Question
QUESTION: I have an ancient analog sprikler control that I just love. Until now it's been failure-free for the 3 years we've lived here. But now the timer seems to be on the fritz. Each station should be on for 10 min., then progress to the next. But now it stays on each station until I manually override it. I've never seen an analog control, and any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ANSWER: I can probably help, but can you find a Manufacturers name on it. Such as Rainbird, Toro, Weathermatic, etc. Also a model # would be helpful.
If it's what I think, it is repairable.
Thanks, Matt

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response, Matt. It's a Rain Bird model RC-7A, if that helps. Looks pretty old, being analog & all. But until now performance has been great. Thanks again.


Answer
Thanks for the update.
The Rainbird RC Series controllers are a very simple and reliable controller. They are one of the best controller ever produced for irrigation. I have many of them still working for customers after 25 years. Considering yours is 20+ years old, not a bad life.
Yes, it is repairable. The problem you have is one of the electric motors is not working. It is referred to as a advance motor or indexing motor. You can remove the faceplate and access the motors. To change simply remove the two wire nuts attached to the motor and remove the 2 screws and replace. (Take a digital picture of the back of the faceplate first, it may help in reassemble) If your not comfortable doing the repair yourself, your regional Rainbird Distributor can direct you to a contractor that provides this service. You can save some money if you remove the faceplate and take it to the contractor. I'll warn you, the costs will probably exceed $100, but if you like the controller and are comfortable with the operation it's worth it.
If you have problems getting the parts or finding a person to do the repair, let me know. I can give you the part#.