Hunter Pro-C

[sgl41377]

I have a client that has a Hunter Pro C Controller. Never had a problem with it for three years. Now the system turns on when it is not programmed to. I am assuming it is damaged from lightning. Also, he programmed it himself, he did not use one start time for program A. He has the start times at 15 minute intervals with run time of 15 minutes. If the instructions say to only use 1 start time, what do you set the other start times at for each zone. I am new to this irrigation stuff.

[Mike Leary]

(A): Dump your list of crap when you go on this forum, it's easy to do.
(B): Zero the clock, start over.
(C): Unless you've got some Kiril multiple compost times, you need ONE start.
(D):Enter start time to program "A". I typically set it at 12.01 am.
(E):Enter run times for all zones, they will come on one after the other on Pro A.
(F): Make sure nothing is happening on the the other programs, especially start times.

[ericmcj31]

the different start times are for if it is a new lawn and needs water more than once per day, and the only other instance I could see would be in maybe a nursery setting where container plants are watered 3 or more times per day (for small amounts per time) to keep everything moist and growing. I have yet figured why they put so many start times. Sounds like he may have a different program programmed in. Keep in mind I believe the Pro-C has A,B,and C programs. All three programs work when programmed to come on. If it is coming on multiple times or times when it is not programmed, then odds are he has a program (or start time) programmed in one of the other three programs (I hope that makes sense). Another possible solution would be that if his times or date were wrong. IE it is actualy 2:00 p.m. right now, but timer is showing it is 3:15 a.m. that would also make it turn on at "odd times of the day." Hope this helps, I have been installing the Pro-C for about 6 or so years now and have had very few problems with them. Only real probs. I have had are with the transformer sometimes it is bad out of the box, but VERY few! Good luck and keep us posted!

[Tom Tom]

I have yet figured why they put so many start times. !


Its called cycle and soak.

Most systems apply water at a faster rate than the soil can hold it.

[txgrassguy]

The Hunter Pro-C and ICC controllers have multiple start times as these controllers are used in a wide variety of applications and locations throughout the USA and the world.
Here in Texas, with the differing irrigation requirements of turf and landscape, it is not
uncommon for my staff to program multiple start and run times associated with the plant material being grown at varied spots at each site.
I would like to see a Pro-C go to a forth program "D" like the ICC as I have occasionally run into situations requiring more flexibility than what already exists in a Pro-C.

[Kiril]

Its called cycle and soak.

Most systems apply water at a faster rate than the soil can hold it.

Thank you for stating what should be obvious to "professional" irrigators.

[Mike Leary]

Thank you for stating what should be obvious to "professional" irrigators.

Geez, where do I find that on my dorky clock? :dizzy: :rolleyes:

[sgl41377]

I installed a new Pro-C controller because that is what the client wanted, some friend of his told him it probably got hit by lighting and screwed up the controller. I now have the old controller and was wondering if their is anyway to figure out if it rally is a bad controller. Also, I programmed the Pro-C and have had no problems so far. Thanks.

[TPendagast]

My suggestion,

Next install or clock replacement, hook up that clock. If for whatever reason that clock wont work in its new home simply warranty it (ie buy anew clock because that one doesnt work)
My guess is the hit by lightening excuse was they didnt know how to use the clock and wanted the person to get one they knew how to use.

[TPendagast]

I was just thinking about that lightenting thing.

Thats one of the old irrigation "wives tales" about controller/timers.

On a residential house, power for the clock has to be routed one way or the other through the residence which in this day and age with modern electrical codes is already grounded as a dwelling itself.
For a clock to have been fried, the microwave and other appliances in the house would also have been affected and we would be talking about a direct hit, on the house itself. Even the 250 year old house I used to live in when I lived on the family farm had lightening rods and was grounded (im sure updated much later in life)

The "rumor" of clocks getting lightening damaged runs to commercial applications where the clocks are thousands and thousands of dollars and their power source does not come from a dwelling or building with a CO.
In this case surge protection and ground measures are [I]usually[I] designed right into the specs.
Occasionally someone somewhere gets away with cutting out the grounding measures and, when you have a large park, or athletic complex etc. with othing around more likely to attract lightening that metal boc might just do the trick.

But on resi jobs you dont need to spend $500 to ground a $150 clock (or a cheaper one like alot of people put in) #1 clock isnt that expensive an #2 residence already has grounding measures in place.

Highly unlike for a resi clock to be hit by lightening and be the only thing effected. Heck even my alram clock is rated to be protected against lightening, says so right on it and i think I paid $25 for it.

I'd be willingto bet the price of the clok itself, that it want damaged by lightening

[Waterit]

None of the above sounds like lightning damage. It sounds like Owner programming damage - check my current signature line...

[hoskm01]

Dont forget to check the grommet equalizer bushing, mayhaps its gone bad.