Irrigation controller
 

I need to replace my Hunter controller, has anyone replaced their's. I would welcome information, I do not need a wi-fi controlled one.

You can order one from Amazon for less than $100. If your controller is located in the garage, order an inside unit. Also, if you get the exact same model that you have, it is very easy to swap it out with a few screws, and wire connections.

I still have my original controller, but I disconnected the black and green wires, which disables the rain sensor and the solar sync function. In my opinion, these functions are worthless. I set the controller manually.

I don't believe you will get many replies since most replace the original controller with the wifi models which get the weather forcast automatically to saved water. If you want a newer controller get the Rachio when it goes on sale.

I would (did) replace yours with a WiFi version. Being able to configure it from the comfort of your chair is nice. Being able to see reports is really nice. Having it retrieve weather from local weather stations to adjust or postpone watering is a game changer. At about $150, you may not need one but you will be glad you bought one.

I had mine replaced professionally and paid more than I needed to. Connecting the wires is trivial, mounting it in the previous location was simple, and initial configuration was straightforward. If you can program your current controller you can program the new one.

I have the Hunter but others swear by the Rachio and it looks like the Rachio is the less expensive of the two.

Some fear technology which I assume is the issue with the OP so giving him recommendations on where to get what he has would be helpful.

If you want an "old style" irrigation controller, just go over to Lowes. They have them there and I believe there is only one or two choices. All these controllers will work basically the same.

If you want the Rachio, call
Chuck Grospitch
chuck.grospitch@gmail.com
440-823-4273

He can get it and set it up for you.

The Lowes website doesn't appear to have any Hunter controllers, but Amazon has several of them. Personally, I would prefer to purchase the same model as I already have. That way, you can take a photo of the wiring and swap out the new controller. You won't even need to drill any holes in the wall because the new controller will fit exactly where the old one is located. Note that you may also need to buy an outside sensor, if it no longer works. Some people have disabled the solar sync function and replaced the rain sensor with a wireless device. To me, the solar sync function is worthless. You can disable the rain and solar sync functions by disconnecting the black and green wires inside the controller, but you cannot disable only one of the two functions.

He can have my old Hunter controller for $25 if he really wants to go that way. It was working when I replaced it two years ago.

I replaced mine about 10 years ago. Easy to do. Still available on Amazon (see link below).

Hunter Sprinkler Irrigation https://a.co/d/4sEJWnz

I have a Hunter Controller like new you can have for $20.

Replace
 

Many on facebook marketplace in the Villages for around $25. Just swap it out.

I like my Rachio.

I replaced mine with a Hunter X Core. Got it from Amazon.

Everyone is entitled to their own specific views on this topic but i'm confused on why anyone would not get a Rachio or other computerized irrigation controller as a replacement since they are set and forget and will save you water vs a manual controller which we know from experience will have issues with the rain sensor since they will go bad after about 5 years, need periodic maintenance etc..? I also don't understand why anyone would manually water their property using the irrigation controller. What happens if you go away during the summer months? Just saying.

I don't manually use the controller every day. I set the watering times and the system automatically waters at specific times. If it rains, I may turn off the controller for a few days. Even when the rain sensor functioned, it was very inaccurate and I don't think it saved much water, if any. Also, the weather forecasts are so inaccurate that I would never use a controller that depends on weather forecasting.

Why not wifi?
 

We replaced ours with a B-hyve (Amazon). Took some work to set up - they'll help if you need - but it works great!

They don't exactly work as you think. The Rachio controller runs a soil model and makes watering decisions on a daily basis. While the forecast in our area is part of the calculation, the actual observed precipitation is the primary driver of whether it irrigates, for how long, and which zones are irrigated, on each day. I installed the Rachio when the original Hunter died. Installation and setup was about 90 minutes or so; ideally you will measure the inches per hour for each zone and that will take a bit of time. One of the other benefits is that you can turn individual zones on and off with your smart phone, which makes adjusting sprinkler heads convenient. When you travel, you should leave your wireless router on because the controller will not function correctly without a Wi-Fi connection. Mine is located in the low voltage panel in my garage and has no problem picking up the Wi-Fi signal from across the house.

My last 3 homes I put in the b-hyve Orbit smart controller. I’ve replaced over a dozen of my friends old worthless controllers with the b-hyve controller. I think they cost around $50-$70 for a 4 station. If you can use a screwdriver, it will take you 5 minutes to swap controllers and mount the unit in the network box. It’s pretty easy to configure it, probably 15-30 minutes to get that done. Now running it in SMART mode, it will run the stations when needed and it will vary the amount of time each station will run based on the criteria you put in and from the data it receives from the weather station you assign to it.
I bought my own personal weather station so my b-hyve get very accurate weather data

Hunter controller
 

I have one.

I have one for sale. Works fine. I just wanted a WIFI capable one

My irrigation water usage costs about $7 per month. So, I think a high tech watering controller is overkill.

I did the same!

I didn't buy one to attempt to save money, although I may very well be doing so. My Hunter died and I needed to replace it. The convenience of being able to control zones from my smart phone, while adjusting sprinkler heads, was well worth the incremental cost over a minimal controller. When the HP 35 came out, I guess some people thought that was overkill when compared to a slide ruler ;-)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...35_Red_Dot.jpg

Slide rule - Wikipedia

I am very interested in installing a b-hyve to replace my hunter controller. I had it done up in New York and it wasn’t that easy. I would love ask for your advice and or help.

As far as the weather forecasting being inaccurate, I agree. The Rachio lets you select weather from local weather stations which makes it pretty reliable.

Even if my rain sensor worked perfectly, I may save a dollar or two per month at best.

You can get a Hunter controller at Burry's Ace Hardware. I've replaced two of them, one due to lightning, and it is very simple to do. Make a note or diagram of where each wire goes to the existing controller and reconnect them in the same fashion to the new one. As I recall, the cost was less than $100.

I still have the original controller. I have an on/off switch for the rain sensor but I leave it on. If it works great we won’t water if it rains and if it doesn’t work then the sprinklers turn on. Not sure what you gain by disconnecting the wires. I’m interested to know.

The only way to disable the solar sync function is to disconnect both wires. This disables both the solar sync and the rain sensor. You cannot disable the solar sync without disabling the rain sensor as well. The solar sync function is worthless and it takes control of your watering times, which is not acceptable. That is why I disconnected both wires.

Maybe in your case but I'm saving a significant amount of money on water since using the Rachio. More than paid for itself in a short amount of time. Everyone's situation is different.

Agree.

I'm saving significant $$$ with my Hunter Controller.

:mornincoffee:

I haven't calculated my savings but I know there are days skipped, I know there is watering time added when it's particularly warm, and I know my grass is green.... all without any manual intervention on my part. The internet-connected controller is a win for me.

Hi my name is Jim, I had requested your help the other day, but since I don’t know if I’m doing it correctly. As I said previously, I have a b-hyve home in New York and love it. I have purchased one here and I would love for you to give me a hand, I would gladly pay you for your assistance. We live in Sanibel. I would appreciate an answer one way or another so at least I know I sent it correctly. Thanks and have a great day!

I replaced ours after getting the prices to have someone do it ! Mentioned the bids we received to an employee at ace as i was there to pick up a couple replacement pieces for the sprinkler heads. His advice was to check on line. I did, bought a hunter (not Wi-fi or phone app type) bought a brand new hunter unit from a large well known garden wholesale/retailer, followed the Ace hardware employee's advice that it was VERY SIMPLE, take it off wall, take the few wires off ONE at a time, not all at once, attach each to the color on the new controller first, THEN remove the old controller entirely and attach the new one with the provided screws. I plugged it in, held my breath a bit, and SURPRISE, each station worked perfectly. The best part, I did this WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS GONE to help our son in another state. I know nothing about electricity or about irrigation systems, replacement was one of the most simple tasks I've ever done, and the money saved was mind boggling, most bids were THREE times the price of the controller it's self. Utube (Hunter) can also show you in detail, watch it and decide for yourself what a simple thing replacement is.

LOL, I always take a picture of the old units wiring placement regardless of taking notes or one wire at a time method.

Glad you were able to do it yourself. Actually, almost all of these irrigation controller wiring are the same. You have power and ground then a wire for each zone and finally two wires for the rain sensor which you don't really need to connect if you have a wifi controller.

For those who don't want to spend a lot on the install, call Chuck. chuck.grospitch@gmail.com
440-823-4273