ScareCrow Troubleshooting

Please click the ScareCrow issue most relevant:

ScareCrow doesn't detect animal/s?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Low sensitivity	Turn up sensitivity knob.
Aimed incorrectly	Adjust position and viewing angle considering the Adjustable Detection Range of the ScareCrow.
Dead battery	Install fresh battery.
Animal can use blind spots to avoid detection.	Position another ScareCrow looking at same area from a different angle, ideally 90 degrees off current angle.

Sensitivity has reduced?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Auto 'dampening' circuit reduces sensitivity automatically every 5 minutes if activity is 'seen'.	RESET by turning Sensitivity knob to 0FF position (0) for 2 seconds.
Water or dirt may be on external white lens.	Wipe off with soft cloth
Water or condensation may have formed a droplet on the internal sensor (not visible).	Dry the ScareCrow unit overnight
Condensation may have developed inside the unit.(most likely noticed in the morning, after a dew-laden night)	Wait until dry
Low battery	Replace battery
Unit may be defective.	During warranty period contact Supplier or Manufacturer

Sensitivity is Poor?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Sensor not turned high enough.	Adjust Sensitivity knob on the back of the unit to a higher setting.
Dirty lens.	Clean with a warm damp cloth.
Fresnel Lens (white plastic lens) upside down. Identifiable if more narrow bands are on bottom than on top (visible upon close inspection with good light).	Open housing and turn lens over.
Defective unit.	During warranty period contact Supplier or Manufacturer.

Leaks from top of Sprinkler?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Dirt in valve	Remove sprinkler and using hose force water backwards through unit to dislodge debris.
Mineral or other build-up inside valve.	Open housing, open valve, clean diaphragm and re-assemble. (call for assistance)
Valve diaphragm damaged.	Return to location purchased or contact Contech for assistance with repair or exchange.

Leaks between Stake and Sensor Housing?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Loose hand tightened seal.	Tighten.
Missing or damaged washer.	Ensure there is a washer .
Frost damage to valve.	Contact factory for repair/ replacement quotation.

Leaks from a crack in stake?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Frost damage.	Replace

Leaks from inside sensor housing?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Loose solenoid seal.	Open housing, hand tighten solenoid on valve.
Frost damage cracked valve body.	Contact factory for repair/ replacement quotation.

Sprays all the time?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Dirt in pilot hole inside valve	Remove sprinkler and using hose force water backwards through unit to dislodge debris. Or Open housing, open valve, clean rubber diaphragm and re-assemble.
Valve diaphragm damaged.	Return to location purchased or contact Contech for assistance with repair or exchange.
Missing or damaged filter washer.	Ensure there is a filter washer with a mesh screen in the bottom of the stake, or if using a mounting bracket move the filter washer from the Stake to the Sensor housing female hose connection.
False Triggering.	See Below

False triggering (sprays every 8 to 10 seconds regularly)?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Electronics 'hung'.	HARD RESET by taking battery off for ten seconds and putting back on.
Defective unit.	Confirm by securing a black or opaque plastic bag over the sensor head to block the 'eye'(white lens). If triggering continues, replace defective unit by returning to location purchased or contacting Contech for assistance

Doesn't spray at all?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Battery not installed.	Install one 9 volt battery.
Battery dead.	Install one 9 volt battery.
Sensitivity knob in OFF position	Turn sensitivity up.
Hose not attached.	Attach garden hose.
Water not turned ON.	Turn water on 1/2 to 1 turn.
Water Pressure too high. Recommended range 30 to 80 psi / 6 bar.	I nstall a hosebib pressure reducing valve (From DIY retailers or RV accessory dealers). This part screws between the hosebib and hose. AND Re-check pressure regulator is set correctly to between 30 and 80 psi.
Water Pressure too low (under 30 psi performance will be limited and possibly non existent.)	Improve available water pressure.

Sprays too often or randomly?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Sensitivity too high	Turn down sensitivity
Aimed at moving water fall, moving branches, traffic etc.	Re-aim/re-position to avoid moving objects. And/Or Apply tape (masking) onto lens to limit viewing area.
Aimed at moving water	Adjust upwards or apply masking tape across portion of lens (bottom usually) to block sensor from seeing that movement.
Possible low battery.	Install fresh battery

Sprays very short 1/2 second bursts?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Low battery indicator. Not a malfunction.	Replace battery.
Blocked mesh screen	Clean screen
Blocked stake (molded plastic defect, doesn't allow more than a trickle through)	Replace stake (contact Contech)

Sprays too far?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Sprinkler needs to be adjusted.	Adjust Dial on top of unit to deflect water downwards

Spray doesn't go far enough (ie: less than 30-35 feet)?

Possible Reason/s

Solution/s

Water pressure too low

Confirm your pressure range is 30-80 psi (2-6 bar)

Sprinkler needs to be adjusted.

Adjust Dial on top of unit to move water deflector upwards out of water stream.

And

Remove plastic screw if one is present interrupting the stream. (optional item, not required.)

Sprinkler Head won't turn?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
Spray travel arc limiting tabs adjusted incorrectly.	Expand tab opening to allow metal tab (paper clip like in appearance) room to freely move back and forth.
Hard water causing build-up of calcium on surfaces	Dip in vinegar to remove build up. Or Replace sprinkler head only.
Low water pressure.	Improve the water pressure.

Sprinkler head spins 360 Degrees?
Possible Reason/s	Solution/s
'Stop' tab either missing or pushed up to enable 360 Degree spraying	Adjust metal tab (paper clip like in appearance) to point downwards between the constraining plastic tabs.