The controller is the brain of an irrigation system, it establishes both the opening and closing of the valves and the irrigation time. Until about 15 years ago, mechanical timers were used, which with the advent of digital technology have become obsolete.
Steps
Step 1. Determine if the ECU really needs to be replaced
If it is simply off, there may be a power problem and therefore it should be replaced. It could be a blown fuse due to a short circuit, so the controller may be intact.
Step 2. Make a note of the schedule set on the old timer
Write down on which days to water, at what time to start and for how many hours. Later you can change the program.
Step 3. Unplug the power supply (similar to cell phone chargers) or unplug the power from the cabinet
Do not continue until you are satisfied that there is no current in the system. If you are unsure, check the cables with a tester, or call an electrician. Electric current can hurt or even kill you. When you are sure of this, go to the next step. The cables that control the sprinkler valves are inside the controller. Now you have to remove the cover to be able to disconnect the wires.
Step 4. Disconnect the controller cables and label them with paper tape
Step 5. Here's how to label the cables:
- The two most important are the neutral and (if the system is driven by a pump without a pressure tank) the pump drive.
- The cables will be marked to make them recognizable. Note: If the controller has more than one zone, there will be more than one cable to operate the pump.
- If you can't tell the wires, call an electrician and let him do the job.
Step 6. Replace the ECU with one of the same model
Even if the system doesn't work with a pump, there may still be a cable dedicated to driving the master valve, so label it.
Step 7. Usually, the cables have different colors to make the job easier
Note the color associated with each zone, for example: red indicates zone one, green indicates zone two, white is neutral, etc.
Step 8. Remove the old ECU and mount the new one
Make sure to mount it in a position that allows you to reconnect the cables. If the existing cables are too short for the new ECU, you can extend them and put the splices in a special insulated box. Note: If you are outside, use an airtight box.
Step 9. Reconnect the power cables and turn on the controller
Then connect the cables of the different zones and test their operation. If you have a rain sensor (in case you don't have one, you should get it), the connections will be different. The rain sensors have two wires and function as a switch between the controller and the sprinkler valves.
- If there is no cable for direct valve operation, connect the sensor to neutral. If your ECU has built-in rain sensors, use those.
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If there is the cable to operate the valves, connect the sensor to the latter. This way the valves will not open in case of rain. The correctness of this operation is very important, especially if you use a pump. If you make a mistake in this part and the valves remain closed, the pressure risks damaging the system.
Build an External Hard Drive Step 17 Step 10. At power up, the controller must be functioning properly and ready for programming
Please refer to the notes taken previously to set up the new programs.
