Advantages:

1. Smart Watering Technology:

   • Utilizes WeatherSense technology to adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data, soil conditions, and plant types. This ensures efficient water use and helps prevent overwatering or underwatering.

2. 8-Zone Control:

   • Supports up to 8 zones, making it suitable for larger yards or gardens with diverse watering needs. Each zone can be customized with its own schedule and settings.

3. Indoor/Outdoor Flexibility:

   • Designed for both indoor and outdoor installation, providing flexibility depending on your setup. It includes weather-resistant housing for outdoor use.

4. Wi-Fi Connectivity:

   • Connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control and monitor your sprinkler system remotely via the B-hyve app on your smartphone or tablet. This feature adds convenience and flexibility to manage watering schedules from anywhere.

5. Voice Control Compatibility:

   • Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control of your sprinkler system. This integration is useful for hands-free operation and quick adjustments.

6. EPA WaterSense Certified:

   • Meets the EPA WaterSense standards, ensuring efficient water use. This certification can help reduce water bills and may qualify for rebates in some regions.

7. Easy Installation and Setup:

   • Designed for DIY installation with straightforward instructions. The B-hyve app provides step-by-step guidance to help you set up and program your controller.

8. Smart Alerts:

   • Sends alerts and notifications for various conditions, such as watering schedules, rain delays, and system status, keeping you informed about your irrigation system.

9. Detailed Reporting:

   • Provides detailed watering reports and historical data, helping you monitor water usage and make informed decisions about your irrigation needs.

10. Manual Override:

    • Includes a manual override feature, allowing you to start or stop watering directly from the controller without using the app.

Considerations Before Buying:

1. Wi-Fi Dependency:

   • The full functionality of the controller relies on a stable Wi-Fi connection. Ensure that your installation site has good Wi-Fi coverage to avoid connectivity issues.

2. Initial Cost:

   • As a smart irrigation controller, it may have a higher initial cost compared to traditional controllers. However, the water savings and advanced features can offset the initial investment over time.

3. App Dependence:

   • Full control and customization are best experienced through the B-hyve app. Ensure you are comfortable using a smartphone app for managing your irrigation system.

Should You Buy It?

Consider buying the Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR 8-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller if:

• You have a medium to large yard with diverse watering needs that can benefit from an 8-zone controller.

• You want to optimize water usage and efficiency with smart technology that adjusts based on real-time weather data and soil conditions.

• You value the convenience of remote control and monitoring via a smartphone app.

• You prefer a system that integrates with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation.

• You are looking for a product that is easy to install and comes with detailed reporting and smart alerts to keep you informed about your irrigation system.

If these features align with your needs, the Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR 8-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller is a strong choice. It offers advanced irrigation management, water savings, and the convenience of modern smart home integration, making it a valuable addition to your home irrigation system.