thank you for such a specific, simplified video. well done! i have struggled setting my own RAIN DIAL for years and always failed and got frustrated. i didn't even think about reaching out to UA-cam for a tutorial and then i found yours. i didn't feel talked down to, and my frustrations went away. much appreciated! 😄
Great video, thanks. I volunteer at a small native plant nursery in Australa, we have 10 zones on a Rain Dial R controller and I am looking to add soil sensors (if they can be added) but at a minimum the ability to adjust things remotely via a smartphone. I'd like to see a similar video for the Rain Dial on how to add wifi to it and remote access via phone. I also like your other best timers video and it would be great to see one that concentrates on their remote capabilities and which is best for that plus integration with soil sensors etc.
Hi Dennis, Great to hear from you. Irritrol has a wifi system that can be cabled to the RainDial (RD) but I have never known of anyone using it nor have any of my clients wanted one so I have no experience with it. I have been installing RDs since they were invented and beyond, it's predecessor, the Hardie HR6100. You can visit irritrol.com and look into the wifi setup. As far as moisture sensors go, I ditto my experience with those too. The only sensors I've installed are rain sensors and Hunter Solar Syncs. Moisture sensors can be tricky since you are counting on the soil throughout your property to be consistent incl. sun exposure and drainage. I'd love to help you out with those sensors and the wifi but I don't have plans anytime soon for video creation for those. Baseline is one of the most popular pro grade soil sensors on the market. Good luck with all that.
@SprinklerPros Thanks for the detailed response, I'm now looking at the Hunter Hydrawise system as a good replacement, as it can apply sensors to zones (and not the whole lot). For example if you have a covered area (greenhouse etc) then you don't want a water sensor to affect its water! Its app/browser interface is also pretty good and easyish to use. It also supports flow sensors turning off the watering if a pipe bursts. I think I will avoid soil sensors tying into the watering but may by some cheap models so I can get an idea remotely that all is good.
Nice video. Two questions: 1) If you run a zone manually and then leave the dial on that zone, will the system continue to progress through the programmed stations, or does the dial have to be put back onto the "current time" position in order for the programming to resume? 2) Can the timer turn on one zone by means of a program and a second zone by means of a manual request? (I called for a manual run today for one zone and then noticed that a second zone was dripping at the same time - had never seen that happen before). Thanks.
The Raindial timer was in our home when we moved in. Your video was very helpful on how to set it up. I do have a question that I haven't been able to figure out from the cheat card. We want to set up different days and times for grass and drip using the A, B and C buttons. When I'm done programming, do I always leave that button in the A position? Thanks for your help in figuring this system out!
Lizzie, Have you watched my video called Programs A, B, C WrTF? That video might help, but to answer your direct question, when you are finished programming it, it doesn't matter where you leave that program switch. Thanks for checking in.
GREAT VIDEO! Will you check my thinking? My irrigation system is set up for 3 programs (A=Citrus trees, B=Plants, C=Palms). To program, I set it to A and set the start time (1) for 6:00AM. I just want it to run once. The other start times are set to OFF. I set the day to Wednesday so they are watered once a week. Then I set the run time (1) to 2 hrs., as recommended by the nursery. The other run times (2-12) are set to OFF. Then, for B, I set the start time (1) for 6:00AM. I just want it to run once each day. The other start times are set to OFF. I set the days to Monday and Thursday so they are watered twice a week. Then I set the run time (1) to 1.5 hrs., as recommended by the nursery. Then, for C, I set the start time (1) for 6:00AM. I just want it to run once. The other start times are set to OFF. I set the day to Tuesday so they are watered once a week. Then I set the run time (1) to 2 hrs., as recommended by the nursery. Does that sound right?
Lynette, for B and C you didn't tell me which stations/zones are set to run on them. Have you downloaded my free sheet to help you with your programming as noted in the video? It will help you with this.
@@SprinklerPros Yes, I did downloaded the sheet. But I'm going to have to ask the installer what stations/zones go with each program number. I don't know the answer.
If you turn on each station one at a time using the manual mode, you can walk around with your sheet and clipboard and pencil and figure it out yourself. The instructions of how to use the manual function is printed on the instructions on the card inside the door of the timer.
My Rain dial has 2 battery connection points. As from your video the one keeps your program settings. What does the 2nd battery connection do. Your video is very informative Thank you
It's been a long time since I've seen that error msg and it's not in the troubleshooting section of the manual. I'm not remembering how to get it to stop. Try putting the dial to RUN then hitting the minus button. Maybe someone else in the audience can chime in.
I'm sure it's such a simple step for you, but I would have appreciated seeing how you opened the control panel. On mine, I'm pressing the lever to the right and pulling the panel door to open but it is not opening. Thank you
I flowed the instructions to run automatically. I flipped the switch to set program. Set my program and once finished flipped the switch back to run or manual. I’m pretty sure it’s not running my program. I also notice when I flip the switch from set program to run or manual my station run times will read as off. When I switch it back to set program it displays the correct run time.
Yes. That is normal for the run times to show zero when the switch is flipped to RUN or OFF. I can't help you with the troubleshooting of why the system isn't running. Too many variables without being there to see things.
Mark, I have only seen one Rainbow timer and that was a few months ago when I replaced it with a RainDial RD600EXT so I don't know anything about them. To answer your question, though, the problem is probably with the sprinkler valve. There may be debris under the diaphragm. If this doesn't help, let me know in a NEW comment.
is there a limit on the number of minutes that you can have each station run? we start watering at midnight and would like to stop at 10:00 a.m. so we would need to set the run time to 600 mins.
Yes there's a limit but without being in front of a RD I don't know what that limit is. If it doesn't give you enough then you can create a second start time after that 1st cycle is complete. You have up to 4 start times available per program.
Hey! There is no seasonal adjustment (some brands call it Budget) on the RainDial. My long-time suggestion for RainDial owners is to set all the run times for an amt. you can be happy with all year then just add or eliminate days of the week. It's a much quicker/simpler way to make those adjustments. Like that idea?
@@SprinklerPros thanks, I had 3 times to up the minutes by 20% each, simple math, kept days (every other day, mainly) same, will back down by same number of mins after 100 degree heat retreats.
There are several possible reasons for that and I would need some clarification. Call me next week sometime and we'll try to figure this out over the phone while you're at your timer.
What are the different start times for? I have start time 1 and 2 set at 7:30pm. Each station set to run for 5 mins. Once it runs the stations, it essentially repeats the entire cycle again. Is it because my start time 2 should be off?
There are many situations where using more than one start time can be beneficial but most people only need to use one start time. Because you have both start times set for the same time (7:30pm), that is called stacking. When it completes the cycle for start time #1, then it will run the 2nd cycle that is set for the same time so it is defeating your purpose. What I believe you are intending is for your system to start at 730pm and have all your stations (zones) activate sequentially. That will be accomplished from having just one start time. With that said, to answer your original question, one scenario is if some of your watering is on a slope and the water runs off too fast to soak in. In this case watering on start time #1 for maybe half the intended run time, then later running start time #2 for the other half. Another scenario is in very hot weather days (100+ deg) it might be best to water early in the morning and then around 1pm. Greenhouses oftentimes need to water several times a day for their seedlings. Glad to hear from.
I have all my watering days on program A tha say skp sequencing mode and my system is not watering. What does sequence mode mean and how do I get out of it.
Lenny, page 3 of the owners manual says,"Station sequence delay - Provides an adjustable delay period between stations during the operating sequence to accommodate slow-closing valves or a required well-recovery period." I have never encountered this. I looked through the manual but couldn't find a way to get out of that mode. You may need to call tech support. Here is the manual if you don't have it already: cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx
When setting the program, does it matter which start time to use? Our clock is not working right(will not record PM times) on start time 1, so we will set with start time 2. We are only using program A. Thank you!
JR, No it doesn't matter which start time you're using on RainDial timers. That's a unique problem I've never heard of before that you're experiencing. Does your RainDial timer have a blue interface? The date code is inside the battery compartment. What is the date code?
The computer ribbon simply pulls out/off the circuit board BUT you MUST unplug the timer from the power source first. and be sure you have a good 9volt battery installed in the panel.
Adriana, I have provided a link here so you can download the manual. The answer is on (printed) page 25 aka pdf page 27. cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx
Does the system only run 1 program at a time? Let’s say my program A runs everyday out of the week, program B runs only 3 days out of the week, and program C is my “test” one. Does the system only run whichever program I leave the switch on?
So if my program A is set to run at 6 am and 6 pm, and program B is set to run at 12 pm only, will my system go off 3 times in the day? Even if I leave my switch on program A.
I have never used that feature so here is the pdf manual: cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx
Resetting it is a last resort and doesn't address the reason for your problem so you might accidentally re-create the problem if you erase the program now without figuring this out. See my other answer on your other comment.
Tom there was a fuze error flashing on screen because timer wire to valves was hit by a nail in lath stuck wall .I didn't instal timmer the wire shud have been in coduit.this is at my buddys house he hired me to fix it. So I installed new timer wire in ground to valves . So no fuze error now. This is 2 valve job. But selected switch in a position A the 2 valves keep running .so it works good in B position great. So that's why maybe timer needs to be reset imo?
I watched other videos and was confused but your explanation was clear. I set the sprinklers in minutes. Thank you! 👍
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know.
thank you for such a specific, simplified video. well done! i have struggled setting my own RAIN DIAL for years and always failed and got frustrated. i didn't even think about reaching out to UA-cam for a tutorial and then i found yours. i didn't feel talked down to, and my frustrations went away. much appreciated! 😄
Eileen, so glad it helped. Anything else you need help with?
Best video describing the programming of these controllers. 👍
Thanks! 👍
All i can say is Thank you!!!!! I watched other vieos and was confused.
Awesome!!!!!!
Have you seen my video called _Programs A B and C, What are they for?_
@@SprinklerPros no, I have not.
It might help you.
Great instructions, clear and concise..
Thank you for saying so. It helps to know whether I'm being clear..
Thanks Tom! I only have one customer with this controller. Gonna save this video for a reference.
Please do!
Very informative,simply understandable, best video ever, thank you very much.
Great video thank you! Easy to understand everything
Glad it was helpful!
I got great advice from you on my 15 station station thankyou!!
Roxanne, how did it go? What did you figure out was the issue? Multiple start times?
Great video, thanks. I volunteer at a small native plant nursery in Australa, we have 10 zones on a Rain Dial R controller and I am looking to add soil sensors (if they can be added) but at a minimum the ability to adjust things remotely via a smartphone.
I'd like to see a similar video for the Rain Dial on how to add wifi to it and remote access via phone. I also like your other best timers video and it would be great to see one that concentrates on their remote capabilities and which is best for that plus integration with soil sensors etc.
Hi Dennis, Great to hear from you.
Irritrol has a wifi system that can be cabled to the RainDial (RD) but I have never known of anyone using it nor have any of my clients wanted one so I have no experience with it. I have been installing RDs since they were invented and beyond, it's predecessor, the Hardie HR6100. You can visit irritrol.com and look into the wifi setup. As far as moisture sensors go, I ditto my experience with those too. The only sensors I've installed are rain sensors and Hunter Solar Syncs. Moisture sensors can be tricky since you are counting on the soil throughout your property to be consistent incl. sun exposure and drainage. I'd love to help you out with those sensors and the wifi but I don't have plans anytime soon for video creation for those. Baseline is one of the most popular pro grade soil sensors on the market. Good luck with all that.
@SprinklerPros Thanks for the detailed response, I'm now looking at the Hunter Hydrawise system as a good replacement, as it can apply sensors to zones (and not the whole lot). For example if you have a covered area (greenhouse etc) then you don't want a water sensor to affect its water! Its app/browser interface is also pretty good and easyish to use. It also supports flow sensors turning off the watering if a pipe bursts.
I think I will avoid soil sensors tying into the watering but may by some cheap models so I can get an idea remotely that all is good.
Cool.
Nice video. Two questions: 1) If you run a zone manually and then leave the dial on that zone, will the system continue to progress through the programmed stations, or does the dial have to be put back onto the "current time" position in order for the programming to resume?
2) Can the timer turn on one zone by means of a program and a second zone by means of a manual request? (I called for a manual run today for one zone and then noticed that a second zone was dripping at the same time - had never seen that happen before).
Thanks.
Keith, you must put it back to RUN for the programming to resume. Only one thing can operate at a time.
The Raindial timer was in our home when we moved in. Your video was very helpful on how to set it up. I do have a question that I haven't been able to figure out from the cheat card. We want to set up different days and times for grass and drip using the A, B and C buttons. When I'm done programming, do I always leave that button in the A position? Thanks for your help in figuring this system out!
Lizzie,
Have you watched my video called Programs A, B, C WrTF? That video might help, but to answer your direct question, when you are finished programming it, it doesn't matter where you leave that program switch. Thanks for checking in.
@@SprinklerPros Thank you so much for the reply. That helps a lot but I will also go watch your video you mentioned. Thanks again!!
GREAT VIDEO! Will you check my thinking? My irrigation system is set up for 3 programs (A=Citrus trees, B=Plants, C=Palms). To program, I set it to A and set the start time (1) for 6:00AM. I just want it to run once. The other start times are set to OFF. I set the day to Wednesday so they are watered once a week. Then I set the run time (1) to 2 hrs., as recommended by the nursery. The other run times (2-12) are set to OFF. Then, for B, I set the start time (1) for 6:00AM. I just want it to run once each day. The other start times are set to OFF. I set the days to Monday and Thursday so they are watered twice a week. Then I set the run time (1) to 1.5 hrs., as recommended by the nursery. Then, for C, I set the start time (1) for 6:00AM. I just want it to run once. The other start times are set to OFF. I set the day to Tuesday so they are watered once a week. Then I set the run time (1) to 2 hrs., as recommended by the nursery. Does that sound right?
Lynette, for B and C you didn't tell me which stations/zones are set to run on them. Have you downloaded my free sheet to help you with your programming as noted in the video? It will help you with this.
@@SprinklerPros Yes, I did downloaded the sheet. But I'm going to have to ask the installer what stations/zones go with each program number. I don't know the answer.
If you turn on each station one at a time using the manual mode, you can walk around with your sheet and clipboard and pencil and figure it out yourself.
The instructions of how to use the manual function is printed on the instructions on the card inside the door of the timer.
My Rain dial has 2 battery connection points. As from your video the one keeps your program settings. What does the 2nd battery connection do.
Your video is very informative
Thank you
Tony, where is your 2nd battery connection point? The only one I'm aware of is on the backside of the interface panel.
Why does my system flash OF2? I’m new to this. House I just purchased and this is their set up. 600. Was off for at least half a year.
It's been a long time since I've seen that error msg and it's not in the troubleshooting section of the manual. I'm not remembering how to get it to stop. Try putting the dial to RUN then hitting the minus button. Maybe someone else in the audience can chime in.
I'm sure it's such a simple step for you, but I would have appreciated seeing how you opened the control panel. On mine, I'm pressing the lever to the right and pulling the panel door to open but it is not opening. Thank you
Bummer. Sorry for the difficulty.
I flowed the instructions to run automatically. I flipped the switch to set program. Set my program and once finished flipped the switch back to run or manual. I’m pretty sure it’s not running my program. I also notice when I flip the switch from set program to run or manual my station run times will read as off. When I switch it back to set program it displays the correct run time.
Yes. That is normal for the run times to show zero when the switch is flipped to RUN or OFF. I can't help you with the troubleshooting of why the system isn't running. Too many variables without being there to see things.
I have the rainbow 600 system and as soon as I turn on the water supply the sprinkler works and won’t shut off. What am I doing wrong?
Mark, I have only seen one Rainbow timer and that was a few months ago when I replaced it with a RainDial RD600EXT so I don't know anything about them. To answer your question, though, the problem is probably with the sprinkler valve. There may be debris under the diaphragm. If this doesn't help, let me know in a NEW comment.
is there a limit on the number of minutes that you can have each station run? we start watering at midnight and would like to stop at 10:00 a.m. so we would need to set the run time to 600 mins.
Yes there's a limit but without being in front of a RD I don't know what that limit is. If it doesn't give you enough then you can create a second start time after that 1st cycle is complete. You have up to 4 start times available per program.
hi, thanks! Is there a seasonal adjustment variation, say, to up your minutes across the board for 20% in hot weather for a while?
Hey! There is no seasonal adjustment (some brands call it Budget) on the RainDial. My long-time suggestion for RainDial owners is to set all the run times for an amt. you can be happy with all year then just add or eliminate days of the week. It's a much quicker/simpler way to make those adjustments. Like that idea?
@@SprinklerPros thanks, I had 3 times to up the minutes by 20% each, simple math, kept days (every other day, mainly) same, will back down by same number of mins after 100 degree heat retreats.
Hey Tom great videos I got a irritol 600 timer ,on switch A the valves keep coming on how to I fix problem? Wud be much appreciated sir
There are several possible reasons for that and I would need some clarification. Call me next week sometime and we'll try to figure this out over the phone while you're at your timer.
What are the different start times for? I have start time 1 and 2 set at 7:30pm. Each station set to run for 5 mins. Once it runs the stations, it essentially repeats the entire cycle again. Is it because my start time 2 should be off?
There are many situations where using more than one start time can be beneficial but most people only need to use one start time. Because you have both start times set for the same time (7:30pm), that is called stacking. When it completes the cycle for start time #1, then it will run the 2nd cycle that is set for the same time so it is defeating your purpose. What I believe you are intending is for your system to start at 730pm and have all your stations (zones) activate sequentially. That will be accomplished from having just one start time.
With that said, to answer your original question, one scenario is if some of your watering is on a slope and the water runs off too fast to soak in. In this case watering on start time #1 for maybe half the intended run time, then later running start time #2 for the other half. Another scenario is in very hot weather days (100+ deg) it might be best to water early in the morning and then around 1pm. Greenhouses oftentimes need to water several times a day for their seedlings. Glad to hear from.
I have all my watering days on program A tha say skp sequencing mode and my system is not watering. What does sequence mode mean and how do I get out of it.
Lenny, page 3 of the owners manual says,"Station sequence delay - Provides an adjustable delay period between stations during the operating sequence to accommodate slow-closing valves or a required well-recovery period."
I have never encountered this. I looked through the manual but couldn't find a way to get out of that mode. You may need to call tech support. Here is the manual if you don't have it already: cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx
When setting the program, does it matter which start time to use? Our clock is not working right(will not record PM times) on start time 1, so we will set with start time 2. We are only using program A. Thank you!
JR, No it doesn't matter which start time you're using on RainDial timers. That's a unique problem I've never heard of before that you're experiencing. Does your RainDial timer have a blue interface? The date code is inside the battery compartment. What is the date code?
For “armchair” programming: How is ribbon cable removed? Exactly how is control module removed ?
The computer ribbon simply pulls out/off the circuit board BUT you MUST unplug the timer from the power source first. and be sure you have a good 9volt battery installed in the panel.
How do you set it to come on twice a day? We only have one zone and it comes on at 7am I would like to set it to come on again at 7 pm
Christine, set a second start time.
Is there a reason why my display where it shows the time keeps on flickering?
Yes, the circuit board or panel/interface has gone bad. What is the date code inside the battery compartment?
How do I get rid of even days setting. I can’t seem to change that.
Adriana, I have provided a link here so you can download the manual. The answer is on (printed) page 25 aka pdf page 27. cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx
my controller won't let me change the day. It doesn't work the way the manual says
If you would like help on this from me, consider giving me more specifics and start a new comment thread here so I can be sure to see it.
Does the system only run 1 program at a time? Let’s say my program A runs everyday out of the week, program B runs only 3 days out of the week, and program C is my “test” one. Does the system only run whichever program I leave the switch on?
Andrew, great question. It doesn't matter which program you leave the switch on. It will water whatever is programmed.
So if my program A is set to run at 6 am and 6 pm, and program B is set to run at 12 pm only, will my system go off 3 times in the day? Even if I leave my switch on program A.
yeppers
So if I have program A set to run at 6am and 6pm, and I only want it to run those two times I have to make sure the other programs are not set to run?
Andrew, sorry for delay. your question was way down the list and I just now saw it. Your question is correct.
How do I reset the rain delay feature?
I have never used that feature so here is the pdf manual: cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx
Also is it possible to reset it?
Resetting it is a last resort and doesn't address the reason for your problem so you might accidentally re-create the problem if you erase the program now without figuring this out. See my other answer on your other comment.
Tom there was a fuze error flashing on screen because timer wire to valves was hit by a nail in lath stuck wall .I didn't instal timmer the wire shud have been in coduit.this is at my buddys house he hired me to fix it. So I installed new timer wire in ground to valves . So no fuze error now. This is 2 valve job. But selected switch in a position A the 2 valves keep running .so it works good in B position great. So that's why maybe timer needs to be reset imo?
ok