How to Change Irrigation Controller Settings

Here’s a detailed guide for setting irrigation on a few of the common controllers in Central Texas:

1. Hunter X2 Wi-Fi (Hydrawise app)
2. Hunter X2 (no Wi-Fi)
3. B-Hyve (Orbit Smart Controller)
4. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler

Irrigation schedules should change with the seasons. Check the FAQ for additional irrigation recommendations.

Example Goal: Set system to water 10 minutes per zone, 3 days per week. 

1. Hunter X2 Wi-Fi (Hydrawise App)

To Set:

1. Open the Hydrawise app.
2. Go to Zones, then tap the zone(s) to adjust.
3. Tap Edit Zone.
4. Set Run Time to 10 minutes.
5. Scroll to Watering Schedule and select:
   • Time-Based Watering
   • Choose 3 days/week (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri)
   • Set Start Time (e.g., 6:00 AM)
6. Tap Save.

Check for Issues:

• Review each zone for extra schedules.
• Use Time-Based OR Smart Watering — not both.
• Hydrawise uses zone-based scheduling, not traditional programs.

2. Hunter X2 (No Wi-Fi)

To Set:

1. Turn dial to “Start Times”.
2. Use +/- to set Start Time 1 (e.g., 4:00 AM) under Program A.
3. Press the arrow to check Start Times 2–4 — set these to OFF if unused.
4. Turn dial to “Run Times” and set each active zone to 10 minutes.
5. Turn to “Water Days”.
6. Use arrows to scroll days; press + for watering days (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri), – to deselect others.
7. Turn dial back to “Run” to save.

Check for Issues:

• Press PRG to switch between Programs A/B/C.
• Set Programs B & C to OFF unless intentionally used.
• Keep only one active program unless you’re using separate zones/schedules.

3. B-hyve Smart Controller

To Set:

1. Open the B-hyve app.
2. Go to Programs, tap Program A or create one.
3. Set Watering Days (e.g., Tue/Thu/Sat).
4. Set a Start Time (e.g., 7:00 AM).
5. Assign zones and set each to 10 minutes.
6. Tap Save.

Check for Issues:

• Programs A/B/C can run independently — check each one.
• Toggle OFF programs you’re not using.
• Turn OFF Smart Watering if using manual scheduling to prevent conflict.

4. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler

1. Access the Rachio App
2. Open the app and navigate to the “Schedules” tab.
3. Create a New Schedule:
   • Tap “Add Schedule” and choose “Fixed Schedule”.
4. Select Zones:
   • Choose the zones you wish to include in this schedule.
5. Set Watering Days:
   • Select 3 days per week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
6. Set Start Time:
   • Choose a start time (e.g., 4:00 AM)
7. Set Duration:
   • Assign 10 minutes of watering time to each selected zone.
8. Save the Schedule:
   • Review your settings and tap “Save” to activate the schedule

Check for Issues:

1. Manual Watering:
   • Use the app to manually run individual zones as needed.
2. Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues:
   • Ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz signal.
   • Restart your router and controller if connection issues persist.
3. Rain Delays:
   • Activate Rain Delay in the app to pause watering during rainfall.
4. Smart Features:
   • Enable Weather Intelligence to allow Rachio to adjust watering based on local weather forecasts.
5. Multiple Schedules:
   • You can create additional schedules for different zones or seasonal adjustments.

Tips for All Controllers:

• Only one start time is needed unless running multiple cycles.
  • multiple shorter cycles are beneficial in the summer to ensure deep watering and so that water is absorbed and stays on the lawn
• Avoid overlapping programs or schedules for the same zones.
• When in doubt, check all programs or zones to verify settings.
• Set watering to run early (e.g., 4–6 AM) for best results.