Mastering Your Easy-Set Logic Sprinkler Timer

You've got a yard to water and a shiny new Easy-Set Logic Controller in hand. Now what? Let's turn you into a watering wizard with this no-nonsense guide to programming your sprinkler timer for maximum efficiency with minimum effort.

Programming Made Simple: The One-Start-Time Secret

Here's the number one tip that will save you water, money, and headaches: You only need ONE start time (per program) to water all your zones.

Yes, you read that right! Many sprinkler owners accidentally create swamps or shocking water bills by setting multiple start times for a program. Your Easy-Set Logic Controller is smarter than that – it automatically runs all zones in a program in sequence using 1 start time. Are you ready to learn how to program a sprinkler system controller?

Quick Programming in 6 Simple Steps

Let's get your system up and running faster than you can say "perfect lawn". If you want a copy of the irrigation timer manual CLICK HERE to download it.

1. Set the Clock (Turn dial to SET CLOCK)
   • Use +/- buttons to adjust the current time
   • Press ENTER when the time is right
   • Pro tip: Double-check AM/PM – watering at noon instead of midnight makes for unhappy neighbors!
2. Set the Date (Turn dial to SET DATE)
   • Use +/- buttons to select the current year
   • Press ENTER to advance to month and day
   • Use +/- buttons to adjust each value
   • Press ENTER after setting each value
   • Why bother? Your controller uses this for odd/even day watering and seasonal adjustments!
3. Pick a Start Time (Turn dial to START TIME)
   • Select program A using the PROGRAM button
   • Enter when you want watering to begin (5-7 AM is irrigation gold!)
   • Press ENTER to lock it in
   • Remember: This ONE start time will trigger ALL zones in sequence
   • Want multiple watering cycles? Only then should you add additional start times
4. Set Run Times (Turn dial to RUN TIME)
   • Assign minutes to each station (zone)
   • Use ENTER or arrow buttons to move between stations
   • Lawn zones typically need 10-20 minutes, flower beds less
   • Zero minutes means a zone will be skipped
   • Pro tip: Start conservative – you can always add more time later!
5. Choose Watering Days (Turn dial to HOW OFTEN)
   • Use arrow buttons to move between days of the week
   • Press ENTER to select (or deselect) each watering day
   • For odd/even day watering or interval schedules (every X days), use arrows to scroll past Sunday
   • Press ENTER to confirm your selection
   • Smart move: Follow local watering restrictions to avoid fines!
6. Activate Your Schedule (Turn dial to AUTO)
   • The display will alternate between current time and next scheduled start time
   • That's it! You're officially a sprinkler programming pro
     

Still need help? Here is a video covering the steps above in more detail!

When Multiple Start Times Actually Make Sense

While ONE start time is usually all you need, there are specific situations where multiple start times shine:

Cycle and Soak Watering

Got slopes, clay soil, or water runoff issues? Cycle and soak might be your new best friend.

How it works:

• Instead of one 20-minute soak (that causes runoff), setup three 7-minute waterings:
• Start Time 1: 5:00 AM (runs all zones for shorter durations)
• Start Time 2: 5:45 AM (repeats the same zones, allowing water to soak in between)
• Start Time 3: 6:30 AM (completes the watering cycle)

This approach allows water to penetrate deeper with less waste. Your plants get the same amount of water, but it's delivered in smaller, more absorbable doses.

Different Yard Sections with Unique Needs

Have diverse landscaping? Put Programs A, B, and C to work:

• Program A: Lawn zones (every 2-3 days)
• Program B: Shrubs and trees (once weekly, longer duration)
• Program C: Vegetable garden (daily, short duration)

Each program can have its own schedule, giving every plant exactly what it needs.

Need some additional explanation? Check out this video on the advanced programming options for the Easy-set Logic irrigation timer.

Water Budgeting: Your Secret Weapon Against Waste

The water budget feature is like having a seasonal adjustment knob for your entire watering schedule – no reprogramming required! It's your ticket to water-smart landscaping through changing seasons.

How to Use Water Budgeting:

1. Set up your normal watering schedule for the peak summer season
2. As seasons change, simply adjust the global percentage:
   • Turn dial to BUDGET
   • Use +/- buttons to adjust percentage (anywhere from 10% to 200%)
   • Press ENTER to confirm
   • Watch the magic happen across all your zones!

What Those Percentages Mean:

• 100% = Your baseline (normal operation)
• 50% = Half the normal watering time (perfect for cooler months)
• 150% = 50% longer watering time (for those scorching summer days)
• 10% = Minimal watering during rainy seasons
• 200% = Maximum boost for establishing new plants

Seasonal Adjustment Guide:

• Spring (April-May): 70-80% of summer watering
• Peak Summer (June-August): 100% (your baseline)
• Fall (September-October): 60-70% of summer watering
• Winter (November-March): 40-50% of summer watering (in warm climates) or turn system off and drain (in freezing climates)

Here is another video that covers additional features.

Pro Tips for Sprinkler Mastery

• Test your system regularly using the manual run feature
• Replace the backup battery annually (CR2032) to preserve programming during power outages
• Adjust your settings after major landscape changes or when adding new plants
• Use the rain delay feature when storms are on the horizon (press RAIN DELAY and select 24, 48, or 72 hours)
• Download our B-hyve Lite app for seasonal programming recommendations based on your local weather patterns

Troubleshooting Quick Fixes

Zones running multiple times? Check for duplicate start times in the same program.

Orbit Sprinkler System not turning on? Verify the dial is set to AUTO and check power connection.

Erratic behavior? Try resetting the controller by pressing the RESET button with a paperclip.

Confused by programming? Remember the controller's logic: ONE start time triggers ALL zones in sequence.

Water Smarter, Not Harder

Your Easy-Set Logic Controller is designed to make watering automatic, efficient, and hassle-free. With these simple programming techniques, you'll save time, water, and money while keeping your Orbit sprinkler system at its best.

Have more questions on how to program a sprinkler system? Our support team is just a call away at 1-800-488-6156, or visit us at orbitonline.com for more watering wisdom.

Happy watering!