Auto Timer for garden hose

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Chilled, Jun 6, 2024.

  1. Chilled

    Chilled Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2024
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    New Forest
    Ratings:
    +11
    I would like to control the watering of my garden while away for three or four weeks.
    I've tried setting up the unit shown but it does not have a timer. Because my water pressure is so low I need two sprinklers (one for each half of the garden) that can be set to come on at different intervals. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. P1060345.JPG
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    32,371
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +49,763
    One of my timers is like that, if you set zone 1 frequency to 6 hours and run time to 5 minutes , then it will come on 4 times a day for 5 minutes each time. Set it to 12 hours then it comes on twice a day for 5 minutes.

    Is that what you needed to know?
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

      Joined:
      Jun 3, 2008
      Messages:
      32,371
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Surrey
      Ratings:
      +49,763
      When you say your water pressure is low, is it off the mains or a butt?
       
    • DiggersJo

      DiggersJo Head Gardener

      Joined:
      Mar 14, 2024
      Messages:
      1,014
      Location:
      West Yorkshire....
      Ratings:
      +1,580
      I agree with @JWK . To get different times for them you probably just need to set them (each zone) at different times (say 15 minutes apart or longer than the run time setting).
      Problem with this kind of timer is the fact it kicks off the frequency based on the time you set it, tricky if you want the middle of the night!
       
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • Chilled

        Chilled Apprentice Gardener

        Joined:
        Jun 5, 2024
        Messages:
        7
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        New Forest
        Ratings:
        +11
        Setting the frequency and run time is fine, the fact that it has no actual time clock on both outlets is the problem
        The supply is from the mains which is okay under normal operations but running two sprinklers at the same time is not quiet enough to reach all areas of my garden
        Absolutely, that's exactly the problem. If the two outlets had their own dedicated time clocks it would be the perfect set up. There are single units with time clocks for irrigation set ups but as yet I've not found a duel system suitable for hoses
         
      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

        Joined:
        Jun 3, 2008
        Messages:
        32,371
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Surrey
        Ratings:
        +49,763
        With a dual system you set one side at say 12 o'clock every 8 hours, the first sprinkling will be at 8pm. Then an hour later set the second side every 8 hours, the first sprinkling on that side will be at 9pm for that side.

        In other words each timer starts running when you set it independently, they don't synchronise. You will have to experiment, maybe switch them to the off setting first to reset the timer.
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • steephill

          steephill Gardener

          Joined:
          Mar 14, 2024
          Messages:
          67
          Gender:
          Male
          Location:
          Sussex/Surrey border
          Ratings:
          +283
        • DiggersJo

          DiggersJo Head Gardener

          Joined:
          Mar 14, 2024
          Messages:
          1,014
          Location:
          West Yorkshire....
          Ratings:
          +1,580
          Yep, I've had several timers over the years and the above link from @steephill looks similar to my current Orbit (as this on Amazon). Not sure about current models but I've had my latest for 6-7 seasons. x2 front and back garden with two outlets on each. The one you have will work, it's just a bit of a faff to set.
           
          • Agree Agree x 1
          • Chilled

            Chilled Apprentice Gardener

            Joined:
            Jun 5, 2024
            Messages:
            7
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Retired
            Location:
            New Forest
            Ratings:
            +11
          Loading...

          Share This Page

          1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
            By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
            Dismiss Notice