The transformer needs to be plugged into any 110 volt outlet to supply the necessary 24 volts to the controller. The wire that came with mine was to short but it was very easy to cut the power wire and splice in a longer piece of wire.
No, this is an indoor timer. They do have a outdoor timer that has a cabinet on it to protect the panel from the weather.
timer set up instructions
Does it have master valve connection?
Move the dial to start time. Each station has its own start time. This is not right. This is the way it operates The start time on station 1 is when the sequence starts (1goes, then 2 goes, then 3 goes, 4 goes) . The start time on station 2 is when the second sequence starts ( if you want water two times in the same day). The start time on station 3 is when the third sequence starts (if you want to water three times in the same day). Ect.
I believe only for short period of time. It is mostly designed for power outage.
It's not waterproof. I have mine hanging on my fence above the sprinkler valves. I use a ziplock bag to waterproof it. (yeah, I know, not professional looking---but functional) You can operate the controls through the plastic and see the display quite easily. If the bag gets too old, just throw it away and use a new one. BTW, the screw you use to hang it on can easily form around the screw so you don't puncture the ziplock for a secure seal. Also the AC wire and the solenoid wires can be moved to the edge so the ziplock closes most of the way. If the wires are at the bottom, doubt if you'll get any water inside---if in doubt, use some Goop to seal.
Not sure what pump feature you are looking for but the timer is designed to provide 24 VAC to a valve solenoid according to the programming you set. Theoretically, you could wire a pump in parallel with the valve so that they both come on at the same time when the station is activated by its programming (connect both devices to the common and one of the station connections). The only risk is that the pump relay may draw too much current and both devices would not activate or blow the fuse. Hope this is helpful.
If you have an old time... then replace the wires one at a time. There is a common wire and then one wire for each zone. The wires are fasten by a simple screw that tightens on the wire.
There are 3 possible reasons why the timer is flashing "no AC". 1. The transformer may be defective 2. The wire from the transformer has a cut or break in it 3. The connection between the wires and the actual timer is not made securely. If you have a multi-meter, measure the AC voltage coming out of the wires to see if you have 24 VAC. If not, either the wire is broken or the transformer is defective. Otherwise, the connector from the transformer to the timer may be loose or otherwise compromised. You may need to bend the connecting posts slightly to make a better connection. Hope this is helpful