Testing Hunter System Roof Edge Sensor

[DALEPQ]

We are new to T.V. having bought a home built in 2012.
Looking to determine how to test the Hunter Sprinkler System roof edge sensor.
Was told to check it during a rain downpour, which I just did and found the system
still went on. Thinking now that the sensor may be defective, as it didn't seem to be working, as the sprinkler system still went on during the rain.
Is there a sure way to test the sensor, or just replace it??
If replacing, were is it available? Doesn't look to be too hard to replace, as just 2 wires
going to it.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Ben Franklin]

I just purchased a new one in 2020 at Ace Hardware on 466, down from Publix. I think it cost me $5.

[villagetinker]

Go to YouTube several videos on this subject. Replacement sensor was around $75 or more, be sure you get the right unit I accidentally got a mini-click, will not work for a solar sense unit. Also, there is information on rebuilding the existing unit with new cork(?) washers which are around $5 last time is checked.

[KAM+6]

The outside sensor has about 6 or 7 little cork disks , when they get wet and swell the copper washer triggers the system to shut off. These disks should be replaced every few years.

If you have a Hunter you will see a little umbrella on your controller. Perhaps you didn't get enough rain to trigger a shut off.

There are YouTube videos and I purchased new disks on ebay for $5 free shipping.

[retiredguy123]

I have searched everywhere I can think of to buy the cork discs. The only place I have found them is on Ebay, which I do not like. Does anyone know a place where you can buy just the discs? Some places that don't sell them are ACE Hardware, Lowes, Home Depot, Central Pump Supply, Sprinklerwarehouse.com, and Amazon.

[rjm1cc]

My sensor failed and I had it replaced. The only problem is that it can not correctly turn off the system when it has rained.
Thus I turn it off until the lawn needs water then I turn it on. Manually is the best way to go.

[retiredguy123]

We are new to T.V. having bought a home built in 2012.
Looking to determine how to test the Hunter Sprinkler System roof edge sensor.
Was told to check it during a rain downpour, which I just did and found the system
still went on. Thinking now that the sensor may be defective, as it didn't seem to be working, as the sprinkler system still went on during the rain.
Is there a sure way to test the sensor, or just replace it??
If replacing, were is it available? Doesn't look to be too hard to replace, as just 2 wires
going to it.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
First, makes sure the rain sensor button is not in the "bypass" position in the controller panel. Then, adjust the outside sensor to the full open position by turning the adjustment knob. Then, soak the sensor with water, so the cork discs are completely wet. Check the controller panel screen to see if it says "off" and "sensor". If it doesn't, I think you have a defective sensor.

Most people who replace the rain sensor use a wireless type instead of connecting the wires. If you use a wired sensor, you will probably need to cut the existing wires and splice them to the new sensor wires.

[KAM+6]

I have searched everywhere I can think of to buy the cork discs. The only place I have found them is on Ebay, which I do not like. Does anyone know a place where you can buy just the discs? Some places that don't sell them are ACE Hardware, Lowes, Home Depot, Central Pump Supply, Sprinklerwarehouse.com, and Amazon.

I got mine on ebay from Southeast Irrigation after watching his video on YouTube instructions on replacing disks. Paid using PayPal and he sent them immediately. Will use them again.

[retiredguy123]

I got mine on ebay from Southeast Irrigation after watching his video on YouTube instructions on replacing disks. Paid using PayPal and he sent them immediately. Will use them again.
Thanks. I have seen the video. But, I am old fashioned. I will not use either Ebay or PayPal for anything.

[Ben Franklin]

I have searched everywhere I can think of to buy the cork discs. The only place I have found them is on Ebay, which I do not like. Does anyone know a place where you can buy just the discs? Some places that don't sell them are ACE Hardware, Lowes, Home Depot, Central Pump Supply, Sprinklerwarehouse.com, and Amazon.

Last year, I got the corks at Ace Hardware on 466 down from Publix. I believe they were around $5.

[Altavia]

The Hunter controller is less than intuitive to use and sensors dry out too quickly in FL sun to be effective.

A smart WIFI controller like the B-Hyve has many advantages.

Orbit b•hyve (https://bhyve.orbitonline.com/)

[mrf6969]

Don't waste your time trying to make these sensors work better as they never will. Very poor design and they are no matter what you do very unreliable.

[mamamia54]

We couldn’t understand why our grass was drying out. We had our sprinkler set to go on twice a week. Since it was set very early morning, we weren’t up to see if they did. We could tell nothing was wet, we also didn’t hear them (sometimes we could). We couldn’t figure out what was going on. Upon further inspection, we realized our rain sensor was staying on “sensor wet”. We tried bypass sensor still didn’t work. We disconnected the sensor altogether and we will see if they come on when they are scheduled to. I think I’m going to buy the wireless you can control on your phone.

[stadry]

IF youre'truly old fashioned barter/trade something otherwise be happy choose tyou chose toput yourself in the disadvantagedclass..........

[bowlingal]

Retired Guy....also check Sparrs, Rural King, Tractor Supply

[gmdds]

You can test them. Turn a zone on that you can see from the sensor...then press and hold the little spindle...the zone should go off...release and you should be good. If replacing the discs, there are 8 of them.

[gmdds]

You can also adjust the drying rate of the discs by rotating (opening and closing) the openings of the chamber the discs are in.

[alncon2]

You may want to try Centralpro, 2404 W. Main Street, Leesburg (352) 315-1075. They are all things Hunter, very reasonable and very helpful. I buy all of my irrigation system supplies from them.

[DAVES]

Do we own our stuff or does it own us? Wake up, late my alarm battery is down. Go to use computer it has decided to run an antivirus or a new program install. Need an electric garage door opener-what ever happened to lifting the garage door-no big deal if you have proper counter balance springs. Oh an a standard transmission. IF, you know how to drive they last forever.

Sprinklers, they were made of metal and lasted forever. There was one, ok many plastic parts that after you laid out the hose to tell it where to go, you told it, it did not tell you, it would wrap up the hose as it went along and had a valve that would shut it off when it got to the end of they path YOU laid out.

PROGRESS? Not all progress is GOOD.

[EdFNJ]

I bought a direct replacement sensor 2 years ago on eBay for $7 and replaced it in 10 minutes. They are useless anyway. CORKS! So 19th century, LOL. Got a Rachio "smart" irrigation controller (same theory as B-Hyve and others) and linked it to my Ambient weather station on my roof through Wunderground.com and it knows exactly how much rain fell and when and whether to water or not (determined by my choice of amount of precip). Was supposed to water overnight but did not because we got .25" of rain yesterday afternoon. PROGRESS CAN BE FUN!

[retiredguy123]

You may want to try Centralpro, 2404 W. Main Street, Leesburg (352) 315-1075. They are all things Hunter, very reasonable and very helpful. I buy all of my irrigation system supplies from them.
I checked them a few months ago, but they didn't sell the cork discs.

[davephan]

The best solution is to replace your dumb sprinkler controller with a smart Orbit B-Hyve controller. They are sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other stores. The Orbit B-Hyve controller knows about the current weather forecast, and automatically puts the controller into rain delays. The automatic rain delay is pretty accurate. Changing out the old dumb controller with the Orbit B-Hyvr controller is very easy to do after watching a YouTube video that shows the process.

I installed two 12 zone Orbit B-Hyve controllers in my former Minnesota home. Shorty after buying the Florida home, I changed out my dumb Rainbird controller with the Orbit B-Hyve controller, and I replaced the the sister in law’s dumb controller at her Florida home with the Orbit B-Hyve controller.

You can program, manually operate, and monitor your Orbit B-Hyve controller with your smart cellphone or computer. The Orbit B-Hyve controller will save you money when it automatically rain delays, which pays for the controller, then saves you money after that. It’s the least expensive smart controller, and also the best smart controller on the market.

[Proveone]

Clean or replace the "cork" round wafers inside the roof sensor. You can buy them on eBay. That should solve the problem.

[DeanFL]

.
.
Been in our home for 7 years now. Our Orbit sensor stopped working a few years ago - replaced the cork discs and perfect. Last month stopped again - went onto Amazon and ordered new unit. $16. The orig sensor started working again, so I have the new one now and going to replace - as a maintenance item. Simple one screw and two wires.
.
Orbit 57069 Sprinkler System Hard Wired Rain and Freeze Sensor.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A7SPPU?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details)
.

[HJBeck]

Unscrew top, clean top and inside, then reinstall the cap at the correct setting so it will adjust when the sprinkler system will stop at the appropriate rain level, ie 1/4 , 1/2, 3/4, inch rain level. Your may be set at something incorrect.

[merled]

We are new to T.V. having bought a home built in 2012.
Looking to determine how to test the Hunter Sprinkler System roof edge sensor.
Was told to check it during a rain downpour, which I just did and found the system
still went on. Thinking now that the sensor may be defective, as it didn't seem to be working, as the sprinkler system still went on during the rain.
Is there a sure way to test the sensor, or just replace it??
If replacing, were is it available? Doesn't look to be too hard to replace, as just 2 wires
going to it.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
On mine you just unscrew the top and pop in a new cork valve. No need to replace the whole unit. I think I got one at Lowes or Home Depot. I tested mine by having the sprinklers on and pressing down on it and the sprinklers quit after a half minute or so. Good luck.

[retiredguy123]

Last year, I got the corks at Ace Hardware on 466 down from Publix. I believe they were around $5.
The cork (hygroscopic) discs sold at ACE Hardware are for the Hunter Mini-Clik rain sensor. But, many houses in The Villages have the Rain-Clik sensor, not the Mini-Clik. According to Hunter Industries, the Rain-Clik discs are different. The 8 discs for the Mini-Clik are all the same, but 4 of the 8 discs in the Rain-Clik sensor are "quick response" discs. Apparently, the discs sold on Ebay are the Mini-Clik discs, which will fit in the Rain-Clik sensor, but they are not the correct discs for that sensor. The Mini-Clik discs are readily available online, but the Rain-Clik discs are difficult to find. Florida Irrigation Supply in Summerfield will special order a set of the Rain-Clik discs from Hunter for $32, but they do not carry them in stock. The Hunter part number for the Rain-Clik discs and spindle is 505900. Hunter will not sell parts directly to the public.

[mcwood4d]

The Hunter controller is less than intuitive to use and sensors dry out too quickly in FL sun to be effective.

A smart WIFI controller like the B-Hyve has many advantages.

Orbit b•hyve (https://bhyve.orbitonline.com/)
Got a b-hyve from Amazon last year and so happy to have it. We're snowbirds so it makes life so easy. Works with existing rain sensor as well as predictive schedule pause due to forecast rain

[Shutterbug]

We are new to T.V. having bought a home built in 2012.
Looking to determine how to test the Hunter Sprinkler System roof edge sensor.
Was told to check it during a rain downpour, which I just did and found the system
still went on. Thinking now that the sensor may be defective, as it didn't seem to be working, as the sprinkler system still went on during the rain.
Is there a sure way to test the sensor, or just replace it??
If replacing, were is it available? Doesn't look to be too hard to replace, as just 2 wires
going to it.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

Take your garden hose and spray it up in the air and let it come down in the sensor. Check the control box and see if it shows being off. If not, replace or repair the sensor.

[GJohn]

As a couple people have mentioned, you should see the "on/off" readout with the switch activated. Replaced mine last year. Top of the outside sensor just pops off and you can remove the washer assembly. Central Pro sells the complete replacement "kit"....washers, screw, etc already assembled for about $5. Ready to drop right in.
Central Pro, 2404 W. Main, Leesburg....352-315-1075

[DALEPQ]

Thanks for all replies,
Found a replacement at Sparr Hdw., it is a 'Toro Brand' that is compatible with Hunter.
Easy to replace and a simple 2 wire connection.
Cost was $29.