DocumentationB-hyve Programs, Start Times and Cycle & Soak
How to program B-hyve: build custom programs with start times and run days, or use smart watering. Cycle and soak uses multiple start times.
A B-hyve program is a schedule that tells a zone when to start and how long to run. You can build custom programs in the B-hyve app (or on the controller's console on models that have one), or let smart watering decide the schedule. Cycle and soak is done with multiple start times in one program.
This guide is independent. B-hyve is made by Orbit, and program limits are model-specific, so check the manual for your exact controller.
How do I program a B-hyve controller?
Orbit describes the process in plain terms. You set the days of the week or month and the time of day you want to water, and choose how long each zone runs. Alternatively, you can let the app manage watering cycles based on weather and plant needs. Menu names differ between models and app versions, so follow the app prompts and the manual instead of a fixed path.
How many programs and start times can I have?
| Model | Programs | Start times |
|---|---|---|
| 57925 (8-zone indoor) | Up to 4 independent programs | Up to 4 per program |
| XR (57985, 57995) | 4 custom slots: A, B, C and D | Multiple per program |
Orbit does not publish limits for every model in the sources used here. Do not assume the 57925 or XR limits apply to 57915, 57946 or 57950.
What is cycle and soak?
Cycle and soak splits watering into short runs with pauses between them, so water can soak into the soil instead of running off. Orbit describes multiple program start times as the way to create those watering cycles and soak windows. Availability and program limits depend on the model.
What is the difference between smart watering and a custom schedule?
These are different modes, and the app treats them separately.
- Smart watering: B-hyve uses local weather and the zone details you enter (soil type, sun exposure, vegetation, slope and watering restrictions) to estimate a moisture balance and decide when and how long to water.
- Custom schedule: you choose the days, start times and run times. Orbit's app description says custom programs can still benefit from weather-event overrides.
- Weather delays: rain, freezing temperatures or high winds can delay watering on supported connected setups.
- Manual watering: you start a zone yourself from the app, or on the controller where it has the controls.
Smart watering needs an internet connection to get weather updates. A stored schedule on the 57925 keeps running from its internal memory during an internet outage, but do not assume every model behaves the same way.
Why did my schedule not run?
Owner reviews on the app store mention a few patterns. Paraphrased:
- An interval schedule (for example, every two weeks) did not start on an XR for one reviewer.
- Some people say the app shows the wrong state while a program runs.
- Smart watering gave results one owner disliked during hot weather.
None of these are confirmed faults, but they point to useful checks: confirm the controller is powered and online, check whether a rain delay or weather skip is active, and confirm the schedule days, start times and zone run times. If a program still does not start, contact the manufacturer. Orbit's support portal is the place to start.
Should I change the soil moisture number?
Orbit advises against manually changing the soil moisture percentage in the app, because it can affect smart watering. That number is calculated from your zone information and weather data. It is not read from a probe in the ground.
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