[Halibut]

Originally Posted by mydavid

I found most don't work well, I've gone manual, I run mine when I think my grass needs it and where it needs it.

I gave up fiddling with mine as well in favor of manually setting it.

In fact, I leave irrigation off entirely during the summer months.

[davephan]

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.

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.

[retiredguy123]

As a practical matter, the sensor that turns off the water when it rains is not going to save you very much money. If you water two times a week, it may prevent a few excessive waterings in a month. But, irrigation water only costs about 22 cents for 100 gallons of water. Most people can save more money by reducing the watering duration setting on their controller. For most lawns, I think 20-30 minutes twice a week is way too long. I only water for about 5 minutes per zone and have had no problems. Reduce you watering time and see what happens.

[ctmurray]

I have Massey for my irrigation service and they replaced mine. These wear out over time.

Originally Posted by Robbie0723

That policy has not translated into reality for me for un-received shipments from a vendor with a long history of fraud. Buyer beware...

Read the seller reviews before you buy!

[chrissy2231]

You need irrigation service to fix. I use Superior 352-751-3389 who supply insect/termite services, lawn treatment (no mowing) and insect service. I pay $595/year. They kept that price the last 4 years.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by JDIronton

Here is the link to one seller

8 Hunter Irrigation Mini Clik Rain Sensor Hygroscopic discs - w/ Brass Washer | eBay

Are there 8 of these hygroscopic discs in the device?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

Are there 8 of these hygroscopic discs in the device?

I think there is a stack of them, but not sure the exact number.

[kmonts@bellsouth.net]

We use ACI Irrigation. They come every two to three months to check everything and they just replaced thr sensor.

[Baruffell]

I was told that you have to get more than a half inch to stop the system to shutdown.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Where did you buy the wafer thingy? I haven't found them anywhere.

Correction - Anywhere but Ebay. I just don't trust Ebay.

ebay.....Hunter 26005613719 is the wafer thingy I use. Hunter wired type censer.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I think there is a stack of them, but not sure the exact number.

Hunter 26005613719

[RH5037]

Originally Posted by Lyn Wagner

Do you also use a rain sensor with the WiFi controller?

If you use the wifi controller you do not need the rain sensor.

[Topspinmo]

Most time all got to do is remove top holding onto the stem sticking out clean the mold off the disc’s and bottom of the housing and install it.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Baruffell

I was told that you have to get more than a half inch to stop the system to shutdown.

Depending on what notch you set it on, it’s marked