One of the minor storms we had last week caused some damage to the communication system of our irrigation system. The boxes above are the control boxes for a hole or 2 holes, depending how they are wired. We have 11 boxes total, 5 on the front, 5 on the back and 1 at the range. They communicate to my office computer, where I schedule irrigation cycles. Each controller has a modem that allows it to communicate with the computer. When we have lightening storms, it can damage the surge protectors I put on the communication wire going to each modem. The power and comm wires are tied together like a strand of Chrismas lights from controller to controller. Unfortunately it isn't as easy as simply going to the first box that isn't communicating with my office computer when an issue arises. When a data line protector (surge) is damaged, it sends 'noise' across the line that causes interference with the signal my computer sends out. It requires isolating all the boxes and going around the course in order to see which irrigation controller is causing the issue. In 2012, we installed new copper grounding plates deep into the ground which really cut down on a lot of this. However, it still happens and I've always had an appreciation for electrical troubleshooting. Electricity is one of the most complicated yet common sense subject. It takes me a couple hours when this occurs but fortunately isn't an expensive proposition. If you see me riding around with headphones on, this is what I am working on. I am able to hear how clear the signal is from each box using headphones.