Two Zone Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had two of these timers for several years, since they first came out: one for the front, and one for the back. They are the only multi-zone timers using batteries I have ever found and have been great, especially when I go on vacation (I live in a desert area). I have had to replace them occasionally (e.g., if left outside in freezing temperatures, residue water can freeze and crack the plastic, allowing water to get with the batteries). Also, set the devices in a dry place and don't let water splash them repeatedly on the outside. The original instructions that came with the first timers I bought had instructions for HOW TO DELAY/CHANGE THE START TIME. I relay them here to help others who buy these. When you insert the batteries, that becomes the start time. If I put the batteries in at 8:00 am and set the frequency to 24 hours (once per day), the timer will come on at 8:00 am the next day. But what if I want it to come on at 10:00 am each day? I can either wait to reinsert the batteries at 10:00 am, or I can use the Delay/Change Start Time feature (creating a new program will not change the start time: it only changes the duration and frequency). Above the words "Zone 1" and "Zone 2" is a small, mysterious, black button. The button is what is used to delay the start time. To do so, press the button once for each hour you want to delay the start time. If you put the batteries in at 8:00 am but want each daily cycle to begin at 10:00 am, then press the button for that zone two times (8+2=10). If you later decide you actually wanted the start time to be 11:00 am, then press the button for that zone one more time (up to eleven times: at twelve times you are back at your original start time). This feature has a second benefit: you can have a DIFFERENT START TIME FOR EACH ZONE, and with only one valve open at a time, you have greater water pressure to cover more area in each zone. I have low water pressure, so I set my start time for the second zone two hours later than the first, then I can water each zone for up to two hours with maximum coverage without any overlap and loss of pressure. So that is the added feature many of you will want to use. I just wish they would put these instructions back with the operating instructions you now receive!

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- Two independent timers in one unit. - Easy dial operation. - Manual On/off. - Use Frequency dial to select how often you want to water. - Use Duration dial to select how long you want to water for. - Made in Taiwan.

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Melnor/Gardena 101 Flowmeter Water Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)The 101 is a great timer. I like the fact that it's powered by the flow. It does have some problems though.
This timer(flowmeter) is cheap. Too cheap. I've purchased more than 30 and watched them age and product evolve over the last 10 years. 10 years ago they worked flawlessly in the original models. No leaks and no failures. Five years ago Melnor went to a design that incorporated plastic parts, but I don't think there was problem in that development, but coincident with that and other modifications, was chronic leaking.
The problem lies primarily in the way the current design threaded female receptor connects to the frame. They use a small screw to secure the female threaded adapter to the body. It leaks, at least on those mfg'ed in the last 3 years.
Another leak point occurs under the dial. There shouldn't be a problem here because the dial is actually independent of the spring loaded shut-off valve. The dial gear train merely releases the spring. Previously, these problems didn't occur. I wish I had bought a batch of the old units.
Both of these complaints point to quality control. In a given mfging run several units may have problems. The probability of getting a problem unit has risen from 5% five years ago to an amazing 30% now. If you doubt, ask Yardbirds, that is, if they would bother to collect such records.
I keep buying them in hopes I will get a few good ones. I'd be willing to pay twice as much for out of the box leak free reliability, at least the reliability they used to have. Quality has fallen partially because the company believes they can't sell a non-electric unit at a price that could support the quality.
I don't know what others are doing with the 101, but these reports about getting 2 - 3 years out of them don't square with my experience. They last indefinitely even while exposed to the elements. I've yet to have one fail as long as it wasn't a failure out of the box.
Another thing: the sun's UV erases everything printed on the dial, so you have to emboss your own set points. No biggee, but the company incurs superfluous cost in providing all this gallonage and hours, which is also rendered superfluous by variations in flow velocity and imprecision in quantities desired. The company should leave it to the user to determine how far to rotate the dial for some preferred quantity of water.
Last thing: Don't rotate the dial beyond 210 degrees. The unit will act as though it's locked ON.

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Has set and forget technology. Automatically shuts off. Measures exact amount of water at any pressure. On Off switch to use like a faucet.

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Melnor 3060 6-Cycle Electronic AquaTimer Digital Dual Hose Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this timer over others, the day before yesterday because of its ability to water on odd days. However, I have it attached below my south facing house wall faucet which is in direct sunlight for the majority of the day. I discovered the first day that the display became jumbled and the controls became inoperative when the unit had been in the sun for a modest period of time. Today, the unit was completely inoperative and required that I cool it down with hose water before it "came back on line." Worse, it had lost its time even though it didn't loose either program I'd stored. So, even if it did come to function again over night, it wouldn't know what time it really was! The manual gives no indication that the unit will not operate reliably at high temperatures although it does say it'll fracture if frozen. The manual lists no placement restrictions or options to avoid unit malfunction at higher temperatures.

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This Melnordigital AquaTimerprovides 6 independently programmable watering cycles and has the versatility to work with both low-pressure drip hoses and soaker hoses. Material: Menu Display is LCD, Adjustable: Yes

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Orbit 91213 One-Dial Garden Hose Digital Water Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)All water timers do basically the same thing, but some require cryptic routines to set the timers. Older designs don't even use digital readout.
This timer is so straightforward, there's nothing to figure out. The large dial and readout is perfect for my aging eyes. You just turn the dial to whatever setting you want to change, then adjust it to the exact minute.
I'm using 6 of these - the clocks are synchronized and the timers set so that they all run at different times in the night.
For example, one zone is just pots on the deck, with drippers. 12 minutes twice a day seems just about right. As it gets hotter, bumping it up to 14 or 15 minutes will take 10 seconds. It's nice to control it with this precision.
Now for the additional features that really make this shine:
Need some water now? One click shopping. Hit a button and it turns on for 10 minutes(adjustable).
Raining today? Hit the + button and shut it off for 1, 2, or 3 days.
Raining all week? Turn the dial one click from AUTO to OFF. Just remember to turn it back on when the rain stops.

The build on these seems good. The dial, buttons, battery compartment all seem to be well engineered. As mentioned, I have 6 - all new this season. I'll report back on their longevity.

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Featuring a large-size LCD for easy reading and a straightforward dial control knob, this Orbit garden hose digital water timer is quick and easy to program, adjust, and run. Simply cycle through the clearly marked set-up steps--set time, start time, how long, how often--using the plus and minus buttons next to the dial to change the settings. A built-in rain delay is easily programmable, and a manual button allows instant program interruption. The timer also offers heavy-duty weatherproof construction and carries a one-year limited warranty. It requires two AA alkaline batteries, not included.

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