How to set start time on Gardena 1892 Automatic Water Distributor Timer?

[c1916]

I have a brand new 1892 Gadena Master and an 1197 Automatic Water Distributor.

When I go through the visual setup instructions, I get to Exhibit O, Step 3.  The "Start Hour" is 00 and highlighted.  I spin the dial (in either direction) and the start hour never changes.  (In Exhibit O, Step 3, it shows the start hour at "05" so, presumably one is meant to be able to start the watering at any time of day).

If I push the button, the "Start Minutes" are 00 and highlighted and I can change them perfectly fine as well as complete the setup instructions.  But, for now all of my 6 zones are starting between midnight and 1AM.

And, yes, I can "fool" the timer by changing the time of day to make my start hour be 7AM (or whatever), but with 6 zones and the built in 5 minute forced break between zones that means all of my watering needs to be done in that hour whether it's midnight or 7AM and that's not acceptable.

Probably user error on my part...but I can't figure it out.  Gardena customer service has no idea either.  I think with a little push they'll replace the unit, but figured I'd try and suss out what's happening with the experts first.

Thanks in advance.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @c1916. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Gardena distributors.
 

I've just spoken with Leana at Gardena, and she's keen to work through this issue with you. She has a distributor with her at the moment, so she can run through the steps to determine what the issue is. If there is a problem with the distributor, we'd be happy to swap it over.

If you can reach out to Gardena on 1300 804 213 and ask for Leana, she'll be happy to assist. I'm sorry I am unable to assist further here, but we really need someone with the distributor to diagnose the issue.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[c1916]

Thanks for the prompt and positive reply.  I've already talked with Gardena general customer service, but will happily try again using the number and name you referenced.

I appreciate your thoughts.

[MitchellMc]

If they can't work it out @c1916, I trust they'll be able to qualify for you if the product is faulty. If so, we'd be happy to swap it over.

Mitchell

[c1916]

Unable to make the unit work.

Sent me a new one.  Arrived already.  Worked right out of the box.

The first one was just a lemon.

[JacobZ]

Hi @c1916,

I'm glad to hear that your replacement timer worked as expected and I apologise for the issues with the first one.

Thank you for the update and please let us know if there is anything else we can assist with.

Jacob