Choosing a B-hyve Sprinkler Controller: Indoor, Indoor/Outdoor or XR

Choose by two things: where the controller will be mounted and how many valve zones you need to run. B-hyve has three controller families: indoor (57915 with 4 zones, 57925 with 8), indoor/outdoor (57946 with 6 zones, 57950 with 12) and XR (57985 with 8 zones, 57995 with 16).

This site is an independent B-hyve resource. B-hyve is made by Orbit, and the manual for your exact model is the final authority on specifications.

Which B-hyve controllers are there?

All of these are sprinkler controllers for underground irrigation valves. They are a different product category from hose faucet timers, and they connect to Wi-Fi directly. They do not need a hub.

Which one fits where I will mount it?

• Garage, basement or utility closet: the indoor models (57915, 57925) are designed to mount inside the home.
• Garage wall, shed or outside wall: the indoor/outdoor models (57946, 57950) have a weatherproof case for these locations, according to the listing.
• Exposed outdoor spot: the XR is listed as IPX-5 certified, which protects against low-pressure water streams from any angle. Check the manual for the installation rules that apply to your site.

How many zones do I need?

Count the valves your system has, then choose a model with at least that many zones. Do not mix up zone count with hose outlet count. A zone is one irrigation valve. An outlet is a hose connection on a faucet timer.

A note on the 4-zone and 8-zone indoor models: the 57915 title says 4 zones, while shared family copy says "up to 8". Treat the 57915 as a 4-zone controller and the 57925 as the 8-zone one.

Do I need Wi-Fi on the 5 GHz band?

Only the XR supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The indoor and indoor/outdoor models use 2.4 GHz only. If your router combines both bands under one name, check the pairing steps for your model. All B-hyve controllers also have Bluetooth for local setup.

What do all models have in common?

• Control from the free B-hyve app on iPhone and Android.
• WeatherSense smart watering, which adjusts schedules using local weather data and the information you enter about each zone.
• Alexa and Google Assistant support, listed by the manufacturer.
• 24 VAC valve outputs.
• A 2-year limited warranty from an authorized dealer.

When is the XR worth choosing?

Choose the XR if you need more than 12 zones, a dual-band Wi-Fi connection, or wireless valve support, or if the controller will sit outdoors. See B-hyve XR vs standard B-hyve controllers for a side-by-side comparison.

Where do I find the manual for my model?

Orbit publishes manuals in groups: 57946 and 57950 together, 57915 and 57925 together, and 57985 and 57995 together. A shared manual does not mean the models have identical specifications. Use the Orbit manual library and read the section for your model.

Related

• B-hyve XR vs standard B-hyve controllers
• How to wire a B-hyve sprinkler controller
• B-hyve programs, start times and cycle & soak
• Browse all controllers