Should I Use Netafim Dripline on My Garden?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by reticcontrollerman

If you want to achieve maximum water efficiency then there is no question that Netafim Dripline is your friend!

Here is a job I did recently in Yanchep where new native plants had been installed and the client wanted to ensure minimal wastage of water. Now that the Dripline is in he can mulch the area.

If you are on a bore then you may like to consider ‘bore line ‘, similar but not pressured compensated – which usually isn’t an issue on a bore.

This dripline is extremely effective at dripping water right next to the plants and is designed to resist root invasion of the drip emitters.

While there is no digging involved in a project like this dripline is a more expensive product and generally works out a little more costly than sprays.

The Irritrol Kwikdial Fuse Message

Posted on September 4, 2018 by reticcontrollerman

Its that time of year when I get a multitude of calls asking about the fuse message on Irritrol Kiwkdial controllers.

So firstly – if you have spent time looking for the ‘fuse’ then you will be frustrated because there isn’t one.. And the battery symbol with the line thru it doesn’t mean that the battery is dead, because there isn’t a battery either…

Ok – so whoever designed these wasn’t thinking ease of use!

What does the fuse message mean?

a) You have a solenoid coil that is faulty and causing the controller to fail.

b) The controller has a problem and needs replacing.

Usually I can tell by looking at the controller which is the most likely scenario. If your controller is old, outdoors and looking like its been exposed to rain then chances are it will need replacing. If the error is intermittent then its almost certainly the controller and if the screen is flickering just a little then that is another clue that the controller is about to die.

If your controller is in good condition, maybe inside a garage and the display is stable then it may be that one of the solenoids is the problem. We can determine that by removing solenoid wires and testing to see if it fails with various solenoids disconnected.

As a guide, a solenoid is usually around $150-250 to locate and replace while a controller is around $385.00 to replace.

Winter – The Control Box Killer

Posted on July 19, 2017 by reticcontrollerman

Its very common over winter for control boxes to die, either because the door has been left open and rain has affected the circuitry or because of power spikes.

So come Spring when its time to turn the retic back on you find yourself with a dead box.

Unfortunately nothing can be done for boxes affected by a power spike, but the other situation of weather damage is completely avoidable. Always keep the door on your controller closed and you shouldn’t have any problems.

We can always check for the tell tale burn signs of a power spike by removing the circuit board. Below are two boards side by side – one brand new and one damaged by a power spike – you can see the brown stain where the capacitor exploded.

If you happen to check your controller and discover it is doing weird things or just not doing anything then give me a call. I can usually diagnose and quote over the phone and get there fast to replace it for you.

The Fuse Message on Irritrol Controllers

Posted on September 28, 2016 by reticcontrollerman

Every summer one of the most common requests we get is to fix the ‘fuse message’ on Irritrol Kiwkdial controllers.

The message flashes and shows a battery symbol (even though the device has no battery) and it will not operate the retic.

The short answer to what is happening is one of two things:

a) The controller is on the way out. If it does this intermittently and if the display is shaking then count on it being the controller.

b) There is a problem with a solenoid and it is sending a message back to the controller telling it that the coil on the solenoid needs replacing.

We can diagnose within 5 minutes and have you up and running again quickly.

Warranties on Control Boxes

Posted on March 1, 2016 by reticcontrollerman

So your control box has stopped working?

Chances are it will be covered by warranty as most have two years of factory warranty and if a product simply fails we will replace it at no cost to you.

However sometimes boxes fail as a result of user error. The box in the image is just over one year old and ordinarily would be replaced under warranty, except that it is evident that the digital panel has been exposed to the weather.

The telltale sign is the greenish colour the panel has turned. It should be the same grey as the rest of the box, but the change in colour means the door has been left open and the digital panel exposed to sun and rain thus voiding the warranty.

It is essential the door is kept shut on all outdoor controllers otherwise all warranties will be invalidated.

If you have a faulty box and hope to claim a warranty then send us a photo and we can let you know if its been weather damaged.

The Fuse Message on Irritrol Kwikdial

Posted on February 10, 2016 by reticcontrollerman

This is one of the most common reticulation issues especially in suburbs like Butler, Carramar, Banksia Grove and Clarkson where these controllers were installed as part of the landscaping package.

The first thing you should know is that there is no fuse! And the little battery symbol with a line thru it doesn’t mean there is a problem with the battery. There is no battery.

The message means one of two things:

a) There is a fault with a solenoid

b) The controller is faulty.

We can run some tests to prove which one it is, but don’t waste your time looking for a fuse or a battery!

As a general guide if the display is flickering and intermittent the box itself will be dead, but if everything looks good then it may well be the solenoid coil.