How to Program Your Rain Dial Controller

[@DementiaAcerbus]

This video is an example of what every company should provide. Moved into a house with one of these systems and absolutely no instructions and this video made it so easy. Thank you.

[@heidis.3699]

Very clear instructions, no music, not holding camera in one hand, and right to the point. Great video!!!!

[@ih82r8]

This was SO HELPFUL and EASILY explained. Considering how little I actually have to mess with this thing, it's hard to commit to memory what to do when you need to reset it for some reason.

[@SR-ti8lm]

I just learned how to program my system in under 5 minutes! Thank you!!!🙏🏼🤗

[@laurenmcovington]

Thank you! We just moved into a house with this system and this video told me everything I needed to know. A+!!!

[@gosman949]

no he didn't . What do you do with program B and C?

[@noyevee]

Thank you so much! Moved into a house with this system! No instruction manual! You’re the best!

[@rapscallion3506]

In have owned this for almost 13 years and never knew how to manage it. The manual was a bit daunting. Thank You for clear information!

[@divadfeb1959]

same here :)

[@gosman949]

and they say this is the easiest controller out there!

[@khalehroro1]

God bless you. Your explanation is the most easiest by any meaning than all the others. I love it. Now I don’t have to be dependent on the gardener or others .🙏🏻👍🏻👏🏻

[@farmertice7064]

BEST VIDEO ON THIS PRODUCT I'VE SEEN SO FAR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@marilum879]

Wonderful video! I spent 2 hours trying to figure it out on my own and this video explained it all in 5 min! Thanks

[@AttractionSpot]

I must be doing something wrong. I set everything like you saod and then it never runs the schedule. I have had other people get it to work but then every time it gets shut off like this time it was shut off as someone was doing house repairs in the back. When trying to get it back on I can't ever figure out hot to get it to run again or even when I select manual mode I can't get it to manually come on.

[@sweetcaus]

Like and loved your this video. Made my life much easier. I was struggling a lot. You explained Every step is in details , easy to understand .plus you didn’t miss any step the one we needed to know. Thanks million times 🙏🙏🙏

[@jefflemon2356]

‘Talk to me like I’m a 5th Grader’ thank you!! This was super helpful, covered all my questions and was easy (even for me) to understand!!

[@grandetaco4416]

Great video. I see in the comments that some people are having the same problem I have with my device of it not going to AM. Older versions of this device will indicate AM by putting a vertical line under the P in pm thus changing the P to an A. The AM/PM indicator is so small it is difficult see this subtle change. THIS AM/PM INDICATOR IN OLDER VERSIONS IS A BAD DESIGN CHOICE. Irritrol apparently wised up on the version we see in the video. If you deal with the older version of this device I suggest you get a magnifying glass or use the magnifier app on your phone to see the change. The first time I used this unit the sprinklers went off at 3pm and not 3am.

[@locomorty]

Thanks that was the best instructional video I've seen on this unit.

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Thanks just bought a house with this system and was confused. This just cleared it all up.

[@aelleables488]

I've been through the manual, but I can't find anywhere that tells me about A, B, & C programs. If I have A & B set up, will they both go off as scheduled? Do I set it on A or B to make both of them run? They run on different days, so they don't overlap. But I need my flowers watered every day where the lawn doesn't need near as much water. Please advise.

[@kenpearce3269]

Thank you! You made more sense then the instructions I found sitting next to it!

[@Yumibubbles]

Thank you for making this! I’ve been so confused about the system in my new house!

[@pita-bw2cy]

You are the best - I can finally program this controller. Thank you so much.

[@brendastallings7920]

Very clear instructions. Thank you.

[@ra1der5]

How do we use programs “B” and “C”? I have my Rain Dial-R set for regular watering, but now I have over-seeded my lawn and need to water just the lawn three times a day for at least two weeks. I don’t care about watering the rest of the yard during this time. I thought I might be able to keep “Program A”, as my regular program, use “Program B” for this temporary water schedule, and then just switch back to program “A” when I was ready. Each time I try it, “Program A” changes to the same schedule I set for “Program B”. What am I doing wrong?

[@pattie303]

Thank you. Your video helped me figure out my problem. Much appreciated.

[@emeraldaisle2927]

Great instructional video. You should consider doing other set-up videos of other products.🤙

[@andrewread3829]

Awesome I learnt everything I needed to know, thankyou mate

[@elizabethmcgee-bergerol7809]

Very helpful. Only wish I had found this a few years earlier - it would have saved us a lot of grief!

[@SuperBorghild]

I just started to program our system, which I set to start at 5:00 a.m.but woke up the other nite and it was running about 9:00 p.m. It started the next morning at 5:00 a.m. like I had programed. How do I take off the p.m. setting?

[@irritrolchannel]

Sharryn Norris You have more than 1 run time. You need to check the other run times on all 3 programs and make sure they are not watering. Clear everything except the desired 5:00am run time. Here is a manual for quick reference. www.irritrol.com/manuals/manual_raindial07.pdf PAGE: 20.

[@ItsFrankiesGal]

Everything was covered well, thanks !!

[@tuneesq]

Are the A, B, and C settings MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE, or if I set all three, all three will come on (regardless of where the switch is placed)? I ask because I had my switch on B but the program in A still came on. Would appreciate any help. Thank you.

[@stephaniethrasher7816]

Thank you for being thorough! Must be a teacher! 😁

[@danakay7076]

I got one of these Rain Dial controllers from someone who put in a new system. The wires are all cut. I have an outdoor outlet. Can it be set up to plug-in? If so how would that work since there are about six or eight wires?

[@shhs3457]

My controller must be an older model because it says "valve run times" instead of "station run times," but I assume that's the same thing. I'm confused about what Program A, B and C are for. This was barely touched on in the video. I live in California which as you know is having a severe drought. We have been advised to run our sprinklers for 5 minutes, then shut them off for 15, then run for 5, etc. This prevents run-off as much as possible because it allows the water to sink in a little at a time. To do this, should I use the Start Times function or the Program A, B & C function? I think I should have the Valve Run Times set at 5 minutes each, and the Start Times set at 30 minute intervals. But then what would be the purpose of having different programs? The only thing I can think of is, for instance, Program A would be Summer watering (longer and more frequent watering) and program B could be Fall watering etc. Then you could just switch from A to B at the change of season. Am I interpreting this correctly? Any clarification would be appreciated.

[@ShiChen1983]

The website says it has the SMRT Logic™ compatible feature: Provide remote control from any internet connected device. How to set up the feature? Thanks.

[@davehanson11]

You are a god-send! Thanks so much!

[@herbsprague4485]

Trying to change time display to am from pm any help would be appreciated.

[@harryburns9331]

does anyone know what OF4 means when it comes up and flashes alternately with the time? I have had this before and it is something really simple, but right now I can't recall what it is? Thank you

[@goneplaid12]

You just saved my lawn. Thank you!

[@BETTERTOMARROW]

Can you water more than one a day? Going to plant grass seed . Thank you.

[@BrandonAlexanderWalks]

Too easy with this video! Thank you!

[@mrdgwinnup]

Thank you for explaining so well!

[@Uziesay]

Wow this was so helpful. Thank you so much for making it!!!

[@LAcarGirl]

You just saved me a service call~ Thank you!

[@fergferguson7370]

If station 3 has a bad solenoid will the controller shut down or will it continue on to station number 4?

[@elyssapissa]

Idiot me had no idea there was a middle section of the bottom run switch to set the schedule. Thank you!

[@Anthony-oj5rb]

What does the blinking FU5 or FUS on the controler mean? Unit does not come on.

[@irritrolchannel]

Brent Snyder Hi Brent, the FU5/FUS code means that there is an electrical shortage somewhere in your systems. What you need to do is first pull the common wire off the board on your controller. Power down the system for about 5 minutes, then power up. If the controller works and there is no code, then you need to locate the solenoid that has a shortage on a valve in your yard. If the controller still has this code, there is an internal issue on the motherboard and it needs repair or possible a new unit. If you would like to speak directly to a technician, please call Jim Wright directly at 951-785-3551.

[@zookeeper91326]

I am confused. I'm getting a FU5. Are you saying I should disconnect the wires going to the box? Power down what? If it's disconnected than it would power down, no? Is the 5 indicative of the section of lawn/sprinklers?

[@nmcinturf]

Perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much!

[@SeanScarbrough]

I've got a problem. I have low water pressure so it's not possible for me to open more than a few stations at a time. I was thinking I could set the controller to water station #1, then wait, then open #2, wait, then open #3....but it doesn't seem to be that way. Can I only program ALL stations to only open ALL at once at the program start time?? And each station opens at the same time and only runs tell the time is up?? lame..

[@sylvester1434]

If you have low pressure, that's not a problem with this clock. Example...start time is 5:00am. You have 3 stations set to run at 5 minutes each. Each station will run....one at a time...the last station would end at 5:15am. Each station has it's own irrigation wire that is hooked up to the sprinkler valve and is screwed into the clock for each station.

[@qwertydorknut5]

I just moved into a house that has this same controller. The only difference is mine has a tiny blue box just to the right of the main controller panel. I don't know if this changes anything as far as how to program goes. Please let me know if it does? :47 seconds into the vid I have a problem. When I go to "Set Programs" and then move the dial to "Today" it doesn't show me "SA, SU, MON, TUE" etc etc. It only gives me a #1 or #2 as options. Do you have any idea what the problem is?

[@leomega]

Life saver 🙏

[@707SonomaComa]

I converted my back lawn area into a garden. Right now I only need zone 3 and zone 7 for the garden. Zone 5 for flowers in a partly shaded area. How can I set zone 3 to water 3 times a day, zone 7 to water 2 times a day, and zone 5 for 1 time a day? Is that possible with thus type of controller?

[@irritrolchannel]

Hi, Thank you for reaching out regarding programming your Irritrol® Rain Dial® controller and congratulations on your garden conversion project! The Rain Dial supports up to 3 start times (1, 2, and 3) per program and 3 programs (A, B, and C) so up to 9 individual start times. I assume in your converted garden, you are only using stations 3, 5 and 7 and stations 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9 (10, 11, 12) are inactive. The easiest way to create the program is the following; 1.) On program A, set the desired runtime for station 3 and set to off, any other stations (in program A) with a runtime. a While still in program A, turn the dial to start time 1 and set program A start time. b While still in program A, turn the dial to start time 2 and set program A start time c While still in program A, turn the dial to start time 3 and set program A start time d Now station 3 will water 3 times a day. 2.) On program B, set the desired runtime for station 7 and set to off, any other stations (in program B) with a runtime. a While still in program B, turn the dial to start time 1 and set program B start time b While still in program B, turn the dial to start time 2 and set program B start time c Now station 7 will water 2 times a day. 3.) On program C, set the desired runtime for station 5 and set to off, any other stations in (in program C) with a runtime. a While still in program C, turn the dial to start time 1 and set program C start time b Now station 5 will run once a day. Please feel free to reach out to us at our toll-free number, 1-800-634-TURF (8873) Monday through Friday from 7:30AM to 4:00 PM (PST) or at irritrol.com Thank you for question and have a great day! -The Irritrol product management team

[@707SonomaComa]

irritrolchannel, thank you so much for the reply. I moved in with this already installed and now I am figuring it out. Thanks to you of course.

[@addictedtogear]

My system won't allow me to set the current day anymore... I tried resetting the system but still won't work. Any ideas?

[@irritrolchannel]

Thank you for your question regarding the programming of your Rain Dial -R controller. If you are running an interval or odd/even day watering, the date within the controller is critical to establish the correct watering days, but the noted day of the week, if incorrect, does not impact watering days. With that said, if you would like to correct the noted day of the week the following instructions can be accessed on page 10 of the provided link ( cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/manual_raindial2015.ashx ) If you have any other questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to call our customer service line at 1-800-634-TURF Thank you for your support.

[@thewesterngent]

You know I have this same system but it won't continue the program on its own it goes on one night then the next day the display is flashing and I have to press another button for it to come on that night.

[@MohamedUAE]

I need you help buddy! I have 12 valves, and each valve programed to water for 2 minutes. The this is that i need to water my grass + trees 4 times a day during the summer because its too hot in here. Why 2 minutes and four times? Water here comes from the government not as in the US. So i have a tank with 3000 USG and to be filled i need to wait four hours. Thus, please guide me what am i suppose to do? Thanks in advance

[@wald129938]

how to program the pump off or on in rd600

[@richardackermann899]

Is there a video that shows how to program the Rain Dial to set a zone to run twice a day on program B, while all the other zones are set to run once a day on program A?

[@irritrolchannel]

***** You must separate the start times for each program and each program can hold up to 3 watering times. For example in (5 minute intervals): Program A waters at 8:00am, Program B waters at 10:00am and 1:00pm and Program C waters at 6:00pm. Here is a manual on doing this www.irritrol.com/manuals/manual_raindial07.pdf PAGE 20-21.

[@georgecalcut1911]

@@irritrolchannel m ppl m.p

[@julienielsen3746]

I have an older RD 600. Would an older unit be programed the same way?

[@mikebingham9700]

Exactly!

[@leedoble9108]

I understand there is a way to set my system to not run for a day or two (or more) due to rain and not needing to water. However I don't have my manual to tell me how to do that. Please advise.

[@irritrolchannel]

Hi Lee, The Day Exclusion feature enables specific weekdays to be excluded from a Skip Days or Odd/Even watering schedule. Since both of these scheduling methods result in random watering day patterns, preventing watering on or before scheduled mowing/maintenance days is often required and easily accomplished. 1. Place the Function switch in the Set Programs position. 2. Place the Program switch to select A, B or C. 3. Turn the Dial to the Schedule Day to be excluded. 4. Press the or button display OFF. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to exclude additional days. 6. Turn the Dial to the Current Time position. 7. Place the Function switch in the Run position. Download the Rain Dial manual here: www.irritrol.com/manuals/manual_raindial07.pdf (pg. 23)

[@jilllavin97]

Have read the manual repeatedly but still only get ODD and Off and no ON. Trying to schedule skip days.

[@qwertydorknut5]

Part 2: I also just noticed that when I go to select the days I want the system to run I only have "OFF" or "----" as options. Whats going on here?

[@linkflx]

Thanks 😊

[@jessicaocanna8529]

How do you turn off a start time? I have two start times on setting A, and I need to turn off the second start time. I scroll through the options but off never appears.

[@pierremonkey4129]

I assume you go to program A, then roll down to start time 1 and put in a start time, then go to start time 2 and set it to off, and same thing for three

[@marthawiedermann2634]

@@pierremonkey4129 thank you Pierre… I had the same question as Jessica and your answer is correct … just did it and it worked!

[@gosman949]

But you didn't mention program B and C. When would you use them?

[@irritrolchannel]

A typical residential landscape includes various sections of lawn, shrubs, trees, and ground cover, all of which require watering on different schedules for optimum plant health and conservation. To accommodate this, the Rain Dial-R provides three independent watering Programs: A, B and C.

[@gosman949]

@@irritrolchannel a visual depiction of this would be nice. No one has done that yet.

[@Toni85034]

wonderful!

[@zihui1234567]

Thank you sir!

[@owencreationdesignstudio]

My sprinkler timer screen is flash and then no working why ?

[@rbjnla]

thank you. very clear

[@barefootarts737]

Can I set individual zones for separate days? I can't reset it. And so far nobody has discussed this. I'm still searching KZbin

[@irritrolchannel]

You can assign zones to one or more watering programs. The Rain Dial allows for up to three watering programs so you can set up a few zones to run on program A, then set up a one or more zones to run on Program B, and again for program C. For complete instructions on how to schedule programs please refer to the Rain Dial user guide cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx.

[@mechanicallychalleng]

Very helpful. Thank you so much

[@marcelinopacheco6002]

Thank you sir

[@theryepicker]

When I turn mine to run, it shows off on the screen even though zones are set. Any help?

[@irritrolchannel]

If you slide the bottom SET PROGRAM Switch to RUN while the dial is pointed to any of the zones or station the controller will show OFF. However, if you slides the bottom SET PROGRAM switch to the center or middle position and the dial is set to any zone or station, then it will display his pre-programed run times.

[@frank10manning]

How long will a Rain Dial Controller usually last? 25 years? 5 years?

[@irritrolchannel]

frank10manning Our controllers are built with high quality superior materials, therefore Irritrol controllers can last for a long time. We offer a 5-year warranty from date of installation, so rest assured that your investment will payback. Thank you for commenting!

[@operator2576]

I own a RD1200 controller, going on 15 years just now starting to have issues. Not bad.

[@madebymarco]

Our Rain dial defaults to 10 minutes for everything every time there’s a Power Outage. How do I prevent this?

[@mikebingham9700]

Put in a Battery!

[@mariansuarez5262]

My RD600 is stuck on pm....won't change to an am setting. Any ideas?

[@dickwilcher5417]

I just purchased a home with a Irritrol controller and thought that I was having the same issue but when I looked very closely at the “AM/PM” with a magnifying glass, was able to see that it was changing at 11:59 - 12:00. The change in the A and P is very subtle.

[@matt500180]

not sure if this would help anyone, but values are supposed to run ONE at a time, NOT COCURRENTLY

[@robswhoibe]

How would I change from am to pm

[@tago8039]

hold the plus (+) or the minus (-) buttons and you'll see the display change from am to pm after you pass 12:00. hope that helps

[@madgearheadandtheboo2783]

Not really into answering questions? bummer. This system used to come naturally to me and I never needed help. Recently a doc messed with my meds and I'm confused enough now I'm having a tough time setting this thing up lol. Maybe I can find another vid on the different programs and how to use them.

[@drigocuz8]

Very helpful, thank you

[@irritrolchannel]

Drigo DoesIt Thanks for watching!

[@cbarc007]

my controller flashes fu5 continuously and I can't run system any thoughts?

[@fergferguson7370]

Mine too

[@rich925]

How to you skip 2 days and water more then once a week?

[@amandaortega1093]

Thank You!

[@optionlegacy7893]

Still Helpful!

[@LuckyJ88]

thank you so much

[@timdough6025]

Thanks :)

[@strawberry-c6s]

I can’t get my clock to go to am

[@irritrolchannel]

To set the current date and time, place the Function switch in the Set Programs (center) position. Turn the Dial to the Current Time position. Press the or button to set the current time (note AM/PM). (Note: When using the or button, press and release to adjust in steps, or press and hold to scroll.) Turn the dial to the Today position. Press the or button to select the current day (abbreviation). Note: If Odd/Even schedule or Monthly Water Budget is used, the current day of the week is preset and cannot be changed. Return the dial to the Current Time position. Return the Function switch to the Run position. For detailed instructions please refer to the user guide at cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Irritrol/products/controllers/rain-dial-r-series/373-0538V_d.ashx

[@Raja_en_english]

Preis please ¡

[@Overlord277]

This does not work. Station 2 runs 24/7 and service one does not work on set time.

[@jackcarlson6375]

Trouble shoot my irritol rd-600

[@travisking1223]

Why does every video on this topic NOT instruct on programming "skip days".

[@cycil]

good info but the fingernails bother me

[@elizabethauron]

Thank you!