Orbit B-hyve Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer
Welcome to the Orbit B-hyve Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer. This guide will help you set up and use your new smart sprinkler timer to efficiently manage your landscape's watering needs.
Introduction to B-hyve
The B-hyve Smart WiFi Sprinkler Timer connects your irrigation system to your Wi-Fi network, allowing it to use local weather data and landscape information to deliver the right amount of water, saving water and money. You can control the timer via the B-hyve app or directly on the unit.
Key Benefit: Connecting to Wi-Fi enables optimal timer performance and ensures you receive the latest updates.
Table of Contents
- Parts
- Sprinkler Timer
- Timer Controls
- Digital Display
- B-hyve App
- Installation
- Selecting a Location
- Mounting the Timer
- Wiring the Sprinkler Valves
- Wiring the B-hyve Timer
- Connecting Electrical Power
- Activating Battery
- Replacing the Battery
- Programming
- Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Program Button (PROG ABC)
- Date/Time
- Start Time
- Run Time
- How Often
- Auto
- Budget
- Manual
- Additional Features
- Rain Delay
- Rain Sensor
- Pump Start & Master Valve
- Term Definition
- Troubleshooting
- Specifications
Parts of the Sprinkler Timer
The Sprinkler Timer includes:
- Weather Resistant Cover
- Lock and Latch
- Digital Display
- Dial
- Swing Door Panel
- Reset Button
- Transformer
- Battery Compartment
- Installation Hardware (screws)
- Screwdriver
Timer Controls:
- BACK: Navigates to the previous step or returns to the main menu. Pressing twice returns to AUTO mode.
- CLEAR: Clears a setting, cancels Rain Delay, a running program, or a manual watering cycle.
- PROG ABC: Toggles between programs (A, B, C) for setting up or modifying watering schedules.
- DIAL: Navigates through options (up, down, left, right) and makes selections by pressing.
- RAIN DELAY: Pauses operation due to rain or other factors.
Digital Display Explained
The digital display shows various status indicators:
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Solid bars indicate a connected Wi-Fi signal.
- Program Status: Indicates if a program (A, B, C, or Phone icon for smart mode) is active.
- Watering Status: Shows if a zone is currently watering or if the program is running.
- Fault/No AC: Indicates a fault or no AC power to the timer.
- Low Battery: Indicates a low battery level.
- Zone Information: Displays current zone, remaining time, and next start time.
- Budgeting: Shows if water budgeting has been adjusted.
- AC Power: Indicates if AC power is available.
- Zone Watering: Shows which zone is currently watering.
Note: The battery maintains time and date during power loss; programs are stored in non-volatile memory.
B-hyve App
Download the B-hyve app to create an account and manage your sprinkler timer. The app includes a wizard for initial setup, help screens, and useful tips.
Installation
Selecting a Location
Choose a location that is:
- Near an electrical outlet.
- Has a strong Wi-Fi signal (at least two bars on a smartphone).
- Within an operating temperature range of 32°F to 158°F (0°C to 70°C).
- Away from direct sunlight.
- Has at least 9 inches of space for the door to open.
- Provides easy access to sprinkler wires.
Important: The timer is weather-resistant but should not be placed where continuous water damage could occur.
Mounting the Timer
Required Tools: Small Flathead Screwdriver, Wire Strippers, Drill with 3/16" (4.8 mm) drill bit, Level.
- Install a No. 8 screw into the wall, leaving 1/8" (3 mm) of the screw head exposed.
- Hang the timer on the screw using the keyhole slot in the upper back cabinet.
- Level the timer and secure it with a second screw in a pre-formed mounting hole on the lower back cabinet.
Wiring
Wiring the Sprinkler Valves
- Strip 1/2" (13 mm) of insulation from valve and timer wires.
- Connect one wire from each valve to the common (COM) wire (usually white).
- Connect the remaining wire from each valve to a separate colored wire that will connect to the timer terminals.
Note: Use 20 gauge (AWG) wire for distances under 700' (210 m) and 16 gauge (AWG) for distances over 700' (210 m).
Important: Use wire nuts, solder, or vinyl tape for connections. Grease caps are recommended in wet environments for corrosion prevention. Wires can be buried directly or in PVC pipe for protection.
Wiring the B-hyve Timer
Connect wires to the appropriate terminals on the timer: Station wires to numbered terminals, and the common wire to the COM terminal.
Note: Consult an electrician for hardwired installations.
Warning: To avoid electrical hazards, connect only one valve per terminal (station). Maximum loading per station is 250mA, and for the timer is 500mA.
Connecting Electrical Power
Plug the timer into a power source. For indoor locations, use a standard 110V outlet. For outdoor locations, use a 110V Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) outlet.
The timer will begin a blinking sequence to indicate it's ready to pair with a smart device.
Important: Consult an electrician for hardwired installations.
Activating and Replacing the Battery
The timer includes a Lithium CR2032 battery to maintain time and date during power loss. Annual replacement is recommended.
To activate: Remove the plastic strip from the battery compartment.
To replace:
- Disconnect the timer from the power supply.
- Lift the edge of the coin cell battery (do not use a metal object).
- Insert a new CR2032 battery, ensuring the '+' side is up.
Warning: Use only the specified battery type (Hitachi Maxell Ltd, Type CR2032) to avoid risks of fire, explosion, or electric shock. Keep batteries away from children.
Note: If the program is lost due to power failure, the factory fail-safe program will run each station for 10 minutes daily. Dispose of used batteries according to manufacturer instructions.
Programming
Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Install the B-hyve app and create an account.
- Connect your smart device to the 'Orbit_SmartHome_XXXX' network created by the timer.
- Open the B-hyve app, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password.
The Wi-Fi icon on the timer will stop blinking and show solid lines when connected.
Tip: To re-pair your device, turn the dial to 'Off' and press the reset button on the back of the swing panel.
Program Button (PROG ABC)
The timer supports three independent programs (A, B, C) for flexible watering schedules. You can group stations with similar watering needs. Alternatively, use the 'Smart Watering' feature which uses local weather data.
Pressing the PROG ABC button cycles through active programs (A, B, C, or Phone icon for smart mode). Ensure the desired program is illuminated on the display.
Date/Time
If connected to Wi-Fi, the date and time sync automatically. To set manually:
- Navigate to DATE/TIME using the dial.
- Press the dial to select.
- Use the dial to set the Year, Month, Day, Hour (including AM/PM), and Minutes, pressing the dial after each entry to confirm.
Start Time
Set up to four start times per program. The first zone begins watering at the first start time. Subsequent start times will initiate watering after the previous program completes.
- Navigate to START TIME.
- Press the dial to select.
- Set the desired hour and minutes, pressing the dial to confirm each.
Tip: Only one start time is needed to run all zones. Additional start times help with soil absorption.
Run Time
Set the duration for each station (zone).
- Navigate to RUN TIME.
- Press the dial to select.
- Select the station number using the dial and press to confirm.
- Set the desired watering duration (MINS) for the station and press to confirm.
- Repeat for all stations in the program.
Note: Use the PROG ABC button to set run times for different programs.
How Often
Choose your watering frequency:
- Days of the Week: Select specific days (Mon, Tue, etc.).
- Intervals: Set watering every 'X' number of days.
- Odd or Even Days: Select odd or even days for watering.
Navigate to HOW OFTEN, press the dial, and use the dial to select your preferred method. Confirm your selection.
Features
Auto Mode
The timer should be in AUTO during the irrigation season and OFF during winter or non-irrigation months. If the dial is left in any position other than OFF, it will revert to AUTO after approximately 20 seconds.
Budget
Adjust watering duration for all zones by a percentage (10% to 200%) to adapt to seasonal changes. The default is 100%.
- Navigate to BUDGET.
- Press the dial to select.
- Use the dial to set the desired percentage and press to confirm.
Manual Watering
Manually run zones, programs, or all zones for testing or extra watering.
To water all zones: Navigate to MANUAL, press the dial, select 'ALL', press the dial, set duration, and press to start.
To water specific programs (A, B, C): Navigate to MANUAL, press the dial, select the desired program(s), press the dial, and press to start.
To water a specific zone: Navigate to MANUAL, press the dial, select STATION, press the dial, select the station number, press the dial, set duration, and press to start.
Press CLEAR to stop manual watering.
Rain Delay
Delay watering for 1 to 32 days. Press the RAIN DELAY button to initiate a 24-hour delay. For longer delays, press repeatedly or use the dial.
The timer will display the remaining delay time. Press CLEAR to cancel the Rain Delay.
Rain Sensor
Connect rain sensor wires to the 'Sensor' terminals. The timer can be operated even if the rain sensor is active by holding the Rain Delay button for 5 seconds to toggle the sensor override (SENS OFF/ON).
Important: If the rain sensor is 'on' and no sensor is connected, the timer will not operate.
Pump Start & Master Valve
The timer supports master valve or pump start relay operation. Connect the pump start relay or master valve wires to the 'Pump' and 'Common' terminals respectively.
Term Definitions
- START TIME: The time watering begins for the first programmed station.
- VALVE: Supplies water to a specific station or area.
- MASTER VALVE: Located at the main water source, controls water for the entire irrigation system.
- MULTIPLE START TIMES: Allows a program to run multiple times on the same day.
- OVERLAPPING PROGRAMS: A start time is set before the previous program completes, causing programs to stack.
- PROGRAM (A, B, OR C): Independent watering schedules set by the user.
- RAIN DELAY: Postpones watering for a specified duration.
- SOLENOID: The electrical component of an irrigation valve that opens and closes it.
- SPRINKLER TIMER: The device that controls the station valves.
- STATION: A group of sprinklers operated by a single valve.
- WATERING BUDGETING: Adjusts watering duration as a percentage of total watering time.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Possible Cause |
---|---|
One or more valves do not turn on | Faulty solenoid connection, Wire damaged or severed, Flow control stem closed, Programming incorrect. |
Stations turn on when they are not supposed to | Water pressure too high, More than one start time programmed, AM/PM incorrect. |
One station is stuck on and will not shut off | Faulty valve, Dirt or debris in valve, Valve diaphragm faulty. |
All valves do not turn on | Transformer defective or not connected, Programming incorrect. |
Timer will not power | Transformer not plugged into a working outlet. |
Valves continue to turn on and off when not programmed | More than one start time programmed with overlapping schedules, Excessive pressure. |
Display says Fault and flashes a zone number | Short in the wire, Short in the solenoid. |
Specifications
Rated Input:
- Australia: 240V AC 50/60Hz 0.15A
- Europe: 230V AC 50/60Hz 0.15A
- USA: 120V AC 60Hz 0.15A
Max Load:
- AUS & EU: 24V AC 1 Amp 50/60 Cycle
- USA: 24V AC 750 mA 60Hz
Temperature Operating Range: 32-167° F (0-75° C)
Storage & Transport Range: 32-176° F (0-80° C)
Humidity Operating Range: 0-80%
Altitude: 6,500' (2,000 meters)
IPX5 Rating
Installation Class II
Over Voltage Category II
Warning: Battery must be removed before scrapping the timer.
Help
For assistance, contact Orbit Technical Service:
- Phone: 1-800-488-6156 or 1-801-299-5555
- Website: www.orbitonline.com | bhyve.orbitonline.com
Listings
The sprinkler timer is tested to UL-50 standard & is ETL® listed.
FCC Compliance: This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules for Class B digital devices.
Caution: This appliance is not intended for use by unsupervised young children or infirm persons.
Limited Warranty
Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc. warrants the product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of delivery. This warranty covers repair or replacement of defective products. It does not cover products that have been modified, misused, or damaged due to improper installation or maintenance. For full warranty details and service claims, visit www.orbitonline.com/contact.