RBC 8000 Battery Powered Irrigation Automatic Controller with 3/4" Anti-Siphon Valve - Advanced, Safe, and Convenient for Sprinklers or Drip Irrigation System

Easy to program and has worked as expected. Installation was also very simple as long, plenty of videos online teaching how to install these valves. Programming was easy enough, although it might be worth it to upgrade to one with app compatibility for even simpler setup. Overall a very good product.

Not to confuse potential purchasers, but admittedly our old DIG timer--identical to this one--died. Its functions all still appeared to work, but it no longer would reliably run timed events. So why did I buy the exact model to replace it? One, because it made installation very easy. Two, because our old unit lasted several years in some pretty harsh conditions, mainly scorching desert heat. A couple years ago, landscapers accidentally broke off the cover, so the display and controls were exposed 24/7, and it still soldiered on. So I expect the new one will offer some pretty good service too.

The DIG controllers work great until they don't. It seems about two years is maximum longevity. Everything seems fine until you notice plants starting to die. You check and find the screen is just blank. It's not a battery problem. The device is just dead. And you can't replace just the electronic parts. You have to reinstall the entire device. If I could find anything better I would change in a heartbeat.

Delivery and condition were as advertised. The product is very easy to install and extremely easy to program. It has 4 completely different programs and they can be activated and deactivated -- or all used at the same time. They can leak at the base. If they do, send them back to the seller for a replacement. I had to do it twice (bought 9 valves) but, after getting reliable pieces, my watering system works like a champ. The best part is that I didn't have to install another circuit on my breaker box and stretch electric conduits to set them up.

I have this valve control unit installed in my back yard drip irrigation along the fence and potted plants on the patio, it worked well for a couple years, changed batteries regularly, then it happened, disaster! while away on vacation outside the country, got a call from neighbors of flooding coming from my property. They shut off the main water valve and stopped the bleeding. They said it was like a swimming pool in some area of the backyard. Upon returning from vacation, I inspected the unit. First thing I noticed was the date and time was way off. I replaced the batteries, and observe it some more, after a few days, the set date and time would wonder way off, a sign of internal confusion in the electronics, which probably turn the valve on and kept it on for a few days. I haven't got my water bill yet, but I'm having cold sweat just thinking about it! Bottom line -- It's a great product concept, but the reliability is not good!

Works awesome highly recommend

These are very good, if used in the right circumstance. For instance, I would only recommend these to people whom were selling their homes, or if they needed an automated valve in place of a manually operated valve. No, these do not work as good as a typical valve that is operated by a professional 24 VAC controller. But these have their pros and cons. Pros: * Excellent if you are selling a home or property and need a cheap/easy way to irrigate something. * Good if you are converting from a manually operated single valve, to a single battery operated valve. * Great if you need an automated valve, but cannot get access to 24VAC current. Cons: * Leaks are common in the vacuum breaker, and other areas on the valve. * Battery operated (needs batteries changed once every 2 years) * Spacing between risers are closer than other standard irrigation valves, which causes installation difficulties (requires a series of 45 degree PVC couplings) Again, other than some drawbacks, these valves are very good, and can get you out of trouble very quickly and irrigating in no time!

My original one that I had for 12 years finally broke down from the San Diego sun. It was a good run for this controller. I'm hoping I can get 12 more years out of this one. SoCal's sun really takes a beating on my pool. this regulates the water into the pool so it doesn't dry out. See you in another 12 years! crossing fingers..