lehua13, Thank you for your response. Correct, the valves don't turn on when I try the manual override from the old (now currently installed) controller. I will fix up the solenoid connections and report back on that. As far as checking the voltage/amperage, should I be looking for a specific reading, or simply the presence or lack of a reading? I've never used a volt/amp meter, so I'm looking forward to learning something new. :) If I need to change the solenoids, are there generic solenoids for residential sprinkler systems or will I need to replace the faulty solenoids with the same model? When you say "common line", would that also be considered the master valve control line? On my controller, there are connections for the wires for each zone, and then there is a connection labeled "Master", which I believe is a white cable. Thanks again! Eric

cool

solenoid valves are the normal standard for irrigation systems. after 30 years repairing systems I prefer rain bird valves for reliability. as for the choice between pvc and brass unless you're dealing with an extreme amount of sediment pvc is fine.

About the best I can come up with is going to be a real compromise. Because the downdraft system has multiple speeds maybe wiring it to come on in tandem with a dedicated can light above the cooking surface for strong task lighting would get you partway there. But I think the improved performance of the Best Cattura over a JA system might get you to use it more. Or a printed placard at the cooktop controls could help. I've seen where it can take eight repetitions to learn a new procedure.