Irrigation controller expired 12/31/11

Question

I couldn't figure out why my system was watering on the wrong days.  I checked & it was set for 2011.  I tried to change it to 2012 but it went back to 1996 & started over.  I'm going to their site today to see what they have to say.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Its just the fancy version with 'YEARS'  came back to bite you ...a lot  of the ones I have worked on are much simpler and just have SMTWTFS  type settings...

Sherrie S · Answer

KMS, It did surprise me but Florida has crazy rules that keep changing.  We can only water at for a stated # of hours beginning & ending  at required times on certain days & the system must shut down when it rains.  So it is not fancy, it is necessary if you don't want to pay huge fines.  We have water police.   
Funny thing is I bought a remote for this old controller a few years ago & it works fine.   Well I guess 15 years is not bad.

Hoffner Nursery & Landscaping · Answer

Hi Sherrie I have found once the setting won't stay as you have set them it's time for a new timer, I recommend a Rain Bird ESP timer, they are easy to set and have many nice features

Sherrie S · Answer

Hoffner, it would stay if I could set it to 2012.     It goes from 1996 - 2011.  After 2011 it goes back to 1996.  I guess the company thought 15 years was enough.  I still do like the brand I have and it works with a remote.  I have a large yard & need the remote.  I'll be sure to ask if the new one has an expiration date built  in.

Hoffner Nursery & Landscaping · Answer

Who Makes the Controller?

Sherrie S · Answer

Hunter

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Sure wish I could set my controller and go back to 1996 :)  I know my wife would too!

3po3 · Answer

I've heard of planned obsolescence, but they seem to be taking it a little too literally.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

Sounds like a malfunction, I have never heard of a Hunter clock with that particular feature. Can you post the model number, I would be happy to ask my Hunter rep about that.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

Hey Sherrie, I just spoke to my Hunter rep. He said he had never heard of anything that would expire on their clocks. He suggested that you unplug or take out batteries and  let it reset, sort of like  you would a cell phone when it gets confused. Hope that helps..let me know what happens

Sherrie S · Answer

Four Season.  That is so very nice of you.   I will do that today and let you know the outcome.

Sherrie S · Answer

Four Season, I removed the battery & unplugged the power & left it off for about 15 minutes.  It still only allows years 1996 to 2011.

Just for the record it is SR 600i 6 Station Indoor Model.
I think I will be calling Sprinkler Man.  I will let you know what he tells me.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

yeah, I really don't think it should be doing that on purpose, they don't design their clocks that way. Sounds like the guts are fried somehow. I am looking forward to the answer to this riddle.

Sherrie S · Answer

Sprinkler man will be here on Sunday 2/12.  He, too, is surprised about the date problem.  I'll have answers to the riddle after his visit.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Must have been a Mayan manufactured product.  They figured there was no need to go beyond 2011 seeing the world was going to end and all.

Sherrie S · Answer

Funny it didn't stop in 2000 because of Y2K concerns.  That was supposed to stop the world from operating properly.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

This proves my point. The Mayans did not know about computer bugs at the time. That is why I always buy when I can American Made!

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I think the Mayan's used buckets and canals for irrigation

Sherrie S · Answer

Sprinkler Man showed up and found Hunter's year did end 2011.
He suggested I set the year to 2006 and then adjust for one day at the end of the month (because of leap year).  Since it is a good brand and works well and has lasted 15 years with this one service call I'll keep it.  Not many things today last that long or are that reliable.

Irrigation controller expired 12/31/11

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Irrigation controller expired 12/31/11

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