Troubleshooting: LEIT-2 & LEIT RC2

If difficulties occur when installing or maintaining a LEIT-2 system, please review this online LEIT Troubleshooting Guide. It contains useful information designed to help identify the specific cause, as well as step-by-step instructions that may help to correct the problem.

The LEIT-2 irrigation control system is a series of connected components consisting of 2 station ambient light powered irrigation controller, LEIT remote handset 2 wire S-305 DC soleniod and hydraulic control valves. It is best to troubleshoot this DC system (like an AC system) by a process of elimination; the goal being to determine which component(s) has failed. The following facts and tips may be helpful to eliminate certain components and facilitate faster troubleshooting. It is assumed that these are installed controllers that are receiving the proper amount of light.

1. The Leit-2 wireless irrigation controller needs adequate light. The radio cannot maintain proper functionality in a continually shaded position, such as adjacent to a wall, unless it is on the "sunny" side of the wall. If light levels drop too low the radio will turn it off to guarantee correct controller operation. When the radio is off, less power is used and the controller charges faster. The radio's internal circuitry can turn itself on again when sufficient light has charged the controller to adequate levels. At low light levels the radio will periodically turn off.
2. The radio will function better if the controller is located at higher elevation. If there is a choice do not situate the controller in a hollow.
3. To communicate, the controller and handsets MUST have the same Client ID Code. This is the users identification code, which prevents interference from other users in the area.
4. If two controllers are set to the same ID, communication may be disrupted if both controllers are in range of the handset. The same occurs if two handsets are set to the same ID and are in use at the same time. All controllers and handsets in the same group must have a unique ID.
5. The handset needs to be kept in a charged state. After 500-1000 charge cycles the internal batteries may need replacement.

Programming Problems: LEIT-2 & LEIT RC2

• Programming Quick Reference Chart

Programming Quick Reference Chart can be downloaded from LEIT-2 System Instruction Manuals

• The valves will turn on using the "Manual Run" feature but will not water automatically
1. The Rain Stop is Active. To reactivate the program schedule after connection is established, go into the Setup menu select the Rain Stop icon and cancel the rain stop by setting it to "00".
2. Check the date and time on the controller to make sure that it is the same as the handset.
3. No programming schedules have been entered yet. In controller Menu, select Program icon and setup a schedule within Program A or B.
4. The programmed runtime of the stations is set to "0" duration. After connection is established, in controller Menu, select Program icon and alter your runtime within Program A or B.
5. A sensor is hooked up to the system that is inhibiting irrigation or sensor wires are not connected if sensor added.
6. The Month stop feature is turned on inhibiting irrigation for that entire month. In controller Menu, select Setup icon and in the Setup menu select the month off icon and make sure the current month is set to active.
7. If a program runs but starts unexpectedly check the schedule settings. If a new program starts before the old program has completed it will be stacked commence later.
8. Make sure there is enough time between the programs and/or start times to meet your watering time in budget (up to 200% possible
• No communication
1. Check that the controller PVM (solar) panel is not covered. If it has been covered for an extended period, the controller time will reset.
2. Check to see if the correct Client ID & Control ID has been programmed into the Leit Rc2 handset, the Client ID & Control ID on the handset must be the same Client ID & Control ID as programmed into the controller for communication to be established.
3. Communication with the Leit-2 controller will only initiate when the controller is fully charged. It takes approximately 2 hours to charge the Leit-2 controller in shaded conditions and approximately 30 minutes to charge the Leit-2 controller in sunny conditions.

Controller: LEIT-2 & LEIT RC2

• Troubleshooting Controller
1. To test the controller's output, connect a solenoid to one of the controller's red and white wire pairs. Institute a test run via the handset with 1 minute on the station in question and zero minutes on the other station. If the solenoid is not installed, verify that the plunger retracts and extends or that you hear the sound of the plunger latching. If the solenoid is installed onto a valve, see that the valve turns on and the sprinklers or drip system is working. If it does not turn on, the plunger does not retract and extend or no sound is heard of the plunger latching, repeat the process using a second solenoid. If the problem continues you may have an issue with the controller wires and the waterproof connectors.
2. The LEIT-2 controllers will only function with S-305DC solenoid or 305DCXXX valve
3. The LEIT-2 controllers will only function with compatible sensors (HUNTER MINI-CLICK or RAIN BIRD RSD)

S-305DC Solenoids

• Troubleshooting the S-305DC Solenoids
1. Verify that the correct solenoid and adapters are being used for the valve in question.
2. Verify that the white and red wires from the solenoid are connected to the white and red wire pair on the controller and that these splices are tight, and corrosion free.
3. Verify that no water is leaking externally near the adapter, stem, or bonnet.
4. Verify that all "O" rings and/or rubber hoses are in place, if in doubt, check the adaptor and the solenoid.
5. To test S-305DC solenoid, remove the solenoid from the valve and disconnect the hot and common wires. Verify the solenoid functions properly using a 9-volt battery by briefly touching the wires to the positive and negative contacts. Reverse polarity if nothing happens. Plunger should retract. Reverse polarity to close, (plunger should extend and a sound of the plunger latching should be heard).
6. If the solenoid does not function with a 9-volt battery, check the battery. If the problem with the solenoid continues after using a second battery, it should be replaced.
7. If the valve is weeping or not closing completely, the adapter being used with the S-305DC solenoid may be loose, cross-threaded, missing an "O" ring, the adaptor sleeve could be damaged, or the valve diaphragm inside the valve could be in need of cleaning or replacement.
8. If the valve is not opening completely, the adapter being used with the S-305DC solenoid may be to tight, the adaptor sleeve could be damaged, or the valve water passage down stream may be plugged and in need of cleaning.