Question
We have had this controller for over 20 years running fine.  It started blowing its fuse.  Now it has no power at all. We placed a larger fuse in it and that is when we had no power at all.  Did we fry the thing?  Do we need a new transformer?  Could the pumps be shorting?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hey Jeanette, normally when the controller starts to blow the fuse, it is either the solenoid on a particular valve(s) that is shorting out and blowing the fuse, or the wires are damaged somewhere and are shorting out and blowing the fuse. By putting a bigger fuse in, it probably did not stop the short to the controller in time, and you did fry the controller. As far as the transformer goes, more than likely the transformer is probably fine, but you can check that by using a volt/ohm meter and see what kind of reading you are getting from the transformer, it should be between 22 to 26 volts.  If the transformer voltage to the controller is correct, and you still do not get a display, then it is time to replace the controller. I would suggest using an Irri-trol "Rain dial" controller. One nice thing about this controller, is that it has an internal circuit breaker, so that if you have a short from the field some where (solenoid, bad wire, etc.) it will automatically protect the controller from damage. Once you replace the controller, you can turn one valve on at a time, to determine what valve solenoid is shorting out the controller, or if you need to check the wire. Good luck and have a great day.