Toro 53787 Ecxtra 6-to-8-Zone Sprinkler Timer with Software and Module Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought this unit to replace an ECx that had intermitent button and program selection switch, but otherwise had worked well for the last 10 years. I also liked the idea of the computer programming and no battery. Basic operation of the unit is fine, but the "Automatic Circuit Protection" makes this unit very unreliable. This "feature" repeatedly disables most of the existing valves to "prevent damage to the timer...". The way you become aware of this feature is that all your plants start dying, which doesn't take long in the Arizona summers. If this happens while you're on vacation, you could come back to a completely dead landscape.
The computer programming is a great idea, but is the worst software I've ever used. The worst offender is the time selection. The times cannot be entered directly from the keyboard, but only with the mouse clicking on the up-down buttons. However, the up down buttons lack an auto repeat feature so each increment of 15 minutes requires a separate click of the mouse (that's 48 clicks to change the time by 12 hours.) To make matters worse, once the arrow is click, it is disabled until the mouse is moved. So the sequence is click - move mouse - click - move mouse.... This was also the first time that I've had software that crashed my Windows XP Pro computer with a "blue screen of death". There are many other, less serious, problems with this software that make it pretty annoying to use.
I've reinstalled the 10 year old EXc unit until I can find a suitable replacement from a different manufacturer.

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The Toro ECxtra 6-to-8-zone sprinkler timer with software and transport module takes the mystery out of watering your landscape. Using your personal computer and the included scheduling software and TimePod, you can create custom watering schedules and manage your sprinkler timer automatically. The user-friendly, interactive software application easily customizes a watering schedule for your yard based on your local weather and your yard's unique watering needs, also saving water and improving the health and beauty of your landscape. The TimePod transport module, included with the six-to-eight-zone timer, quickly transfers your watering schedule from your computer to the timer. This system features programmable pump start/master valve connection, valve failure detection, non-volatile memory, three programs, four start times, seasonal adjust, snap-in wire connectors, and rain delay. The timer is expandable to 10 zones with a two-zone expansion module (sold separately). For new or replacement installations, this timer is compatible with other brands of irrigation systems.

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Rain Bird Simple Set 4-Station Indoor Automatic Sprinkler System Timer SST-400I Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had several irrigation timers, and this is BY FAR the easiest to program. In my city, my house can irrigate only in dark hours on Sundays and Thursdays. Setting that up is a snap.
You can download the SST-400i manual from the Rainbird site...if you've ever installed and used an irrigation timer before, page 5 of 12 tells all you need to know.
To water zone 3 at any random time, you turn the dial to 3 and push the Water Now button. Unfortunately, you need to remember later to return the dial to Automatic.
The only limitation that I know is for watering a zone more than once a day. It can irrigate twice, thrice or 4 times a day, but only on a set schedule of a certain number of hours after the first irrigation time. I haven't actually used this, because it would cause irrigation to occur during forbidden daylight hours. I wanted to irrigate one particular zone at 30 minutes after midnight, then again 21 hours later at 9:30 PM, but that is not possible. See the "Step 5" text on page 5 of the manual for more about this limitation.
If your finger is worn out from pushing little buttons dozens of times on your existing controller, you will really love this unit.

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SST-400i Features: -Automatic sprinkler timer. -4 station. -Customize watering schedules tailored to your unique landscaping needs. -Conserve water and improve lawn and plant health. -Simple to set. -Offers maximum versatility and efficient watering with water conscious features like automatic rain shut off to stop operation during rain. -Watering schedules can be fine tuned for each lawn area as well as the flow rates of each sprinkler type. -Zone by zone setting. -Superior surge protection guards against damage from nearby lightning strikes or power surges.

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3/4" Hose End Battery Operated Timer (5.2 GPM) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased three of these timers in 2008. They were easy to program and worked well during the first season in my drip system. In the second season they started failing one by one and are now useless. The problem is incomplete opening. I've taken them apart and cleaned them, but it doesn't help. The tech I spoke to at the company was friendly and said that they would replace all of the timers.

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3/4" Hose end battery operated timer with female hose thread inlet and male hose thread outlet, connects to a faucet or hose. Program using six buttons with LCD display for a wide range of irrigation schedules. Up to 4 start times per day, watering duration from one minute to eleven hours and 59 minutes in one-minute increments, low battery indicator and more

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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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Gilmour 9400 Electronic 4-Cycle Water Timer, Teal Review

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(More customer reviews)I've used 4 brands of water timers over 21 years for our very large gardens here in Northern California. Only the Gilmour 9400 timer has had the fewest issues in the 10 years I've owned them. Intuitive keypad layout. Removable top for programming. Bugproof too!

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Incredibly easy to use, this electronic water timer from Gilmour offers four on/off watering cycles per day so your yard looks its best, even during hot summer months. The electronic keypad is a snap to set thanks to the easy-to-read digital display that indicates program steps and selections. The one-week clock repeats the cycle every seven days, or you can choose the skip function for watering every second or third day. There's also a convenient countdown timer running through the duration of each water cycle and the option of manual or timed on/off, so you always control the watering amount and duration.To help make programming even easier, the electronics are removable (just squeeze the side grips and pull), and the swivel nut allows for a quick connection to the faucet. Change your mind about the program you chose? Select the program override function to temporarily suspend watering. For added convenience, this Gilmour timer runs on four AA batteries (not included) and includes a low battery indicator when power is running low.

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Orbit 57095 Sprinkler System Weather-Resistant Outdoor-Mounted Control Timer Box Cover Review

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(More customer reviews)The box is of good quality and quite roomy. Unfortunately, it is not prewired, so I could not use the plug in it unless I wanted to have an electrician come out, which is way too expensive.

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Rain Bird SST-900I Simple Set 9-Station Indoor Automatic Sprinkler System Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my first sprinkler controller and I was surprised that everything worked the first time I set it up.
As another reviewer pointed out, the programming options on this timer are TOO simple.
For example...if you want to water a zone twice a day, say at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. you CANNOT do that with this controller. You can set it to water the zone twice a day, but it takes this to mean 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Start time plus half of 12 hours.) There is no way to change this. I called the manufacturer to confirm.
If you really have 9 zones to control you probably need a timer with more flexibility than this timer provides.

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SST-900I Features: -Sprinkler timer. -9 valve. -Set each zone independently for maximum flexibility. -Superior surge protection for long lasting durability. -No battery back up required. -All settings stored in permanent memory. -Built in trouble shooting valves and wiring cycle. -Rain delay command for manual suspension of watering cycle. -Seasonal adjust to increase watering in hot, dry months and reduce it in rainy seasons. -Sealed from the environment for longer life.

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Orbit 57161 Sprinkler System 6-Station Standard Indoor Mounted Control Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)Works great! We have a small 4 station watering system so this timer is perfect for us and we have room to add 2 more if needed. Very easy to program and even has rain delays. This unit replaced a previous orbit timer, so the install was 'a piece of cake'.

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57161 Features: -Timer dual 6 indoor. -Small in size but big in performance. -Can be programmed anywhere with two ''AA'' batteries (1081-3707). -Easy to set and use. -ETLlisted sprinkler controller. -6 station timer.

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Orbit 62001 Lawn and Garden Digital Watering Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)It is the best on the market and very reliable. It may cost more but is worth the price. It is very convenient being able to slide-out the timing mechanism, making any adjustment, and then reattaching. I do not like timers that do not have a clock or do not readily indicate a malfunction. This does it all.
MNS

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Hose Bib Timer & Valve, Easy To Install, Battery Operated, Automatic Water Controller & Valve Combination, Standard 3/4' Hose Thread Connections, Water Resistant Design, Manual On Feature For Quick Temporary Watering.

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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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Toro 53806 Lawn Master II 6-Zone Landscape Sprinkler System Water Timer Review

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(More customer reviews)After dealing with two consecutive Rainbird timers which failed for the same reason - the timers were remarked to reflect power ratings of less than half those stated in the manual - I learned the hard way what not to get. Rainbird tech help is virtually non-existent. So I have tried Toro. Simply wanting a basic timer, I got the 53806. Unfortunately, in this digital age where hype and frills seem to dominate the market, something as simple as turning a switch on or off may entail understanding pages of detailed instructions and embedded sequences. Fortunately, this Toro is quite user friendly in this area, and setting the program is very basic and intuitive, especially compared to the nightmare rainbird. Although just installed, and not time tested, the Toro functions as expected. Easy to install, and simple to operate. I would give them 5 stars for getting it right on the basics.
But there are two fatal flaws in the user guide. When I first mounted the timer, and used the included template to drill the mounting holes, I soon discovered that the template does not match up to the actual timer mounting holes. The screw spacing on the template is supposed to be 5", but it actually measures 1/8" under that. Now I have a wall repair thanks to relying on their incorrect template. Beware!
The second, and possibly much worse error, is their "instruction" for running the timer in manual mode. Repeatedly they state to turn the dial SLOWLY from the manual position to the run position. This point is even emphasized in the troubleshooting section where it specifically states that if the timer is not activating in manual mode, the problem may be that the dial is being turned too fast from one position to the other. My timer would not turn on in manual mode. After repeatedly following the instructions to the letter, with no success, I was about to take the timer back. Thru simple logic, and then trial and error, I found the very opposite to be true. To go into manual mode, the dial must be turned QUICKLY from the manual position to the run position. Turning it too slowly allows the manual settings to "time out" before it actually has a chance to run, effectively cancelling the manual run mode. Having operating instructions completely reversed does not create a satisfied customer. Just because error-filled documentation has become the standard for consumer products, that still does not make it acceptable. So if your timer will not turn on in manual mode, just do the opposite of what the manual states and turn the dial RAPIDLY from one setting to the next. You should be up and running. Good luck!

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Sold as one unit. (1 unit = each.) 3 independent watering programs. 3 start times. Includes seasonal adjustment. 365 day calendar. Includes pump, start and relay. Includes rain sensor ports . Manufacturer number: 53806. SKU #: 7206410. Country of origin: China. Distributed by Toro Irrigation.

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Rain Bird SST-600I Simple Set 6-Station Indoor Automatic Sprinkler System Timer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just finished installing and programming this irrigation timer. All I can say is wow! This thing is awesome! I've used 4 other timers through the years in various houses. All were terrible, an absolute pain to set, with finicky buttons, dials, bad displays, etc. What sets this one apart is the programming method. You simply choose the zone you want to program and then select its start time, run time and days to water - all on one intuitive screen. You never have to turn a dial to select each component of the program individually and you see all settings in one location. You then repeat the process for each zone. Contrast this to other timers that make you think in terms of an A, B, or C program and segregate the programming functions and display of set values into their separate functions, i.e., select start time for each zone, select run time for each zone, select days to run for each zone. Once you've tried the approach used by this Rainbird timer, you'll never want to go back to the other approach.
Pros
- Beyond easy to program
- Easy to install
- Flash memory storage of programming so no battery required
- Display of all programming info related to a single zone shown on one screen
- Zone run time allows up to 240 minutes (important if you do occasional deep water using a drip system)
- Displays the next zone run date and time
- Has the usual features such as an input for a rain sensor, seasonal % adjust, master valve connection, odd/even day run settings, up to 4 run times per day on a zone
- The "water now" feature is dead simple to use
- Has a rain delay button that lets you set a specific time period to keep the water system off
- Feels sturdy and well-made
- Great price
- Also comes in a 4 and 9 zone model
Cons (I didn't view these as cons when considering my purchase because the functionality meets all my needs, but others who need more functionality may view them as such)
- You can only set the first start time that a zone waters on a given day, if you select multiple runs for that zone during the same day (up to 4), the timer uses a pre-set number of hours from your first time to determine the other run times
- It only allows for a 7 day cycle. If you want to run a zone, say every 15th day, you can not program it to do so. You can however, set the zone run time with no associated day and then just manually hit the "water now" button when the zone needs water (this is actually my preferred approach for managing certain of my drip zones containing low water use plants as I watch for stress before giving them a deep water)
- It's meant to be mounted in a weather proof location only (I mounted mine inside my garage). I assume you could mount it inside a weather proof case outside.
Summary: Absolutely the best timer if you are looking for a simple to set (and use) timer and you don't have need for the more complex programming described in the "cons" above.

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SST-600I Features: -Sprinkler timer. -6 valve. -Set each zone independently for maximum flexibility. -Superior surge protection for long lasting durability. -No battery back up required. -All settings stored in permanent memory. -Built in trouble shooting valves and wiring cycle. -Rain delay command for manual suspension of watering cycle. -Seasonal adjust to increase watering in hot, dry months and reduce it in rainy seasons. -Sealed from the environment for longer life.

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