MY TRANSFORMER (PLUG) DROPPED/CRACKED AND I NEED A NEW ONE. CAN I BUY JUST THE TRANSFORMER OR DO I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TIMER?
Replacement transformers are available for purchase from the Rain Bird Online Store or by calling (877) 727-8772 toll free.
WILL A SURGE PROTECTOR
PROTECT MY CONTROLLER (TIMER) FROM LIGHTNING?
Lightning is one of nature's most powerful forces. While
a surge protector usually protects against normal power surges,
the surge protector may be overpowered by the electrical
charge
if a lightning strike is close. Much of the damage occurs
when lightning strikes near valve wiring and follows the
wires
to the timer. Lightning-induced power surges can still knock
out the transformer. Product failures due to acts of God
including without limitation, lightning and flooding, are
usually not covered by warranty. Check your warranty information
for more details.
MY RAIN BIRD CONTROLLER
(TIMER) IS BEHAVING STRANGELY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Some of the most common controller problems are actually
caused by power surges that can "freeze" the controller
or garble the programs. Often, clearing the controller's memory
and re-programming the unit will solve the problem. The first
step is to clear all the programs. To do this, unplug the
controller, remove the fuse and the battery. Wait 1-2 minutes,
then reinsert the fuse and the battery and plug the unit back
in. Re-enter your programs in the controller. If this method
doesn't work, review the Irrigation
Troubleshooting Guide (PDF: 68 KB), check the timer's
manual, or call our
technical support line at 1-800-724-6247. Remember, if a contractor
has installed the controller and it is still under their warranty,
you may want to contact them for assistance.
DOES RAIN BIRD MAKE A RAIN/MOISTURE
SENSOR THAT AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF IRRIGATION WHEN IT RAINS
AND/OR WHEN THE MOISTURE LEVEL IS HIGH?
Rain sensors are valuable additions for any water-efficient
irrigation system. Rain Bird's RSD Series rain sensor
is effective and easy to install on most irrigation controllers.
This product can be ordered from your local Rain Bird distributor
or from Rain Bird technical support at 1-800-724-6247. Although
Rain Bird does not make a soil moisture sensor, our equipment
works well with all of the leading soil sensors. Ask your
local distributor for more information.
HOW DO I CONNECT THE RAIN
SENSOR (RS-1 OR SIMILAR TO MY CONTROLLER (TIMER)?
Fortunately, adding a rain sensor is simple with Rain Bird
controllers, even if the controller does not already have
a sensor connection. Just follow these instructions. Cut the
common wire near the controller. Connect one sensor wire from
the rain sensor to the common wire connected to the controller.
Connect the other sensor wire from the rain sensor to the
common wire to the valves in the lawn area. In other words,
the sensor simply becomes a section of the common wire.
CAN I USE MY PERSONAL COMPUTER
TO PROGRAM MY CONTROLLER (TIMER)?
Technology is always changing and Rain Bird has a commitment
to remain on the forefront of change. However, at this time,
we only have computer-controlled technology available for
our central control systems. These are large systems designed
for intensive management of landscapes. They operate multiple
controllers across many acres for large sites that can afford
the initial expense of this specialized product. We are currently
looking into the possibilities of using personal computers
to control smaller systems. Keep checking our web site for
the latest developments.
For your convenience, you can now print a particular section
or entire product manuals
for many products directly from this web site, free of charge.
If you would like to order a printed copy of any manual,
call 1-800-724-6247 and
order the manual(s) you need from the technician or order
from the Rain Bird Online
Store. Prices for manuals range from $1.00 and $10.00
plus shipping and handling, depending on the specific controller
model.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER
MY LAWN AND FOR HOW LONG?
Because each lawn is unique, the answer to this question
can vary greatly. The best watering times and length of watering
depends on your climate, the type of grass and soil conditions.
For specific information, we suggest you contact your nearest
nursery, garden center, or the local horticultural extension
office and consult with them about a watering schedule best
suited to your area.
I WANT TO REPLACE AN OLD
OR BROKEN CONTROLLER (TIMER) WITH A NEW ONE. IS THIS DIFFICULT?
Replacing a controller is not a difficult task if the old
controller is operating 24-volt valves. Begin by using masking
tape to number the wires connected to the old controller.
You can then disconnect the wires and remove the old controller.
After you mount the new controller, simply place the correct
wires in the appropriate numbered sections. Make sure you
have connected all the valve wires to the controller BEFORE
you plug the controller into the power supply. If you are
running the system on a pump, make sure the controller has
a master valve connection (MV) and be sure the controller
can operate the pump. Of course, check to be sure the controller
is made for outdoor use if you are going to mount it outside.
Each controller comes with detailed installation instructions.
If you carefully follow the instructions for installation
and grounding, it should be a smooth process.
