Sprinkler system timer?

Question:I'd like suggestions for lightening protection between the timer, and the water valve/solonoid. At least once a year the output of the timer is blown by lightning. The timer appears fine, but there is no current to the solonoid on the valve. Connecting the solonoid directly to the 24 volt input to the timer shows the valve works fine, it's the controller that keeps getting "Blown". I think the company of the current timer is Rain Bird. I spoke to them and they told me there is nothing I can do to protect this side of the timer. I'm a technician, there must be! Any ideas out there? Part of the problem is that our lawn is probably about 1 to 2 feet above a large sheet of bedrock that runs for at least 60 miles to Stone Mountain Georgia

Answers:
You'll need to acquire power protection with silicon oxide varistors to withstand high voltage transients. I've attached a source for more info or you can diy if you have a good local electronics parts dealer. If you can't find these, you can also use metal oxide varistors, but these are only good for one shot.