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.