SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

We bought a house with a 2 station system in the back. It has stopped working.

I have checked the controller (Orbit) and it seems to be working fine. But even when I set it to Manual, the sprinklers don't work.

If I turn the sprinklers on manually (at the valve)they work fine).

So I went and bought replacement solenoids. Installed them. But still no go.

My questions is: Does this sound like there is a problem with the underground wiring (in which case I can't be bothered digging it up). Or is there something else I should check? (easily)

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by mrwettech</i>
<br />Always start at the controller and work your way out. Use one of those solenoids or a voltage meter and check the controller. Turn zone #1 on and test the wire terminals in the controller. One wire to the common the other to #1 terminal. It should activate the solenoid or read 24v on the voltage meter. If you are good there start working your way to your valves. Is there a rain sensor on your system? Has there been any new plantings or any sort of digging since the last time it ran? Start there and let us know what you find. This just part of the trouble shooting process. I hope this helps.
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looks like I will need to get a voltage meter - have changed solenoids so they're not the problem. It seems I have two options:- get a voltage meter and try figure out where problem is - if am lucky then controller and I just buy a replacement. If not and there is something wrong with the wiring, I will be forced to get new wireless (battery) controllers as I don't want to dig up.

Will report back.

Thanks.

Checked with a voltmeter. Found that controller had power going in but no power coming out. Replaced it with a Rainbird controller (basic model). Thanks to all for your help.