Ask your questions here – (They will appear shortly)

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To add a question, go to the bottom of the page, fill in the comment and click Post Comment.  

Please look at the DIY Troubleshooting section before posting; answers to most questions can be found there. 

You can also reply to other people’s questions if you like. (Thanks for helping)

Please try to include the following with your question, list:
1) the date code (located under the battery),
2) the model number shown on the face of the controller (usually below and to the left of the dial, e.g., RD-600 or RD-600-R).
3) Color (mostly Gray or Blue) based on the example rainDials shown at the top of the page.

1,205 thoughts on “Ask your questions here – (They will appear shortly)

  1. Hi,

    I have a brand new RD-1200-R and am replacing an older RD-1200-R that is still working fine without issue. When I installed the new one each station results in the FUS error for each station. I have worked out that when I remove the MV/Pump wire I don’t get the error but obviously the pump doesn’t come on which is pointless.

    When I put the old controller face plate back on everything works fine again even with the MV/pump wire connected.

    For some reason the new co troller doesn’t like the MV/pump wire.

    What do I need to do??

    • Hi Mark,

      I’d suggest sending it in for repair and we’ll take a look. It’s possible that the -R model is a little more sensitive than the older Gray model and perhaps you mv/pump relay is starting to fail. That would cause a FUS message to be on every station.

      You could experiment by removing the pump wire and see if the timer behaves differently. Also, try a full factory reset to clear out any unexpected behavior.

      let me know what you find out,
      Brian

    • Hi Amber,

      A “1” on the top row of the display indicates that valve/station 1 is on.

      I hope that helps,
      Meghan – RainDial Doctor in Training

  2. Hello.

    We have a Rain Dial 600-EXT-R

    The date on it says 02-16-12

    We are having problems with it.
    Going through your troubleshooting, we think it might be the transformer.

    First, is this from 2002?

    Second, is it worth repairing or buy new?

    Thank you,

    Stacy

    • hi Stacy,

      They’re very good timers, are relatively easy to use and the display is big enough to read. I think they’re definitely worth repairing since they cost quite a bit to replace.
      There are some transformer testing techniques on the DIY Troubleshooting page. Did you try those and determine the transformer was bad. It’s pretty rare for transformer’s to fail; which test did you use? I can help more if needed; I just don’t want to make sure the correct thing gets replaced.

      Thanks ,
      Brian
      Brian

    • Hi Jack,

      Unfortunately we do not repair Orbit Sprinkler timers, only Irritrol or RainDial sprinkler timers. I’m sorry we can’t help, but I hope you can get your water up and running again soon.

    • Hi Henderson,

      You can find the manuals on my website. You can get the model number by looking at the bottom left quadrant of the timer face; it’s located above the Semi-Auto button and will say something like RD-600.
      If there is no number there, it’s an older model. Most of the timers operate the same way, so you can pick one of the older ones or newer ones and the basic instructions will apply.

      I hope that helps,
      Brian

  3. I have a RD-900 from 2007 with Rain Delay. I am trying to install a rain sensor. The instructions call for using the white wire going to the VC terminal and connecting the rain senor in series. However when I opened the controller I found that there was no wire connected to the VC terminal. The controller is working fine and I’m sort of clueless as to why. My understanding is that the VC wire is required and is the common wire from all solenoids. How should I troubleshoot this?

    • Hi Aiyer,

      Sometimes people connect to the ground terminal instead of the VC terminal. If that’s connected, you can use it. It’s essentially the same in most backboards.

      I hope that helps,
      Brian

  4. I have exactly the same issue that Brian had (September 8th, 2022) with water hammering and rhythmic ticking of the solenoid. In your reply to him I see that you had instructions on how to repair. Is that true? Our renter is getting upset with my feeble attempts to fix it, even after I switched the start time from midnight to daylight hours! Maybe that is because the hammering heard inside the house is the same night or day.

    • Hi Rich,

      The hammering should only happen when the water is running. It’s something I can repair. It’s a solid repair; you’ll likely go another 10+ years without that happening again. They’re very good timers.
      I’ll send you separate email with the repair details.

      Thanks for posting,
      Brian

    • Hi Sami,

      You can usually connect a rainsensor to any sprinkler timer, even the older ones. You just put it in series with the common wire instead of having some dedicated terminals on the terminal board for it.
      Look at item ‘AK” on the DIY Troubleshooting page for details, I believe option B is more likely for you…

      Let me know if that helps,
      Brian

    • Hi Peter,

      You could try taking it apart and looking for a mechanical issue with the button that you can adjust and re-assemble. Otherwise, if it’s a problem with the button component soldered to the board, I’d suggest sending it in for repair. I can replace the button and will also refurbish/replace other parts that typically fail, so you won’t have any other problem with it for a long long time.

      Let me know. Note that the older models like the one you have are very good timers compared to the newer models. I repair them as far back as 1992 models and they go back into service for years to come. They’re pretty amazing actually.

      Brian

    • Hi Barry,

      That’s likely an indication that the timer is starting to fail. I’d suggest sending it in for repair and we’ll get it working like new again.
      Regards,
      Brian

  5. RD-600-R
    No 24v to any of the stations. Transformer is new and tested. When manually triggered I get fluctuations between .5v-2v out of the stations. All is does is make the valve knock.

    • Hi Mike,

      Since you know the transformer is good, that indicates a classic symptom of a failing timer; I’ll send you a separate email with more details.

      Thanks,
      Brian

  6. We have an RD600R, an outdoor model, that works intermittently. When not working, no current/voltage is getting to the board (as measured by a multimeter). After ruling out the AC power cord and AC outlet into which it is plugged, my best guess is that the problem is a loose connection somewhere under the right side section of the control box, in the transformer area. I say that because tugging on the AC power cord sometimes enables power to get through. My problem is that I cannot figure out how to open the right side to inspect the connections within. Thanks.

    • Hi Ed,

      Thanks for the detailed information, I appreciate it. You can search the website for ‘transformer’ by putting it in the search box at the top of the page. It should find some information about removing/replacing the transformer. Let me know if you can’t find it.

      With that said, I don’t think that’s the issue. I’ll drop you a separate email

      Regards,
      Brian

      • Thank you Brian for your expert help and guidance with troubleshooting our RainDial. The problem was deeply hidden and you pointed me right to it! Thank you for saving us a lot of money and aggravation. Your repair service is first class.

  7. I have noticed my irrigation system has not turned on the days it is scheduled to. I have ran it manually to get it to work. It will not come on according to what thetimeis set for. .

    • Hi Todd,

      That is usually a programming issue. You might double-check the scheduled programming. It can also be caused by a timer issue I can repair, or lastly, that the timer just needs to be reset. I’d suggest following the reset instructions on the DIY Troubleshooting page. If that doesn’t work, let me know and we’ll get it figured out.

      Regards,
      Brian

    • Back zone comes on the set time now. No front zone. Cannot even run it on manuel. Switched the zones around . Back zone worked but front did not. Should I turn the power off and reset it? Thank you for the help.

      • Hi Todd,

        Assuming I understood your description, here is some information that may help.

        If your front zone does not work even when you put it on the screw terminal of a known-working zone, then it’s likely something bad with that particular zone, like a bad solenoid, valve or wiring… The timer is likely applying voltage to the screw terminal you connected it to when you swapped it.

        Take a look at the DIY Troubleshooting section for some more things to check. You should focus on testing the solenoids, and you can also read through the section on testing the transformer where you bypass the timer (another example of how you can hot-wire the solenoid to check it).

        Finally, if nothing else seems to work, follow the factory reset instructions and see if that gets it working.
        Regards,
        Brian

  8. Rain dial 600.

    Flashes went trying to open valves manually. Not working. At first only one valve did not work. Replaced battery now no valves work. Had driveway replaced. Wires underneath in pvc pipe. Hoping they did not get damaged. Should i try acreset or send the unitbto you?

    • Hi Mike,

      I can help, but need to know a little more information.
      1) Does the display show anything at all, or is it blank.
      2) Do you have an RD600 or RD600-R?
      3) do you have access to a volt meter ?
      4) You might look at the DIY troubleshooting section for how to test the transformer and try to determine if it’s working or not.

      Let me know and I can help more,
      Brian

  9. Hi RIck,
    My 600 has failed, only using 3 stations. I have a working 1200. Can I use the 1200 main unit only, I don’t have the board.
    Thanks!

    • Hi Rick,

      Yes, you can put a 1200 timer in place of a 600 timer; it’ll just have more capability. If one is a -R model (more blue) and the other is not (more gray), then the connectors are different and you’d need an adaptor (let me know if you need one.)

      It’s possible the back terminal board is giving you trouble instead of the timer. If replacing the timer doesn’t help, just send them in for repair and we’ll get them all working like new again.

      I hope that helps. If it does, consider leaving us a little donation, we’d appreciate it.
      Brian

  10. I have a RD-600-EXT-R (blue) with a display that is flashing OF2 and the current time. I tried both of the suggested methods to shut off the rain bypass feature and neither of them has worked. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

    • Hi Jon,

      I’d try a reset; see the troubleshooting page for instructions. If it works, please send us a donation, if it doesn’t, let me know and we’ll figure out the next step.

      Regards, Brian

  11. My 1200-ext Controller is not working. Blinking. Won’t initiate stations to run.

    So I swapped the box with another controller I have from another box and it is working great. (So, the board appears to be fine.) So I need this one fixed.

    How much will it cost to get the controller fixed only?

    Thanks!

    • Hi Mary,

      I’m happy to help.
      Everything you need to know can be found by clicking the menu “how to get it repaired”
      I’ll also send you an email directly.

      Regards,
      Brian

  12. I have a Rain Dial dated 6/29/2016. It is an RD 600R – EXT- R. The color is blue. It has 3 pumps. My problem is …..if I turn ALL functions off and set up using ONLY one pump, all 3 come on. Can’t figure why. Tried many combinations. Last resort unplugged ribbon/removed battery waited 15 minutes. Reconnected. Still same problem. Any suggestions ? $5.00 for assistance is ok.

    • Hi Ken,

      Can you explain what you mean by ‘3 pumps’. Are you using the pump to describe a station? I think that is what you mean.
      It seems likely that you have something miswired. I’d look at this page and see if it matches what you have on your setup. If you have the same thing, email me a picture of your back terminal board wiring and I’ll take a look. (rainDialDoctor@gmail.com)

      Here’s the wiring link: https://raindialdoctor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/img_wiring_valves_1.jpg
      Thanks fo offering to make a donation, you’re one of the good guys 🙂

      Brian

      • I have 3 station run time settings (actually 6 but only need 3).
        As far as I know the system has always run ok. This seems like a new problem. Photos on site are not my controller. Mine is an RD600 EXT. Tomorrow I will photo the wiring and send to you.
        Thanx

  13. Hello-
    Irritrol 600-R
    DATE CODE .. 6/26/09
    BLUE

    Problem is the AC power (shown by Blinking colon in time) is not consistent. It will go to back up 9 volt battery to keep time (NO BLINKING COLON ) but will not run valves. Transformer checks out OK at 27. Circuit breaker check OK also inside GFR test OK. If I go to box and push or juggle the white
    Common wire (thick/large wire) which also has the slimmer white wire wound around it then inserted behind screw the AC power will come back. When AC power is present valves run no problem. It might hold for a while but then the same problem reappears. I can send you a photo of the wiring if needed. Any suggestions if there is anything more I can do or does this require sending in unit?
    Thanks,
    Margaret

    • Hi Margaret,

      That’s a very common problem I can help with. I’ll send repair infor to your email address…
      thanks for posting,
      Brian

  14. Hello-
    Date code 7-13-12
    Irritrol RD-600-R
    Blue

    I have four zones set up – one drip and three sprinklers.
    For about a year now, when the timer is set to turn on in the AM, I get water hammering and I can hear a rhythmic ticking in the solenoids (at which ever valve is turning on. This only happens in the morning, not any time after 12:00PM.
    So I am wondering if it can be a signaling problem for the AM.
    I have replaced the tan board in the back of the box one year ago.
    I had the pressure regulator to the house replaced one year ago.
    I removed the front panel and had Ewing Irrigation test it one year ago- they said they they did not find any problem with it.
    I replaced the top halve of all the valves – irritrol 205’s.
    August 1st I had a guy check the system with several different meters – and he found no issues.
    So on August 2nd, he replaced the back flow preventer, since it is the only part of the system that was not replaced.
    Still having the same hammering and ticking problem on the morning settings.
    I can operate the valves manually and they work just fine even in the morning.

    This is why I am wondering if it can be a signaling issue only in the AM settings?

    I really appreciate any insight, help and direction.

    • Hi Brian,

      I wish we had talked sooner; it would have saved you a lot of time and effort. That’s a problem with the timer that I repair often. I’ll send you a separate email with all the repair details. thanks for posting.
      Brian

    • Hi Mike,

      If you haven’t seen it already, I’d suggest looking at the DIY Troubleshooting page for the item that describes OFn. Let me know if that helps. Also try the reset instructions. If that doesn’t work, let me know and we’ll figure out what to do next.

      Brian

  15. I have a RD-600-R about a year old. One valve with one program (every other day). It recently lost power (blank screen) so I reset the breaker which did not appear to be tripped. Got blinking 12:00 so reset the program and it turns on fine but now does not shut off at the end of the program. I can turn it off with the switch so the valve seems to be fine. Same behavior with the semi-auto button. Turns on but I have to use the switch to turn it off.

    • Hi David,

      That’s strange behavior. When it’s ‘on’ (when it should not be) do you see the timer indicate that it’s on by showing a station number in the top row of the display

      Let me know and we’ll troubleshoot further.
      Brian

      • Brian,
        Yes it shows station 1 solid, not blinking. I thought I remembered it used to blink 1 when it was working properly but I may be mistaken. I guess I should try the full reset?
        Thanks!
        David

        • Hi David,

          Yes, try a reset; let me know if that helps.
          I don’t think I’ve ever seen the ‘1’ blink before.

          Brian

          • Brian,
            Sorry for the delay. After the full reset, the controller started to continuously cycle the solenoid causing the water to spurt off and on. Apparently there was some kind of electrical short in the controller and it was replaced.
            David

  16. I have an Irritrol RD-600-EXT-R that has a circuit board (102-7995 Rev A) with a date of 6/20/2011. I am having the typical ‘terminal board’ issues so I know I need to replace. After doing some research, it looks like there were (3) different series of boards made for this model. 1st Serieds – 1991-1999, 2nd Series 2000 – 2008 and then 3rd Seriesrom 2009 +, but the unit itself never changed. My questions are:
    1. Are the boards swappable? (Can I swap my board out for one from 1999?) – my board has a fuse and some capacitors on the front
    2. Where there improvements made to the board between the series? Or are they all essentially the same?

    • Hi Rob,

      Yes, there were several versions of the board made. They did make some improvements over time; the more recent versions are better. Watch out for the differences in the connector pin count; the newer ones have more pins than the older ones and are not compatible. As long as the connect has the same number of pins, it should be compatible.

      I have connector boards as well; just drop me an email using the contact-us link above.

      Thanks for posting,
      brian

  17. I have a 12 station Rain Dial R Irrigation System Controller. (Blue).

    I have been using it for several years. However, recently the timer has begun to malfunction.

    I have all but one of the stations set for 10 minutes on Cycle A, running 3 times per week. These work fine.

    I have one cycle which I need to run for an hour each day. This is new do to my using a new type of porous soaker. I set this on Cycle B and set it for 59 minutes. I will check it when it is supposed to have been turned off (usually after an hour or so), and it is still running. When I check the timer, it shows there is still 45 minutes or so left to run. This seems to have started when I changed to the porous soaker.

    This occurs when I do a manual run as well as when I have it run automatically.

    How can I fix this?

    Thank you.

    • Hi Rick,

      I’d suggest doing a full reset following the instructions from the DIY Troubleshooting page. If that doesn’t work, let me know the model number you have and we’ll get it figured out. If it does work, please leave us a donation; we’d really appreciate it.

      Regards,
      Brian

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