Orbit 57995 B-hyve XR 16-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller

We had to replace a 14 year-old irrigation timer when the electro-mechanical switches started to get flaky. Three valves were already installed, with wiring already in place from the valves to the timer location (in the garage). I was really unsure how to replace the old timer, and did a fair amount of research and dithering, but finally decided on this unit. I'm happy to report it turned out to be a good choice! First, it was a snap to install--I just hooked up the wires from the valves (one wire per valve, and one "master/common" wire), and plugged it in. The "hardest" part was attaching it to the wall, which just required all of two screws. After that I downloaded the app to my iPhone, created an account, and the rest was a piece of cake. The unit asked me for permission to connect by bluetooth, after which it detected our WiFi; I logged it in, and then set up the watering schedules. You can have up to four; I created three (normal, hot weather, and REALLY hot weather...). You tell it when to start and how long each valve should run for each such schedule (you can choose specific days of the week, odd or even days (viz., dates), etc., all pretty standard for irrigation timers). Then you (typically) choose which schedule to run, and that's it, you're done. I think this whole process took me about 15 minutes, if that. The thing I did not realize in advance is how much easier setup and operation is with a well-designed app as your interface! Our other timer worked basically the same way, but you had to perform all operations physically on the unit itself (and you can get such timers for $40-60 less nowadays, if you want to save a little money). Besides setup, the app tells you what schedule you are using, when the next watering will happen, and allows you to change to a different schedule, run a valve manually for x amount of time, and so on. Status information is also displayed on the unit, as well as in the app, which can be handy if you don't happen to have your phone on you at a particular moment. Part of this is simply about having a timer that's capable of connecting to the internet and is controlled by a phone app, but I want to add that if the app were poorly designed (which is often the case when companies that used to just make gizmos suddenly find themselves wanting to produce smart gizmos, but they lack the engineering expertise!), or connectivity did not work well, or whatever, then even a well built piece of equipment could be a disappointing pain in the ---. So I congratulate Orbit for designing a nice, clear user interface that works exactly as it should. I should add that the unit has an "automatic" feature that I have not tried yet; I guess that feature actually monitors the weather (which it can since it's online) and decides whether to water based on that, at least in part. I might check that out later. It also can handle up to 8 valves, which is way more than we needed, but who knows, we might add more zones in the future. Finally, I must confess, I was delighted by the way the panel that hides the wire connection array comes off--rather than some kind of plastic tabs or something, it clicks out of and into place *magnetically*! That probably reveals my truly geeky nature...ahem...but, well, I just thought it was a cool touch, and maybe indicative of some uncommonly thoughtful engineering.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) Orbit has truly upped its game with the B-hyve XR Smart 8-Zone Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller. As someone who has used a previous version of this product, I can attest that the improvements in this latest iteration have made it a standout choice for managing your irrigation system. It's not just a sprinkler controller; it's a reliable and user-friendly solution that has addressed the disconnect issues of the past. Seamless Connectivity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the standout features of the B-hyve XR is its seamless connectivity. It smartly switches between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, ensuring a stable connection even at longer ranges. This improvement has significantly reduced disconnects, making it a reliable choice for managing your sprinkler system. Enhanced Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Orbit has clearly worked out the kinks from previous products with the B-hyve XR. Its improved technology and enhanced reliability give users confidence that their irrigation system will work flawlessly, even in challenging conditions. User-Friendly Interface: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The user interface of the B-hyve XR is a joy to use. Its DIY-friendly menus and easy-to-navigate options make it accessible for homeowners of all skill levels. You don't need to be a tech expert to set up and manage your sprinkler system effectively. Upgrade-Worthy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you've used an older version of Orbit's smart sprinkler controllers, the B-hyve XR is a worthy upgrade. Its improved technology, reliability, and user-friendly interface make it a standout choice for managing your irrigation system. I was so impressed that I even rewired parts of my system to integrate them with the B-hyve XR. In conclusion, the Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR Smart 8-Zone Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller is a game-changer in the world of smart irrigation. Its reliable connectivity, enhanced technology, and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for homeowners. Orbit has clearly listened to feedback and delivered a product that addresses previous shortcomings. I wholeheartedly recommend the B-hyve XR to anyone in need of a dependable and easy-to-use sprinkler controller. It's a five-star winner that has earned its place as a reliable solution for managing your irrigation system.

Fantastic product ! Very easy to install and works great. No need for rain sensors as this unit checks your weather forecast and automatically delays the system. I plan on offering this product to all my clients

Easy installation. Replaced the clunky, non wi-fi connected Rain Dial controller. App is easy to use. Only challenge was getting it to connect to my T-Mobile Router. It did not like the 2.4/5ghz auto switching. I had to add a 2.4 network with more simple security settings to get it to connect.

Suppongo che sarebbe da 5 stelle se si potesse utilizzare in Italia, ma purtroppo essendo un modello costruito per il mercato USA, funziona esclusivamente a 110v e 60Hz. Non essendo disponibili trasformatori a buon mercato per la conversione di entrambi i valori, è stato necessario effettuare il reso.

120 voltios. Enchufe americano. No debería estar a la venta en la Unión Europea.

So far I love this timer, (only have it installed for a week) ….the app is so user friendly and monitors the weather and tells you when it’s initiated a rain delay based on the weather forecast….which is easily canceled or extended. Love that you can take a picture of each zone and it attaches to that zone for easy recall.

The best sprinkler timer I’ve had. It was simple to install and the programming was child’s play. There are so many different options and the smart watering is genius. I now get notifications that my grass is being watered and when it’s done. My lawn hasn’t looked so good.

this thing is great, pauses if it rains so no waste of water, reliable, notifications when it's complete are nice