WiFi App Controlled Water Timer

[Dermot]

Hi team!

I'm on the lookout for a smart water controller over WiFi. Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[hampton]

I like the Orbit b-hyve line coupled with their Wi-Fi hub. I think @Cajunrider has recently implemented a couple in his setup and can give his two cents as well.

 

[Cajunrider]

I like the Orbit b-hyve line coupled with their Wi-Fi hub. I think @Cajunrider has recently implemented a couple in his setup and can give his two cents as well.

I bought the 4 outlet Orbit XD Wifi at Lowes for $79 and the hub for $35. So far so good for the last 30 days. Time will tell how long they last.

Like all timers, the automatic watering based on
soil saturation does not work for bonsai. I program the 4 zones to run in succession to keep maximum water pressure at each zones. Now in the heat of summer, the zones are run 3 times a day at approximately 9am, 2pm, and 6 pm.

I can check my camera and adjust.

 

[Dermot]

I like the Orbit b-hyve line coupled with their Wi-Fi hub. I think @Cajunrider has recently implemented a couple in his setup and can give his two cents as well.

Thanks. I'll check it out. Work's as expected?

 

[hampton]

I’ve had mine in service for a year and other than testing it monthly and replacing batteries I haven’t had any issues to speak of. All in all I would recommend the purchase

 

[Dermot]

I’ve had mine in service for a year and other than testing it monthly and replacing batteries I haven’t had any issues to speak of. All in all I would recommend the purchase

Perfect. Thanks for the info

 

[PowerTap]

I also run my system on a b-hyve, for both the lawn and the bonsai.

 

[coltranem]

I bought the 4 outlet Orbit XD Wifi at Lowes for $79 and the hub for $35. So far so good for the last 30 days. Time will tell how long they last.

Like all timers, the automatic watering based on
soil saturation does not work for bonsai. I program the 4 zones to run in succession to keep maximum water pressure at each zones. Now in the heat of summer, the zones are run 3 times a day at approximately 9am, 2pm, and 6 pm.

I can check my camera and adjust.

@Cajunrider what are you using for a camera. How much can you see the trees need watering vs just checking general conditions.

 

[Mikee002]

What emitters/sprinklers are you all using with your systems?

 

[Dermot]

What emitters/sprinklers are you all using with your systems?

I use a basic oscillating one as in the attached image. I have taped up the side holes to mask off sections I don't need.
I currently have a programmable timer which comes on for 4 minutes every hour from midday to 5pm during hot dry days. It's working really well actually.

 

[PowerTap]

What emitters/sprinklers are you all using with your systems?

I've setup a micro sprinkler system and have had the best luck with misters. which I feel give me the best control over what gets sprayed and gets more of the soil wet in a pot than other heads I've tested.

 

[b3bowen]

More complex than most want but I don't have to water my trees. I just check on them every day or two to make sure the watering plan for a specific tree does not need to change.

Bonsai Irrigation

I suspect that there are others out there like me, who work, are just busy, or perhaps just vacation a lot for whom watering bonsai can be problematic. There are a lot of posts out there on using hose timers, and I think these are good for a short term trip. Over the last couple of years I have...

www.bonsainut.com

I have not lost any trees last year or this one since the system was set up.