Just bought a house and the rain dial controller doesn't work. There's power out to it...but the controller doesn't turn on...unless the battery back up is in...and then it doesn't turn on any valves. Someone was saying it might be a blown fuse...but I can't find a place for a fuse - it's an older model rain dial. Is there any possibility of salvaging it? Or do I just have to buy a new one?
The old Rain Dial controllers can be repaired at the factory. Call them and get a price. Or, as suggested, replace it with some big-box cheapie. Or, you can even purchase a replacement right here .
before you do anything, open up the panel. there is a ribbon cable that runs from the panel to the base (the part that is mounted to the wall with all the zone terminals in it) make sure that the ribbon cable is connected to the base. the panel disconnects from the base easily for easy panel swapping. make sure the ribbon cable is connected securely. also make sure that the 24v transformer is attached to the screw terminals in the base. they say 24v on them. there are 2 of them. also make sure you have power to the outlet you are using. if still nothing, replace the transformer, with another 24v transformer. if still nothing, then you need a new timer. good luck