Irrigation work is not the best place to be using electronic equipment. It seems the RainMaster remotes we used went in for service at least once a year, which is why we kept a spare. TRC irrigation remotes and RainMaster do every thing they can to make their remotes durable and still keep them affordable but a few habits I developed extended the time between repairs. Vibration, heat, and moisture are the biggest enemies of electronic equipment. Always put the remote back in the case after use. Try to store it in the service vehicle where it won't bounce around preferably in the cab section where it may be cooler. Take the remote inside an air-conditioned area at the end of the day and open the case to allow moisture to escape. The antennas have a very thin wire that runs through them. Avoid bending or holding the remote by the antennae. The most likely place for moisture to get in is through the battery compartment. Since the battery compartment is on the bottom of the transmitter putting it in a tote with water is going to cause problems. With the TRC transmitters I would add a strip of duct tape over the battery door to add extra protection. With the RainMaster making sure the screws are snug on the cap is important. After several cap removals the screw heads become worn. It is advisable to keep spare screws and use a proper tipped phillips head screwdriver in removing and installing the cap. Wipe the transmitter clean with a damp rag not in the nearest rotor or spray stream. Try to keep the receiver where it won't be hit by irrigation water.
As far as the irrigation remote connectors check the male remote pigtails to be sure bugs and dust have not accumulated. One advantage to the female remote pigtails is they are more weatherproof. For outdoor situations these would be a better choice.
Irrigation remotes seem to quit working at the peak times of the year. It can take as much as a month to get them serviced in the summer months. It is advisable to keep a spare remote for times of greatest need. Sometimes one has to take extra precautions to avoid theft. This is an example a customer sent me. If you would like all the pictures please send me an email.