An Orbit sprinkler timer executes a programmed watering schedule for the installed and connected automatic sprinklers in your lawn and garden. The Orbit sprinkler timer can operate in automatic, semiautomatic or manual fashion. It features multiple programs that allow you to specify more than one watering schedule for your sprinklers.
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The Rain Bird ISA 304 timer is made for ease of use and simplicity of instructions, so even someone with little experience in such matters will be able to quickly install and wire it. Inputting programs is relatively simple, but requires a little legwork from you beforehand: you must figure out how much water and how frequently each area of your yard requires watering in order to input the proper programs for your lawn or garden.
Timer Operation
Timers contribute mightily to the ease of using automatic sprinkler systems. Once you input a watering schedule that works for your yard, you don’t need to do anything more; the timer takes over the rest, turning the sprinkler system on and off to the program you’ve set. You can set timers to turn off automatically when it rains so that you don’t waste water, but the timer will still retain your program information and resume a regular watering schedule once rains subside.
Timer Mounting
Rain Bird 304 timers can be used with any 120 VAC/60 Hz outlet, which is standard in American households. Choose a location within 6 feet of an outlet so the cord will reach, and ensure the location will stay moisture-free, above freezing and out of direct sunlight. Mount the timer on screws and put in the battery. Note that while the battery is not necessary to normal operation, it will preserve your program information for six hours in case of a power outage.
System Wiring
Run wire from the timer to each valve in the system, using wire with enough strands to connect to each sprinkler valve, or station, and one to serve as the common strand. For three valves, this would require a four-strand wire. Use wire approved for underground use, such as 18-gauge for runs of less than 800 feet and 14-gauge for longer runs. Set the timer to 'Rain/Off' mode. Plug in the transformer to the timer and then to the wall, and flip the dial to 'Auto/Run.'
Program Input
Once your timer is connected to the valves, you can input the program. Set the day and time, and then choose between a number of preset schedules, modify a preset schedule or invent your own schedule to suit your yard’s particular needs. Choose a preset schedule by turning the dial to 'Preset Schedules.' When modifying schedules or creating your own, you must choose the day, the start time or times, if you want multiple waterings per day, and the length of watering time for each station. Turn the dial to 'Custom Schedule' -- 'Days,' 'Custom Schedule' -- 'Starts' and 'Custom Schedule' -- 'Duration' in turn. After you’ve chosen your programs, turn the dial back to 'Auto/Run.'
References (1)
Rain Bird Timer Instructions
About the Author
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Sarah Moore has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006. She holds a master's degree in journalism.
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