Melnor 73280 Digital Water Electronic Hose Timer, 4 Zone, Black/Gray

I originally purchased the 4 Zone, Melnor 73280 Digital Water Electronic Hose Timer in November of 2018. I previously had used a similar Orbit timer, but liked that the Melnor product was a single unit rather than having separate valves for each outlet as with Orbit.I love this timer. Initial set-up requires a bit of work, but following the instructions in the manual makes it easier. Once it's programmed, it's easy to change the duration, time of day/week, and so on.As I have seen in some of the questions here, be sure to use fully charged alkaline batteries rather than rechargeable ones. Also, if you are in an area which experiences winter freezing, it would be a good idea to remove it for the time being.Features such as the rain delay and manual mode are a plus.Earlier this year (2022), I noticed that the Melnor unit had begun to leak a bit from the unit itself. I contacted Melnor customer support to ask if they had a suggestion.To my astonishment, they offered to send a brand new unit at no cost to me, either for the product or the shipping. I already knew that they had a 7-year limited warranty but I did not expect this!The new unit arrived about a week later, and worked perfectly.During the past year, our neighborhood experienced extremely high water pressure which continued for several months. The new unit began operating sporadically, meaning that sometimes the valves would not open.I contacted Melnor customer service again, and they indicated that high water pressure (higher than 80 PSI) could damage the unit.Lo and behold they offered once again to send a new unit, this time via priority mail at no-cost-to-me! They even mailed it out during the Winter holidays!To be clear, this issue was not the fault of the company or the unit. But they stepped up anyway. As the customer representative said "We stand behind our products and want to make sure you are up and running at all times."I have to admit I am gobsmacked by the responses from this company. Compared to so many others, Melnor is far and away the most responsive and honest company I have ever dealt with. They are one of the few that actually practice what they preach.

After reading a ton of reviews ranging from "this product is awesome" to "this is a piece of crap because its too difficult to use." I decided to make the move on it. As soon as it was delivered I cracked the packaging open, threw in 2 AA batteries (not included) so I could figure out the interface which did take a bit to figure out and I literally mean a bit... like 10mins max to figure out. You first click on what zone you want to work with then the cycle and timeframe, i.e., 7am for 10mins, 12pm for 10mins, etc... Its really easy to set up once you start messing around with it. I honestly didn't read much of the instructions because it wasn't rocket science.After I programmed it to my liking, I went outside to hook it up... For all those "it leaks" and "the connectors don't connect" reviews, simple solution... Use plumbers tape around the ports (wrapping 2-3x) and BOOM.... No leaks. The device is a fairly heavy, so I may grab a flexible hose to take some of the weight off the main valve connector or get a long enough hose to let the device sit on the ground inside of a box to keep it out of the elements a bit.I'll be back to do another review in the spring once I've had it for at least 6mths, but so far.... This has already proven itself to be a "no-brainer" purchase for me.

I have 6 of these around my house operating various sprinklers. Overall good experience. These latest units appear to be much better quality than some of the older melnor digital water timers. I do have one unit that does not keep time accurately. Within a month of setting it up each season it's off by days and many hours on the timer function. That particular unit will have to be replaced. The other ones typically last several 3-4 seasons before going bad.DO NOT leave this unit outside in the winter months as it will crack and break as it is all plastic. It's also not a good idea to leave them exposed to direct sunlight. The digital screens do not hold up well to direct intense sun. If the location gets a lot of exposure i suggest drapping some over top to protect it. Also do not leave old batteries in it during the offseason because if they leak out it will ruin the unit. Make sure you remove these units and dry them out a month before freezing temperatures and store them in a dry location for the winter free of spiders.

These timers ( I have 4 of them) are easy to set up and have been dependable during the watering period each year. I did have one unit last spring that had an error with one valve setting itself to 360 minutes watering and not being able to clear that fault, it would run the timer down and the start it again. Weird, but it was replaced under warranty and the replacement and the other original units have been working flawlessly.I install new batteries at the beginning of our watering season (May) and they last the season (Oct 1) . I don't know how much of the full battery life has been used and not going to take any chances with a non-operable timer due to dead batteries.I have used these on regular wave sprinklers, higher flow requirement impulse (RainBird type) and this year switched several zones over to drip.A good choice for multi-zone watering requirements.

Had this installed for just a couple months. At first it worked great but today i noticed with the water on all four ports leak water even when the timer is off. So it is completely failing. I wrote the company and am waiting of resolution.

I used this while we were away for 10 days and decided I liked it so well I would just let it take care of my watering for me. I have used it one season…stay tuned for another year of use….that will be the true test. Initial experience is positive. I did put up a sun shield to help protect it and take it in the winter. Trying to keep it working as well as it has so far.

Leaked from hose connection