hours left for
same day shipping
Orbit B-hyve: What’s the Buzz on Orbit’s Modern Lineup?
An Orbit B-hyve timer or controller takes the guesswork—and the constant fiddling—out of watering by putting your schedules, zone run times, and quick changes like rain delays right in the B-hyve app. Instead of overwatering (and paying for it), you can fine-tune watering to your yard’s needs in minutes, from anywhere, so you’re not running outside to adjust dials or shut off a forgotten hose. The result is less wasted water, more efficient watering habits that can help lower your water bill over time, and a real time savings from set-it-and-manage-it convenience.
Save Water with an Orbit Irrigation Timer
Orbit B-hyve smart hose timers turn a standard outdoor spigot into an app-controlled watering system, letting you set schedules, run timed waterings on demand, and make quick changes like delays without standing at the faucet. They’re a simple way to improve water management for lawns, gardens, and drip setups by preventing forgotten watering and keeping run times consistent.
· Orbit B-hyve Gen 2 - This hose-end timer comes with one outlet, but some packs come with a Y splitter for more zones. Perfect for small sprinkler systems with fewer zones. Has some smart features, but Wi-Fi capabilities are only possible with an add-on device.
· Orbit B-hyve XD - Available in 1, 2, or 4-outlet designs, this controller has similar smart features to the other controllers (adjusts to local weather patterns). This device is outdoor-rated, but requires a separate hub for Wi-Fi connections.
How to Choose an Orbit Irrigation Timer or Controller in 3 Steps
Selecting the right device from the various types of orbit irrigation controllers boils down to understanding your specific landscape requirements. Before landing on your controller, ask yourself:
· How many sprinkler zones do I have? A sprinkler zone, or sprinkler station, is a specific area of your yard controlled by a single valve. For example, your front lawn might be Zone 1, your flower beds Zone 2, and your backyard grass Zone 3. Always buy a controller with more zones than you currently need. This makes expanding multi-zone irrigation coverage much easier if you decide to add a new vegetable garden or a drip line for new shrubs in the future.
· Where will my controller be located? If your controller will be located in a garage or shed, an indoor controller model with a standard plug-in power cord is sufficient. If it will be mounted on the side of your house, you must choose an outdoor model with a weather-resistant cabinet and an internal transformer.
· How much control do I want over my sprinkler system? Evaluate your comfort level with technology. If you love tracking data on your smartphone and want the highest level of water efficiency, go with an Orbit B-hyve controller. If you prefer a "set it and forget it" mechanical dial, stick to the EasySet Logic series.
Orbit Irrigation Controllers: Good, Better, Best...and Best of the Best
Orbit offers several different types of controllers, each with varying levels of technology integrated into its interface. Below are a few of the most popular types of Orbit irrigation controllers that you’ll find at Sprinkler Warehouse:
· Good: Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor Controllers: These are ideal when your controller can be mounted in a protected indoor location (like a garage or utility area). You still get B-hyve app-based scheduling and convenient adjustments, without paying extra for an outdoor-rated enclosure.
· Better: Orbit B-hyve Smart Outdoor Controllers: These are built for installations where the controller needs to live outside or in more exposed conditions. You get the same smart control through the B-hyve app, plus a weather-resistant housing designed to handle the elements.
· Best: Orbit B-hyve XR Controllers: XR models are the step up when connectivity is the deciding factor—especially if the controller sits farther from your router or the property layout makes Wi‑Fi more challenging. They’re geared toward a more reliable smart-control experience in harder-to-connect installs.
· Best of the Best: Orbit B-hyve XR Controller + Leak Detection Bundles: This option combines the XR controller’s connectivity advantages with leak detection for added protection against unexpected water waste and potential damage. It’s the premium choice for homeowners who want both a strong connection and extra peace of mind—particularly if they travel often or want more safeguards around their water bill.
Orbit Sprinkler FAQs
What types of Orbit sprinkler products are available at Sprinkler Warehouse?
Sprinkler Warehouse supplies over 50 different Orbit irrigation products, ranging from sprinkler controllers to tool sets. Some of our most popular Orbit products are our line of smart controllers with Wi-Fi connections. We also have several different types of Orbit connectors, such as couplings, elbows, and tees.
Do Orbit sprinkler controllers have smart features?
Absolutely. The Orbit B-hyve Smart Controller is one of the more advanced timers available on the market right now, and comes with Wi-Fi (and Bluetooth) connectivity so you can control the system from your smartphone. You can even connect your Orbit B-hyve to your home voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) to adjust the sprinklers with verbal commands. The system also makes weather-based adjustments to your watering schedule with built-in sensors.
Can Orbit irrigation timers be used with drip irrigation?
Yes, many hose timers are commonly used with drip irrigation systems, especially for gardens, containers, flower beds, and raised beds. In many setups, you may also need accessories such as a pressure regulator, filter, backflow preventer, or hose-thread adapter. Because drip systems can vary, check the requirements of your drip tubing, emitters, and timer model before installation. Proper pressure and filtration can help reduce leaks, clogs, and uneven watering.
What is the difference between an Orbit irrigation controller and an Orbit irrigation timer?
An Orbit irrigation controller is designed to run multiple sprinkler zones through an irrigation valve system. It is usually mounted in a garage, shed, utility area, or outdoor-rated enclosure and connected to station wires. An Orbit hose timer connects directly to a hose faucet. It controls water flow to a hose, sprinkler, drip kit, or soaker hose without needing underground valve wiring. Hose timers are often simpler to install and are a good option for gardens, lawns, raised beds, and temporary watering setups.
Can I use an Orbit B-hyve controller without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Previously saved watering programs will continue running, and many models allow manual watering from the controller. However, without Wi-Fi, you cannot manage the controller remotely or receive updated weather data for Smart Watering. For full app access and automatic weather updates, reconnect the controller to Wi-Fi.
Can I manually run one sprinkler zone with an Orbit timer?
Yes. Most Orbit sprinkler timers let you manually run a single zone without changing the programmed schedule. Using the settings, you can choose the desired zone number, set the run time, and start watering. The exact buttons or dial steps vary by model. When the manual cycle ends, many timers will return to their regular automatic schedule.
How do I adjust an Orbit sprinkler head?
For Orbit spray heads, simply use a flathead screwdriver on the top screw. Turn it clockwise to reduce its spray distance and counterclockwise to increase it. Adjustable nozzles can also be twisted by hand to change coverage. For rotor heads, hold it at its left stop and use the adjustment screw on top: turn it clockwise to widen the arc or counterclockwise to narrow it. Always test and clean the nozzle after adjustments to ensure it sprays properly.
