Troubleshooting OpenSprinkler/OSPi

The following is the management interface of OpenSprinkler, which is available via Android or IOS app or web interface, simply referred to as an app.

The following information applies to everyone OpenSprinklervariants (except Latch), also OSPi. The “display” takes place in the app.

These instructions are intended to help you when one or more solenoid valves are OpenSprinkler NOT to be opened or closed.

  • If a solenoid valve can be opened but not closed, there is a defect in the solenoid valve or it is a solenoid valve that is not working OpenSprinklerversion fits. Self-retaining valves can only be used with the OpenSprinkler Latch version can be used with 24VAC valves only OpenSprinkler AC and DC. 12VDC valves only with OpenSprinkler DC.
  • If a solenoid valve CANNOT be opened, please first check whether there is water in the line. Some valves do not even open if there is no water in the line. Most valves click when opening and when closing. With many valves, the solenoid coil can be unscrewed from the valve. This makes it much easier to check whether the valve or the solenoid is the problem. If the valve does not click when activating the irrigation circuit, first check the wiring.

Manufacturer information for troubleshooting: https://openthings.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/5000859137-troubleshooting-and-technical-help

A) Wiring check

Open your app OpenSprinklers and open an irrigation circuit directly from the home page. Enter 1 minute as the run time.

1. The display shows 0mA – 30mA

Either a cable is damaged somewhere, there is no solenoid valve connected or the onboard fuse (AC versions only) has blown. Check the fuse on the circuit board.

Disconnect the power supply

a) Disconnect both green connectors from OpenSprinkler .

Take a meter and measure resistance between COM and a valve (on the green connectors), it should about 75 ohms .
If it is infinite or in the megaohm range, then there is no longer a connection.
However, if it is less than 5 ohms, then you probably have a short circuit on the wires.
(The resistance values ​​refer to a Rainbird 100 HV solenoid valve. Other manufacturers have similar values)

b) Plug the two green connectors into yours OpenSprinkler

and restore the power supply.

Take a meter and measure the voltage between COM and the affected irrigation circuit. Then use the APP to open this irrigation circuit.
- OpenSprinkler DC: Measure the DC voltage (V=). The voltage should read approximately 7,0-13V (or the voltage of the power source).
- OpenSprinkler AC: Measure alternating voltage (V~). The voltage should read approximately 22-28V.
- OpenSprinkler Latch: Measure DC voltage (V=). Since only short pulses occur, you must open and close the irrigation circuit several times to obtain a measurable value.

If no voltage can be measured on an active irrigation circuit, then the OpenSprinkler malfunction. Contact the OpenSprinkerShop service.

Note on the AC version (also OSPi): If you without If you measure the voltage between COM and a zone connected to a solenoid valve, you'll always measure 24VAC. This is due to the technology used; the triac components always require a power consumer to switch. Therefore, always measure the voltage with a connected solenoid valve!

DC boost time: The OpenSprinkler DC has an option “DC Boost Time” in the settings. If a valve does not open fully, you must increase this value. This value defines the time in which the voltage is "turned up". Background: In order to open a 24VAC valve with DC voltage, it only needs a large starting impulse in order to obtain sufficient opening energy. The valve is then supplied with the normal power pack voltage.

LATCH Boost time: The OpenSprinkler Latch has a "Latch Boost Time" option in the settings. If a latch solenoid valve opens but won't close, or vice versa, adjust the boost times; in this case, increase the pulse length.

c) Current measurement (Attention: For professionals only!)

Alternatively, a current measurement can also be carried out. AttentionA current measurement must ALWAYS be made via a load. NEVER measure without a load! Always measure loads in series, never in parallel! The correct method is Com->Load->Meter->Irrigation circuit. To use the internal display, the load should have a resistance of 75-250 ohms and the measurement should only take a few seconds. If you do not have a solenoid valve at hand, you can also measure the current using a standard resistor. For example, a 180 ohm resistor on a OpenSprinkler Display DC 19-24mA. A 220 ohm resistor draws approximately 14mA. Since the resistor gets very hot, do not perform this test for longer than 10 seconds!

2. The display shows over 900mA

Immediately close the irrigation circuit of yours with the app OpenSprinklers or unplug the power cord
There's probably a short circuit or water leak between the wire pairs. Repair the short circuit and test the cable as described in step 1a.

B) Programs do not switch at the desired time

Check in OpenSprinkler following settings

  • Is the program active and does it have the correct time?
  • Hat OpenSprinkler the correct time AND time zone? In the options, you should check your location, time zone, and device time under "System." Under "Advanced," you can set your own time server, e.g., your Fritz!Box, using "NTP IP Address." The "NTP Sync" option must be enabled for the time to be set automatically. Do you want to set the time of your OpenSprinklers manually, DISABLE the “NTP Sync” option, then you can enter the time manually under “System”.
  • If you use the weather service, the "Water Level" may be set to 0% on rainy or cool days, meaning the weather service indicates that it's humid enough to suspend watering. If you don't want this, deactivate the "Use Weather Service" option in the program. Alternatively, you can activate the "Ignore Rain" option in the irrigation circuit. This is necessary, for example, in a greenhouse, so that watering continues even when it rains.