57896 6-Station Outdoor Swing Panel Sprinkler System Timer

I took a chance and I bought this irrigation timer from Amazon to fix a timer issue that I had with my irrigation system. I sought advice from Chuck on the Orbit Support team as to whether this Orbit 4 station timer model 57894-20 can replace a faulty mechanical Intermatic timer on my existing single indexing valve, 3 zone lawn sprinkler system and the logic to use when setting it up. I emailed their support and received a reply in 1 day -- I also called with a follow[on question and Chuck picked up the phone on the 2nd ring! He was very informative and willing to help get me going! Great customer service experience!. It's programming is simple yet effective and does all that I need a 4 zone timer to do (In my case I actually only needed to set up 3 zones --> hint: you just don't set up the 4th zone and the timer skips it). Pro: - Seems well made and of good quality - easy set up - the panel swings out of the way to access the wiring - Plug n go -- I ran a 2 conductor, 18 Gauge thermostat wire through the cinderblock and mounted the unit in the garage away from the elements and simply plugged it into a 110V outlet (you could also wire it for ourdoor use if so desired) - operation - helpful and timely customer support - Fair price for what you get Con: - A slight negative is that you have to hold down the up or down arrow to get to the start time that you want (the clock time change starts slow and while it does speed up, it still takes a while to get from the default 12pm to the start time you want. If you set the start time for 4 zones your finger will get tired -- luckily you only have to do this process when initially setting up the timer. Not a show stopper but an area for improvement. - Uses a CR2032 battery to hold memory -- would be nice if there was circuity built in to remember the time in a power outage scenario - You get a fold out paper with quick start info -- good enough for most straight forward installs, but there was not a lot for one off kinds of situations like mine -- The manual is online in .pdf format but again, did not answer my unique question. If it helps others, here are my existing components, irrigation system operation (from a non technical layman's perspective :-} and question to Orbit: Single Hydrotex 4000 Indexing Valve (covers 4 pipes) What looks like an Irritrol 205 Series Valve with flow control knob (shows " richdel " on the valve relay, but label is worn away) Original intermatic mechanical timer model T8845PV 24 hr, 1r day skipper and transformer with bad timer unit (sprinkler system works when timer is operated manually) but wanting to replace with an Orbit 4 station timer model 57894-20 rC upc 046878578944 that i purchased Operation: Using the mechanical timer - fully operational if manually turned on and off - Timer is bad * when the mechanical timer switches on, the relay triggers the valve to open and the flow of water rushes into the 4 chamber Hydrotex 4000 Indexing Valve, flowing through an opening in the round rubber washer and the water flows to that zone. * When the timer turns off, the valve blocks the flow of water and the water drains out of the Hydrotex 4000 Indexing Valve. * When the timer switches back on the rush of water seems to pop a springed plunger in the Hydrotex 4000 Indexing Valve and the rubber stopper ratchets over and positions the hole over the next pipe zone. * When the timer turns off the water drains out and the cycle continues on the third and fourth pipe (zone) My question was: Can you wire this Orbit timer to control a single relay/valve that controls the Hydrotex 4000 Indexing Valve? If yes, how is it wired? The answer was simple and worked flawlessly: TechSupport@orbitonline.com "Our timer can be used with your indexing valve. You connect one wire from your valve to "common" and the other wire to "sta 1". You only put minutes on (aka program) station 1 of our timer. You use 4 start times with at least one minute between the time one turns off and the other one starts. If you need further help, please call us at 1-800-488-6156, option 1 then option 4 (7am-5pm MDT/Mon-Fri). Thank you, Chuck Technical Support Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc."

Works great on backyard sprinklers. Easy controls to set off and on start times.

Reliable Control with a Learning Curve This Orbit 6-station outdoor sprinkler timer has proven to be a rock-solid upgrade for my yard’s irrigation system. The unit itself feels sturdy, with a weather-resistant housing that gives confidence it will last through hot summers and the occasional rain splash. The swing panel design makes it easy to access without crouching awkwardly, and the large dial and buttons are straightforward once you get used to them. Programming is where the real strength lies: the timer allows multiple start times per day, individual zone control, and flexible watering schedules. I like being able to set different run times for different areas of my yard—my flower beds need more frequent watering than the lawn, and this controller makes that easy to manage. The manual override is handy when I just need a quick soak without messing up the programmed cycle. That said, there’s a learning curve at the start. The manual is clear, but it takes a little trial and error before programming feels intuitive. I’d suggest setting it up indoors first and then mounting it outside once you’re confident in the schedule you want. Bottom line: A durable, versatile sprinkler timer that rewards a little patience up front with reliable, long-term lawn and garden care.

At first my husband installed it and I set the clock time, run time on each zone and the day for it to come on. It came on the day it was set for and ran perfectly however the next day which it was set for only one day a week it came on again. I waited till the next week to see if this was an on going problem it was I then called Orbit explained what was going on he said lets set your times up again to see if it will come on as suppose to next week. He took me through all steps as I had done correctly but the next week same thing it came on the correct day but then again the next day. Called them back and he said then lets try pressing the reset button and we can then reset your timer with day of week and time zones to come on and for how long to run each one, so we did all that again, after pressing the reset button on the Orbit timer it has worked perfectly ever since. So we are very happy with it. So if it gives you a problem before spending time on the phone just press the reset button first to see if it clears info that you don’t want on it.

I had a 12 year old Irritrol unit and the solenoid valves started clicking continually, I found that it had had it's day using my voltmeter. Upon looking for alternatives, this Orbit unit ticked all the boxes, we have 3 zones so there's room for one more and the price was right. Easy to install and program, I'd recommend it over the more expensive brands

very good

Easy to install and has excellent instructions.

Whilst Orbit timers are the bees knees, and I'll definitely be getting another one, do not buy this product if you live in a country with a 230 v system. It will only work in a 120 v system. Bang and smoke when I plugged it in. Orbit customer support are pretty good, but why would Amazon ship a US only device to the UK?

Good

Works well nothing fancy but it works! The simplicity is what I like!