Quote:
Originally Posted by logdog
I only have 4 zones and my B-Hyve was less than $60 at Lowes. Easy install and I can control it with my Android phone or desktop. I also use the conventional method and let the controller read the local weather forecast to decide when to put the system on rain delay. It will pay for itself in water savings. Highly recommend.
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That’s right. There are Orbit B-Hyve systems that have less than 12 zones. Most people only have about 4 to 6 sprinkler zones. I have 24 sprinkler zones. Seven of my zones are “spare” zones. I use those for things like automatic fountain refilling, sending water to a float valve in the fountain, a drip system for the plants on the deck, hydroponic reservoir tank refilling, and other things. The rest of the zones go to in ground sprinkler heads. I only run 3 heads per zone, so I can have lots of water pressure and volume, plus lots of head to head overlap, for good coverage. It’s not a typical system that barely irrigates the lawn with dry areas.
The rain sensors only cost about $50. They aren’t hard to install. But the rain sensor probably isn’t going to help much if you irrigate in the early morning hours, when there might or might not be an afternoon thunderstorm.
Having to go out to the garage to turn on and off the sprinkler is a hassle, when it’s so much easier to do that with your cellphone that’s already in your hand.
The automated rain delay on the Orbit B-Hyve controller is pretty effective, since the controller knows about the weather forecasting. Spending $60 to improve your life for the lower zone count controller is dirt cheap and a no brainer.