Never saw this before on any system

[midiwiz]

///

[retiredguy123]

So I walk out to realign the sprinklers, and go to the box.... mind you it has been on and running ... I open the LV box . and my system is turned to "run" yet it only says "OFF" .... I've never had any system do that.

Without getting too overboard, is there a cause that I am missing on the root cause?
It sounds like your rain sensor has temporally turned off the system. Does it say "sensor" under the "off" message? You still should be able to run the system manually. Just turn the dial to manual, select the zone you want to run with the right arrow, and turn the dial back to the run position.

Note you could also turn the rain sensor button to the bypass position.

[Stu from NYC]

This is why I am happy to pay someone who knows what he is doing (not me) to maintain system for me.

Did hire Massey and in one year sent 5 different technicians who did it 5 different ways so hired a neighbor who knows how to do this.

[retiredguy123]

This is why I am happy to pay someone who knows what he is doing (not me) to maintain system for me.

Did hire Massey and in one year sent 5 different technicians who did it 5 different ways so hired a neighbor who knows how to do this.
The problem is that there are many different controller models and most technicians have never read any of the manuals. For DIYers, print off the user manual for your controller model, and read it. You will know more about how it works than most technicians who come to your house. I pay someone to maintain the outside sprinklers and fix leaks, but I won't let them touch the controller panel.

[Stu from NYC]

The problem is that there are many different controller models and most technicians have never read any of the manuals. For DIYers, print off the user manual for your controller model, and read it. You will know more about how it works than most technicians who come to your house. I pay someone to maintain the outside sprinklers and fix leaks, but I won't let them touch the controller panel.

Would have thought TV would have standardized on controllers. I did listen to about 7 minutes of explanation on U Tube and at the end thought I knew less than before.

[photo1902]

Would have thought TV would have standardized on controllers. I did listen to about 7 minutes of explanation on U Tube and at the end thought I knew less than before.

They install Hunter irrigation controllers. Based on the age of your home, different models were used/changed, as time went on. In addition to changes in models, that also required a change from rain sensors to SolarSync sensors.

The newest model of the controllers allow for the addition of a Wi-Fi model, so you can controller from a phone/tablet/computer.

The controllers are basically the same, and as one poster stated, manuals are available on Hunter's website. In addition, Hunter has excellent customer support, to include homeowners...not just us contractors. Hunter also has many videos, which can be an excellent resource for learning how the systems work.

[midiwiz]

It sounds like your rain sensor has temporally turned off the system. Does it say "sensor" under the "off" message? You still should be able to run the system manually. Just turn the dial to manual, select the zone you want to run with the right arrow, and turn the dial back to the run position.

Note you could also turn the rain sensor button to the bypass position.

nope didn't say sensor anywhere I know to look for that. just said "OFF" on a blank screen.

Very strange. While yes I did the rest, that wasn't the point - it's all about that very strange message.

[Bogie Shooter]

//////

[midiwiz]

This is why I am happy to pay someone who knows what he is doing (not me) to maintain system for me.

Did hire Massey and in one year sent 5 different technicians who did it 5 different ways so hired a neighbor who knows how to do this.

this isn't maintenence, once setup properly the 'guy' is a waste of money. These heads which aren't the stock heads TV puts in, only need to get looked at 3-4 times a year. these systems are far too easy to deal with. The box is only a electronic timer/switch box that sends current to the selenoids outside to turn them on or off - simple electronic valve setup, it's not rocket science. the rest is child's play. I've already restructured the ridiculous builder setup, what a joke that was far too many heads and not enough pressure because of it.

I did what you are suggesting back in 06 when we moved to FL.... I learned first time - don't need him. since what he screwed up I fixed the next weekend permanently.

but thanks anyway , keep on paying the guy to do whatever it is they do these days.

[retiredguy123]

nope didn't say sensor anywhere I know to look for that. just said "OFF" on a blank screen.

Very strange. While yes I did the rest, that wasn't the point - it's all about that very strange message.
I have a Hunter Pro-C controller. The screen always says OFF when the rain sensor turns it off. But, it also says "sensor" on the screen. There are several different Hunter models in use in The Villages.

[photo1902]

I have a Hunter Pro-C controller. The screen always says OFF when the rain sensor turns it off. But, it also says "sensor" on the screen. There are several different Hunter models in use in The Villages.

That is very true. And depending on the controller installed, it may not include the "sensor" portion on the display.

If the OP would include the model name, it'd help.

[Stu from NYC]

this isn't maintenence, once setup properly the 'guy' is a waste of money. These heads which aren't the stock heads TV puts in, only need to get looked at 3-4 times a year. these systems are far too easy to deal with. The box is only a electronic timer/switch box that sends current to the selenoids outside to turn them on or off - simple electronic valve setup, it's not rocket science. the rest is child's play. I've already restructured the ridiculous builder setup, what a joke that was far too many heads and not enough pressure because of it.

I did what you are suggesting back in 06 when we moved to FL.... I learned first time - don't need him. since what he screwed up I fixed the next weekend permanently.

but thanks anyway , keep on paying the guy to do whatever it is they do these days.

My money get to spend it my way, he adjusts the flow periodically and changes times depending upon the season. Based on what he has saved me compared to Massey money well spent.

[photo1902]

My money get to spend it my way, he adjusts the flow periodically and changes times depending upon the season. Based on what he has saved me compared to Massey money well spent.

It's amazing how people want to belittle others for how they spend their money. And let's face it, there are some jobs a homeowner simply doesn't want to mess with. It reminds me of the Andy Griffith episode, where Andy constantly requests Aunt Bea to "call the man" :)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The previous owners left the little instruction booklet for ours right on top of the box in the shed. We found they were over-watering, so we changed it ourselves. It wasn't difficult, just had to follow the instructions.

[thevillages2013]

So I walk out to realign the sprinklers, and go to the box.... mind you it has been on and running ... I open the LV box . and my system is turned to "run" yet it only says "OFF" .... I've never had any system do that.

Without getting too overboard, is there a cause that I am missing on the root cause?

Was this after the rain we had overnight Saturday/ Sunday morning? If not then your rain sensor should not have cut it off. Mine just reads OFF when in the run position and the sensor shuts it off. Flip the switch to make the sensor inactive to do your work on the irrigation

[Ken D.]

this isn't maintenence, once setup properly the 'guy' is a waste of money. These heads which aren't the stock heads TV puts in, only need to get looked at 3-4 times a year. these systems are far too easy to deal with. The box is only a electronic timer/switch box that sends current to the selenoids outside to turn them on or off - simple electronic valve setup, it's not rocket science. the rest is child's play. I've already restructured the ridiculous builder setup, what a joke that was far too many heads and not enough pressure because of it.

I did what you are suggesting back in 06 when we moved to FL.... I learned first time - don't need him. since what he screwed up I fixed the next weekend permanently.

but thanks anyway , keep on paying the guy to do whatever it is they do these days.
So we go from someone asking for advice to a know it all, and kinda insulting. Wow

[Altavia]

I found the Hunter that came with the house less than intuitive to use. 1980's technology.

The newer WIFI controllers are very easy to use, and can automatically adjust watering based on local weather.

Nice upgrade for less than $100.

[Oneiric]

So I walk out to realign the sprinklers, and go to the box.... mind you it has been on and running ... I open the LV box . and my system is turned to "run" yet it only says "OFF" .... I've never had any system do that.

Without getting too overboard, is there a cause that I am missing on the root cause?

This is normal when the rain sensor is in the active position. Switch to Bypass and you will see it will Run normally.

[Tvflguy]

This is normal when the rain sensor is in the active position. Switch to Bypass and you will see it will Run normally.

This rsp us totally accurate. 100%.

[merrymini]

I has a board go bad and replaced it. But there is nothing easy to understand about the system. Once you get into it, it will all become clearer!

[midiwiz]

So we go from someone asking for advice to a know it all, and kinda insulting. Wow

i didn't ask for advice, I asked for "if anyone has seen anything different" that means "thoughts?" as it was something I haven't seen before on a controller.... I did note that.

Thank you for being insulting and offensive.

[Petersweeney]

It's amazing how people want to belittle others for how they spend their money. And let's face it, there are some jobs a homeowner simply doesn't want to mess with. It reminds me of the Andy Griffith episode, where Andy constantly requests Aunt Bea to "call the man" :)

Poor Aunt B she needed a man ….

[midiwiz]

Was this after the rain we had overnight Saturday/ Sunday morning? If not then your rain sensor should not have cut it off. Mine just reads OFF when in the run position and the sensor shuts it off. Flip the switch to make the sensor inactive to do your work on the irrigation

And thank you that is EXACTLY what I wanted to know. I'll have to change it to a unit that is better detailed that this one.


Thanks again.

[Ropnrose]

If you're controller is old, replace it. My house had an old Rainbird controller until I replaced it with a Rachio in January. Last winter, while I was away, I was being billed for 1000's of gallons of water. The usage was going up monthly, although no changes were being made to the program. I had Village's Utilities check for leaks. When I arrived this January, I attempted to reprogram the controller. It was so old, it wasn't accepting what I was inputting. I couldn't even change the time. It had a mind of it's own! After I replaced it, my water usage went down 15,000 gallons---really.

[Yamos from Vegas]

Who fixes and maintains your sprinklers?

[TrapX]

If you're controller is old, replace it. My house had an old Rainbird controller until I replaced it with a Rachio in January. .

Why did you pick the Rachio over the other controllers that also are network connected?

[Larchap49]

They install Hunter irrigation controllers. Based on the age of your home, different models were used/changed, as time went on. In addition to changes in models, that also required a change from rain sensors to SolarSync sensors.

The newest model of the controllers allow for the addition of a Wi-Fi model, so you can controller from a phone/tablet/computer.

The controllers are basically the same, and as one poster stated, manuals are available on Hunter's website. In addition, Hunter has excellent customer support, to include homeowners...not just us contractors. Hunter also has many videos, which can be an excellent resource for learning how the systems work.

I got frustrated with the Hunter. Hard to program, When programming it didn't do what the manual stated it would when using controls. Replaced it with a 4 zone B-hyve wi-fi controller from Lowes. Easiest thing I have ever connected and programmed. Now I sit in my easy chair or someone elses easy chair 2000 miles away and control my sprinklers. $69.95

[photo1902]

I got frustrated with the Hunter. Hard to program, When programming it didn't do what the manual stated it would when using controls. Replaced it with a 4 zone B-hyve wi-fi controller from Lowes. Easiest thing I have ever connected and programmed. Now I sit in my easy chair or someone elses easy chair 2000 miles away and control my sprinklers. $69.95

Hard to program? Not really. They're basically glorified timers.

But, I’ve replaced many with Rachios, both at my own home and for customers, mainly for convenience reasons. Easy to control and do manual runs from anywhere. Not to mention the saving of trips back and forth to the controller, when performing checks and repairs.

Hunters wifi version is the Hydrawise. Basically the same functionality as most wifi irrigation controllers

[rsmurano]

The irrigation controller that the developer put in your home is not that good. If you want to automate the running of your irrigation/sprinkler system, replace the box with the Orbit B-Hyve controller. I have done this in my last 2 houses and I have replaced my friends Hunter systems that live in the villages and our last neighborhoods.
The B-Hyve controller allows you to use your smartphone/iPad/computer to control and setup your watering needs. Also, it uses the rain sensor that is installed on your gutter and links to your closest weather station to calculate when and for how long you need to water.
It takes a whole 10 mins to convert from the old Hunter controller to the B-Hyve controller. It also takes 30 mins to program your controller thru your smartphone.
Now, I can look at when the sprinklers ran (history) and when they will run in the future. It also knows that it needs to adjust the timing of each zone depending on how much rain you received or about too with the temperature in your area.
I can control my sprinkler system from anywhere in the country and probably the world along with turning on or off each zone from my phone.
The B-Hyve costs $60. I did try to buy the Hunter Wand wifi card that plugs in to the Hunter controller and both times it didn't work, got my money back both times.

[Altavia]

The irrigation controller that the developer put in your home is not that good. If you want to automate the running of your irrigation/sprinkler system, replace the box with the Orbit B-Hyve controller. I have done this in my last 2 houses and I have replaced my friends Hunter systems that live in the villages and our last neighborhoods.
The B-Hyve controller allows you to use your smartphone/iPad/computer to control and setup your watering needs. Also, it uses the rain sensor that is installed on your gutter and links to your closest weather station to calculate when and for how long you need to water.
It takes a whole 10 mins to convert from the old Hunter controller to the B-Hyve controller. It also takes 30 mins to program your controller thru your smartphone.
Now, I can look at when the sprinklers ran (history) and when they will run in the future. It also knows that it needs to adjust the timing of each zone depending on how much rain you received or about too with the temperature in your area.
I can control my sprinkler system from anywhere in the country and probably the world along with turning on or off each zone from my phone.
The B-Hyve costs $60. I did try to buy the Hunter Wand wifi card that plugs in to the Hunter controller and both times it didn't work, got my money back both times.

What weather station connection are you using?

Three one I was using disappeared so watering was way low until I noticed.

[photo1902]

What weather station connection are you using?

Three one I was using disappeared so watering was way low until I noticed.

And therein lies the problem with smart controllers.

Regardless of the brand, you're allowing your controller to water/not water based on what it receives from local weather data, unless you're running it without that feature activated.

I'm a huge fan of smart controllers, but only for the ease of operation, being able to run them in the field while performing maintenance (without multiple trips to the controller in the garage), and being able to control them from practically anywhere.

That's why on my controller, I have my days of the week set, and the only thing that can override those runtimes are rain (which is determined up by the rain sensor), or less likely, the freeze sensor blocks a run.

[Michael G.]

The problem is that there are many different controller models and most technicians have never read any of the manuals. For DIYers, print off the user manual for your controller model, and read it. You will know more about how it works than most technicians who come to your house. I pay someone to maintain the outside sprinklers and fix leaks, but I won't let them touch the controller panel.

The above is so true.
I never knew a thing about irrigation systems, let alone controllers or sprinkler heads.
Sat down one day and read everything I could and now it all makes sense.