Question
The control panel on my JH Hardie home irrigation system is flashing random digits and characters.  Is there a way to reboot?  Or otherwise troubleshoot?  The behavior of the panel does not respond to changing to another station, switching the dial to another setting, or off.  It's been set on "no rain" for the winter.

Answer
Its not a good sign.  Try unplugging the controller and remove any battery backup that is installed.  Wait about 2-3 minutes, then restore power and reprogram the controller.  You may want to gently clean it using one of those canned air devices for computers.  Open it up so you can clean the back of the circuit board.  If these things dont work, its probably time for a new controller.