Rain Bird ESP-M Controller Problem

[etsherman]

I have a 7 zone Rain Bird ESP-M controller in my sprinkler system setup that is approx. 15 years old. I've never had any problems with it electronically until recently (about 2 weeks ago). I notice that the valve on zone 1 was not opening when the controller activated that zone. I can manually open the valve and it works. Also, I can disconnect the common and line 1 from the control box and connect them to a 24 volt power source and the valve will open.

If you notice in the attached picture, the line for valve 1 is connected to zone 2 on the control panel and the line for valve 2 is connected to zone 1 on the control panel. That's the only way to get valve one to open properly using the controller. I can connect the line for valve 2 to either zones on the controller and it will work. However, the line for valve 1 will only work when connected to zone 2 on the controller. This is what I am trying to figure out ... why is this happening.

I also notice during testing that valve 3 probably was not opening (coverage area seemed to be drier than others) and I visibly saw the controller advanced to that zone for which nothing happened. I removed the module and reinserted it making sure it was securely locked in place. Zone 3 now seems to be working consistently but zone 1 still will not work unless connected to zone 2 on the controller.

I can run it like this but that just seems kind of odd to me. Just trying to see if it is something simple before I decide to purchase a new controller. It's probably not worth trying to fix this one as a new 9 zone controller online sells for $60.

Thanks,

 

[WorthFlorida]

Module 1 is bad and the solenoids between the zone 1 and 2 have different internal resistance. The zone one module (1) probably can not provide the voltage needed to operate the solenoid.

Move zone wires 1, 2 and 3 to the third module zones 7, 8 and 9. Reprogram the controller for zones 4-9 only.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[etsherman]

Module 1 is bad and the solenoids between the zone 1 and 2 have different internal resistance. The zone one module (1) probably can not provide the voltage needed to operate the solenoid.

Move zone wires 1, 2 and 3 to the third module zones 7, 8 and 9. Reprogram the controller for zones 4-9 only.

Much appreciated reply and thanks for the explanation. I will do that ... move wires 1, 2 and 3 to the third module then reprogram for zones 4-9.