[John Mayes]

Originally Posted by Viking55

Greetings villagers, I have a problem that, hopefully, someone can clue me in about. Our yard sprinkler system seems to have a mind of its own. It is set to go on at 4, 4:30 and 4:45 am, and does so. The problem is, once it has cycled through areas 1,2 and 3, it starts over again! Only program A is shown to be working (not B or C). We have tried all we can think to do, other than a complete reset, to no avail. Also, because the system insists on cycling twice, we decreased the run time to 5 min. The problem is, the system automagically changed the running time (to 14 min) in each area. Could this have been a lack of rain thing, and the system automatically compensates by increasing run time? Anyway, the double cycling is the irritating (and costly) problem, and any help in correcting this would be appreciated.

Thanks

There should be only one start time for “A” unless you want to run all zones a second time later in the day. The way you have it set now is for three programs, (A1, A2 and A3) that all have different start times. Zero out A2 and A3 and it should run only once starting at the time you setup for A1.

[Catalina36]

Originally Posted by Viking55

Greetings villagers, I have a problem that, hopefully, someone can clue me in about. Our yard sprinkler system seems to have a mind of its own. It is set to go on at 4, 4:30 and 4:45 am, and does so. The problem is, once it has cycled through areas 1,2 and 3, it starts over again! Only program A is shown to be working (not B or C). We have tried all we can think to do, other than a complete reset, to no avail. Also, because the system insists on cycling twice, we decreased the run time to 5 min. The problem is, the system automagically changed the running time (to 14 min) in each area. Could this have been a lack of rain thing, and the system automatically compensates by increasing run time? Anyway, the double cycling is the irritating (and costly) problem, and any help in correcting this would be appreciated.

Thanks

First off, do you have a Hunter Irrigation Timer?? When I purchased my home here I had a Hunter Timer. The Hunter Timer is Junk, not user friendly at all. I replaced my Hunter Timer with an Orbit Timer like I have in my other home. So easy to operate simple hook up and easy to program. You can purchase in Lowes or on Amazon.
Orbit 4 zone #27894 $49.00 or Orbit 6 zone # 27896 $52.00. Excellent Timer.

[rde3036]

I've never found the Hunter to be difficult to program and have never had a problem with the controller in the 12 years I've owned my house.

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by Viking55

Greetings villagers, I have a problem that, hopefully, someone can clue me in about. Our yard sprinkler system seems to have a mind of its own. It is set to go on at 4, 4:30 and 4:45 am, and does so. The problem is, once it has cycled through areas 1,2 and 3, it starts over again! Only program A is shown to be working (not B or C). We have tried all we can think to do, other than a complete reset, to no avail. Also, because the system insists on cycling twice, we decreased the run time to 5 min. The problem is, the system automagically changed the running time (to 14 min) in each area. Could this have been a lack of rain thing, and the system automatically compensates by increasing run time? Anyway, the double cycling is the irritating (and costly) problem, and any help in correcting this would be appreciated.

Thanks

I had same problem. I reset a couple times and a week or two later it would be doing the same thing. Replaced it with a B-Hyve timer from Lowes which is wi-fi capable so now I can program from my phone which is a real plus

[OhioBuckeye]

Are you sure your irrigation gauge is set right? It could be wide open & drying out quick so it saying your yard is dry.

[joenrose2003]

Make sure are only using Program A and not rounding multiple programs. The box might be bad. They do go bad.

[jimjamuser]

Typical.......waste money on keeping up a sprinkler system. Then waste money on lawn fertilizer and sometimes new sod. Then waste money and add to air pollution to get the grass cut. The solution is to put in an ATTRACTIVE STONE lawn with areas of ground cover and shrubs - that are more interesting and attractive than wall-to-wall BORING grass. They require some maintenance, but much less than grass and cost less, and require less constant attention. Don't forget to get permission to be creative and unique. Remember the song, "they are all made out of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same".
.......Think outside the box!!!!!!!!!

[Plush]

Originally Posted by Viking55

Greetings villagers, I have a problem that, hopefully, someone can clue me in about. Our yard sprinkler system seems to have a mind of its own. It is set to go on at 4, 4:30 and 4:45 am, and does so. The problem is, once it has cycled through areas 1,2 and 3, it starts over again! Only program A is shown to be working (not B or C). We have tried all we can think to do, other than a complete reset, to no avail. Also, because the system insists on cycling twice, we decreased the run time to 5 min. The problem is, the system automagically changed the running time (to 14 min) in each area. Could this have been a lack of rain thing, and the system automatically compensates by increasing run time? Anyway, the double cycling is the irritating (and costly) problem, and any help in correcting this would be appreciated.

Thanks

Each program requires one start time. Since you’re using program A, beginning at 4am, then the only start time set should be 4am. All three zones will run consecutively.

[mkjelenbaas]

Originally Posted by Viking55

Greetings villagers, I have a problem that, hopefully, someone can clue me in about. Our yard sprinkler system seems to have a mind of its own. It is set to go on at 4, 4:30 and 4:45 am, and does so. The problem is, once it has cycled through areas 1,2 and 3, it starts over again! Only program A is shown to be working (not B or C). We have tried all we can think to do, other than a complete reset, to no avail. Also, because the system insists on cycling twice, we decreased the run time to 5 min. The problem is, the system automagically changed the running time (to 14 min) in each area. Could this have been a lack of rain thing, and the system automatically compensates by increasing run time? Anyway, the double cycling is the irritating (and costly) problem, and any help in correcting this would be appreciated.

Thanks

What did the Hunter company say when you called them??

[noslices1]

Take off the 4:30 and 4:45 start times. You only need ONE START TIME for it to cycle through all your sprinklers.

[Ropnrose]

Last June 2021, my irrigation usage started increasing monthly, without any changes in the controller programs. My usage went from 6200 to 18,000 gallons in December 2021. When I arrived in early January 2022, I checked the program. It was a Rainbird controller, which was probably originally installed during construction (2009). When I was checking/adjusting the programming, it displayed numbers that I don't know where they came from. Like it had a mind of it's own. I couldn't even set the correct current time. I installed a Rachio controller in mid-January. Programming was a breeze. My current utility bill showed 2190 gallons used. I think the old Rainbird controller was the issue with my usage.

[larrytx219]

Originally Posted by TomPerry

There is a simple solution to this problem, go to Lowes and buy an Orbit b-hyve wireless wifi system! $70 for 4 zones or $90 for 8 zones. Very easy to install in about 1/2 hour, then program the system with your cell phone. You then can control the system on you phone anywhere you have a wifi connection. It will delay watering if it rains and save you water. There are many videos on installation and programming on YouTube.

Easy install, especially if you label each wire before disconnecting. Programming it thru your phone makes the whole process easy and super. It sends me notes if it isn't going to water because of rain or some other issue. It tells me when it has watered. Best lawn purchase you will make besides hiring these great companies to mow for you.