A solid-state controller's microprocessor can be field tested
and fixed in less than five minutes if you follow a few simple
steps:
Microprocessor Lockup Problems:
The microprocessor is the "brain" of the controller.
Occasionally, due to external electrical problems, the microprocessor
will freeze all of its functions. Follow these steps:
1) Disconnect the primary power to the controller either
by unplugging it from the outlet or by turning off the appropriate
circuit breaker in the electrical panel.
2) Disconnect power to the front panel from the terminal
board. Note that some Rain Bird® ESP controllers have
a 1" to 2" thick, gray plastic ribbon cable that
connects the front swing-out panel to the green terminal output
board on the back of the cabinet. Using this method, you will
not have to turn the primary power off.
3) Disconnect the battery from the controller. This allows
the microprocessor to reset itself to its "default"
condition. Remove the fuse and check the filament and amperage
rating and replace as needed. At the same time, inspect the
transformer for damage, check the 24 VAC leads for proper
connections and examine the outside of the front panel, keypads
and switch dial for physical damage.
4) Check the output board, terminal strip and metal oxide
varistors (MOVs) for signs of high voltage effects (burn marks,
bad traces). Inspect for water damage and corrosion. Reconnect
the primary power to the controller or panel.
5) Once power has been restored, make sure the memory has
cleared from the microprocessor. Depending on which Rain Bird
controller model you are working with, follow these steps:
ESP-Outdoor/ESP-Si: No further
steps are needed. Turning off the power source automatically
clears the memory on these models.
ESP-LX+/ESP-MC: Turn the
dial to "OFF." Next, press and hold the "ON"
and "MANUAL START" keys simultaneously for approximately
ten seconds (until the display starts running a self-diagnostic
test). Stop pressing the keys once the diagnostic begins,
a process that takes approximately 20 seconds.
E-Class: Turn the dial to
"AUTO." Touch and connect the two contacts at
the back of the RESET Tunnel with a metal object (like a
screwdriver). When the display goes blank, remove the screwdriver.
Note that Rain Bird E-Class uses capacitors to maintain
program memory, not batteries. As such, skip Step 3 when
working with an E-Class.
A successful reset of the microprocessor should show "12
a.m." on the LCD. If not, repeat steps one through three.
For more information on irrigation controller troubleshooting,
contact Rain Bird Technical Services at (800) 247-3782.
