SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Argh, does Irritrol perhaps stand for irritating instead? I am at my wits end. The drip doesn't come on, so I go out to check the box and sometime the display is simply blank, other times it registers "off," even thought it was supposed to have turned on five or ten minutes prior. If I jiggle the wires inside just right, I can get it to go and hit a manual run, but even then sometimes it will shut off mid-cycle. Do I have a bad box? I am guessing so but would appreciate knowing if this is a common problem with this brand, as I might be convinced to try another alternative when replacing. Thank you for any advice.

Yes, it is a Raindial (I think they changed their name to Irritrol a while back), I am not at all well versed with respect to controller electronics so have to confess I am not sure how to disconnect the 'common wire.' And (probably even more stupidly) not sure how to unplug it.

I do think I know what the faceplate ribbon is though (that gray, flat ribbon wire that is about 2-3 inches long, right?). I will give that a good push in the morning and see if perhaps it is loose.

Geez, I replaced (well, not me, I had a contractor do it) an old Toro with this controller not more than three or so years ago - could it really go bad that fast? (I live in Tucson, so I suppose the heavy monsoon rains we get might have taken its toll).

Thank you for the advice (and if you don't mind giving me just a little tutoring on how to disconnect the common wire and/ or unplug, I just might be brave enou to give it a go).