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HOW DO YOU SET THIS AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER?

    Often,  the "problem" with setting an automatic controller is that it is not working right to begin with.  Check the power to the controller as described below.  Verify that the controls will operate the system manually.   If the system will not turn on, go to our Customer Support - Turn it ON page.  If the system is operating, proceed with the process of setting things up below.

    All sprinkler controllers are designed to do about the same thing.   That is:  turn on water in the landscape.  Most controllers accomplish this by sending an electrical current to each solenoid valve in the yard.  Each valve is usually associated with a section or zone of spray heads in a specific part of the landscape.  Each zone must be set at the controller to operate for a number of minutes.  The controller will start a series of zones (many times all of them) to begin to operate, in sequence, at the time(s) of day and for certain days of the week, that you set.

Just set it like an alarm clock!.

1.  Set the current time of day and the day of the week.

2.  Set the number off minutes each zone is to operate.

3.  Set the days the cycle or program is to operate.

4.  Set the time(s) of day the cycle or program  is to start.

5.  Set the controller to operate in the automatic mode.

That's it!

    There are many, many automatic controllers on the market now and in use in the field.  Setting any of them requires that you address the five tasks above.  Most controllers will have setting instructions on the inside lid of the box.

    Older mechanical designs  will use pins or screws to install on the face of the controller to designate or eliminate (pin function varies between models and manufacturers) certain days of the week.  These same controllers will use pins or screws to designate the starting time of the cycle or program.  Caution:   Do not install a starting pin in the "hour wheel" within two hours of the present time that you are setting the controls.  There is a small switch that can be damaged if you push the pin on top of it.   Also, do not turn the "hour wheel" counter-clockwise or "backwards" when setting the time.  You must use force to do this, don't!  If you do, the controller will require repair.  Updated versions of this type of design use "captive" push pins to indicate your preferences.  In this updated version, be sure the pins are "in" only for the times and days you want to water.   Often these push pins are easy to move and may cause multiple start times or days to be activated. 

    If you need pins for an automatic controller contact Irrigation Partners.

    Watch the "hour wheel".  If over a period of time you do not see that it has moved, reflecting the correct time of time of day, then it is likely that the hour motor requires replacement or the "hour wheel" itself may require repair.  If you can locate a new motor, the replacement process is straight forward.  Some controllers have two motors, inspect them to determine which one is attached to the hour wheel and replace that one. Warning!  Be sure to unplug the controller or verify that there is no power going into the controller before you start this procedure.

    Need a new motor for your controller?   Contact Irrigation Partners.

    Some older controllers have two fuses.  One on the outside face of the panel and another inside.  There are occassions when only one of these is burnt.  Check them both and replace as required.  See the above warnings regarding the power supply!   

    Solid state controllers or controllers with digital displays are coming into their own (finally) for user friendliness.  Again, the same five setting parameters listed above apply.  The programming methodologies for these devices are widely diverse.  Check the inside door or lid of the box for specific programming instructions. 

    If you have no instructions and still need help contact Irrigation Partners.    Additional information may be available at one of the manufacturer's web sites located on our Irrigation Industry Links page.

    If all else fails, and you have determined that the controller requires replacement, use caution when purchasing a new controller.  Older systems require more electrical current output  than is provided by many of the "in-expensive" controllers that are available at your local home repair centers.  Contact Irrigation Partners today!

Web site comments or questions:  webmaster@irrigationpartners.com
Last modified: March 17, 2000

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