1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Insoma 4-Zone Water Timer SGW16-TT. This automatic watering device is designed to simplify your garden irrigation, offering precise control over watering schedules for up to four independent zones. Featuring durable brass inlet and outlet connections, this timer ensures reliable performance. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation to ensure proper use and longevity of your device.
2. Product Overview
The Insoma SGW16-TT water timer is equipped with several features designed for convenience and durability.
Key Features:
- 4 Independent Watering Zones: Control up to four separate irrigation areas with customized schedules.
- Brass Inlet and Outlet: Enhanced durability and leak resistance with robust brass connections.
- Integrated Metal Filter: Prevents debris from entering the timer, ensuring clean water flow.
- 360° Swivel Brass Inlet: Allows for easy connection to your faucet without twisting the hose.
- Programmable Schedules: Set specific start times, watering durations, and frequencies.
- Manual Watering Function: Override programmed schedules for immediate watering needs.
- Rain Delay Feature: Pause watering for 1 to 15 days to conserve water during rainy periods.
- IPX5 Waterproof Rating: Designed to withstand splashes and light rain.
- Low Battery Protection: Indicates when batteries need replacement to prevent interruption of schedules.
- Child Lock Function: Prevents accidental changes to settings.
Figure 2.1: Improved Brass Inlet and Outlet Components. This image highlights the integrated metal filter (01), the 360° swivel brass inlet (02), and the 100% reinforced brass outlet (03), showcasing the durable construction of the water timer's connections.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1. Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the timer.
- Slide the battery cover off.
- Insert two AA alkaline batteries (not included), ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Replace the battery cover securely. The timer display should activate.
3.2. Connecting to Faucet
- Ensure your outdoor faucet is turned off.
- The timer features a brass inlet. While designed for standard garden hose connections, some faucets may require an adapter. The timer includes an adapter to reduce the inlet to a common garden hose size.
- Carefully thread the timer's inlet onto your faucet. Hand-tighten only. Do not overtighten.
- Note on Adapters: If using the included adapter, ensure it forms a tight, leak-free seal. Some users have reported issues with the included adapter not sealing properly, leading to leaks. If leaks occur, consider using additional Teflon tape or a different, higher-quality brass reducer/adapter to ensure a secure connection.
- Turn on your faucet fully.
3.3. Connecting Hoses to Outlets
- Connect your garden hoses or irrigation lines to the four reinforced brass outlets at the bottom of the timer.
- Ensure each connection is hand-tightened to prevent leaks.
4. Operating Instructions
The Insoma water timer features an intuitive interface for programming and control.
Figure 4.1: Programmable Watering Schedules. This image illustrates the main display and controls for setting the clock, start time, duration, and frequency of watering.
4.1. Setting the Clock
- Press the NOW button to enter the clock setting mode.
- Use the UP/DOWN arrows to select between 12-hour or 24-hour format. Press OK to confirm.
- Use the UP/DOWN arrows to set the current hour, then press OK.
- Use the UP/DOWN arrows to set the current minute, then press OK to save.
4.2. Programming Watering Schedules
Each of the four zones can be programmed independently.
- Select the desired zone (1, 2, 3, or 4) by pressing the corresponding zone button.
- Press the NOW button to cycle through programming options: Start Time, How Long (Duration), How Often (Frequency).
- Set Start Time: When 'START TIME' is displayed, use the UP/DOWN arrows to set the desired start hour and minute. Press OK to confirm.
- Set Duration (How Long): When 'HOW LONG' is displayed, use the UP/DOWN arrows to set the watering duration from 1 to 360 minutes. Press OK to confirm.
- Set Frequency (How Often): When 'HOW OFTEN' is displayed, use the UP/DOWN arrows to set the watering frequency (e.g., every 1-23 hours or every 1-15 days). Press OK to confirm.
- Repeat for other zones as needed.
4.3. Manual Watering
To water immediately without affecting programmed schedules:
Figure 4.2: Manual Watering. This image shows the timer's display during manual watering and indicates that when multiple zones are selected for manual watering, they will open sequentially.
- Press the MANUAL button.
- Use the UP/DOWN arrows to select the desired watering duration (e.g., 0 min, 180 min, 360 min).
- Press OK to start manual watering.
- To stop manual watering, press ESC/OFF.
- Note: If multiple zones are selected for manual watering, the valves will open sequentially.
4.4. Rain Delay Function
To temporarily pause watering during rainy weather:
Figure 4.3: Rain Delay Function. This image demonstrates the rain delay feature, allowing users to pause watering for 1 to 15 days to save water. The timer also features an IPX5 waterproof rating.
- Press the DELAY button.
- Use the UP/DOWN arrows to select the desired delay duration (e.g., 1 day, 2 days, up to 15 days).
- Press OK to activate the rain delay. The timer will resume its programmed schedule after the delay period.
- To cancel the rain delay, press DELAY again and set the delay to 0, or press ESC/OFF.
4.5. Child Lock Function
To prevent accidental changes to settings:
Figure 4.4: Low Battery Protection and Child Lock. This image shows the low battery indicator (top) and the child lock icon (bottom), which prevents unauthorized changes to settings.
- To activate the child lock, press and hold the OK button for 3 seconds until a lock icon appears on the display.
- To deactivate, press and hold the OK button again for 3 seconds until the lock icon disappears.
4.6. Display Overview
The improved display provides clear information on various modes:
Figure 4.5: All on Display. This image illustrates the various display modes, including programmed schedules, manual watering, rain delay, and child lock, providing a comprehensive overview of the timer's status.
- NOW: Shows the current time and active programmed schedule details (Start Time, How Long, How Often).
- Manual Watering: Displays the remaining time for manual watering.
- Rain Delay: Shows the remaining delay period.
- Child Lock: Indicates when the child lock is active.
5. Maintenance
5.1. Battery Replacement
The timer features a low battery indicator. When this icon appears, replace the batteries promptly to avoid interruption of watering schedules. Refer to Section 3.1 for battery installation steps.
5.2. Cleaning the Filter
The integrated metal filter at the inlet should be checked periodically for debris. If clogged, carefully remove the filter and rinse it under running water. Reinsert the filter before reattaching the timer to the faucet.
5.3. Winterization
Before the first frost, disconnect the water timer from the faucet and hoses. Drain any remaining water from the unit. Store the timer indoors in a dry, frost-free location. Remove batteries if storing for extended periods.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water leaks from faucet connection. | Loose connection; faulty adapter; missing or damaged washer. | Ensure connection is hand-tight. Check if the included adapter is sealing correctly; if not, try using Teflon tape or a different brass reducer. Verify the rubber washer is properly seated and undamaged. |
| Water leaks from hose outlets. | Loose hose connection; damaged hose washer. | Ensure hoses are securely attached and hand-tightened. Check hose washers for damage and replace if necessary. |
| No water flow from a zone. | Faucet off; low water pressure; clogged filter; zone not programmed; faulty valve. | Ensure faucet is fully open. Check water pressure. Clean the inlet filter. Verify the zone is correctly programmed or activate manual watering. If issue persists, the valve may be defective. |
| Display is blank or dim. | Dead or low batteries; incorrect battery installation. | Replace batteries with fresh AA alkaline batteries. Check battery polarity. |
| Timer not watering at scheduled times. | Incorrect programming; rain delay active; low batteries. | Review programming for start time, duration, and frequency. Check if rain delay is active. Replace batteries. |
| Zone remains permanently open or closed. | Internal valve malfunction. | This indicates a potential defect in the internal mechanism. Contact customer support for assistance. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SGW16-TT |
| Brand | Insoma |
| Colour | Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 7.1 x 12.7 x 11.9 cm |
| Item Weight | 680 g |
| Battery Life (Approx.) | 6 months |
| Watering Duration | 1 - 360 minutes |
| Watering Frequency | Every 1-23 hours or 1-15 days |
| Rain Delay Duration | 1 - 15 days |
8. Safety Information
- Do not immerse the timer in water. It is designed to be water-resistant, not submersible.
- Use only alkaline batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries.
- Remove batteries if the timer will not be used for an extended period.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself. Contact customer support for assistance.
- Ensure all connections are secure to prevent water damage.
9. Warranty and Support
Insoma products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or any questions regarding your Insoma 4-Zone Water Timer SGW16-TT, please refer to the contact information provided with your purchase or visit the official Insoma website. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.