Orbit 57985 B hyve XR 8 Zone Smart Irrigation Controller: Review & Guide

Gardening and agriculture enthusiasts know that proper watering is the cornerstone of healthy plants, lush lawns, and productive gardens. With technology advancing, traditional sprinkler systems are slowly being replaced by smart watering controllers that can optimize water usage, save time, and give you complete control remotely.

Among the top options available today is the Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR 8-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller. In this review, I will share my detailed experience with this product, its pros and cons, setup process, performance, and practical insights for anyone considering upgrading their watering system.

What Is Orbit 57985 Smart Irrigation Controller?

The Orbit B-hyve XR 8-Zone Smart Sprinkler Controller is a Wi-Fi-enabled irrigation timer designed to automate and optimize watering schedules for residential gardens and lawns. Compatible with both indoor and outdoor setups, this controller allows users to monitor and control their sprinklers from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. With weather-based adjustments, dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, and intuitive programming, it promises to make lawn care more convenient while conserving water.

This model is part of Orbit’s B-hyve smart controller series, which has gained recognition for efficiency, ease of use, and long-term reliability. It supports up to 8 zones and can handle multiple programs, making it suitable for medium to large properties. Here are the main specifications and features of the Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR:

1. Color: Charcoal Gray
2. Brand: Orbit
3. Voltage: 110 Volts
4. Dimensions: 4″L x 9″W x 11″H
5. Material: Durable plastic
6. Zones: 8
7. Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
8. Weather Integration: Smart WeatherSense for automated adjustments
9. Waterproof Rating: IPX-5 for outdoor use
10. App Support: iOS and Android

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Key Features:

1. Smart Underground Watering Timer: Automates watering schedules, reducing manual effort.
2. Wi-Fi Control: Manage sprinklers remotely through the user-friendly B-hyve app.
3. WeatherSense Technology: Adjusts watering based on real-time local weather data.
4. Drought Monitoring: Tracks local drought levels for regulatory compliance.
5. Tamper-Proof Design: Prevent accidental changes using Manual Control Lock and Stealth Mode.
6. Hyper-Local Precision: Optimizes watering according to property attributes and high-precision weather forecasts.
7. Stronger Wi-Fi Connectivity: Dual-band radios ensure fewer signal drops, even in larger properties.

With these features, the B-hyve XR is designed to save water, reduce costs, and deliver precise irrigation for healthier plants.

Pros & Cons of Orbit XR 8 Zone Smart Irrigation Controller

Here’s a clean table icons summarizing my experience with the Orbit B-hyve XR:

Pros	Cons
Operate sprinklers from anywhere	Requires stable Wi-Fi for remote features
Automated and adjustable based on weather	Smart mode can fail during extreme heat
Easy to wire and install	Small print instructions inside panel
Supports up to 8 zones	Only 4 programs (A-D) limits flexibility
User-friendly, intuitive	Weather info in app may not be fully accurate
IPX-5 rated, durable for outdoor use	Occasional solenoid faults can occur

Why Smart Irrigation Controller Matters?

Water is one of the most critical resources in agriculture and gardening. Inefficient watering not only wastes water but also affects plant health, encourages weed growth, and increases the risk of soil erosion. Smart sprinkler controllers like the B-hyve XR use precision irrigation techniques, adjusting water flow according to:

• Local weather conditions
• Soil moisture levels
• Plant types and zone requirements

Research shows that smart irrigation can reduce water consumption by up to 30% while promoting optimal plant growth. By using automated schedules and weather-based adjustments, homeowners and farmers can ensure their gardens receive just the right amount of water, no more, no less. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2023):

Over 9 billion gallons of water per day are wasted due to inefficient irrigation in residential landscapes in the U.S. alone.

Smart irrigation technologies have been shown to reduce outdoor water usage by 20–40%.

Homeowners who adopt smart sprinkler controllers report significant cost savings, averaging $100–$200 per year in water bills depending on property size.

Additionally, Orbit’s B-hyve series has received positive ratings for durability, usability, and water conservation efficiency, making it a trusted choice for smart irrigation solutions globally.

My Experience with Orbit 8 Zone Smart Irrigation Controller

I have owned five homes over the past 10 years, and in each, I replaced the old sprinkler timers with B-hyve units. In my newest home, with 21 zones split into 9 + 12, I purchased two B-hyve XR units. Here’s my experience:

Installation: Wiring was straightforward; a small flathead screwdriver and needle-nose pliers made the process easier. Mounting the unit required only two screws.

App Setup: The B-hyve app was intuitive, quickly connecting via Bluetooth and then Wi-Fi. I could name each zone and even attach photos for easy identification.

Manual Operation: The ability to run a specific sprinkler from anywhere in the yard is invaluable. With a few taps on the app, I could manually water any zone instantly.

Automatic Features: While I prefer scheduling manually for optimal landscape beauty, the smart mode is convenient and adjusts watering based on weather data.

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Challenges encountered:

Occasional solenoid faults appeared on certain stations, which required replacement, but this was not a reflection of the controller itself.

• Smart weather data occasionally differed from actual conditions, requiring manual judgment.
• Limited to 4 programs (A-D), which can be restrictive for properties with many zones.

Overall, the experience was highly positive, and the convenience of remote control and zone management far outweighs the minor issues.

Performance of Orbit Smart Irrigation Controller

The B-hyve XR performed exceptionally well in my setup:

• Quick response via the app, even at far corners of my yard
• Strong dual-band Wi-Fi prevented connectivity issues
• Automated weather adjustments, when used, helped prevent overwatering
• Reliable water distribution across multiple zones

Even with large properties and numerous zones, the controller maintained consistent performance, making irrigation stress-free.

Practical Tips for Orbit 57985 Smart Irrigation Controller

For users planning to install the B-hyve XR, here are some practical tips:

i. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Use an extender if necessary to ensure stable connectivity.

ii. Label and Photograph Zones: Helps in managing and identifying stations easily.

iii. Keep Spare Solenoids: If you experience RED fault notifications, replacing solenoids is often the solution.

iv. Manual Mode: Familiarize yourself with the manual controls for situations where Wi-Fi is temporarily unavailable.

v. Program Wisely: Consider creating multiple schedules (normal, hot weather, drought conditions) for optimal irrigation.

Comparisons with Alternatives Smart Irrigation Controller

Here’s how Orbit B-hyve XR stacks up against some popular alternatives:

Observation: B-hyve XR offers a balance between affordability, smart features, and reliability. While it supports fewer programs than some competitors, its ease of use, durability, and dual-band Wi-Fi make it ideal for most residential setups.

Final Recommendations

For gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners seeking a reliable, easy-to-use smart sprinkler controller, the Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR 8-Zone is a highly recommended choice.

Who should buy it:

• Owners of medium to large properties with up to 8 zones per unit
• Those looking for remote control and automated watering schedules
• Users interested in reducing water waste without complicated setups

Considerations:

• Limited to 4 programs (may require scheduling adjustments for complex setups)
• Smart weather data may need manual verification
• Occasional solenoid faults are possible but easily fixed

Overall, this controller saves time, improves irrigation efficiency, and delivers consistent performance, making it a valuable addition to any garden or lawn system.

In conclusion: The Orbit B-hyve XR brings smart technology to everyday watering, allowing you to enjoy a lush, thriving garden with minimal hassle. Whether you are a gardening enthusiast, agriculture scholar, or busy homeowner, this smart sprinkler controller is a worthwhile investment that blends convenience, efficiency, and technology in one device.

• Source: https://cultivationag.com/orbit-57985-b-hyve-xr-8-zone-smart-irrigation-controller-review-guide/