1. Product Overview
The Eshico HCT-326 is a digital 2-outlet water timer designed for automatic irrigation in gardens, lawns, and patios. It features precise timing, an intelligent system, and is suitable for outdoor use with simple installation.
Front view of the Eshico HCT-326 Digital Water Timer, showing the LCD display and control buttons.
Key features of the HCT-326 timer, including double outlets, lock screen, intelligent system, automatic screen, outdoor use, and simple installation.
2. Setup and Installation
2.1. Battery Installation
The HCT-326 water timer requires 2 x 1.5V 'AA' Alkaline Batteries (not included) for operation. Ensure batteries are inserted with correct polarity.
Diagram showing the dimensions of the HCT-326 timer and indicating the power supply requirement of 2*1.5 'AA' Alkaline Batteries (Not Included).
2.2. Selecting the Correct Connector Type
Faucet thread standards vary by region. Please confirm the correct SKU for your location before installation.
- For the United States, Canada, and Mexico: Please select 'For UN Connector (Type-B)'.
- For other countries: Please select 'For BS Connector (Type-A)'.
Important note regarding regional faucet thread standards and the corresponding connector types (Type-A for BS, Type-B for UN).
Image illustrating the Type-B connector, suitable for UN standard faucets, and the included rubber ring.
Image illustrating the Type-A connector, suitable for BS standard faucets, along with a faucet adapter, rubber ring, and quick connector.
2.3. Attaching to Faucet
- Ensure the rubber ring is properly seated inside the timer's inlet connector to prevent leaks.
- Screw the timer securely onto your outdoor faucet. The timer features a 360-degree active brass connector for easy attachment.
- Connect your garden hoses to the two outlets at the bottom of the timer.
Close-up view of the durable brass connector, featuring a 360-degree active design and an integrated filter screen.
Example of the HCT-326 water timer installed on an outdoor faucet, demonstrating its use in a garden setting.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1. LCD Display and Button Functions
The timer features an intuitive LCD display and a set of buttons for easy programming.
Detailed diagram of the HCT-326's LCD display elements and the functions of each control button.
LCD Display Indicators:
- NOW: Current Time
- Battery Level Display: Indicates remaining battery power.
- DELAY: Indicates delay watering is active.
- Manual Watering Icon: Appears during manual watering.
- Child Lock Icon: Indicates child lock is engaged.
- START TIME: Displays the programmed start time for watering.
- HOW LONG: Displays the duration of watering (minutes/hours).
- HOW OFTEN: Displays the frequency of watering (hours/days).
- NEXT START: Shows the time remaining until the next scheduled watering cycle.
- A / B: Indicates which outlet (A or B) is currently being programmed or is active.
Button Functions:
- NOW Button: Used to adjust the current time.
- A/B Button: Switches between programming or viewing settings for Outlet A and Outlet B.
- ESC/OFF Button: Exits the current setting mode or turns off the timer.
- OK/Setup Button: Confirms selections or enters setup mode.
- +/- Buttons: Increases or decreases numerical values during programming.
- DELAY Button: Activates or adjusts the delay watering function.
3.2. Programming a Watering Schedule
Follow these general steps to set up your watering program:
- Set Current Time: Press the 'NOW' button and use '+/-' to set the current time. Press 'OK' to confirm.
- Set Start Time: Press 'OK/Setup' to enter programming mode. Navigate to 'START TIME' and use '+/-' to set your desired watering start time. Press 'OK' to confirm.
- Set Watering Duration ('HOW LONG'): Navigate to 'HOW LONG' and use '+/-' to set how many minutes or hours you want the watering to last. Press 'OK' to confirm.
- Set Watering Frequency ('HOW OFTEN'): Navigate to 'HOW OFTEN' and use '+/-' to set how frequently the watering should occur (e.g., every 12 hours, every 2 days). Press 'OK' to confirm.
- Program Outlet B (Optional): Use the 'A/B' button to switch to Outlet B and repeat steps 2-4 to set an independent schedule for the second outlet.
- Exit Programming: Press 'ESC/OFF' to exit programming mode. The timer will now operate according to your set schedule.
3.3. Manual Watering
To initiate manual watering outside of the programmed schedule, press the dedicated manual watering button (often integrated with 'OK' or a separate icon). Use '+/-' to set the desired duration, then press 'OK' to start. Press 'ESC/OFF' to stop manual watering.
3.4. Child Lock
To prevent accidental changes to your program, activate the child lock by pressing and holding the child lock button (indicated by a lock icon) for a few seconds. Repeat to deactivate.
4. Maintenance
4.1. Cleaning
Wipe the timer's exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the unit in water. Regularly check and clean the inlet filter screen to prevent debris from entering the timer.
4.2. Battery Replacement
When the low battery indicator appears on the LCD, replace both 'AA' alkaline batteries promptly to ensure continuous operation and prevent program loss. Always use fresh, high-quality alkaline batteries.
4.3. Winter Storage
Before the first frost or freezing temperatures, remove the water timer from the faucet. Drain any remaining water from the unit and store it indoors in a dry, protected area. Remove batteries if storing for extended periods.
5. Troubleshooting
- No Water Flow:
- Check if the faucet is fully open.
- Ensure hoses are properly connected and not kinked.
- Verify battery level; replace if low.
- Check if the timer is in 'OFF' mode or if the program is correctly set.
- Timer Not Starting:
- Confirm the 'START TIME', 'HOW LONG', and 'HOW OFTEN' settings are correctly programmed.
- Ensure the current time is set accurately.
- Check battery level.
- Display Issues:
- If the display is dim or blank, replace the batteries.
- Leakage:
- Ensure all connections (faucet to timer, timer to hoses) are tight.
- Verify that the rubber rings/gaskets are properly seated and not damaged.
6. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HCT-326 |
| Brand | Eshico |
| Type | Garden Water Timers |
| Product Name | 2-Outlet Water Timer |
| Material | ABS+PC |
| Timer Type | Ac Pro |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Weight | 530g |
| Item Size | 120*55*122mm (4.72*2.17*4.84 inches) |
| Connect | 3/4'' & 1/2'' |
| Ingress Protection | IPX5 |
| Working Pressure | 0.05-0.8MPA |
| Working Temperature | 3-45℃ |
| Power Supply | 2*1.5 'AA' Alkaline Batteries (Not Included) |
| Irrigation Frequency | Second/Minutes/Hours/Day |
| Certificate | RoHS/CE/ISO9001/FCC/Design Patented |
7. Warranty and Support
Eshico is committed to providing high-quality products. This product is covered by standard consumer protection laws and guarantees.
7.1. Buyer Protection
Your purchase is protected by AliExpress Buyer Protection. This ensures you get your money back if your order isn't delivered by the estimated date or if you're not satisfied with your order.
7.2. Free Returns
This product may be eligible for free returns within 90 days. Please check the specific return policy at the time of purchase for details.
7.3. Technical Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact the seller directly through the AliExpress platform. Provide your order number and a detailed description of the issue for prompt support.
