Orbit b-hyve WIFI Sprinkler Timer install and app review - Smart Controller

[@patricianunez2943]

I'm a new home-owner, never did anything that had to do with wires around my home before ! I'm a woman who is not electrical savy whatsoever...and I was able to replace my dated sprinkler controller system with this one THANKS to YOU ! Programmed and everything! thank you =)

[@devodar2579]

This app works great on iPhone. Very easy and perfect. Also, you don't have to stand by your unit and input your times etc. you do all of that in minutes on your phone app. Best timer I've ever had and I'm a landscape business owner type

[@Bigshoots86]

One customer I have uses this product, very easy to use for her and at around 70 years old that's HUGE

[@nickforest]

Hi, The pump slot is for a booster pump . The booster pump increases the water pressure for the irrigation system. You would need one if you have a very large property or a big elevation change from the source of the water to the final head in you system. Hope this helps. Good video!

[@brockharrison4683]

the pump slot work great with any pump relay either it be a booster pump, a well pump or a main valve

[@rodgersandrodgers8191]

I just purchased two of these exact units to go onto my property. One for the backyard and one for the front. Your explanation has been very helpful. I am going to start the install tomorrow. I hope it's going to be as easy as what you just showed.

[@trini-rt6xn]

Brilliant HOW-TO video with just the right amount of detail, and no unnecessary "empty chatter". Very well articulated! Sincerest appreciation for sharing this info with planet earth.

[@mandrake3919]

In my case I use an irrigation pump to draw water up out of the fresh water lake in the back of my property. The pump is connected to the underground sprinkler pipes and valves for distribution among 12 zones. I keep the county irrigation water turned OFF at the water meter saving me a ton of $ on my water bill. When installing your own pump just be sure to purchase and install a 220 Volt contactor relay near your control panel or CB panel. Mine is in the garage and for safety reason I have assigned a the contactor relay to a spare 220 V Circuit Breaker that feeds power to the pump. Works for me! Love this B-hyve controller by the way. My 12 year old grandson programed the controller and remote control app for me. Kids....aren't they something these days?

[@elmorcielagomorcielago1146]

I knew the stickers were of track, but I didn't know they were of by that much. I've been trying to solve that problem for two weeks couldn't figure out what the problem was till I saw your vid. Thank you sooo much finally I can get somewhere with my new fansy Rainbird haha.... thank you.

[@fredzonker4674]

Easy to understand, good video quality, clear audio and not full of errrr...ahhhh,,,

[@ApoJake13]

The "Pump" section is for a pump start (if you have it). You basically said it already, but if you have a well and a pump that is specifically used for your irrigation system (like I do) you would hook up the pump start wire to that screw so that when the controller turns on a zone, it turns the pump on, thus supplying the water. Thanks for your video. My existing controller works fine but I'm thinking of getting one of these because of the WiFi capabilities.

[@PeterJohnson76]

Had one for about 5 years in my old house.. was absolutely brilliant.. loved the app also .

[@SkunkfaceNF]

My stickers off the same way and I was not able to figure it out thanks for the video that helped me find the right comport

[@jeffzest8393]

Well that sucks that not lined up. Person may not know two for voltage and two for sensor.

[@paymasterpayroll]

Here are all of the CONS I have found after day 1, and wish I would have known them before ordering; If you have an Indexing Valve then this is not a great solution. Direct wiring basically requires you to cut off the plug to turn it into a direct wire. It does not allow for a delay in between zones. The lock is not really a lock as you can unlock it with a fingernail, screwdriver, or just about any other object. You cannot program it to water zones in any order other than numerically.

[@alfiefujitanieldridge2510]

You can open the black box from which the power cord comes, disconnect the wires there and reconnect to your hardwiring. Then snap the black cover over the connections. Most difficult part is manuevering the clips on the box cover.

[@funkymonkey0009]

I bought this a year ago and have just now got around to trying to install, and it's too late to return it, but I have a 220v well pump and a 6 zone index valve and a pump start relay. How would I go about connecting this thing? I was using an old Intermatic dial, and bought this thinking it would be an upgrade but then realized I was in over my head. Not sure what all I need to plug into the back of the Bhyve controller. thanks if you can help!

[@Triathlonjuggler]

Helpful video, got mine all hooked up seamlessly now. Thanks!

[@jeffzest8393]

Cool that can do manual since read so many problems people have with wi-fi. Good overview of that. Thanks.

[@dmihovilovic]

I just bought and setup this. Very well done. Super easy and great iPhone app

[@gaylelove9352]

Very helpful in terms of manual programming. All of our stations are not coming on. Will make sure all stations are programmed and wiring is tight!

[@jeffzest8393]

Nice that you showed how to install the wires.

[@shaynej3669]

The pump is because we have well that goes down about 120 feet in the ground so that we can get ground water that we dont pay for. (Free irrigation) You should get one dug for you.

[@chalesmeyers2727]

Great help because I also was in a hurry and wanted mine half done!

[@TimGray]

Dont change settings while it's watering. it freaks out and you have to go and power cycle it to get it back to working right.

[@rdumas6787]

I hope to purchase one install myself. Female here wish me luck🤗

[@briandeis9749]

Thanks. I wanted to try BHive. I will, now 😁

[@cadillacman8223]

nice unit. easy install. good video. I think I'll go for it👍

[@DA-rf7zj]

Outstanding. Just straight forward information. Thx.

[@yota87truck]

That’s really nice that they provide extra common connection slots. Those securing screws seem a bit insufficient.

[@jeffzest8393]

Best review on KZbin.

[@hughhemington9559]

It's "WiFi"? Does that app tunnel in through the internet (when you're gone)? Does it interface with any home automation system (like Google or Amazon)? Does base unit also have a wired RJ-45 connection? Unit doesn't come with dust/insect "boot" for wire entry? No mounting template for drilling? (this is pretty standard these days)

[@algallego]

Some people use a pump to draw from either a cistern rain-water collection system or a well which would require a pump to draw the water as those would not have the same pressure as the city driven water line.

[@PreludeTotheStarz]

Thanks a lot man!! I just bought one yestersay

[@victorhoe2321]

PUMP is for well pump, low pressure up-pressure auxiliary pump (up hill).

[@celiabehr8588]

I need some help. I bought this house 2 months ago, the previous owner had already installed the B-Hyve system. It works fine, but I need to change the time. It is schedule to do 2 pm, how do I do?

[@uteamongcougars]

Worst smart timer on the market. No client of mine has had success with this one. 18 days apart of watering cycles in 100 degree heat. Good job orbit. Must be proud!

[@jackfntwist]

I have a 3hp pump (220V) and a well. So my timer controls the pump, and is hard wired. I only have two zones . Have no idea how it works, I think it may be on off then moves to 2nd valve? Anyway. My timer is hard wired, 220V, and I'm trying to see if there's a wi-fi available, but having a hard time.

[@Amastermagician]

B-Hyve customer service is the absolute worst. I had a problem installing the timer and instead of calling me back, as an email from them told me they would, they refused to call and instead texted me ... at no faster than a 45-min. response time. After sending them photos of how I wired the timer, a representative finally said he had a team run a double-check (which he said was fine even though it wasn't) and after reviewing the data and looking at the problem again, they decided the unit was defective and that I should return it for another one. I brought in a professional installer who explained that neither the manual nor the few texts that I received from the company addressed the obvious problem. He rewired it correctly and now it works. Despite several requests to Orbit to speak with a manager, no one has gotten back to me. Worst. Service. Ever.

[@johnn2212]

The paper in the battery is also because you cannot ship (ups, fedex..) items with a battery "live".

[@fauzifarah3238]

Great quick video!!

[@jamespruitt1046]

I know this is an old video, but I wonder if you happen to know if when you have multiple zones on one program, does it run one zone, then the other? Or should both zones start at the same time? I have one program to run two zones, and only one zone is starting at the scheduled time. Will zone 1 run for 15 minutes, then zone 2 starts when zone 1 is finished?

[@jeffzest8393]

Good question. Did you find out? Thanks.

[@jamespruitt1046]

@@jeffzest8393 yes! It runs one after the other. It apparently has something to do with the water pressure not being able to run them all at the same time.

[@PacoOtis]

Dude! Thanks for the video! We owe you a beer!

[@alwysrite]

FYI, Pump = bore well pumps that have to turn on to pump water from undergroud instead of using domestic water which is metered and we have to pay for !

[@pabloledgo629]

Hi. The solenoids are at 24VAC ? Thanks a lot!!

[@cesarayala7520]

Hello, I have a question, Can I connect two com wires into one terminal? I have a 6 station b-hyve controller

[@Tigerfan50]

I just bought the b-hyve 12. Do I need to buy a separate rain sensor?

[@bsdguy]

Bingo....just what I needed. My old Rain bird has played out....Sold on B-hyve!

[@johnc3601]

Great vid brother ✔️ Question: After the program is complete on my iPhone can I transfer it somehow to my wife's iPhone or iPad so we can both utilize it ?

[@emptech]

I just installed the timer, part of the installation program, after you pair the unit with your blutooth phone, it asks for an email address, along with a password that you create. This isn't necessarily the password for your email account. It will also discover the wi-fi nets that it can sense, if you don't see yours, click "advanced." When it sees yours, click on it and enter the network passphrase. I installed the app from the google play in my case. I downloaded it, installed it, and so forth. If you download the app to another smart phone, it asks if you already have an account, if you say yes, it will ask for the email address you registered with, and it's password, so that's the answer. I'm not sure why it asked for an email, and I checked my email a couple hours later, no messages from orbit, but I suspect that sooner or later I'll hear from them. A couple of things, when installing, never cut your wires short, always leave some spare wire, if necessary wind it on a pencil or something, but always leave extra wire for the future, or you may be splicing it someday. BTW, I'm not impressed with their software interface, wish it had an widoze app, or at least where you could go to a website to control the timer, the phone app, well, I don't like it. Jim

[@johnc3601]

@@emptech Thank you for all the information. It was a big help ✔️

[@erichtisnado1536]

I boughta B-Hive single zone hose attachment type valve, and use it off the app. I just bought the 12 zone to replace the old skool regular timers I got with the house, that are all messed up, hooked up to regular installed irrigation valves. Can I integrate the hose valve to this 12 zone system B-Hive controller?

[@CAgar-qh6ev]

I would like to replace our old Hunter XC timer with this one and the only problem I see is that we don't have an electric outlet anywhere near it to plug into. The old one is wired right into the breaker box. Is that something simple that a handy guy would be able to do or will I need to get an electrician to install it?

[@rogdotcom1]

Aaaaannnnddddd you skipped the part on how to connect it to your wifi network, GRRReat 😐

[@johnn2212]

and wifi does not always work on unit-to house, (that is what mine did) so i had to revert to the manual programming. Thanks for video directions.

[@jeffzest8393]

That is why great to have manual option.

[@peterzum]

So do you use 24 VDC solenoids or 24 VAC solenoids or something else? Do you use the Orbit brand solenoids, or did you just use the same ones you had before? And if you did use the ones hooked up to your old timer, what brand and voltage (and AC or DC) were those solenoids? And do you know if your solenoids are latching or not? I would assume the solenoids are 24 VDC latching solenoids (so they don’t have to be constantly powered on to be kept open while watering) but that’s just my guess . Thank you for your time and your review I enjoyed it.

[@richardmorris4430]

24 VAC Not latching

[@SirLucidThoughts]

Thank you for this video

[@KefirTView]

Question: If I have this unit installed at 3 separate properties of mine and each unit is connected to a WiFi connection, can I control each unit separately via the app, if say I'm in Antarctica with cell phone data service?

[@aevoss]

Yes

[@LeichaOutLoud]

Easy, thanks Adam

[@Kathy0118]

Hi, do you accept business cooperation? about reviewing the smart sprinkler controller, once connected to your home wifi, it can automatically adjust the frequency and amount of watering according to the weather and seasonal changes.

[@exxekhan]

Hi Great review. A couple of questions because I want to be able to control watering while I travel (I travel a lot): 1) Will the phone app work only when on the same WiFi network as the controller? Or can I control it from anywhere? 2) Will it work even if I never install the phone app or just neglect to use it? In other words, is it truly *set it and forget it* or is it dependent on the phone app? I think you demo'd using it without the phone app...just confirming.

[@Perskakras]

Hi there. I have a b-hyve smaller model and it's been working flawlessly. I have the app installed on three different Android devices and it works anywhere! No need to be connected to the same wifi. I don't think the smart watering is all that great unless you use the ground sensors. I have areas of dead grass and I have to water manually. I am going back to a scheduled timer instead. If you do choose to use smart watering, it's pretty much set it and forget it, but I don't recommend doing that

[@michaelcummings2050]

My rain bird that I’m replacing has a ground wire. Doe this b hyve not have a ground wire connection?

[@bouncyairplane5061]

What are the “common” wires all about?

[@eduardoledezma6301]

Maybe ground...

[@catirerubio]

How many common wires does this unit have/need?

[@ryley6461]

Under the calendar, why do I have 2 weeks going forward from today grayed out?? What are the light bulbs for on some of the days? Some of my zones are soaked, will this water only the zones that are not at 89% or greater? Two zones didn't come on at all. Checked the wiring and they are tight.

[@brockharrison4683]

Hi There, the light bulbs are for smart watering it is generally easier to use the weather adjustments in the device settings on the app. you can adjust for rain, wind, and even freeze temp delay. go to the app home Screen> Select Settings> Select Devices> Select Weather Adjustments (make adjustments as needed). when finished go to the app home Screen> Select Programs> Select Smart watering the top Check here to see if any of the zones have the Smart watering yellow on this my be why the zones did not run automatically. for the zones that didn't run try testing manually from the app home Screen> Select Zones> Select the zone you believe didn't run (if you don't know which zone that's ok simply start with 1 and repeat tell you finish all the active zones) after selecting a zone (you are on the Zone Detail page you can name the zone, take a photo of the area so you know whats on with out looking and you can adjust the moisture % by selecting it then sliding the bar up or down) > Select Test in the top right (it should show a timer with 5 minutes you can adjust this time but it is only for this test)> Select the Arrow> to start . good luck I welcome any questions or suggestions

[@jeffzest8393]

You have three wires to common. My old unit only has one.

[@apleasantvineyard-9703]

Hi, Adam, can you explain what the wiring is about? I have a RainDrop timer which uses battery and doesn't require any wiring. Thanks.

[@rodgersandrodgers8191]

I have no idea how you could help a timer like this and not have wiring. Something has to go out to the solenoids to tell it to turn on a particular station.

[@markchun]

It's been about 6 weeks since your install, how is your app and the time working for you? There was another review on this model about a year ago in 2016 that said the app was buggy. Have they addressed those issues by now? thanks

[@younggunz4081]

Mark Chun Asians...

[@genemullen1337]

I bought it about 2 years ago and it’s been great ! No bugs

[@tdunsky]

Does the app work when you're not on your home Wifi e.g. when you're out and connected to the internet on cellular? Thank you!

[@wilsonchow2875]

Yep!

[@52msdiane]

Thx so much!! Do i need to have my wifi or router "ON" for it to go on automatically??

[@jasoncatalanotto996]

yes - do you normally shut your wifi or router off? like unplug it?

[@52msdiane]

@@jasoncatalanotto996 yes at night .... turn it on whenI need computer next day. Reduced EMF radiation: sensitivity

[@jasoncatalanotto996]

52msdiane oh wow. I never heard of that. I have never shut my WiFi router off. I literally control my house with my WiFi. My doors, my lights, my sprinklers, my cook top, my washer and dryer, my heat and central air, rumba, garage door, alarm system, ring cameras. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things but I specifically made my house a “smart” house and shutting it down would never ever work for me.

[@roberthartmann9533]

Will it work with a Accu Rite wifi weather station ?

[@geredonperree9164]

you someone who is raining explains the different types of programming

[@susanelliott7728]

Why does it have 4 different start times? I just want one start time to run all the stations a few at a time.

[@danfoley7265]

You may need 4 start times for overseeding the lawn. Here in AZ, we overseed in fall and water 3 - 4 times a day to keep the seeds moist until they germinate.

[@jeffzest8393]

@@danfoley7265 can you run all zones at one time? Intake it that the four start times are set by you; e.g., any time desired, and you can do four for each zone? Thanks.

[@oscarrivas8741]

Which smart control can hold the most zones? I need a smart control that can control a lot of zones but I don’t know the max amount of the zones in the control.

[@timsullivan9135]

Love the B-Hyve

[@antmon123]

so in my old Toro i have 5 zone wires, 1 com wire, 1 pump wire - but then have 1 wire connected to 15v, 1 wire connected to 24v and 2 wires connected to Hot Post - any idea what those last 4 wires are?? thanks

[@alexapostol1742]

What’s the first green wire doing there?

[@antmon123]

great review - reading about wifi issues from several Amazon reviews - you come across any issues?

[@jeffzest8393]

That is why great to be able to set up manually. Can not due with Rachio and most other smart models.

[@stephenlnoe]

can you do the programming from a PC?

[@dzerres]

Sadly no. A lot of these WiFi devices can only be controlled via a cell phone app or on the box itself. Why manufacturers don't provide laptop access and control I'll never understand (same goes for my security cameras, my security program and my smartplugs.

[@restaurantsguy]

Thanks for the vid. Installed mine this morning. Straightforward !!

[@themaseratiinn5743]

Can you hardwire the unit instead of using the plug?

[@rcstache6876]

I can't keep the wifi connected....I have to unplug the unit every few days to get the wifi to work again. The app is great but worthless when your wifi doesn't stay connected. Update: I contacted support and they sent a firmware update that fixed it and I have no problem now...works great!!

[@Chromewarrior]

same issue here, too bad.

[@jeffzest8393]

You will see the same problem on all controllers, which is why the manual scheduling is great. Rachio can do that. Plus Rachio emits a high-pitch squeal when it powers up.

[@diegomorales5475]

Hi! Does anybody knows how many voltage this box offer for the solenoids? My solenoids are 24v AC (Not DC). It is the voltage, a standard one? Or, can I use the contacts as with a Relay only? I will have to buy a 24v AC adapter?

[@babybear4524]

Not sure but last night the guy in electrical at Lowes told me each wire should test at 12 volts using a meter.

[@EATSLEEPJD]

Mine died after 3 years. Won’t turn on.

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

Can you manually turn on zones or all zones with the app? Thx

[@AdamDIY]

Yes

[@puchdrunk1]

So would you go Orbit or Rainbird after using both?

[@AdamDIY]

Both work well and I did not have any issues with either. However, I thought the Orbit Bhyve app had a better design and easier to use.

[@clintsmith96]

Can you do a manual start on a zone with the app? Thx

[@stableboy6136]

That's the best part. Setting up a garden 220 feet from the timer. Just push the test button, set 5 minutes or what you want and it starts. This feature alone saves such a hassle for flushing lines on new install. Highly recommended. It even shuts itself off if rain is in the forecast, if you want it to.

[@atbashmusic1]

Is this unit smart enough to not water during rain

[@AdamDIY]

playdemkeys love yes it gets weather report updates and adjust accordingly. It’s not perfect every time but pretty good.

[@mrrobvs]

Is there a spot for a master valve connection?

[@ianbosman5202]

pump

[@nyogrson1]

My irrigation is hardwired....can this be installed on hardwire power?

[@doraratliff323]

If the wifi goes out will the timer still work

[@AdamDIY]

Yes. You just won't be able to make changes from your phone or tablet.

[@doraratliff323]

@@AdamDIY Thanks

[@timsullivan9135]

Love this timmer

hi may I connect WiFi Sprinkler System Controller Orbit 57946 to water heater and how?

[@doomaster4]

probably not a good idea the hot water can damage the internals.

[@notdirtyflics1067]

My old-timer was hardwired with no plug and then my new beehive has a plug can I still hardwire it and would I need to plug it in

[@davidtorres8868]

Yes, I just cut off the plug, stripped some of the protective black cover and exposed the wires to hardwire it. Inside the power cord is the typical black, white and green lines.

[@shinobu2394]

if youve programmed it for wifi, then the wifi disconnects, will it still run, no wifi?

[@AdamDIY]

Yes.

[@markbergthold6181]

App will not let us turn notify on for timer fault. Why not? Checking for firmware update.

[@justinjuk]

I paid $99 at Home Depot and there is an $80 rebate!

[@vincegpking1]

How do you get the rebate?

[@lawe1933]

good info I'm having trouble with mine in that I have power at each terminal at the timer but no power at the valves?

[@AdamDIY]

Check that the COMMON wire is clean and not corroded or broken. Both in the timer and in the valve box.

[@lawe1933]

I will thanks

[@lawe1933]

Thanks buddy from an 85 year old man that loves and still enjoy yard work the common was the problem

[@HeyItsMeDave]

Can you control the sprinklers with the smartphone app when you are away from home?

[@AdamDIY]

yes

[@dzerres]

That's the whole idea? Why would you need WiFi and a cell phone app if your plan isn't to control it from elsewhere? Otherwise just walk over to the panel and punch some buttons.

[@rhubbard327]

Thanks! Awesome!

[@1mw4tch1ng]

you must be part Diablo. :)

[@brianlawson865]

Unplugs it after removing wires...🤣

[@marioastudillovera]

Hola, llega hora del riego y deja un mensaje en pantalla de DELAY no riega Saludos

[@orangats]

White is always supposed to be the common wire

[@johnn2212]

Their antenna or power of wifi must be low because my solar works fine in the same place.

[@standtall7646]

Let me understand this: You disconnect the wires THEN pull the power? :()

[@jeffzest8393]

No, disconnect power first!