Troubleshooting help

Welcome to the troubleshooting area.

Do you have a solution to problem with your system? Tell us about it so we can add it here.

The most asked question we get is when someone tries to program the controller for the first time, so we made a video to show how to properly program one for one zone of mist. There is also a video on programming for multiple zones of irrigation, so these instructions still apply. Even with the videos, we still get a lot of inquires about the controller not starting after the initial programming, so I will address the most common reasons the controller won't start.

After programming the controller, it won't mist. What could be the problem?

There are a few things that come to mind. If the controller is a DIG 5006-IP, it needs to be plugged in to operate the solenoid. Check to be sure the controller is plugged in. When the controller IS NOT plugged in, there will be a small blinking icon that looks like a plug on a cord. If the controller is plugged in, this icon will not show up on the screen. Next, check to be sure the outlet has power. If the outlet is a GFCI, has it been tripped? These next few are unlikely to happen, but should be checked to be sure something didn't get loosened during assembly: Pop off the panel on the front of the controller and check to be sure the wires are all connected. Check to be sure the screws that hold the wires are snug. DO NOT over tighten them! Lastly, you could check to be sure the transformer is working correctly, but unless you own a multimeter, you would have to bring it to someone who can test it. This is quite unlikely, but I have run across it once before.

If the controller still won't begin the misting cycle, you need to check a few settings. Starting at the main screen, the one with the time and day of the week showing, press the lower left button (the one to the left of the minus (-) button) four (4) times if programming a DIG 5006-IP. If programming a DIG 510.075, pressing it only three (3) times will bring you to the screen you want. This picture shows the screen you want, and the red circles show the settings we will be checking.



First thing to check is the time. It needs to be just a minute or two ahead of the actual current time. To clarify: If the actual time is 11:58 AM, the time at that screen should be 12:00 PM. Double check your AM and PM settings (notice the picture shows AM? We would need to change it to PM in this example). Next, look to the right and see what number is above the word "Days". This number needs to be zero (0). Lastly, check the lower left of the screen and see if it says "Start 1". If these settings differ from the ones I just gave you, make any needed changes. Once done, press the lower left button to get back to the main screen with the time and days of the week. The controller should start its programming cycle within two minutes. Once it starts the programming cycle, it will follow all your settings; misting for the number of seconds you chose, waiting the number of minutes you chose, then misting again, and turning the controller off at the time you chose. The next morning, the controller will come on at your pre-determined time, continue it's cycle, and turn off again at night.

If none of these suggestions help, watch the videos and program the controller while doing so. If you still are having difficulty, give either DIG (1-800-344-6641) or us a call, we will see if we can walk you through it.

The next question is another one that we get frequently.
How do I turn off one zone temporarily without changing the program?

Well, there are two ways to do it.

1. Remove the wire nut from the solenoid that controls the zone that needs to be turned off.

This works extremely well unless the wire breaks inside the wire nut and renders it useless. Removing the wire nut too many times also eliminates the special compound inside the nut. The wire nuts supplied with our mist systems are waterproof. They contain a silicone compound that seals the wiring connection from the elements. This help keep the wires from corroding and more importantly, from shorting out in the presence of water.

2. Wire in a simple switch to turn the zone off temporarily by cutting off the signal to the solenoid. Turning the switch on resumes the connection from the timer to the solenoid, which allows the timer to resume it's programmed schedule.

For instructions and pictures on how I did this, visit my How to turn off a misting zone page.

The Mist Stix are not spraying in a complete circle and seem to be plugged up, or there is too much/not enough water coming from them.

This is a common problem and easily fixed. A simple twist of the green pin should clear any obstructions and make the nozzles spray in a 360 degree pattern. in the case of too much or too little water coming from the nozzle, simply pull the green pin out for more water and push it in for less.