Orbit 6-Station Easy Dial Sprinkler Controller, Green — Indoor 24VAC, 2 Programs & 4 Start Times

Orbit 57596 Easy Dial is a straightforward indoor sprinkler controller that programs and runs up to six 24 VAC zones using physical dials—no Wi‑Fi or apps required.

This compact controller uses a rotary dial and push buttons to set two independent watering programs (A and B) with up to four start times each, making cycle‑and‑soak schedules easy to build. It is built for dry indoor locations and powers one valve solenoid at a time via a 300mA transformer. The unit stacks overlapping schedules automatically so only one valve runs at once, and it includes manual run and rain delay features for flexible, on‑demand control.

How do I set different schedules for lawn and garden areas?

You can create two separate programs (A and B) to run distinct watering plans for different landscapes or seasonal needs. Each program allows up to four start times, enabling cycle‑and‑soak patterns that help water penetrate the soil rather than run off.

• Program A and B let you assign unique run times to sets of zones.
• Four start times per program support staggered, repeatable cycles.
• Budget dial adjusts all station run times from 10% to 200% without reprogramming.
• Automatic stacking ensures only one zone draws power at any time.

Can I test and manually run zones without changing schedules?

Yes — Manual Run mode allows you to operate a single zone, multiple selected zones, or all zones in sequence for a chosen duration. This is useful for troubleshooting, supplemental watering, or quickly verifying valve wiring.

• Run individual stations or the entire system from the panel.
• Set manual run lengths without altering saved program settings.
• Ideal for zone checks and temporary water needs.
• Includes a dedicated relay slot for optional rain/freeze sensors to halt watering automatically.

What are the installation and compatibility details?

Mount the controller indoors on a wall near a grounded outlet; it is designed for dry locations like garages or utility rooms. Wire the common conductor to the C terminal and each zone wire to stations 1–6 using 18‑gauge irrigation wire secured by screw terminals.

• Compatible with standard 24 VAC solenoid valves from major brands.
• 300mA transformer supports one valve solenoid at a time.
• For exposed outdoor installation, place this unit inside the Orbit 57095 outdoor cabinet with GFCI protection.
• Display will show “No AC” if the transformer isn’t plugged into a powered outlet.

How does the controller handle rain and overlapping schedules?

The Easy Dial includes a rain delay feature to pause watering for a set period after rainfall and a relay input for an optional automatic rain/freeze sensor. If two programs create overlapping run times, the controller stacks the runtimes so only one station is energized at a time, preventing overload.

• Rain Delay temporarily suspends scheduled operations for preset days.
• Relay input supports an optional sensor to automatically stop watering.
• Automatic schedule stacking prevents simultaneous valve draws.
• No pump start relay capability — intended for valve‑operated systems only.

Who this is for: The Orbit 57596 Easy Dial suits homeowners and small property managers who prefer tactile, reliable controls over smartphone apps. It’s ideal if you need simple, dependable programming for up to six zones, want cycle‑and‑soak scheduling, or need an indoor controller that’s quick to install and easy to operate without network setup.