For most Australians, watering their lawns and garden is a ‘non-negotiable’. Harsh dry climates and periods of drought are a way of life, and without a reliable sprinkler system, a healthy lawn and garden isn’t achievable. Unfortunately, water is also a precious resource, particularly in Australia that needs to be used responsibly.
So how do you stop overwatering your lawns and gardens? You need something 'smart' that knows what the weather is doing and understands what your garden needs.
Welcome to the world of “Smart Reticulation Controllers”.
Nutrien Water has been specialising in automatic irrigation systems for forty years and has compiled its top picks for Australian homeowners looking to save time and water, and improve the health of their precious lawns and gardens.
The best smart reticulation controllers for Australia
The Hunter Pro-HC Controller - the best smart reticulation controller
The Hunter Pro-HC controller is the Nutrien Water pick for the best overall smart irrigation controller.
Powered by Hydrawise® software, the Pro-HC controller has all the intelligent features you would expect, smartphone control via a dedicated app, Wi-Fi connectivity and remote access control, and the most advanced and accurate predictive watering adjustments in the class.
Pros
- Available in 6, 12 or 24-station configurations
- Controlled by the powerful Hydrawise® software platform
- Solar Sync ET sensor compatible for super accurate automated adjustments
- Flow meter detection and alerts (requires Hunter HC flow meter)
- Inbuilt wiring fault detection and alerts
- Advanced sensor ports for flow, moisture, and ET
Cons
- Requires an upfront investment
- Touch screen interface isn’t for everyone
- Software is powerful and can be a little intimidating for those not used to using smart technology
The Orbit B-Hyve Pro- the runner-up
The Orbit B-Hyve Pro smart reticulation controller is a close runner-up to the Hunter Pro-HC.
As with the Pro-HC, the Orbit B-Hyve Pro has all the standard expected features, such as smartphone control via a dedicated app, W-Fi connectivity and remote access control, and more advanced features such as wiring fault detections and predictive watering.
The Orbit B-Hyve Pro controller uses software called Weathersense™ that provides smart watering based on site conditions such as slope, soil type, sun/shade, historical ET, and live weather feeds, all via a dedicated smartphone app.
What we like about this controller is the panel layout with dedicated buttons and a big LCD screen that’s easy to read.
Pros
- Weathersense™ software is good and rivals Hydrawise® from Hunter Industries
- Easy-to-use panel with buttons and a big LCD screen
- Cheaper alternative to the Hunter Pro-HC without too many compromises
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Only available in 8 and 16-station configurations
- Fewer sensor inputs than the Pro-HC
- Smartphone app is good but lacks the polish of Hydrawise®
The Hunter X2™ Controller + Wand- the budget pick
The Hunter X2 Controller is the Nutrien Water budget pick and is considered a good entry-level smart reticulation controller.
The appeal of the X2 is its simplicity and familiarity with the conventional automatic reticulation controller most are used to. The button and dial layout are almost identical to what you would find on the Hunter X-Core range; however, with the addition of a Wi-Fi adapter module known as the Hunter X2 Wand, it transforms into an internet-connected smart controller that can be controlled remotely via the Hydrawise® app.
The Hunter X2 controller does not come with all the predictive watering ‘smarts’ found in the Hunter Pro-HC., however it has the basics covered, and an enthusiast plan will allow you to select local weather stations for even more weather accuracy.
Pros
- Price
- Easy to use and familiar button and dial layout
- Hydrawise® smartphone app is great
- Available in 2,6,8 and 14-station configurations
Cons
- Requires WAND Wi-Fi module for Wi-Fi connectivity
- Not compatible with HC flow sensor
- Only one sensor input
The Hunter BTT Bluetooth® Two Station Tap Timer- for the small garden or apartment
The Hunter BTT Two Station Tap Timer is the perfect option for those with a small garden such as an apartment balcony or townhouse veggie patch.
Designed to attach to a standard hose faucet, the Hunter BTT tap timer provides two outlets so you can add automatic irrigation to your small balcony garden and retain a usable outlet for your garden hose. It even has a manual push button to turn on the hose without pulling out your smartphone.
The Hunter BTT is a Bluetooth-enabled device, so it doesn’t have the predictive watering and remote access features of the controllers above however, with complete smartphone control, this clever little unit enables program adjustment and manual control from the comfort of your lounge.
Pros
- Two outlets retain access for a hose attachment
- Easy to install and use
- Secure passcode prevents unauthorised access
- Automatic shutoff after 1 hour prevents water wastage
- No Wi-Fi required
Cons
- Battery powered
- No Wi-Fi means no remote access
- Lacking predictive watering features
How do I know what smart reticulation controller to buy?
Do you already have an automatic sprinkler system? The easiest way to switch to a smart irrigation system is if you already have an automated irrigation system installed. Switching from a controller without Wi-Fi for a smart irrigation controller is simple and will require no modifications to your system. Disconnect, remove the old one and install the new smart controller in its place. We recommend consulting a specialist to assist in choosing the best controller for your needs.
Do you like the option to program and adjust on the device rather than an app? Whilst most smart reticulation controllers are built to be programmed via their custom smartphone applications, most can be also operated from the device itself, similar to a conventional, automatic irrigation controller. The question is, what do you prefer? Some controllers are more intuitive from the device and some are much easier programmed from the smartphone application.
Where will the controller be installed? Most controllers have outdoor options with enclosed, water-resistant door panels, but this generally comes at a cost. An indoor option will save you money if the controller can be installed inside a garage or the house.
How many stations do you need? For existing systems, this is easy. Count the number of stations currently in operation and replace one for one with a smart irrigation controller.. For new installs, it is important to design your system first to identify how many zones are required. We recommend consulting with a specialist at one of our Nutrien Water stores (or enquire through our website ) to assist with designing your system.
Do you need the controller compatible with your existing smart home system? Smart homes are common these days, using services such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. If you need your smart reticulation controller to be compatible with your smart home, make sure your chosen controller has this capability.
For all of your reticulation/irrigation supplies, browse our irrigation controllers, visit us at one of our Nutrien Water stores, or send us an enquiry through our website and we’ll be in touch.
No one should rely upon the information contained in this email without appropriate professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation.
