleshooting page
That should wake it up again. Be wary though, these controllers are usually rock solid – if it does something strange like this again, send it in for repair and we’ll make it reliable as new again.
Let me know if that helps,
Brian
I am getting error that says P:on and controller acts totally dead. It is brand new. Any ideas?
see reply to duplicate post
just testing
I have the 600 R, 2 of 3 stations will run when I put them into. MANUAL but the third will take itself back to OFF the second I hit MANUAL to run the MANUAL program. Any ideas? Thanks
Hi Jeff, thanks for posting. Usually the problem occurs with more than one valve. If not, it’s likely a vallve problem. I would switch the wire to the suspect valve with a different valve and see if the problem follows the valve.
If you experience the problem with multiple valves, it’s definitely a problem with the system, and one that I repair frequently and I hope that you’ll use my services.
Let me know what you determine,
Thanks,
Brian
Good morning, we have a rd600-ext, date code 012006, gray. We have incoming 24 volts from the transformer, 14 to 15 volts going to the valves, causing chattering. Your thoughts.
Thank you
Hi Fred, Thanks for posting. That’s the exact symptom of a failing controller that I repair frequently. I’d suggest sending it in; I repair the RD600 series controllers from Irritrol all the time and will have it repaired and back in the mail next day.
Thanks,
Brian
My RD600 will not set for AM. I have used both the + and- button to adjust and it stays on PM.
Hi Ed,
If you keep pressing the + button on the RainDial timer, the time should roll over from am to pm after crossing 12:00. If that does not happen, then it’s likely the display just has a problem that makes that little leg of the A (the only difference between the A and the P. RainDial timers are awesome except for this difference is a little too subtle).
If it’s not working then the only solution I can think of is for you to send it in for repair. All the details are on my site.
Let me know if that helps,
Thanks,
Brian
I am at Travis Air Force Base Fairfield California closest place to here to buy one of these keys to open up the irrigation box for a rain dial
Hi Eugene,
Thanks for posting.
If you put word “Key” in the search box of this site, it’ll tell you how to get it open without a key.
As for getting a key, I’d suggest looking at Ebay, they have some on there and they’ll deliver.
Alternately, many local landscaping supply stores (not like home depot, but more like the landscapers supply stores that just do landscaping supplies)
Does that help?
Brian
Worked perfectly for about 2 years. Now it’s stopped completely, though I can force it to run by manually activating the stations/valves.
When I turn the main dial to days, they all show OFF. Pressing the + or – buttons change the display to – – -. I cannot get it to show ON.
Hi Ian,
The Irritrol RainDial timers might behave that way when the mode is set for skip days. If skip days is turned on, you can usually see the display show “skip days”. I’m not sure why it would switch between OFF and — however. I’d follow the DIY Troubleshooting page instructions for resetting the module and see if that helps. Check out the instructions on that page and let me know what you find out.
Oh, to turn off skipdays, set the dial on the skipdays setting and press the +- buttons.
If that doesn’t work, I’d suggest sending it in for repair.
Let me know what you find out
Brian
I have a code that say OF2 and don’t let me do nothing
Hi Pablo,
The RD600 series Timers by Irritrol have a rain delay feature – look on the DIY troubleshooting page and look for the topic that says OFn in the message. It’ll tell you all about it.
Thanks,
Brian
Can I replace the controller only on my irritol RD600 system
Yes you can just replace the Irritrol RD600 series controller and re-use the case and back connector board. However, there are some compatibility items that you have to get right to make it will work correctly. That’s why I like to repair them instead of exchange or swap them out for a different one.
I’m happy to repair one if you have it; I also have some in stock for replacement.
Here is a short list of things to think about:
1) Ribbon cable connections – the number of wires in the ribbon cable and thus the number of pins in the connector.
2) The mating connector in the back connector board should match.
3) The model number is a good check – you can *usually* replace any gray model with a gray model and blue with a blue, but there was a short period of a few months where Irritrol put the newer “guts” in an older gray label box.
4) The “RD600-R” series and “RD600” are generally not compatible, but if you’re like me and don’t mine a little cutting of plastic, you can get them to work. It’s sort of a “square peg” in a “round hole” sort of problem that can be fixed with some wire cutters.
Bottom line: The answer to your question is simply “yes”. The better choice is to simply repair the one you have; if that’s not possible, let me know and we can find the best alternate solutions.
Thanks for posting,
Brian
I was running my rd 600 in manual to check sprinkler head conditions and one zone and now it will not turn off and just keeps running
Hi, thanks for the question. Look at the DIY troubleshooting page, there is a line item for when valves are stuck on. Try that info and let me know how it goes.
I’m working with an Irritrol RD 1200 – EXT.
I can run it manually, but, it won’t come on with the time I set for it.
I did the disconnecting of the ribbon from the back of the box and tried touching the valve #1 and it came on.
So, that must mean it’s a problem with the circuit board, right.
Thank you,
James
Hi James,
Yes, it seems like a controller; I’d try doing a factory reset (see the diy page) first. Even if it works, keep an eye on it since it’s usually a precursor to a bigger problem. I”m happy to take a look at it if you’d like. Just let me know. If you have a Gray model (based on the label around the main dial) instead of a blue model, that’s pretty common symptom of a failing controller.
Let me know how it goes – posting here is a good way to contact me.
Brian
Sections 1 through 3 work perfect. Section 4 pops up and goes down in a second or 2
message 4 FUS in LCD panel. Section 4 will run in Manual mode. Fuse is good.
A little confused. Thanks for your help
Hi John,
Item 2 on the DIY Troubleshooting page for RD600 series controllers will show you how to clear the message.
Then try using the manual function to turn on each valve one at a time. If the FUS error ontly comes on when you activate one of the valuves, try swapping that valuve wire with another one to see if the problem follows the valve and is likely a valve problem. IF the FUS error comes on for multiple valves, or is intermittent, it’s something I can repair, just reply here and I’ll send you all the details.
Thanks for posting,
Brian
My first station runs but the others don’t.
I can’t figure out my error?
Hi Edward, Thanks for the question. Can you provide more info on the problem. e.g., when the other stations don’t work, what happens (do you see anything on the display at all to indicate it’s running; does the display indicate the valve is on, but no water flows, etc. etc.)
Brian
A:10 appears when the water should be running? The timer is set for 10 min. Per zone.
That means it’s running schedule A. There should be a small number above than what you see that indicates the valve that is turned on. ()e.g. 1) The 10 should count down to zero until that zone has been watered for 10 minutes. Then it will go to the next valve (e.g. 2) and do another 10 minutes. What valve number is working and what valve numbers are not working ? Trying manually turning on about if you need instructions see the programming information on the site then try and see if one valve works and the other doesn’t. Make sure that you see The little number appear for each valve you turn on. If all the valves work manually then it’s just a programming problem. If they don’t all work let me know the model number and will go from there. Thanks Brian
My first station runs but the others don’t?
I can’t figure out my error?
I have a model RD-600 controller – the display shows SF and all of the dials
and buttons do not work. Also I have looked for a safety fuse and my model
does not have a safety fuse – Please advise if my controller is repairable
Hi John,
SF isn’t a valid menu option. I’d suggest you look at the troubleshooting page for reset information and follow those steps. They should be enough to get it to wake back up again. If it continues to misbehave, I’d suggest you send it in for repair (send both the controller and backboard) See the Removal instructions on the site for more info.
Brian
An “of3” flashes alternately between time of day shown. Please advise & thank you.
Hi Lee,
Thanks for posting. Look at the troubleshooting page under #3. It’ll give you all the details about the RD600 and other Irritrol controllers. That is basically the rain delay feature. If you don’t find enough info there, or even if you do, reply here and let me know.
Thanks,
Brian
Hi Brian,
My RD-1200 doesn’t come ON anymore after a recent power outage. The display stays OFF. It had worked perfectly well until this point. I have checked transformer and fuse and both are good, reading 24V AC after the fuse.
Date stamp reads “051105” and it’s a Gray color front panel.
Do you recommend any further checks or conclude the controller is busted? Can it be repaired? If I were to ship this to you for repairs should I include both the controller and the back connector board?
Thanks
SM
Hi Sanjiv,
I would try doing a reset – follow the directions on the DIY Troubleshooting page. It gives you lots of information. Hopefully a good reset will work. If that doesn’t work, post back here and I’ll get you info on repair. You probably don’t need to send the back connector board, but it’s always best if you do so we can make sure everything is 100% after the repair. Some people don’t send it in and if there’s another problem, we’ll always wonder if the board is in question. However, (especially for 12 station models) it is a hassle to remove and take out and put back. We can usually get a pretty good idea if it’s needed or not based on the model and problem description. Since you sound fairly capable, I’d recommend you send both parts. Just make sure the transformer is powered off or protected in some way from shorting out. My removal video shows an example.
Thanks for posting,
Brian
It’s also worth trying the reset-to-factory-defaults method for the blue model. Your model may be one of the newer boards inside an older gray case. (there was a brief period of time when Irritrol “used up” the older cases. )
Thanks Brian. I did both, reset-to-factory-defaults and power on/off reset, but the controller doesn’t power ON. I’ll send both the controller and the board to you today, if I can get to it. Can you confirm the shipping address and also let me know of approximate repair costs?
Package (controller + board) shipped today; USPS delivery to you this Friday (2/17). thanks in advance
That’ll work – I’ll follow up with an email …
I need to replace the hard wired electrical cord that powers my Irritrol RD-600.
Is that cord available from you? or should I just call a local electrician to provide the replacement service needed?
Hi Alan,
Do you have an indoor model – one that plugs into an AC outlet? If you can send a photo of it and why you need it replaced, that’d help. Usually it’s a do-it-yourself job, but I’d want to see it first. You can send it to rainDialDoctor@gmail.com
I’ll wait till I hear from you …
Thanks,
Brian
Hi Brian, don’t have a means to transmit a photo at the moment. It is an outdoor model.
The electrical cord casing is dried out and frayed where it bends to connect into the plug that is on the outside of the building within a clear plastic rain protected cover encasing an AC outlet. The cord casing has suffered sun damage, has split & begun to disintegrate revealing the layers beneath.
Hi Peter, I understand what you’re saying now. I don’t think it actually comes with the Irritrol Rain Dial when you purchase one. It’s more of an electrical conduit connection issue; you might be able to get it at a home improvement store. Sorry I couldn’t help more.
Brian