Irrigation controller

 
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Old 01-14-2025, 12:24 PM
Vernon Hud Vernon Hud is offline
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Default 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.

Last edited by Moderator; 01-14-2025 at 07:34 PM.
 
Old 01-14-2025, 12:29 PM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
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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.
 
Old 01-14-2025, 01:37 PM
jrref jrref is offline
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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.
 
Old 01-14-2025, 02:22 PM
Bill14564 Bill14564 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vernon Hud View Post
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.
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.
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Old 01-14-2025, 07:02 PM
JoMar JoMar is offline
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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.
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Old 01-15-2025, 07:48 AM
jrref jrref is offline
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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.
 
Old 01-15-2025, 08:06 AM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jrref View Post
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.
 
Old 01-15-2025, 08:23 AM
Bill14564 Bill14564 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoMar View Post
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.
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.
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Old 01-15-2025, 08:56 AM
n8xwb n8xwb is offline
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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
 
Old 01-16-2025, 06:13 AM
Nacoma Nacoma is offline
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I have a Hunter Controller like new you can have for $20.
 
Old 01-16-2025, 06:49 AM
Joecool Joecool is offline
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Many on facebook marketplace in the Villages for around $25. Just swap it out.
 
Old 01-16-2025, 07:12 AM
Meyerro Meyerro is offline
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I like my Rachio.
 
Old 01-16-2025, 07:41 AM
Bob04090 Bob04090 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vernon Hud View Post
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.
I replaced mine with a Hunter X Core. Got it from Amazon.
 
Old 01-16-2025, 08:11 AM
jrref jrref is offline
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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.
 
Old 01-16-2025, 08:23 AM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jrref View Post
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.
 

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controller, irigation, controlled, wi-fi, information
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