SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

You should have no problem doing this yourself. Just write down the order that the wires were connected in the old controller and connect them the same in the new one and you should be set to go.

Do you really need a nine zone controller, if a six zone was enough until now? (of course, if you want to expand a system in the future, now would be the time to make preparations for it)

Your better off upgrading to a larger controller, the cost comparison between the 6 station and the 9 station is that significant, and if you ever want to add additional zones, you won't have to replace the controller, again. If your wires are color coded, IE a different color wire for each zone, then write down the color wire and the zone number and just swap out the controllers, connecting the wires to their respective terminals on the new controller. If they are not color coded, you can label them with tape and a marker. Also, generally the Common wire is white, but that is not always the case. This is a fairly simple job for the DIYer.