Orbit is the big-box, do-it-yourself timer — and there isn't just one. Depending on when and where you bought it, your Orbit might say Easy Dial, Easy-Set Logic, or B-hyve on the face. The faceplates differ, but the programming logic is shared. First, identify yours by the labels around the dial; then follow along.
How do you program an Orbit timer?
Across Orbit's faceplates the steps are the same: set the clock, set one start time, set each zone's run time, then set how often it waters — and return the dial to AUTO. The Orbit quirk to watch is that it defaults back to Program A every time you turn the dial.
Orbit's buttons are usually + / −, the ◄ and ► arrows, an ENTER key, and a PROGRAM key — though the dial labels vary by model, which is why step one is identifying yours.
Which Orbit do you have?
Look at the words printed around the dial, not the model number:
- Easy Dial — a single rotating dial with each function labelled around it.
- Easy-Set Logic — the older button-and-dial face.
- B-hyve (non-WiFi) — Orbit's newer dial timer without the app.
The labels differ slightly between them, but every one walks through clock → start time → run time → how often. Find those words on your dial and you can follow the rest.
How do I set the clock?
Turn the dial to Set Clock (some faces say Date/Clock). Use + / − to set the time and the arrows for AM/PM, then turn the dial to accept it. If your model has a separate Set Date position, set that next.
How do I set a start time?
Turn the dial to Start Time. Use + / − to set the time — Orbit usually steps in 15-minute increments — and you can set up to four per program.
The Orbit quirk to know: it defaults back to Program A every time you turn the dial. So if you mean to set Program B (or C), press PROGRAM to get there before you set the time — otherwise you'll keep editing A by accident.
Why does my Orbit water several times a day?
Orbit's own guidance is that duplicate start times in a program make it water multiple times. The fix is to clear the extras, then make sure a second program isn't running:
- Remove the extra start times. Use CLEAR, or set the unwanted start time to OFF / dashes. Leave a single start time active.
- Check Program B (and C if present). Press PROGRAM to view each one, and zero the run times on any program you're not using so it doesn't water on top of A.
How do I set each zone's run time?
Turn the dial to Run Time. Press PROGRAM for the program, use the arrows to select a station (zone), set the minutes with + / −, then press ENTER or the arrow to move to the next station. Repeat for each zone.
How do I set how often it waters?
Turn the dial to How Often. Here you choose the schedule — specific days of the week, an interval (every 2nd or 3rd day), or odd/even calendar days. Match it to your municipal watering bylaw.
What's the last step?
Turn the dial back to AUTO. Like every timer, the Orbit only follows its schedule from AUTO/RUN — left on a programming step, it won't water on its own.
My Orbit keeps losing the time — what's wrong?
An Orbit that forgets the time whenever the power blips almost always has a dead coin-cell backup battery behind the faceplate — swapping it is the first thing to try. If it still drifts after that, or you're tired of resetting it, the controller itself is on its way out; see why sprinklers run at the wrong time.
Done fighting the timer?
If you're done resetting a big-box timer every season, a WiFi controller you set from your phone is the upgrade. A Hunter HPC-400 (Hydrawise) keeps perfect time through power outages, handles the daylight-saving change on its own, and skips watering when it has rained. It reuses your existing valve wiring and heads, so it is a swap at the controller, not a rebuild. For a typical Newmarket property that is up to $580 a year in saved water.
See the WiFi upgradeWhen should you call us?
If you're in Newmarket, Aurora, King City, Stouffville, Bolton or Woodbridge and you'd rather not fight the timer, we can program it, work out why it's misbehaving, or upgrade it — usually same-day through the in-season window across our York Region core. If the rest of the system needs attention, here's our sprinkler repair page.
Start with our AI diagnostic tool, call (905) 960-0181, or book online.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Orbit water several times a day?
Per Orbit's own guidance, duplicate start times in a program make it water multiple times — clear the extras and leave one. Then check Program B (and C) and zero the run times on any program you aren't using so it doesn't run on top of the first.
How do I switch to Program B on an Orbit?
Press the PROGRAM button to move from A to B (or C). The catch: Orbit defaults back to Program A every time you turn the dial, so press PROGRAM to reach B again before setting anything on it.
How do I clear an Orbit start time?
Use the CLEAR button, or set the unwanted start time to OFF / dashes, depending on your model. Leave a single start time active so the program runs its full sequence once.
My Orbit keeps losing the time — what's wrong?
Usually a dead coin-cell backup battery behind the faceplate — replace it first. If the time still won't hold after a fresh battery, the controller is failing and worth replacing.