My Toro Evolution irrigation controller died. Will not come on. It's all of three years old. Was given to me and installed by my bil.

Researching these Toro controllers they get pretty bad reviews.

Any recommendations for a replacement unit? Need 13 zones and a remote control.

Thanks!

pablof said:

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My Toro Evolution irrigation controller died. Will not come on. It's all of three years old. Was given to me and installed by my bil.

Researching these Toro controllers they get pretty bad reviews.

Any recommendations for a replacement unit? Need 13 zones and a remote control.

Thanks!

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I have a Rachio. It's pretty good.

My Rachio just died after 4 years. Go figure. I bit the bullet and replaced it with another Rachio. Good luck!

I do like the Rachio and it is a breeze to use. Controlling through the app is nice.

Rachio for me.

Also, put a whole home surge protector in your service box, they come in a double breaker sizing and you can install in like 5 mins.

I hated my irrigation system because my schedules would get lost, go haywire, etc. After I installed a surge protector for the house, i noticed no more sprinkler shenanigans, my schedules haven't dropped in over 2 yrs. Surges/power flashes were killing my system.

Rainbird is the way to go. Easy to use, last forever.

Rainbird with the WiFi module. App works great

JSKolache said:

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Also, put a whole home surge protector in your service box, they come in a double breaker sizing and you can install in like 5 mins.

I hated my irrigation system because my schedules would get lost, go haywire, etc. After I installed a surge protector for the house, i noticed no more sprinkler shenanigans, my schedules haven't dropped in over 2 yrs. Surges/power flashes were killing my system.

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Any suggestions on brand/model?

I have 4 Hunter controllers and I'm happy with them. The Pro-C is what I would use for 13 stations. You would need to add the wifi module (controller has to be in wifi range) to control anywhere from your phone, or the ROAM kit if you just want local remote control for testing stations. I have a Pro-C on solar power and another Pro-C on line power that are 4+ years old and no issues. They have a backup battery that keeps the programming if they lose power.

Edit, it looks like the Hunter X2 is also wifi compatible with up to 14 stations. I don't have any experience with this controller, but another possible option for you.

I'd recommend the either the Hunter Pro HC
https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/hunter-pro-c-hydrawise-16-station-wifi-indoor-outdoor-controller-hpc-416

or
the Orbit Bhyve
https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/orbit-b-hyve-xr-16-zone-smart-indoor-outdoor-sprinkler-controller-57995

Ended up replacing the Toro controller with the Hunter HPC400, WIFI. Man, it's the cats meow! I don't think I'll ever need to go into the actual box again. Hunters Hydrawise app is a no brainer to set up and easy to use. Everything is controlled via the app. Weather adjustments are automatic and based on a multitude of weather forecast sites. You can turn this feature off if you want to.
I never relied on the Toro rain sensor since it was basically an unreliable system. Defeated it and manually controlled the watering schedules. Much more confident with what I know of the Hunter system. We'll see!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Ted Lasso said:

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Rainbird with the WiFi module. App works great

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I have the same, but let's not get carried away.

FYI a 12-zone controller is way cheaper than one that handle 13. A contractor told me I probably don't use all zones so just put 12 on and make the 13th hang free. You can take out 12 and put 13 in when you need to water it.

Hunter pro-HC 12 zone plus HydraWise app is the tits.

Love mine