Question
Jim, I have a Rain Dial 900 system that after the winter won't work properly.  The system will turn on at the scheduled time, but nothing happens.  If I do a manual try, it will start, the time will flash for a few seconds and if I go over to the first station, it turns on for a breif second and then nothing happens.  I can tell it's trying, but it is like it short circuits, but of course the display stays on and looks fine.  I'm wondering what you might think this issue is.  I have a chance to buy a used RD-900 and replace this, or get a specialists over here, but I'm wanting the cheapest fix that I can do.  Any input?

Mark Baker
Lake Kiowa, TX

Answer
Hey Mark, the problem is with the controller. It is well known that after about 6 or 7 years, the panel will go bad, especially as you are decribing it. Just so you know, you can just unplug the old panel from the ribbon of wires in the back of the controller, and just replace this and not the whole controller. The circit board, case, and transformer do not need to be replaced. Would be better to just buy a new panel (about $120.00) and not buy a used controller. Good luck and have a great day.