Rain Bird 12 station easy to set timer

I had a bit of bad luck with a 12 station Orbit timer already reviewed elsewhere. This one by Rain Bird is similar to that in that it has 12 stations. But so far, that is about all it has in common.

The Rain Bird 12 station automatic sprinkler timer comes with an attached outer door that is “lockable” in that it has a place a lock can be attached (supplied by user). This door is heavy plastic, so it is not much of a secure lock. But then again, it is only a timer. They say this is suitable for outdoor use, and who am I to say otherwise? One thing, on this as others I have seen, there is no gasket on the door to ensure moisture will stay out. But, mine is mounted inside, so that is no concern for me.

The transformer is built right into the enclosure so it is as secure as other components. The transformer can be seen by pulling the cover plate from the lower part of the timer below the display and control panels. Inside you will also find the terminals for 12 sprinklers, including two common connectors and a rain sensor (purchased separately). This also has an extra terminal for a master valve-pump start also not included. Those are not used in my setup. I want to mention though that there is another version of this timer that includes a weather sensor to over-ride settings based on current conditions, but it is a bit more expensive than I wanted to do now.

One reason I chose this brand over a replacement Orbit controller is that Rain Bird unit says it has superior surge protection. My thought is that my house has issues with surges, so I want all the protection I can get. One other improvement over the previous controller I tried is that the Rain Bird claims to have complete back-up of all settings with no extra battery needed. Many other units I looked at have a battery back-up only, and those can fail. They say it "timer settings are stored indefinately" with no battery needed.

Sprinkler wires are easily connected to push-in terminals. You have to be sure you have stripped enough insulation, or connection may not be secure. Also you should use a needle nose pliers to push in wires as the terminal connectors are much closer packed than in other units I have tried.

This is pretty easy to set up using the main selector dial to set the clock time, date, and individual valve time positions. To increase or decrease values you use two up-down arrow buttons. There is a button for each day of the week to set up watering, and select frequency of watering. You can select one zone to water manually, or another for all zones. If you select one zone to run, you will have to re-set the unit to run all automatically. Rain delay can be set manually up to 72 hours. And there is a seasonal adjustment to add or shorten pre-set run times depending on seasonal needs from -90% to +100%. There is an Off selection to turn off all functions.

Display screen is a bit small for my taste, but it still is easy to see and readable. In use, screen will display current time and next zone scheduled to water. In rain delay, screen shows current time and remaining hours until schedule resumes. While watering all zones, display will show current time, which zone is ON and how long left on that zone. If you have an electrical problem in the system, the unit will tell you which station has a potential problem.

Note that this is a single program unit, with individual set start times for each valve, and with multiple possible watering times per day. If you need a unit with more than one possible program, this is not it.

I used Rain Bird timers almost 30 years ago in a retail nursery, and this has a similar feel to it even though technology is quite advanced from that earlier totally mechanical timer. Rain Bird has been around for a long time, and that has to be significant.

Orbit 12 station Easy-set Sprinkler timer model 27892

This unit replaces two now ancient (by sprinkler timer standards) 6 valve timers from different companies and eras. And that is one reason for the replacement. It is much easier to program one unit than to remember how two from different decades are programmed. And this is a good unit for easy programming. Basically, once it was wired, I programmed it without instructions.

Out of the box the Orbit easy set 12 station sprinkler timer is a hefty solidly built timer. Of course it has been a few years since I had to purchase a timer. The ones I have experience with are light weights compared to this. It comes designed to be mounted either outside or inside and has a lockable exterior door to keep others (hopefully) from gaining access to programs if that is something you need. I plan to leave mine unlocked, but it is nice to know I can lock it if I decide to.

The unit has a built in transformer with plug, but this also can be hard wired to existing 120 AC if desired. The transformer can be accessed through opening the swing out display panel. Once you open the door, you also have access to the wiring panel for up to 12 sprinklers, a pump start/master valve and optional (rain sensor purchased separately) rain sensor connection. The connections are by insertion of the wires directly, and they can be disconnected by easy insertion of a small screw driver on a plastic tab.

Program selections are seen on an easily visible LCD screen. Programming can include 3 separate programs of up to 12 sprinklers with up to 12 start times of up to 240 minutes run-time. Programming can be done with a large rotary dial to select individual functions and several “plus” and “minus” and “continue” buttons to advance to next station, or add to or decrease watering times or days, etc. Individual days of the week can be selected for each program selected, or you can select even or odd days, or every other day. Programming has so many variations, I am sure I never will utilize as many as are included. Like I said, I originally programmed mine without directions, but the directions are easy to use also, and include an easy start sheet to post near installation site for reference if anything goes wrong.

Unit also has an extra “Budget” program selection so you can add to, or decrease all watering times without resetting individual time entries. For example, if you have a time set for 60 minutes at default 100% entry and it is spring you can decrease the time to 30 minutes by entering 50% in budget selection. Range is 10% to 200% in increments of 10%.

Rain delays can be set for 12, 36, or 72 hours. If you need more time than that in rain delay, timer can be turned OFF. Or if you use the optional rain sensor, it would track all of that for you. All stations can be run manually, or you can choose any one station in any program to run manually. But, if you do this, remember to return unit to automatic running afterward. If not, it will stay on the last manual setting. This is one thing I would change. It would be nice if it returned to auto on its own after a manual run.

Unit has a battery back up to maintain program settings only. This is an easily obtainable (CR2032) lithium battery that has been used for years in many devices. You may have them already for watches or remote controls. They suggest replacement every year to avoid loss of programming. But, if unit loses program, it should return to a default setting of daily ten minute watering of each station until reprogramming is completed.

Warrantee is for six years from date of purchase

Note, I had trouble with my timer which may have been due to AC line surges. It has been replaced. See next entry.