Melnor HydroLogic 73280 - Advanced Four-Zone Electronic Water Timer Manual
![]()
Parts and Controls
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - Parts and Controls Parts and Controls]()
Understanding Zones
- This is a four zone timer allowing you to water four different areas from the same faucet.
- Each zone can be programmed with up to four different start times.
- You can use the PLANNING TABLE provided on the back of this sheet to help organize your watering schedule for each zone.
Note: Do not use your timer when the air temperature is below 40°F (4.5°C). When storing your timer, be sure it is in a dry place and protected from frost.
Battery Installation & Assembly
- Remove the battery holder from the back of the Timer Control Unit. Insert two AA alkaline batteries (Do not use rechargeable batteries) as indicated on the battery holder. Replace the battery holder, making sure that it is firmly and securely placed in the Timer Control Unit.
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - Battery Installation Battery Installation]()
We recommend replacing batteries when the indicator reaches
![]()
Installation of the Unit
- Attach the timer to an outside faucet and turn the water on very slowly. The water must be left on while the timer is attached to the faucet for your timer to operate. You may choose to program your timer before or after attaching it to the faucet.
- NOTE: If water is continuously flowing through one or more valves, see Open Valves During Installation in the "Useful Tips" section for more information.
SET CLOCK
Set Current Time and Day
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - Setting the Current Time and Day Setting the Current Time and Day]()
- The Water Timer default setting is a 12-hour mode (AM/PM). To ensure correct timing, look for either AM or PM to the left of the time. To switch between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military time), hold the
button for 5 seconds. 12-hour mode shows AM or PM while 24-hour mode does not.
Note: Changing time mode will erase all programs. - Before setting your watering times, you must first set the current time and day of the week. When the batteries are first installed, the arrow in the screen will point to CLOCK. If it is not in that position, press the
button until the arrow is pointing to CLOCK. - On your screen, a flashing box will appear around the SU. Simply set the timer to the current day by pressing the
and
buttons on the touchpad until the square is on the correct day. Once the correct day has been indicated, press the
button. - To set the time, press the
and
buttons until the correct time appears on the screen, and then press - Press the
button (at the top of the touch pad) to move to WATER DAY.
WATER DAY
"What days do you want to water?"
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - WATER DAY SETTING WATER DAY SETTING]()
- Check to be sure that the arrow on the screen is pointing to WATER DAY. With this setting, you can select specific days to water or an interval period of the day when watering will occur.
- To set the watering day, use the
and
buttons to select the day-of-theweek you wish to water. Press the
button when the desired day-of-theweek is highlighted on the screen. You can select as many days as you like. The days selected will have a square around them. - To water at preset intervals, press the
button on the buttonpad to navigate past the days of the week. Press the
and
buttons to set the time period (EVERY 1 DAY through EVERY 7 DAY(s) ). - Press the
button to move to START WATER.
Note: You will see Zone 1 highlighted at the bottom of the screen; program Zone 1 before moving on to Zone 2.
START WATER
"What time-of-day do you want to water?"
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - SETTNG THE START WATER TIMES SETTNG THE START WATER TIMES]()
- You can select up to four independant start times (CYCLE A, B, C, D). With the arrow pointing to Start Water on your screen, CYCLE A should be highlighted, use the
and
buttons to select the first watering time. - If you want to set another START WATER time, press
to move to CYCLE B. Repeat the process above to set the next START WATER time. You may select up to four START WATER times. - When you have set all desired START WATER times, press the
button to move to HOW LONG.
Hold the
or
buttons to advance settings more quickly.
HOW LONG
Set the length of each watering cycle.
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - Setting the length of each watering cycle Setting the length of each watering cycle]()
- With the arrow pointing to HOW LONG, use the
and
buttons to select the length of each watering cycle. After setting HOW LONG you want to water during a selected cycle, press
to move to the next cycle. Repeat until HOW LONG has been set for each cycle. - HOW LONG can be set for up to 360 minutes (6 hours) for each watering cycle. The Cycle length cannot overlap the next START WATER time.
- Note: You can only select Watering Cycles if you have set a start time in Step 5 above.
RAIN DELAY
Prevent watering when rain is in the forecast.
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - SETTING THE RAIN DELAY SETTING THE RAIN DELAY]()
- If there is rain in the forecast, you can temporarily suspend your watering program on all zones for up to 7 days using the RAIN DELAY feature. After the selected delay has ended, your watering program will automatically resume.
- To set the Rain Delay, check to make sure the arrow on the screen is pointing to AUTO.
- Hold the
button until the word DELAY appears. Now press the
button to set the duration of the delay. You can reduce or deactivate the delay period with the
button. - Once the delay time is selected, press the
button and wait for the number to stop flashing. - All other functions, including MANUAL WATERING and OFF are on hold during RAIN DELAY. To cancel RAIN DELAY, press the
button until DELAY is set to "0". - Note: In the RAIN DELAY mode, the screen will alternate between the current time and the remaining delay time.
OFF MODE
Stop watering for an extended period.
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - USING THE OFF MODE USING THE OFF MODE]()
- To stop watering indefinitely, press the
button until the arrow on the screen points to OFF. The timer will not water while in this mode. The screen will display the word OFF. - To start watering automatically again, press the button until the arrow on the screen points to the AUTO. The program will begin watering at the next previously scheduled START WATER Time.
- Note: Watering will be stopped for all zones when this feature is activated.
MANUAL WATERING
Fill a bucket, clean the car or wash the dog.
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - SETTING THE MANUAL WATERING SETTING THE MANUAL WATERING]()
- To use a hose or other watering tool, simply press the (manual) button. Then using the
button select which zone you want to use. - Using the
button, select the length of time you wish to water. After a few seconds, the valve will open, and then automatically close when the selected time is reached. - Note: The timer will hold the last manual time in its memory. To reset the manual time back to "0", press the
and
buttons to adjust the time.
UNIT RESET
To completely erase all settings in the timer and return to the original factory settings, press and hold the
button for 7 seconds. The screen will display RESET.
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - UNIT RESET UNIT RESET]()
You will need to press and hold the
button a second time to change the clock format.
Note: All programming will be lost when the timer is RESET. After RESET You may need to change the time setting between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military time). See Step 4 for further instructions.
PLANNING TABLE
ZONE 1 | CYCLE A | CYCLE B | CYCLE C | CYCLE D |
Start Water (Time) | | | | |
How Long (Minutes) | | | | |
ZONE 2 | CYCLE A | CYCLE B | CYCLE C | CYCLE D |
Start Water (Time) | | | | |
How Long (Minutes) | | | | |
ZONE 3 | CYCLE A | CYCLE B | CYCLE C | CYCLE D |
Start Water (Time) | | | | |
How Long (Minutes) | | | | |
ZONE 4 | CYCLE A | CYCLE B | CYCLE C | CYCLE D |
Start Water (Time) | | | | |
How Long (Minutes) | | | | |
USEFUL TIPS
Open Valves During Installation
Shaking during transportation can cause valves to be open. if this occurs, water may run continuously through one or more valves during installation.
- Turn the water off.
- Remove the batteries. Wait for the screen to go blank. Reinsert the batteries.
- Note: Removing the batteries will not erase any existing watering schedules.
- Turn the water back on.
- If the problem persists, turn off the water. Use the Manual feature to open and close each valve 3 times.
Cleaning Your Product
You should clean your timer periodically. Debris or sediments commonly found in water can build up in your timer.
- Turn off the water. Remove the timer from the faucet and check that the filter washer is clear. If you notice any debris, remove the filter washer and clean it out with water.
![Melnor - HydroLogic 73280 - Cleaning Your Product - Step 1 Cleaning Your Product - Step 1]()
- Activate the MANUAL mode by pressing the MANUAL button. Open all of the valves and spray water through each valve and the faucet connection to flush out any built-up sediments or debris.
Seasonal Storage
Freezing temperatures can cause water in the timer to freeze and expand, damaging the timer.
- At the end of the season or when there is frost in the forecast, turn off the water and remove your timer from the faucet.
- Remove the batteries.
- Be sure to store the timer indoors, away from freezing temperatures.
Tips for Battery Life
![]()
- Make sure to use fresh alkaline batteries.
- Do not use rechargeable batteries.
- Remove the batteries at the end of the season before storing.
- Batteries should last about one season. A schedule with more frequent watering times can cause the batteries to drain faster.
![]()
Intended for outdoor use only. Severe electrical shock could result if water is sprayed into outlets or sources of electrical current. Do not use water more than 115°F (46°C). Do not use when the ambient air temperature is less than 40°F (4.5°C). When not in use, remove batteries, drain and store indoors away from freezing temperatures.
![]()
Documents / ResourcesDownload manual
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Melnor HydroLogic 73280 - Advanced Four-Zone Electronic Water Timer Manual
Need help?
Do you have a question about the HydroLogic 73280 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers