Question
I was able to get a rainbird ism6 controller to operate the pump by running jumper wires from the 24v input. Do I have to replace the controller for a permanent fix? I could not see how to get the cover off the controller to perhaps replace a relay, etc.  Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Mark Refuss


Answer
Dear Mark, I hope this helps. The way the controller turns the pump on, is by a relay on the pump itself. In the back of the controller (the bottom access panel needs to be removed) you will see where the different field wires hook to the terminal strip. If you have a pump, one of the wires to the relay needs to be hooked to the C(common) terminal, and the other wire needs to be hooked to the MV (master valve) terminal. Each time a valve is turned on, the MV (master valve) terminal is energized to start the pump. To tell if this terminal (MV) is good, take a volt/ohm meter, and touch the negative lead to the C (common) terminal and the positive lead to the MV terminal. Each time you turn a valve on by the controller, this terminal should put out between 22 to 26 volts. If you are not getting a good reading, then the controller is defective. Let me know if I can be of anymore assistance, thanks and have a great day.