Controllers & timers
Hydrawise, station counts, Wi-Fi faceplates, and which Hunter controller fits the job.
What is Hunter Hydrawise?
Hydrawise is Hunter’s cloud-based irrigation control platform. Compatible controllers (HPC, Pro-HC, and Hydrawise-ready faceplates) connect over Wi-Fi so you can adjust schedules, receive weather-based adjustments, and get alerts from a phone or browser. It is aimed at residential and light commercial sites that want remote management without a proprietary radio network.
What is the difference between Hunter HPC and Pro-HC?
Both are Hydrawise-ready residential/commercial controllers. Pro-HC typically offers more stations and a larger enclosure suited to bigger residential and light commercial jobs, while HPC covers smaller station counts in a compact cabinet. Choose by zone count first, then enclosure and expansion needs. See our controller buying guide for a side-by-side.
Is Hunter X2 compatible with Hydrawise?
The base X2 is a conventional timer. Add the Hunter WAND Wi-Fi module to connect an X2 to Hydrawise for app control and weather-based watering. Without WAND, X2 runs as a local dial/digital controller only.
How many stations do I need on an irrigation controller?
Count every independently controlled valve (zone), then add 1–2 spare stations for future beds or repairs. Typical homes run 4–12 zones; larger landscapes and commercial sites often need 12–54+ stations. Match the controller’s max stations (and any expansion modules) to that number—do not undersize and daisy-chain unrelated areas on one valve.
What is the difference between Hunter ICC2 and ACC2?
ICC2 is a modular commercial controller for mid-size sites; ACC2 is Hunter’s larger decoder/conventional commercial platform for big campuses and golf-adjacent properties. If you need high station counts, flow monitoring, and decoder wiring, evaluate ACC2. For many HOA and commercial landscapes, ICC2 is enough. Confirm decoder vs conventional wiring before you order.
Do I need a Wi-Fi irrigation controller?
Wi-Fi (Hydrawise) helps when you want phone adjustments, weather skip, and leak/flow alerts. A conventional timer still works fine if the site has no reliable Wi-Fi, you prefer local-only control, or a property manager will only touch the cabinet. Many contractors install Wi-Fi on residential upgrades and keep conventional or commercial modular systems on large sites.
Can I replace a Rain Bird or Toro controller with a Hunter controller?
Yes, in most cases. Controllers are low-voltage (typically 24 VAC) and connect to existing valve wires. Label every zone wire before disconnecting the old timer, match common (COM) and station terminals, and verify transformer VA for the number of valves that may fire. Solenoid brand usually does not require matching the controller brand.
What voltage do Hunter irrigation controllers use?
Hunter residential and most commercial controllers output 24 VAC to valves. The cabinet plugs into standard line voltage (120 VAC in North America) and steps down through an internal or plug-in transformer. Always confirm the specific model’s transformer rating and never connect line voltage to valve terminals.
How do I add a master valve to a Hunter controller?
Wire the master valve solenoid to the MV (or P/MV) terminal and shared common, then enable master valve in the controller’s settings so it opens with every zone. Use a normally closed master valve on the mainline. If you also have a flow sensor, follow the model’s sensor terminal diagram so the controller can shut down on high flow.
What is a pump start relay on an irrigation controller?
A pump start relay (PSR) is a dry-contact or dedicated terminal that signals a booster or well pump to run whenever a zone valves opens. The controller does not power the pump motor—it only closes a low-voltage circuit to the relay. Size the relay for the pump contactor, and never land pump line voltage on irrigation station terminals.
How do I connect Hunter Hydrawise to Wi-Fi?
Use the Hydrawise app or web wizard: power the controller, join the temporary setup network or scan the QR/serial, then enter your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi SSID and password. Controllers generally need 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz-only) with clear signal at the cabinet. After pairing, name the controller and set your timezone and watering days.
Why is my Hydrawise controller offline?
Check power at the cabinet, confirm the Wi-Fi password did not change, and verify the access point still broadcasts 2.4 GHz. Reboot the router and controller, then re-run Wi-Fi setup if needed. Metal cabinets, long distances, and mesh nodes that drop 2.4 GHz are common causes.
What is Hunter Station Expansion Module?
Expansion modules add station outputs to modular controllers such as ICC2. Install the module in the designated slot, seat the ribbon/connector fully, and configure the new station range in software or dial settings before wiring additional valves.
Should I use a conventional or decoder irrigation system?
Conventional systems run a dedicated wire pair (or multi-wire) to each valve—simple and easy to troubleshoot on small sites. Decoder systems send addressed signals on a two-wire path, reducing wire count on large properties. Choose decoder when trench distance and station count make multi-wire impractical.
How often should I water with a smart controller?
Smart controllers adjust runtime from weather and sometimes soil data, but you still set plant type, soil, sun exposure, and nozzle precipitation rate. Start with manufacturer defaults for your region, then watch plant health for two weeks and trim runtimes. Cycle-and-soak helps clay soils accept water without runoff.
Can two valves run at the same time on a Hunter controller?
Most residential controllers run one station at a time. Some commercial models support simultaneous stations if flow and pipe allow it. Enabling multi-station operation without checking GPM can starve heads or trip a pump. Confirm available flow before stacking zones.
What is the Hunter Node battery controller used for?
Battery or solar nodes control remote valves where AC power is unavailable—isolated planters, medians, or temporary sites. They typically operate one or a few valves and are scheduled locally or via specific wireless options depending on the Node model.
How do I set a rain delay on a Hunter controller?
On Hydrawise, pause or adjust via the app; on dial controllers, use the rain delay or seasonal adjust feature per the model manual. A wired rain sensor can also interrupt watering automatically when the sensor is wet.
What does seasonal adjust mean on an irrigation timer?
Seasonal adjust scales all station runtimes by a percentage (for example 70% in cooler months) without rewriting every program. It is a fast way to cut water use when temperatures drop, then restore 100% in peak summer.
Do Hunter controllers work with normally closed or normally open valves?
Zone valves are almost always normally closed (NC): they open only when 24 VAC is applied. Master valves on potable mains are also typically NC. Normally open valves are uncommon in landscape irrigation and require a different control strategy—verify the valve body before wiring.
What is the Hunter HPC irrigation controller?
The Hunter HPC is residential Hydrawise Wi-Fi controller for modest station counts. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter HPC support?
Station capacity varies by HPC configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
What is the Hunter Pro-HC irrigation controller?
The Hunter Pro-HC is larger Hydrawise controller for bigger homes and light commercial. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter Pro-HC support?
Station capacity varies by Pro-HC configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
What is the Hunter X2 irrigation controller?
The Hunter X2 is affordable conventional timer that can add Hydrawise via WAND. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter X2 support?
Station capacity varies by X2 configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
What is the Hunter X-Core irrigation controller?
The Hunter X-Core is compact residential dial controller for small yards. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter X-Core support?
Station capacity varies by X-Core configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
What is the Hunter Pro-C irrigation controller?
The Hunter Pro-C is modular residential/light commercial controller with expansion. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter Pro-C support?
Station capacity varies by Pro-C configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
What is the Hunter ICC2 irrigation controller?
The Hunter ICC2 is modular commercial controller for mid-size properties. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter ICC2 support?
Station capacity varies by ICC2 configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
What is the Hunter ACC2 irrigation controller?
The Hunter ACC2 is advanced commercial controller for large decoder/conventional sites. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter ACC2 support?
Station capacity varies by ACC2 configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
What is the Hunter I-Core irrigation controller?
The Hunter I-Core is legacy commercial modular platform still common on existing jobs. Confirm station count, indoor vs outdoor cabinet, and whether you need Hydrawise Wi-Fi before ordering. Browse Controllers & Timers for current SKUs and accessories.
How many zones does a Hunter I-Core support?
Station capacity varies by I-Core configuration and any expansion modules. Check the exact SKU’s station range on the product page—do not assume the max of the product family. Count your valves and leave spare stations for future zones.
How do I replace an old Hunter controller faceplate?
Power down, photograph every wire, move conductors one-for-one onto the new faceplate or controller, then test each station. Keep wire labels. If terminal layouts differ, map stations on paper before energizing.
Can I mount an irrigation controller outdoors?
Only if the cabinet is listed for outdoor use. Outdoor models include weather-resistant enclosures; indoor controllers belong in a garage or shed. Always use waterproof conduit fittings on outdoor wire entries.
What fuse does a Hunter irrigation controller use?
Replace fuses only with the amp rating printed on the controller. Repeated fuse blows mean a field short—find the damaged cable or solenoid before inserting another fuse.
How do I set watering days on a Hunter dial controller?
Set the dial to current time, then program start times, station runtimes, and watering days per the model manual. Verify the system is not in rain delay or off.
What is odd/even day watering?
Odd/even schedules water only on odd or even calendar dates—often used under drought rules. Confirm local watering ordinances before relying on this mode.
How do I enable a sensor bypass on a Hunter controller?
Many controllers include a sensor bypass switch or menu option for maintenance. Return bypass to normal when finished so rain shutoff works again.
Can I run irrigation while it is raining if I override the sensor?
Yes via sensor bypass or manual watering, but you may violate local watering rules and waste water. Prefer weather-based skip logic when possible.
What is a Hunter SmartPort used for?
SmartPort accessories provide a standardized connection for remotes or certain modules on compatible Hunter controllers—check model compatibility before ordering.
Do irrigation controllers need surge protection?
Surge protection on the primary power and, where offered, on field wires reduces lightning/induction damage. It is cheap insurance in storm-prone regions.
How far can valve wire run from the controller?
Voltage drop limits distance—short residential runs are fine on 18 AWG; long park runs may need thicker wire or decoders. Measure voltage under load at the solenoid if unsure.
What irrigation controller do I need for 4 zones?
For 4 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 4 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many small to mid-size site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
What irrigation controller do I need for 6 zones?
For 6 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 6 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many small to mid-size site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
What irrigation controller do I need for 8 zones?
For 8 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 8 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many small to mid-size site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
What irrigation controller do I need for 12 zones?
For 12 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 12 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many small to mid-size site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
What irrigation controller do I need for 16 zones?
For 16 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 16 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many small to mid-size site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
What irrigation controller do I need for 24 zones?
For 24 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 24 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many larger site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
What irrigation controller do I need for 32 zones?
For 32 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 32 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many larger site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
What irrigation controller do I need for 54 zones?
For 54 zones, pick a controller (and expansion modules if needed) rated for at least 54 stations, ideally with 1–2 spares. Residential Hydrawise models cover many larger site counts; commercial modular platforms fit higher station counts and decoder layouts. Confirm indoor/outdoor cabinet and Wi-Fi requirements before ordering.
How do I reset a Hunter irrigation controller?
Power-cycle the controller, then follow the model’s reset procedure if programs are corrupted. After reset, re-enter time, start times, and station runtimes—or restore from Hydrawise cloud if the unit is linked.
Can I control Hunter irrigation with Alexa or Google Home?
Hydrawise-connected controllers are managed primarily through the Hydrawise app/web. Voice-assistant support depends on current Hydrawise integrations—use the official app for scheduling reliability.
What is a Hunter ROAM remote?
ROAM remotes let contractors operate stations from the yard while testing heads, without walking back to the cabinet. Confirm SmartPort/receiver compatibility with your controller model.
Indoor vs outdoor irrigation controller — which do I need?
Choose an outdoor-rated cabinet if the unit will live on an exterior wall. Indoor controllers belong in garages or utility rooms. Never leave an indoor-only plastic cabinet fully exposed to weather.
How do I program multiple start times on a Hunter controller?
Many models allow several start times per program so cycle-and-soak or morning/evening splits are possible. Add start times in the program menu and keep total daily runtime within local watering rules.
What does “Station Delay” mean?
Station delay inserts a pause between zones so a well pump can recover or a master valve can close cleanly. Use short delays unless your pump documentation requires longer.
Why is my controller blank?
Check outlet power, GFCI, and the plug-in transformer. A blown fuse or failed transformer leaves the display dark even if field wiring is fine.
How do I test a single zone from the controller?
Use manual station start / one-touch manual features to run one valve. Confirm the correct station number matches the wire label in the valve box.
What is Hunter Centralus?
Centralus is Hunter’s cloud platform for commercial ICC2/ACC2-class controllers, aimed at multi-site management rather than residential Hydrawise. Match software to the controller family you own.
Can I expand a Hunter Pro-C later?
Yes—Pro-C style modular controllers accept station modules. Leave cabinet space and spare wire so expansion does not require a full re-pipe of control wiring.