Skip to main content

Sprinkler Smart Controller Notes



Our sprinkler system had trouble this summer. After replacing the sprinkler controller and finding out that our problem was a faulty master control valve, I have learned a lot.  

  1. Newer sprinkler systems have a master control valve that has to open every time a zone valve does.  This is a good thing usually to prevent leaks, but also gets used A LOT more than other valves, so it wears out faster. 
  2. You can test each zone with a multimeter for voltage to see if that zone has a fault.
  3. You can use and ohm meter to determine continuity on each zone's wiring as well.
  4.  If you have developed a short, like we did, you may see fluctuations in both voltage and continuity.

Our new sprinkler controller is smart and was able to report back that there was a fault on either the master control valve or each and every zone it tried to run. Because the master control valve showed up on every error report, we started our troubleshooting there.  By replacing the entire valve, we eliminate the wiring issue, the solenoid issue or the diaphragm failing as individual problems and replace the entire part.

Bonus: Our water company has a rebate for people who install smart sprinkler controllers.  That paid for half the expense!  
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Z-wave Smart Switch options

Here are some of the things I found to consider when looking at purchasing Z-wave Smart Switches. What it ships with : Check what the switch comes with.  Some come with different color face plates, but more importantly, some do NOT come with a bit of wire to connect to your neutral. Protocol : Some are Z-wave, and some are Z-wave Plus.  Z-wave plus seems to mean that the switch is faster, has longer range for connectivity and usually has more features such as central scene control (means you can program double/triple tap behavior. )  Look and feel : Some look like a normal paddle switch, while others have LED lights to tell you their setting level.   Normal looking paddle switch in white with only an on/off indicator LED Paddle switch in light almond with LED dimmer level indicator LEDs Things to note :  Some switches don't support LED lights.  Check the description to avoid these.   Note the supported wattage of the switch - they...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to install smart switches

I replaced some old dumb light switches with new smart light switches.  Note 1 :Before I go through the steps, here is a little bit of important information to know.  There may be several wires required to make the new switch connect - here is the definition of what you should see available in the housing for the switch. Smart light Switch = In my case, this is a wall light switch that has a radio that can be connected ted to a Hub for remote control or for programming on/off/dimmer based upon triggers. The protocol of the radio is z-wave in my case. Line = always hot wire - this is the source of current to the switch. Load =wire that goes to light out the other side of the switch and is only hot when the switch is turned on. Neutral =  White wire (in my house) that carries a current back to the source for the unbalanced portion of the load Ground wire = the wire that grounds the circuit. Note 2: I've only installed z-wave switches with a neutral ...
1 comment
Read more

Salsa!

Here is THE salsa recipe 1 tomato (medium to large).  cut out stem area. 1 slice of red onion - 1/8" thick 3" circumference  1/2 green onion sliced long way with stem 1/2 lime juice squeezed fresh but not too hard 1/2 Serrano pepper - no seeds 1 Jalapeno - no seeds 1 small clump of cilantro - cut bottom of stems 2 garlic cloves Step 1. Put all in the ninja. Step 2. Add fresh cracked sea salt & pepper to taste Step 3. Yummmmm  :)
Post a Comment
Read more