How to manually run your sprinkler (ESP Me, ESP ME3)

How to manually run your sprinkler (ESP Me, ESP ME3)

On the Rain Bird© ESP-Me and ESP-ME3 controllers it is very simple to run your sprinkler outside of the automatic schedule by manually starting your program. 

1) Start with the controller dial in the AUTO RUN position. (NOTE: on the ME-3 it says AUTO)

2) Check to make sure you are in the program you want. This will be visually displayed on the left side of the display window. Most systems have their full programming on program A. If this is it the case for you it should say PGM A in the window. If you are wanting to run any other program in your controller you will need to select that first with the circular PROGRAM SELECT button to the left of the display and choose B, C or D. Again, *most* simple programming is on A. If you have gardens, hose bibbs, quick couplers, drip irrigation or a sprinkler with more than 12 zones you may have run times on alternative programs. 

3) Press the HOLD TO START button to run the program you have chosen. This button is located just under the display and also the right arrow button. It says "HOLD TO START/ADVANCE STATION" under the button.  Your sprinkler will start on the first zone. The system will run as programmed until the end of the cycle and then stop.

4) If you would like to advance zones at any time during the cycle simply press the right arrow button again. This will move the sprinkler to the next programmed zone. 

Three Notes:

1) If your system skips zone when when you manually start your system you have held the button down too long, to cycle back to one you can either manually advance through all the zones to get back to one or simply turn the dial to the OFF position to stop the manual run. Turn it back to the AUTO RUN position and press HOLD TO START.

2) Any time you wish to stop your manual water cycle, regardless of what zone you are on simply turn the dial to the OFF position for 5 seconds to stop the manual run. If you intend to water automatically be sure to turn the dial back to AUTO RUN after the system has stopped.

3) Manually operating your system does not change or interrupt the automatic settings. As long as you leave the dial on AUTO RUN it will run the next time it is scheduled. 

    • Related Articles

    • How to manually run your sprinkler (ESP-TM2)

      On a Rain Bird© ESP-TM controller it is very simple to run your sprinkler outside of the automatic schedule by manually starting your program.  1) Start with the controller dial in the AUTO  position  2) Check to make sure you are in the program you ...

    • When should I start my sprinkler system?

      This is a hard question because the answer will vary year to year.  April 15th is the average "safe date" for sprinkler start-ups and is the guide point we use for planning our start-up season. We want about two weeks of nighttime temperatures above ...

    • Why is my sprinkler system running twice?

      If your sprinkler ran through its regularly scheduled programming and then starting over again a second time but shut off on its own at the end of the cycle, you have a programming error.  Most controller have three sets of programming that can have ...

    • My controller is not functioning

      If you have a blank display this indicates there is some sort of electrical problem (wiring, fuse, etc.) Check to ensure the outlet the controller is plugged into is operational. Try another electronic device in the outlet or try the controller in ...

    • The controller is “Off”, but the system is still running!

      If the controller is turned to the “off” position and your sprinkler is still has one zone operating, it is likely a valve on the system has failed. You need to turn the water off to the system and contact the office for a service appointment. You ...