Geez wiz thegbees,

I don't think you would have a problem in letting the controller do its job but I would do it the first time manually with short durations just to see all the zones working and no sprinkler heads out of whack or broken. JMHO. Aloha.

I always chuckle watching my neighbors pay to have their systems turned on each spring. It's pretty much just turn on the water then monitor each zone and head to make sure they're working correctly. Then go out for dinner and spend the money you just saved. Sprinkler systems are very low tech - if you're handy you can learn how to adjust or replace a head, or fix a valve pretty easily. If you're not comfortable then call in a pro if you need maintenance or repairs.

thanks to all, I'll try to run them tonight. I know the water is on and the controller as well. However, it seems like when I run them, the box cycles through each zone, but no water comes on. I will test tonight and come crying back if I'm still lost.
thanks again

There's usually a backflow preventer somewhere between the water main and the sprinkler valves. Check to see if all the water shutoff valves along the way are open - there can be several. The sprinkler valves have a manual control on top that allows you run it independent of the timer/controller. You just open it counterclockwise with a screwdriver one turn - it that doesn't work then you definitely have a closed water shutoff somewhere.