Sprinkler System Question

[NJ Diver]

I have a very strange problem with my sprinkler system. I bought my house last June and didn't use the sprinkler system other than a couple of times on manual.

This year I have been able to put some attention into the lawn and have started using the system (Hunter controller and heads). The house is only three yrs old and the system was installed when the house was built.

The problem I am having is once the sprinklers go on according to the program I have set up, they repeat themselves. What I mean is all three zones start at the correct times and run for the amount of time that I have set, but once zone three is finished zone one goes back on again for the full amount of time, then zone two etc. I have never let it get past zone two on the second time so I don't know if it would just keep going.

I went through all the settings on the controller multiple times and couldn't find anything that I thought would cause it to go off again. I figured the controller was bad and this past Friday I installed a new Hunter XC400i X-Core controller. Well, the system went off again this morning as set and guess what, same problem.

Before I get a chance to call the company and ask them some questions I figure I would run it by you good folks on the board. Anyone here know sprinkler systems well that you could give it a guess?

 

[pattenp]

I have a Rain-Bird brand irrigation system and the only way to have happen what you are experiencing is to have multiple start times programed. I think your best bet is to call Hunter.

From Hunter support page...

WHY DOES MY IRRIGATION SYSTEM CYCLE OVER AND OVER?

The most common reason for systems to cycle more than once is having programmed too many Start Times. Hunter controllers allow you to setup multiple Start Times to run programs more than once a day. At each Start Time the controller will cycle through all the Station Run Times on that given program. You can eliminate Start Times using the arrow buttons and finding OFF in between 11:45pm and 12:00am or midnight.

 

[autoclassicnut]

Like pattenp states The most common reason for systems to cycle more than once is having programmed too many Start Times.

I have a Hunter also and it's possible the you have 2 time settings programmed such as A and B. Clear the B setting and the A will only be needed to have your system going like a champ. Easy mistake, many have made this, don't feel bad.
I have 4 systems that we installed for MIL and Uncles and my Mom, Seems like someone at least every other year calls me to help them set the timers as they have too many programmed. Good luck.

 

[jdub63]

The manual for your controller should be available online.... My Hunter can run 4 start times per program for a total of 16 times per day.... There are also some good videos on the Hunter website that will step you through each program...

http://www.hunterindustries.com/Support/TrainingVideos/Controllers/

 

[nehog]

Just a WAG, but does it have a soil moisture sensor, and could that cause it to re-cycle?