How to Troubleshoot a Hunter Irrigation Clock
A popular choice among residential irrigation controllers, Hunter industries supplies several different models that have similar designs. These designs are intended to make operation simple for their owners. Unfortunately, the effects of weather, wear and power surges can damage these otherwise reliable sprinkler controllers, making it necessary to test the controllers to determine whether they are still in working order. Fortunately, this process requires only a little preparation and moderate instruction. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Check to see if the controller is plugged into a powered outlet. The controller will appear to be on even if it not properly plugged in, due to the backup nine-volt battery installed on the inside of the controller's face unit.
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Turn the controller's dial to the "pump control" setting, and then cycle through all of the stations to ensure that the pump is on for every station. Even if you do not have or need a pump, this setting will impede the sprinkler station from running if it is off.
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Flip the controller's rain sensor control, located on the front of the face unit, to "bypass."
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Turn on a sprinkler zone. Turn the controller's dial to "manual station," select a zone and put at least 20 minutes of run time onto it, and then quickly turn the controller's dial to "run."
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Use the sprinkler solenoid to test whether the controller is sending power to the valve wires. With one zone still running, open the controller's face unit and touch one wire of the solenoid to the "common" terminal (marked "C"). At the same time, touch the other solenoid wire first to the terminal for the master valve (marked "MV"), and then to the terminal concurrent with the valve you currently have running. If the solenoid fails to buzz or clicks on the "MV" terminal, replace the entire controller. If the solenoid fails to buzz or clicks on the controller terminal, replace the defective terminal unit. Fix any other malfunctions by replacing the controller's face unit.
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Tips & Warnings
If water has permeated the controller, unplug it immediately and do not attempt to troubleshoot it later on. Replace the controller at a later time with a model designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
