Orbit 27954, 27956, 57114, 57161, 91046 Installation And User Manual

Installation Manual /
User’s Manual

Introduction

Thank you for selecting an Orbit® sprinkler timer.
Orbit® designers have combined the simplicity of
mechanical switches with the accuracy of digital elec­tronics to give you a timer that is both easy to program
and extremely versatile. The Orbit® timer provides
convenience and flexibility, letting you run a fully auto­matic, semi-automatic, or a manual watering program
for all your watering needs.

Please read this manual completely before you begin
to program and use the controller. A few of the most
notable design features include:

At-a-Glance Simplicity

By turning the rotary dial to one of nine settings you can
review programming or easily make changes.

Arm Chair Programmable

By inserting two AA alkaline batteries you can program
the timer prior to installing it in its permanent location.

Fuse

The 0.75 amp slow-blow fuse provides circuit
protection. For replacement, use WaterMaster 0.75
amp fuse or equivalent.

Lexan Language Covers

Available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and
German.

1. Digital Display

A large LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) shows the time of
day and indicates many of the programming settings.
The display is completely interactive with all other
controls.

2. Programming Keys

The timer has seven push button keys for setup and
program entry. Working in conjunction with the rotary
selector, the keys are used to set the time of day,
watering time, watering days, start times, and other
functions.

3. Selector Dial

This large dial makes it easy to see which function is
currently selected and/or in which mode the timer is
set to operate.

4. Reset Button

The reset button clears the time, date, and user-defined
programming, but does not remove the factory installed
fail-safe program. To prevent an accidental reset, the
button is recessed into the panel and must be pressed
with a small pointed object such as a pen or pencil tip.

FIGURE 1: Location of Controls on the Timer

Notable Programming Features

Two Watering Programs—Summary

The timer gives you the option of using one or both of
the independent programs. Note that each station can
independently be set to either A or B or both A and B
programs.

Program A

This program lets you schedule selected stations to
water on specific days of the week or to water every 2nd
day. Program A repeats itself continuously in successive
weeks.

Program B

Provides two options: One for odd or even day watering
or for intervals ranging from everyday to every 28th
day. This feature is designed to meet the growing needs
and restrictions imposed by local governments and
to conserve water. The timer automatically calculates
odd and even days (by date) for each month and makes
adjustments for leap years to provide true odd and even
watering through the year 2100.

Start-Time Stacking

The timer has the intelligence to “stack” start times
that overlap. If you enter two or more start times that
overlap (in the same or in different programs), the
timer will not activate two stations at the same time.
Instead, the timer activates the first station and then
activates the next station(s) in sequence after the
first station finishes its preset watering duration. The
timer will NOT stack to the next calendar , preventing
the timer from violating an odd or even day watering
schedule.

Manual and Semi-Automatic Modes

The timer gives you a number of manual and semi­automatic modes for flexibility in watering. You can
override the timer’s automatic programming in a
variety of ways.

Getting Started

Programming the timer can be accomplished in just
a few basic steps. Before you begin programming,
it is important to install the batteries (batteries not
included), set the time of day and date, and establish a
watering plan.

Install the Batteries

The timer requires two AA batteries to maintain the
time, date, and programs in case of AC power loss. In
a typical installation, fully charged batteries should
provide sufficient power for approximately three years
of operation.

n Remove the terminal cover.

n Insert two AA batteries into the battery

compartment (batteries not included).

n Return the terminal cover to its closed position.

Remove batteries when depleted or if product is to
be left unused for a long time. The program will be
retained for up to 30 seconds while the batteries are
replaced.

Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline,
standard (carbon - zinc), or rechargeable (nickel
cadmium) batteries.

Weak or missing batteries can cause the time and date
to be erased after a power failure.

Set the Time of Day and Date

If this is the first time the timer has been programmed,
you should press the small recessed button labeled
RESET. Pressing RESET does not affect the factory
installed fail-safe program [See Figure 2].

FIGURE 2: Programming Keys

n Turn the rotary dial to the TIME/DATE position

[See Figure 3].

n 12:00 AM will appear in the display with three

arrows pointing to the year, month, and day.

n Use the + and - keys to set the correct time of day.

When the correct time of day is reached, press
the ENTER key to lock in the time. To increase or
decrease more rapidly, hold down either the + or –
keys until the display goes into rapid advance mode.

n A blinking cursor will appear below the arrow for

the year, month, and date when programming [See
Figure 3].

n Use the + and – keys to set the correct year, then

press ENTER.

n Use the + and – keys to set the correct month, then

press ENTER.

n Use the + and – keys to set the correct date, then

press ENTER.

FIGURE 3: LCD Display with Surrounding Information

CAUTION: If a watering schedule is not entered into the
timer, the factory installed fail-safe program will turn on
each station every day for 10 minutes. To avoid accidental
valve activation, either turn the rotary dial to OFF or enter
a watering schedule.

Establish a Watering Schedule

To help you visualize how best to program the timer,
it might be helpful to make a watering plan on paper.
This will help you establish which days and times you
want to water.

Programming

The timer has two programs you can set up to control
a variety of watering schedules. Depending on your
needs, you can use either or both programs.

Enter Watering Schedule in Any Order

You have the option of entering your watering schedule
in whatever order you like. This feature makes it very
easy to review and change your watering schedule.
Your settings can be changed at any time while you’re
setting up the initial schedule or even after years of
operation.

Start Times for Program A or B

NOTE: A start time is the time of day that the program
begins watering the first station, and all other stations in
the program will then follow in sequence. There are not
separate start times for each station. Start times do not
correspond to specific stations, but to programs (A or B).
If you enter more than one start time, all stations in the
specified program will water again (in sequence).

n The way you set the cycle start time is the same for

both programs. Turn the rotary dial to the CYCLE
START TIMES position in the program that you want

to set. The display will show an A or B depending on
which program you have selected. The display will
show —— : ——
and a blinking cursor in CYCLE START 1 location

[See Figure 4].

n Set the time you want to begin watering for start

time 1 using the + or – keys, then press the
ENTER key. The display will advance to st A r t 2. For
additional start times, simply repeat this procedure
by using the + and – keys to enter the time and
then press ENTER. Remember, Each start time

will activate all stations that are set to water in the
specified program. There are not separate start times
for each station. Start times do not correspond to
specific stations.

n Up to four start times can be entered per program

(A or B).

FIGURE 4: LCD Display with Start Time

Water Duration for Program A or B

NOTE: Both programs require watering durations to be
programmed.

n Turn the rotary dial to STATION DURATION position in

either the A or B program. The display will show which
program you have selected with an “A” or “B” and the

- - cursor blinking at station “1” [See Figure 5].

FIGURE 5: Station Duration for Program A

n You can set the watering duration from 1 to 99

minutes. Press and hold the + key to advance
the number of minutes, or use the - key to go in
reverse, then press ENTER. When the minutes are
set, “A” or “B” will appear over station 1 and the
cursor will advance to station 2 and begin blinking.

n Simply repeat these steps to set watering durations

for all zones on this program

n To skip a station, press the NEXT key.
n To erase previously programmed watering

durations, press the CLEAR key.

Assigning Watering Days for Program A

n Turn the rotary dial to DAY OF WEEK in program

A. The display will show an “A” and the cursor will
blink under the days of week Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, etc. [See Figure 6].

FIGURE 6:

LCD Display with Watering Days

n Press ENTER to activate watering on Monday. An

arrow appears under M and the cursor will advance
to Tuesday (T), press ENTER to activate watering
on this day. Repeat these steps for all days of the
week.

n To skip a day, press NEXT.
n To delete a previously entered day, press CLEAR
n If you want to water every second day, press the

NEXT key to advance the cursor to “2nd”, then press
ENTER.

NOTE: If you choose to water every 2nd day, you cannot
set specific days of the week for watering

Assigning Watering Intervals for
Program B

Program B is used to water at specific intervals
between days (1 to 28), or on odd or even calender
dates. The timer has a leap-year compensator and
will ensure conformance to the odd and even schedule
through the year 2100.

n Turn the rotary dial to WATERING INTERVAL. The

cursor will blink to the left of the word INTERVAL
[See Figure 7].

FIGURE 7: LCD Display with Watering Interval

n Press and hold the + or - keys to select the number

of days between watering. Example: If you want to
water once every 10 days, set the interval at 10.

n To activate the watering interval, press ENTER.

NOTE: If an interval of 3 is entered today, the timer will
water for the first time today, and then again every 3 days.

n To select odd or even day watering, press NEXT.

The cursor will move to either the odd or even
setting, then press ENTER.

n To erase a schedule, press CLEAR. To enter a new

schedule, press NEXT.

Reviewing and Changing Your Program

The Orbit timer lets you easily review a complete
watering plan.

For example, to review Program A watering start
times, simply turn the rotary dial to the CYCLE START
TIMES position in Program A and check the times
that have been entered. Using the NEXT key, you
can advance through the schedule without fear of
disturbing any programming. If you want to change the
start times, watering days, or interval, simply follow
the directions for that program. After reviewing or
changing a watering schedule, remember to turn the
rotary dial back to AUTO.

Ready for Automatic Operation

After programming is complete, turn the rotary
dial to AUTO [See Figure 8]. The timer is now fully
programmed and ready to use in the automatic
mode. In automatic mode, each program will operate
sequentially, starting with Program A

FIGURE 8: Ready for Automatic Operation

Semi-Automatic &
Manual Operation

The Orbit timer has the ability to override the
automatic program without disturbing the preset
program.

Using the Semi-Automatic Mode

(All stations cycle once both A & B programs)

n Turn the rotary dial to AUTO, then press the

MANUAL key. The display will show AB, MANUAL,

and ALL will be blinking [See Figure 9]. This
indicates all stations will semi-automatically water
for their assigned durations in sequence.

n To activate the assigned water durations in the A and

B programs for each station, press ENTER.

FIGURE 9:

Semi-Automatic Watering for Stations

Assigned to A and B Programs

NOTE: Water durations assigned to station 1 in program
A will water first, then move to station 1 in program B
before advancing to the second station and will continue
alternating. Only those stations assigned a watering
duration will water when using the manual or semi­automatic mode [See Figure 10].

FIGURE 10: Semi-Automatic Watering Entered for A

and B Programs, All Stations

(All stations cycle once, A program only)

n To activate stations assigned watering duration

for the A program only, press the MANUAL key,
followed by the NEXT key. This will activate stations
with assigned watering durations in the A program
only. To initiate this semi-automatic watering, press

ENTER [See Figure 11].

1

4

3

2

5:00

MODELS: 27954, 27956, 57114, 57161, 57162,
91046, 91054, 94122, 94124, 94126

WT2X Version

FIGURE 11: Manual Watering in Either

the A or B Program Only

(All stations cycle once, B program only)

n To activate stations assigned watering durations

for the B program only, press the MANUAL key,
followed by pressing the NEXT key two distinct
times. This will activate only those stations with
assigned watering durations in the B program only.

To initiate this semi-automatic watering, press ENTER.

Using Manual Operation

The manual operation mode allows you to set
durations in any of the stations from 1 to 99 minutes.

n Turn the rotary dial to AUTO.
n Press the MANUAL key. Then press NEXT three

times. The display will show a blinking cursor on
station 1 along with - - MINs [See Figure 12].

FIGURE 12: LCD Display with Manual Operation

n To set the number of minutes for watering duration,

press and hold the + key to advance to desired
number of watering minutes. Use the - key to go in
reverse. Press e N t e r to begin watering.

n To skip a station, press NEXT until the cursor

is blinking over the station number you wish
to program. Example: To set station 3 for five
minutes, press the MANUAL key; then press the
NEXT key five times to select the manual operation
mode and advance to watering for station 3; using
the + or - key, set the manual watering duration to
five minutes; then press ENTER [See Figure 13].

FIGURE 13: Manual Watering Station 3 for Five

Minutes

NOTE: After the MANUAL key has been pushed, if a
selection is not made within 60 seconds the display
returns to the time of day.

n To halt or discontinue semi-automatic or manual

watering, press the CLEAR key once. The timer will
revert to your original automatic watering plan.

Using the User Selectable Rain Delay Mode

To stop automatic watering for 24, 48, or 72 hours, use
the RAIN DELAY mode key.

n With the rotary dial set to AUTO, press the

RAIN DELAY key once then press ENTER. The

timer will force a 24-hour interruption of all
scheduled watering. After 24 hours, the timer will
automatically return to its initial watering schedule.

n To increase the rain delay to 48 or 72 hours simply

press the RAIN DELAY key again until the desired
delay time is displayed, then press ENTER.

n To cancel the rain delay mode, press CLEAR

[See Figure 14].

FIGURE 14: LCD Display with Rain Delay

NOTE: While in rain delay mode, the timer will display
the remaining hours (counting down) to the end of the
accepted delay alternating with the current time and date.
No other key besides CLEAR is accepted while the timer
is in the rain delay mode.

Complete System Shut Down

To shut the system down, turn the rotary dial to the
OFF position. The timer remains programmed but will
not water.

Installation of Indoor
Mount Timer

Install the controller in 4 easy steps

1. Choosing a timer location

2. Mounting the timer

3. Connecting the transformer

4. Connecting valve wires to timer

1. Choosing a Timer Location

n Select a location near a standard electrical outlet.

Avoid using an outlet controlled by an ON/OFF
switch.

n The timer should not be exposed to the weather or

operate at temperatures below 14 degrees or above
113 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to 45 degrees Celsius).
Avoid direct sunlight. For use under “normal
pollution conditions.”

n Installation works best in a garage or protected

area. The timer should not be mounted outdoors.

2. Mounting the Timer

n Screw a No. 8 screw at eye level leaving the screw

head extended out from the wall about 1/8 inch.
Use expanding anchors in plaster or masonry if
necessary.

n Slip the keyhole slot in the back of the timer over

the extended screw.

n Screw a No. 8 screw through each of the two holes at

the bottom of the box into the wall [See Figure 15].

FIGURE 15: Mounting of

an Indoor Timer

(the two mounting

holes are in the battery

compartment)

3. Connecting the Transformer

n With the wiring terminal shroud off, find the two

terminal holes labeled 24-VAC. Make sure the
transformer is not plugged in. Insert one of the
two power leads from the transformer into each
terminal. It doesn’t matter which lead goes into
which terminal. This power unit is intended to be
correctly orientated in a vertical or floor mount
position.

n It may be necessary to open the terminal to allow

for wire insertion or removal. To do this, turn the
screw with a Phillips screwdriver until wire is
secure [See Figure 16].

n Plug in the transformer

WARNING: Do not link two or more controllers together
with one transformer.

n Slide the shroud back on.

FIGURE 16:

Connecting Transformer

PRECAUTIONS:

• This controller is not intended for use by young children

or infirm persons without supervision.

• Young children should be supervised to ensure they do

not play with the controller.

Installing Valves, Pump
Start Relays & Master
Valves

1. Wiring the Electric Valves

n If the distance between the controller and valves is

under 700 feet (210 m), use WaterMaster® sprinkler
wire or 20 gauge (AWG) plastic jacketed thermostat
wire to connect the controller to the valves. If the
distance is over 700 feet (210 m), use 16 gauge
(AWG) wire. Terminals accept up to 14 gauge wire.
The wire can be buried in the ground; however, for
more protection wires should be pulled through
conduit and buried underground. Be careful to avoid
burying the wires in locations where they could be
damaged by digging or trenching in the future.

n Each valve has two wires. One wire is to be

connected as the common. The common wires for
all the valves can be connected together to one
common wire going to the timer. The other valve
wire is to be connected to the specific station wire
that will control that valve

[See Figure 17].

FIGURE 17: Connecting Timer Wires to Valves

n All wires should be joined together using wire nuts,

solder, and/or vinyl tape. For additional protection to
waterproof connections, a WaterMaster® grease cap
can be used.

n To avoid electrical hazards, only one valve should be

connected to each station.

n The rated output is 24 volts AC at less than 0.240

Amps. Do not use solenoids that exceed these
values.

2. Connecting Valve Wires to the Timer

n Remove the terminal compartment cover.
n Strip 1/4” (6 mm) of the plastic insulation off the end

of each wire.

n Determine which valve you want to connect to

which station. Connect each valve wire to its station
terminal (labeled 1-6) by inserting the bare wire
fully into the terminal.

n It may be necessary to open the terminal to allow

for wire insertion or removal. To do this, turn the
screw with a Phillips screwdriver until wire is
secure [See Figure 18].

n Connect the common wire to the terminal labeled

COM [See Figure 18].

FIGURE 18: Connecting Valve Wires

NOTE: Only one wire can be installed into each terminal.
If more than two common wires are used in your system,
splice several together so only one wire runs into the COM
terminal. Protect the splice connection with a wire nut.

Australian Rating Information

Transformer:

Output: 600 mA 24 VAC 50 Hz
Input: 240 VAC 50 Hz

Controller Ouput: 24 VAC

Other Quality Products
and Accessories

Automatic Rain Shut-Off

The rain shut-off easily connects to the timer and
prevents overwatering during rainy periods.

Weather Resistant Timer Box

Allows outdoor installation of most brands of indoor
mount timers. UL

®

listed.

Automatic Valves

Durable, non-corrosive plastic construction. Automatic
valves are available in anti-siphon or straight valves
with safe, low voltage.

Automatic Converters

Durable non-corrosive plastic construction. Converts
most brands of plastic or brass valves to automatic.

Grease Caps

Protects low voltage wires from corrosion or shorts.

Ke yhole

S

crew hole

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No. 8 Screw

Wall

24V 24V

COM

123456

PUMP

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MANUAL

CLEAR

NEXT

ENTER RAIN DELAY

RADIO TIME

2

120

MANUAL ON

5
10
15
20
25
30
45
60

MANUAL OFF

WATERING
DURAT ION

MINUTE

WEEK 1

SET TIME 
AND/DATE

SET
START
TIME

WATERING
DAYS

SET 
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DAYS

MASTER 
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RESET

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200

25

175
150
125
110
NORMAL
90
75
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PROGRAM

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DAY

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WEEK 2

A

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Troubleshooting

Possible Causes of Problems

One or more stations do not turn on:

1. Faulty solenoid.

2. Wire broken or not connected.

3. Flow control stem screwed down, shutting valve off.

4. Programming is incorrect.
Stations turn on when they are not supposed to:

1. Water pressure is too high.

2. More than one start time is programmed.
One station is stuck on and will not shut off:

1. Faulty valve.

2. Particles of dirt or debris stuck in valve.

3. Valve diaphragm faulty.
All stations do not turn on:

1. Transformer defective or not connected.

2. Programming is incorrect.

3. Fuse has been blown.
Controller will not power up:

1. Fuse has been blown.

2. Transformer not plugged into an operational

AC outlet.

Stations continue to turn on and off when they are not
programmed to:

1. More than one start time is programmed with

overlapping schedules.

2. Excessive pressure.
Fuse blows repeatedly:

1. Short in wiring or solenoids.

Help

Before returning this timer to the store, contact Orbit®
Technical Service at: 1-800-488-6156.

Listings

The timer is tested to UL-1951 (Indoor models) and
is ETL® listed. Appropriate international models are
CETL® and CE® approved.

NOTE:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

n Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
n Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver

n Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is connected

n Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à

la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Trademark Notice

WaterMaster® is registered trademark of
Orbit® Irrigation Products, Inc.

The information in this manual is primarily intended for
the user who will establish a watering schedule and enter
that schedule into the timer. This product is intended
to be used as an automatic timer for activating 24-VAC
irrigation valves, as described in this manual.

WaterMaster® by Orbit®
Limited Five Year Warranty

Orbit® Irrigation Products Inc. warrants to its
customers that its WaterMaster® products will be
free from defects in materials and workmanship for
a period of four years from the date of purchase. We
will replace, free of charge, the defective part or parts
found to be defective under normal use and service for
a period of up to four years after purchase (proof of
purchase required). We reserve the right to inspect the
defective part prior to replacement. Orbit® Irrigation
Products Inc. will not be responsible for consequential
or incidental cost or damage caused by the product
failure. Orbit® liability under this warranty is limited
solely to the replacement or repair of defective parts.
To exercise your warranty, return the unit to your
dealer with a copy of the sales receipt.

Orbit® Irrigation Products Inc.

North Salt Lake, Utah 84054
57114-14 Rev H

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1-800-488-6156

www.orbitonline.com

Valves

Specific 

Zone Wire
Wire 
Connectors
in Grease Caps

Solenoids

Common 
Wires

Jacket

24V 24V123456

To Station Valve

p 801 295 9820
f 801 951 5815

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1065 South 500 West

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