Three Zones Activate Simultaneously on Orbit Controller

Fixing Crossed Zones: Stations 3, 4, and 5 Run Together

On a 6-station Orbit system, activating station 3 also turns on stations 4 and 5. Wiring, solenoids, and valves check out individually. Each works fine when its wire is disconnected from the controller.

Diagnostic Procedure

1. Disconnect wires from terminals #4 and #5 at the controller.
2. Run station #3 manually.
3. If only station 3 runs: The controller is sending voltage to terminals #4 and #5 erroneously (shorted terminal strip or circuit board). Measure voltage at #4 and #5 while #3 is active; if voltage appears, replace the controller.
4. If stations 4 and 5 still run: Field wires are shorted together between the controller and valves. Locate and repair the damaged wiring.

This isolates the fault to either the controller or the field wiring.