I just replaced this controller and I still have the book. it says the "ISA 300/400 series" on the booklet and I had the 304. the only difference is the 400 series allows for an optional pump start relay for well water source and 2 different programs. I think you probably were looking at the same book that came with your timer. the "system on" is the same as "auto run". You can check your programmed input from the "preprogrammed schedules" selection on the dial by using the arrows to cycle through the settings but you can't make any changes to the schedule from that position. I had a lot of problems programming this timer, it's not self explanatory, at least not to me. When you select the pre programmed schedule you want, you have to lock it in by pressing the last button with the round black dot. then the square around the letter or number of the scheduled program you chose will be solid instead of flashing. if you don't need to modify the preprogrammed schedule, once you lock it in just turn the dial to system on and that's it. you have to leave the dial at "system on" or it will not run the program. pay attention to the small words at the top and bottom of the screen. it's easy to confuse the start time numbers with the station numbers as there are 3 start times per day available, so if you are entering the start time and you enter the same time 3 times thinking you are entering for 1,2 and 3, the system will start at that time and run 3 complete cycles. When you run the system manually, do the zones run for the length of time they are programmed to run? for me the last straw was the timer tripping the gfi outlet. took me a while to figure out why the system came on one day but not the next til I realized (read) the screen message. the screen looked like always, date/time and station etc but there was a message "ac off" on the screen also, not blank or flashing like the book says. the power was lost so it was only functioning on the battery which saves the setup info but will not run the system. So I bought a new timer, much easier to use. And it also trips the gfi ! so now I have a much bigger problem apparently. I still have the book for my rainbird 304 if you need any more info, but I'm pretty sure it's the same book you found on the internet. the picture on the front is of the 408, but the book says it's for the 300/400 series. the phone number for technical support is 1-800-247-3782 good luck.

Russ, I would do two things for a discontinued model. 1. Replace the rechargeable NI-Cad battery. 2. Reboot controller after battery replacement(turn power off per at least a minute and turn back on). Check the two links below. FAQ: http://help.rainbird.com/ ESP Op Manual: http://www.rainbird.com/documents/turf/man_ESP.pdf Third thing if nothing works is buy a new controller. GL Aloha

Oh, thank you, Cynthia--you're a great cheer-leader and I appreciate the encouragement! :o) Hangeth thou in there--it really is amazing how quickly a garden evolves into an exciting place to be!!! Patann--how did I overlook your post?? I'm so sorry! You too, have ALWAYS been a HUGE encouragement to me and I've loved so much your excitement that so often rivals my own!! :o) The hosta in question, I believe you are referring to is one of my very first that I got excited about! It's 'Francee'!!! It can look very dark or medium green--depending on lighting! Mine get no direct sunlight so they tend to be a rather dark green which really makes the margins 'pop'!!! Here's a shot of scanning right with the same plant more in view: And, from last years archives this from the other end: Thank you, again, Kristy---now I can get the tune out of my head!! LOL Good thing I love it!!!! "I got a girl and Ruby is her name I'd give the world just to set her heart aflame... Ruby Baby when will you be mine..Ruby Baby..Ruby Baby.." And so it goes--and it'll keep me awake for hours, no doubt! LOL Maybe not!!! hehehe

Just a little update on the baby Robins. So far they seem to be doing great, a lot of chirping going on, theyve been in the same tree for a few days now ( its rite next to the one they got moved to ) seems like they should be learning to fly by now to me ? i guess theyll stay up there till the parents decide to let em test there wings. At least theyre safe and they have plenty to eat, plus i keep leaving pecans out for the parents, not sure if the parents are feeding them pecans yet. I know for sure my cat will be happy when they finally fly away so he can have his back yard back.