#ORBIT SPRINKLER TIMER ANDROID#
#ORBIT SPRINKLER TIMER SOFTWARE#

Advanced details let you enter very specific data on the zone to help you fully optimize the Smart Watering process. In order to use the Smart Watering functionality you need to go through the zone setup process that includes naming the zone, including an actual photo of the zone, choosing the soil type (clay, loam, sand), plant type (cool/warm turf, trees, annual flowers, etc.), sprinkler type, sun/shade coverage, slope, sprinkler head count, and even advanced details. The first time you launch the app you will be walked through the setup process for the Orbit B-hyve.

#ORBIT SPRINKLER TIMER ANDROID#

This is a nice option when you have network or phone issues.ĭownload the Orbit B-hyve app to your Android or iOS device to proceed with the setup and operation.

The screen, buttons, and dial let you manually setup the system so you don't need a smartphone to control your sprinkler. Opening up the outside locked cover reveals what appears to be an older sprinkler controller with a monochrome LCD screen, four buttons, and a central dial. This means there is also a key and lock included so you can keep your sprinkler secure if it is mounted outside. Some controller systems require that you purchase a separate enclosure to mount it outside, but the Orbit unit has the enclosure integrated into the system.

My sprinkler wires are routed through my garage wall so I can mount my controller inside the garage. I was sent a six zone indoor/outdoor timer to evaluate since I have three zones in my small yard. Let's take a closer look at the hardware, software, and daily usage experiences.

#ORBIT SPRINKLER TIMER SOFTWARE#

Since that time, there have been some major software enhancements and I honestly cannot find anything missing on the Orbit in comparison to the Rachio. Our picks cover a range of prices, so regardless of your budget, you should hopefully find an option that works for you.įor more great lawn care tools, check out our coverage of the best garden hoses, garden hose reels, and garden hose nozzles.Also: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler hands-on: Intelligent watering controlled by your phoneĪ couple of years ago, CNET took a look at a B-hyve unit and awarded it a 7.8/10 rating. We also made sure to include a mechanical timer option, perfect for those who aren’t comfortable with programming digital tools or using wifi apps. We also used our landscaping experience to select from brands that we have come to trust, which is why Orbit models take up so many spots.

How We SelectedĪlthough sprinkler timers and controllers work in different ways, they’re equally useful depending on the user, which is why we decided to include a variety of both types on our list. Controllers can be mounted indoors, and some can even be controlled with a mobile app, making them even more convenient. But if you want a little more customization and control-and you already have an irrigation system set up to connect to-you might want to opt for a dedicated sprinkler controller.

If you just need to turn your sprinklers on and off a couple times a day, then a basic timer should be fine. The first thing you should take into account when choosing a sprinkler timer or controller is how much functionality you’re looking to get from it.

Orbit sprinkler timer