Testing Hunter System Roof Edge Sensor

Closed Thread
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 05-06-2021, 01:09 PM
DALEPQ DALEPQ is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 149
Thanks: 0
Thanked 275 Times in 62 Posts
Default Testing Hunter System Roof Edge Sensor

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.
  #2  
Old 05-06-2021, 01:44 PM
Ben Franklin's Avatar
Ben Franklin Ben Franklin is offline
Veteran member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 539
Thanks: 256
Thanked 478 Times in 195 Posts
Default

I just purchased a new one in 2020 at Ace Hardware on 466, down from Publix. I think it cost me $5.
__________________
Avalon, NJ, Captiva Island, FL, TV Land.
  #3  
Old 05-06-2021, 02:25 PM
villagetinker's Avatar
villagetinker villagetinker is offline
Sage
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Village of Pinellas
Posts: 9,670
Thanks: 2
Thanked 6,144 Times in 2,245 Posts
Default

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.
__________________
Pennsylvania, for 60+ years, most recently, Allentown, now TV.
  #4  
Old 05-06-2021, 02:41 PM
KAM+6 KAM+6 is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 150
Thanks: 0
Thanked 95 Times in 47 Posts
Default

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.
  #5  
Old 05-06-2021, 03:31 PM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
Sage
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 14,221
Thanks: 2,334
Thanked 13,670 Times in 5,225 Posts
Default

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.
  #6  
Old 05-06-2021, 03:32 PM
rjm1cc's Avatar
rjm1cc rjm1cc is offline
Soaring Eagle member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,369
Thanks: 238
Thanked 526 Times in 245 Posts
Default

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.
  #7  
Old 05-06-2021, 03:47 PM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
Sage
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 14,221
Thanks: 2,334
Thanked 13,670 Times in 5,225 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DALEPQ View Post
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.
  #8  
Old 05-06-2021, 03:48 PM
KAM+6 KAM+6 is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 150
Thanks: 0
Thanked 95 Times in 47 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 View Post
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.
  #9  
Old 05-06-2021, 03:53 PM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
Sage
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 14,221
Thanks: 2,334
Thanked 13,670 Times in 5,225 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KAM+6 View Post
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.
  #10  
Old 05-06-2021, 04:14 PM
Ben Franklin's Avatar
Ben Franklin Ben Franklin is offline
Veteran member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 539
Thanks: 256
Thanked 478 Times in 195 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 View Post
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.
__________________
Avalon, NJ, Captiva Island, FL, TV Land.
  #11  
Old 05-06-2021, 05:23 PM
Altavia Altavia is offline
Sage
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,385
Thanks: 1,435
Thanked 2,770 Times in 1,240 Posts
Default

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
  #12  
Old 05-07-2021, 05:41 AM
mrf6969 mrf6969 is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: here full time
Posts: 321
Thanks: 34
Thanked 265 Times in 105 Posts
Default

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.
  #13  
Old 05-07-2021, 06:19 AM
mamamia54 mamamia54 is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 307
Thanks: 12
Thanked 438 Times in 132 Posts
Default

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.
  #14  
Old 05-07-2021, 06:23 AM
stadry stadry is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: atl (marietta) - 1/20 bought on killington loop then covoid hit - looking again
Posts: 435
Thanks: 220
Thanked 258 Times in 129 Posts
Default

IF youre'truly old fashioned barter/trade something otherwise be happy choose tyou chose toput yourself in the disadvantagedclass..........
  #15  
Old 05-07-2021, 06:24 AM
bowlingal bowlingal is offline
Veteran member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 873
Thanks: 2
Thanked 734 Times in 393 Posts
Default

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

Tags
system, sensor, edge, replace, roof


You are viewing a new design of the TOTV site. Click here to revert to the old version.

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:13 AM.