ESP-SMTe Controller
32
Troubleshooting
Watering or Electrical Issues
Symptom
Possible Cause
Correction
Temperature Reading
does not match the
actual temperature for an
extended period of time.
Unit is absorbing reflective heat and/or
from adjacent pavement.
Relocate the sensor to a more appropriate location.
Inaccurate rain fall
measurement occurs on a
regular basis.
Debris Screen is clogged and is not
allowing rainfall to activate the tipping
bucket.
Clean the debris off the Debris Screen. Remove the Tipping Rain Bucket from the sensor housing.
Clean with mild soap and water. Verify that the tipping mechanism is functioning properly and
reinsert the mechanism into the sensor housing.
Sensor rain funnel is clogged.
Clear the funnel.
Individual valve does not
come on.
Valve wiring problem.
Set the dial to SPECIAL FEATURES and run the Short Circuit Test to identify short conditions and
repair accordingly.
Zone is too Wet.
Incorrect Zone Parameters are set such
as the Sprinkler Precipitation Rate.
For ET and Drip zones set the dial to FINE TUNE WATERING and decrease watering by up to 60%
in 1% increments. For Time-Based zones adjust the run time for the affected zone(s).
Zone is too Dry.
Incorrect Zone Parameters are set such
as the Sprinkler Precipitation Rate.
For ET and Drip zones set the dial to FINE TUNE WATERING and increase watering by up to 60%.
For Time-Based zones adjust the run time for the affected zone(s).
Run off is occurring on a
regular basis.
Zone input information may not match
actual site conditions.
Set the dial to INPUT ZONE INFORMATION and change the soil type and/or degree slope.
NOTE on Display Screen.
Unusually High Temperature Reading.
Verify that the temperature sensor is not being heated by an air conditioner or reflective surface.
Relocate the sensor in a different location to more accurately measure the ambient temperature
of the site.
NOTE on Display Screen.
Unusually High Rainfall Reading.
Verify that the Rain Gauge is not receiving runoff from the roof, trees, etc. Check the mounting
bracket is secure and not swaying back and forth.
NOTE on Display Screen.
Watering Not Completed During
Watering Window.
If this is an occasional occurrence, the controller will finish the required irrigation during the
next allowed watering day. If it is a regular occurrence, expand the Watering Window using
CONFIGURE CONTROLLER. Another solution is to reduce the soak time for the affected zones.
NOTE on Display Screen.
Irrigation Suspended Due to Extreme
Cold.
If irrigation is desired at this temperature, set the dial to the SPECIAL FEATURES, select “Adv.
Controller Setup” and change the user set value (Temp Below) to a lower threshold temperature
value.
NOTE on Display Screen.
Irrigation Suspended Due to Rain.
If irrigation is desired at the current rainfall amount, set the dial to SPECIAL FEATURES, select
“Adv. Controller Setup” and change the user set value (When Rain Reaches) to a higher rainfall
threshold.
NOTE on Display Screen.
Unit is re-initializing, Please WAIT.
Unit has encountered a small problem. The controller will normally correct itself. However, it
the NOTE doesn’t go away after a couple minutes press the Reset button.