My Richdel 8 Sta. Outdoor Hybrid Controller 508PR has stopped working. The display is blank so I lost the program I had and since the LCD is blank I cannot program it. I know the sprinkler system and pump still work because when I plug the controller into the electric outlet my front section sprinklers kick in and water their section. But only the front section and not side or back yard. I assume that when the controller stopped operating that was the program that was in place. I changed the back up battery which is there to safeguard the programing when there is a power outage but that did nothing.
It may be a coincidence but this happened yesterday afternoon following a storm we had. There was a power outage. I am assuming the system may have suffered a short circuit ? Any suggestions on cause and how to repair ? :(

What you can TRY is to disconnect power, remove the battery and short the battery terminals inside the controller for about 30 seconds. Sometimes it fixes things, sometimes it doesn't, but it's worth a try. It has a scientific basis as to why it might work.

If you have to replace your controller, there is a controller out there that uses the internet to get the weather and determines if it makes sense to water the lawn.