Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer with Wi-Fi Hub

Product Overview

The Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer with Wi-Fi Hub is designed to provide intelligent and convenient control over your outdoor watering. This system allows you to automate watering schedules, monitor water usage, and adjust settings remotely via a smartphone application. It helps ensure your plants receive the right amount of water, promoting healthy growth while conserving water.

The system includes a smart hose faucet timer and a Wi-Fi hub. The timer connects directly to your outdoor faucet, and the hub plugs into a standard indoor electrical outlet, extending the Wi-Fi signal to the timer for seamless communication.

Key features include:

• Remote Control: Manage your watering from anywhere using the B-hyve app on your iOS or Android device.
• Smart Watering: Utilizes local weather data to automatically adjust watering schedules, preventing overwatering and conserving water.
• Flexible Scheduling: Create custom watering programs with specific start times, durations, and days.
• Manual Operation: Easily initiate or stop watering directly from the timer or through the app.
• Flow Meter: Built-in flow meter helps track water usage.

Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up your Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer:

1. Install Batteries in Timer: The smart hose faucet timer requires two AA batteries. Locate the battery compartment, typically on the side or front, and insert the batteries. The timer may click twice to confirm it is functioning correctly.
2. Connect Timer to Faucet: Securely attach the smart hose faucet timer to your outdoor hose spigot. Ensure a tight connection to prevent leaks.
3. Plug in Wi-Fi Hub: Plug the Wi-Fi Hub into a standard indoor electrical outlet. For optimal signal strength, choose an outlet that is relatively close to where your hose faucet timer is installed. The hub connects to your home's 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
4. Download B-hyve App: Download the free Orbit B-hyve app from your device's app store (iOS or Android).
5. Create Account and Pair Devices: Open the B-hyve app and create an account. Follow the in-app instructions to add your Wi-Fi Hub and then your smart hose faucet timer. The app will guide you through the pairing process, which may involve enabling Bluetooth on your phone for initial connection.
6. Firmware Update: The app may prompt you to update the device firmware. It is recommended to complete this update for optimal performance. This process can take a few minutes.
7. Initial Programming: Once connected, you can begin programming your watering schedules through the app. You can choose between smart watering (which uses local weather data) or manual scheduling.

Figure 1: Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer, Wi-Fi Hub, and App Interface.

Figure 2: Illustration of B-hyve Wi-Fi Hub compatibility with Gen 1 devices.

Operating Instructions

The B-hyve app provides comprehensive control over your watering system. Here's how to operate your timer:

Manual Watering

To manually water, open the B-hyve app and navigate to the timer's control screen. You can set a specific duration for watering. Alternatively, you can press the button on the timer itself to initiate a manual watering cycle for a pre-determined duration set in the app.

Figure 3: Setting up manual watering programs via the B-hyve app.

Setting Up Schedules

The app allows for highly customizable watering schedules:

• Custom Schedules: Define specific start times, watering durations, and select individual days of the week, or choose interval watering (e.g., every 2 or 3 days).
• Smart Watering (WeatherSense): Enable Smart Watering to allow the system to automatically adjust schedules based on real-time local weather data, including rainfall, temperature, and humidity. This feature helps prevent overwatering and conserves water.
• Rain Delay: If unexpected rain occurs, you can manually set a rain delay for 12 hours, 24 hours, or 2+ days to pause scheduled watering and avoid unnecessary irrigation.

Figure 4: The B-hyve app interface for automatic watering settings.

Figure 5: Customizing watering programs for specific plant types.

Monitoring Water Usage

The built-in flow meter provides data on your water consumption, which can be viewed within the B-hyve app. This helps you understand and optimize your watering habits.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer:

• Battery Replacement: The timer uses two AA batteries. The app will notify you when the battery level is low. To replace, slide open the battery compartment, remove old batteries, insert new ones, and close the compartment securely. Batteries typically last about one year.
• Check for Leaks: Periodically inspect the connections between the timer and the faucet, and the timer and your hose/sprinkler for any signs of leakage. Tighten connections as needed.
• Firmware Updates: Keep your device's firmware updated through the B-hyve app. Updates often include performance improvements and new features.
• Winterization: Before freezing temperatures arrive, disconnect the timer from the faucet and store it indoors in a dry, protected area. Remove batteries before storage to prevent corrosion.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer, try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Connectivity Issues (App/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi):
  • Ensure your Wi-Fi Hub is plugged in and has a stable connection to your home Wi-Fi.
  • Verify that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and that you are within range of the timer for initial setup or direct control.
  • Check the battery level of the timer in the app. Replace batteries if low, even if the app shows 100% but the unit is unresponsive (a known occasional issue).
  • Try restarting the B-hyve app or your smartphone.
  • If issues persist, try resetting the timer (refer to the full user manual for specific reset procedures) and re-pairing it with the app.
• Water Leakage:
  • Ensure all connections (faucet to timer, timer to hose/sprinkler) are tightened securely.
  • Check the rubber washers inside the connectors for damage or misalignment. Replace if necessary.
• Timer Not Activating/Deactivating:
  • Confirm that the timer has sufficient battery power.
  • Check the app for any active rain delays or manual overrides that might be preventing scheduled watering.
  • Ensure the outdoor faucet is fully open.
  • Verify that the schedule in the app is correctly set and enabled.

For more detailed troubleshooting or complex issues, please refer to the full user manual or contact Orbit customer support.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Warranty: The Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

User Manuals: For detailed instructions and additional information, please refer to the official PDF manuals:

• Installation Manual (PDF)
• User Manual (PDF)
• User Guide (PDF)

Customer Support: For further assistance, product registration, or to explore other Orbit products, visit the official Orbit Store:

Visit the Orbit Store