Toro ECxtra 6-Zone Sprinkler Timer #53766

List Price: $57.69 Discount Price: $52.66

Features:

• Simple and easy to program: choice of 3 programs, 4 start times
• RainSensor port for fast and easy connection
• Indoor timer
• For new or replacement installations
• Works with any other brand irrigation systems

Customer Reviews:

Not quite what they say it does. [Posted on 2007-05-04]
First, its easy to program, easy to set up, and works very well. This new model gets rid of the battery backup and will internally hold its memory for several years but the clock will have to be reset on loss of power.

What irks me about this timer is that it has three programs A, B, and C. Toro states on page 15 of the manual that they are completely independant of each other "like having 3 timers in one".

This is absolutely not true. I wanted to set up three programs so on "A" it runs all my zones each day, but on rainy weeks I could switch it to "B" an only run one zone each day which adds water to my pond.

It will not do that. If I set the switch to 'B'. It will run it then run "A". Toro recognizes this, but ignores my problem. Ok...but at least change the implication that they are independant. They are not.

ECXTRA is Easy [Posted on 2007-05-21]
As a homeowner (not a software engineer), the software is indeed easy to use and fits my needs well.

In response to some earlier comments ....

First this timer uses A, B, C programming for all zones. This allows you to put different watering requirments to selected zones. If you have one zone tied to more than one A, B or C program it will run each of them. If you want to switch back and forth one zone to run separate programs, you will have to reprogram that zone to that.


Second, the ECXTRA has an automatic circuit protection to prevent timer damage from an electricity overload. When this happens, an error message of FUSE is displayed. (There really is no fuse in the timer, though.) This lets you know that you have a faulty solenoid or pump start relay. On page 37 of the instruction manual, this is explained.

Hard to program [Posted on 2007-08-13]
I found this timer difficult to program and when I wanted to operate a single valve by itself it wanted to run all the valves it was grouped with on the timer (A,B, or C). Someone with some common sense needs to design this clock so it can be quickly programmed or operated manually so individual lawn or drip system areas can receive extra attention just on their own.

Toro ECxtra 6-Zone Sprinkler Timer [Posted on 2007-10-10]
One of the classiest products of its type I have seen. This is the fourth sprinkler system I've installed and this is a standout: Computer programmable (with an additional module); snap in wire connectors; directions for connections and use are clear and well-written by someone who speaks English. I am very pleased.

Get the 'Schedule Advisor' Software, too [Posted on 2008-06-12]
I bought this controller/timer by itself, and then bought Toro's Schedule Advisor software that comes with a 'TimePod'. The software makes programming this thing a snap. You'll need a Windows PC running XP or earlier [at the time of this review] to use the Schedule Advisor software. They have released a beta version of the Schedule Advisor software that works on Vista [at the time of this review].

Programming manually is just as mind-numbing as on any other controller. You really need to know what you want to do (e.g., 12-minutes for the grass, 20-minutes for the drip along the garage, 15-minutes for the shrubs along the driveway... but only every other day, etc.) The manual interface is just as good as any other; there are no surprises there. The buttons and dial are cogent and easy to use. The LCD is good with lots of icons to indicate status. Wiring is a snap with easy connectors and easy access. Best of all, the Ecxtra comes with non-volatile RAM inside. This means you don't need a backup battery in it. The Ecxtra will retain your watering schedule *for years* with the power disconnected. Yes. Years. The only thing you need to do is reset the date and time after a 24-hour loss of power, but that is no big deal to accomplish. The Ecxtra is easily expandable up to 10-zones by clicking in a small 2-Zone module. So, if you buy the 6-Zone Ecxtra you can expand it to either 8- or 10-Zones with either 1 or 2 additional modules. The modules are sold separately.

I titled this review "Get the Schedule Advisor Software, too", because that's what I think you should do if you want to use this controller to its maximum potential. It takes the mind-numbing programming process and tosses it out the window. If you have the software, it asks you very simple questions, and you give simple answers, and voila... a watering schedule.

You take this schedule and download it from your PC into the "TimePod" that comes with the software package. You then take the TimePod and connect it to your Ecxtra where it downloads the schedule, and you're done. The TimePod looks like it is actually just a USB memory "stick" with a USB connector on one end (for upload from your PC) and a proprietary connector on the other end (for download to the Ecxtra). It's really quick and easy to use. Probably the easiest part of the whole Ecxtra experience. The Schedule Advisor software takes your geography, weather patterns, system setup [drip vs. sprinklers], etc. into account. You don't have to be a meteorologist, though. Just know your Zip Code and you're good. It also has an internet link to [...] [on newer versions of the software] that lets the controller grab local weather information and incorporate it on its own, if you like, or you can program it yourself; your choice. It's not hard at all, and it's kind of fun.

The software interface looks a little dated--like an interface you might have seen in the Windows 95-98 timeframe, but it's functional and not all that bad unless you're a computer interface purist.

Be aware, though, that earlier versions of the Schedule Advisor software had some bugs. I faced this problem. The CD that came with my standalone Schedule Advisor software/TimePod had v.1.0.48 on it. If your retailer has had the software on their shelf for longer than a year, you may also find this to be the issue. Toro has a forum website, though [Edit: Amazon won't let me post a URL, so go to the Toro website and look for an ECxtra forum.] that lets you download newer versions of the software that have fixed the bugs that kept my system from initially functitoning. They're up to version 1.0.60 as of June 2008. They have also released a Vista-compatible beta version of the software (v.1.1.8) as of June 2008. It has probably gone final if you read this review after July-August 2008. You can also get the Vista software at [...] <-- Edit: I guess I can't post a URL, so go to the Toro website and look for an ECxtra forum. You can find the software there.

If you do want to get the Ecxtra AND the Schedule Advisor software, Toro also offers them as a package deal that'll save you a couple of bucks.

Overall, I like the Ecxtra a lot. I love the computer-savvy aspect and the non-volatile RAM. Both are excellent ideas, in my opinion, and a long time coming, but now they're here.

Click here for more details and discount information...