Question
QUESTION: Several days ago, I saw one watering zone of my Richdel 476PR irrigation system was running automatically (but I set it to off). I check the control box, and there was no light on control box and it looked that there was no power in control box. I disconnect the power cord from the control box, and that watering zone stopped. I connect the power cord back into the control box, and that watering zone started running again. Then I tried to start/stop that watering zone, but that watering zone ran continuously. I tried to start other watering zones manually, but couldn抰 start them. Now I disconnect the power cord from the control box (otherwise I could not stop that watering zone).

There was a big lightning very close to the house on that day before this problem. The problem might have been caused by the lightning.

What kind problem it could be? Is it easy to fix it?

I appreciate your advice and thank you in advance!

David

ANSWER: Hey David, your controller is shot! You need a new one. I would suggest replacing it with either a Irri-trol "Rain Dial" controller, or a Rainbird ESP controller. Good luck and have a great day.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your advice. I might replace it with a Rainbird ESP controller. There are 6 zones (stations) in current controller. Is it possible to replace it by myself (I am average about electronic tech)?

Answer
Hey David, do not hesitate to replace it by yourself. Basically in the back of the controller you will notice a series of wires hooked to a terminal strip marked 1 through 6 and one of the screws will be marked C (common). As you take off the wires from the terminals, mark them the same as they come off #1, #2, C, etc. When you go to hook them up to the new controller, you will hook them back up to the same #ed terminals. Also, the 110 volt hook up will be the same as when you take it off the old controller. Just make sure the power is disconnected when you hook up the 110 volt wires. Let me know if you need anymore help, thanks and have a great day.