Gardena 31815-4 Water Computer

List Price: $89.99

Features:

• Watering Computer
• For controlling sprinklers, underground irrigation systems and driphead irrigation systems
• Switches on and off automatically for a convenient, water saving watering
• Rain Sensor connection for a water saving irrigation control
• Removable operating unit for a comfortable programming away from the tap

Customer Reviews:

Good idea -- weak technology [Posted on 2002-06-10]
We have a large heavily shaded yard that requires considerable watering over the summer. We have three of these computers running with multiple water lines feeding out from each. This is a terffic idea if you have a lot of regular watering to do -- and, it really saves you loads of time. Unfortunately, for two of the past three years we've had to replace at least two computers. In fact, we're ordering two water computers today. I just wish they built them to stand up for more than a year or two.

Good idea -- weak technology [Posted on 2002-06-10]
We have a large heavily shaded yard that requires considerable watering over the summer. We have three of these computers running with multiple water lines feeding out from each. This is a terffic idea if you have a lot of regular watering to do -- and, it really saves you loads of time. Unfortunately, for two of the past three years we've had to replace at least two computers. In fact, we're ordering two water computers today. I just wish they built them to stand up for more than a year or two.

Beautiful New Lawn [Posted on 2003-07-06]
I purchased this product in the early Spring to help water a newly seeded lawn which I wanted to water 4 times daily on hot days.

It was very simple to program and the flexibility of the 6 schedules allowed me to grow the best lawn I have ever had. I strongly recommend the product!

Dependable but... [Posted on 2004-08-02]
This is my first water computer purchase. I sided with this brand and model because of previous reviews of this and varous other brands. The housing for the computer itself appears be to water-tight. A huge bonus for this Gardena is the ability to remove the computer from the unit and program it where you want and when you want. It operates on one 9-volt batttery, in which the German manufacturers claim it should last one year. I'm dubious of this. If it were equipped with a pair of double A's... sure, it probably would.
Programming the computer. The instructions are fairely straight forward, however, whoever translated the instructions into English was definitely not "well paid." Sometimes they read as though written for a pre-high school student... and very oftentimes discombobulated and inconclusive.
My predominant negatives:
1) PLASTIC fittings. German engineers usually release solid products. Not this one. Not with plastic fittings.
2) The fittings are not standard garden hose (or PVC) threads. Be aware of this. The threads on this unit are meant for Gardena hoses. Will they work on standard U.S. hoses and PVC threads? Use PVC tape and be careful not to over-torque--are my suggestions.
3) Gardena should place a FLOW ARROW on the unit. My water line comes up from the turf--not down from a sprocket. So, since nothing was annotated in the instructions, I placed the unit so that the intake went into the bottom of the unit and outflow in the top. For 20 minutes I sat pondering why the unit was allowing water to enter my lines even though it wasn't time yet. Acting on a hunch, I inverted the unit--and it worked. So, if you're reading this and you're a first time water computer purchaser, keep this in mind: while looking at the unit from the face, the BOTTOM is the intake; the top is the output.
If I needed another water computer would I purchase this one? Most likely. But, I don't think it's worth more than $50.00.

Detachable program unit makes it a must have... [Posted on 2005-06-28]
I have struggled to read other LCD water computer displays in the bright and blazing hot sun and program them while mosquitos attacking me - not a pleasant experience. The fact that this programming unit detaches from the valve unit makes this a must have. Just bring it indoors and program it in the comfort of your living room, then go out and plug it into the valve unit. That's it. Not only are you spared the outdoor elements, you are further assured the electronics are segregated from the water (Water getting into the electronics is the downfall of most devices of this type.).

The product also takes the simple things seriously, like how easy is it to change the battery or remove the rainshield cover off the programming unit. These sound trivial but you may be suprised how many manufacturers don't get it right, and therefore cause you to struggle.

It takes about 10 minutes to learn how to set the programmer, which I found more intuitive than competitor units. This is a brilliant and innovative product by Gardenia.

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