In this video I work through an error on a dual 2-wire irrigation system using the Hunter Industries ICD-HP handheld decoder programmer and the Armada Technologies Pro50 Tech Tool 2 valve activator/multimeter combo. The key is not assuming the decoder is the problem just because the controller shows an error. Work the circuit methodically — decoder, wiring, solenoid, and valve — and prove where the fault actually is. If you work on 2-wire systems, I’d be interested to hear what your diagnostic process looks like. Full video below 👇

So I’m transitioning into flat rate pricing- but thought I’d check with you all on my process… For completely new clients that want us to check out the system and do kindof a generic check, adjustments, and come up with a game plan for optimizing it- I’m calling it an Audit and charging a flat rate (per so many zones). For a call for fixing a problem- I’m charging a flat service call fee, then adding to that each ‘line item’ that needs to get resolved (replace head, repair lateral line, replace diaphragm, etc…), and then (if applicable) have the list approved and do the work. For some jobs that are ‘complete unknowns’ like searching for a pipe through a forest of tree roots, or chasing wire issues through 2 acres of property that had 8’ deep excavation for septic destroy everything- we go back to a time & materials charge Here’s where I feel like I’m missing something: with dozens, if not hundreds, of long time clients with properties that we know very very well- often we know exactly what to fix when the call comes in. I lean toward waiving the service call fee on these since we can come right in and address the problem without any effort diagnosing. How do you all address this? Or, other times, we might be trouble shooting an issue that requires several visits- sometimes just showing up for a few minutes to test something, or making sure the adjustments we made are having the correct effect. It’s really easy to eat up half a day on some of these type stops, but can’t justify a full service call. (I suppose I just need to build into the job a price for follow up visits?) Also- do any of you list your flat rate pricing on your websites or show pricing to clients? I love being transparent, but also know that it can backfire and you get people trying to “work you” around your own pricing… Sorry super long post!

My focus is practical, field-based irrigation education — especially electrical troubleshooting, two-wire systems, controller and decoder diagnostics, repair methods, tools, and technician development. I’ve spent years working through real irrigation problems in the field, and I use that experience to break down complex technical issues into something technicians can actually apply on the job. I’m here to share what I know, learn from other professionals, compare troubleshooting methods, talk tools and products, and help raise the technical level of the irrigation industry. If you’re serious about becoming a better irrigation technician, contractor, or troubleshooter, we’ll probably have a lot to talk about. A rising tide raises all ships.

My name is Jay Flores and I am based in Las Vegas, NV I am a sprinkler tech, I do daily repairs here in the desert! Looking to find best practices to become more profitable and efficient with day to day operations. I’ve been doing solo part time tech work for the last 3 years 💪🏼

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