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Toro ECxtra 6-Zone Sprinkler Timer #53766 | 
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| Brand: Toro
Buy New: $57.28
Rating:  7 reviews
Media: Tools & Hardware
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.2
Dimensions (in): 3.8 x 10.6 x 6.5
MPN: 53766
Model: 53766
UPC: 021038537665
EAN: 0021038537665
ASIN: B000BQOVSU
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Simple and easy to program: choice of 3 programs, 4 start times | | • | RainSensor port for fast and easy connection | | • | Indoor timer | | • | For new or replacement installations | | • | Works with any other brand irrigation systems |
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| Toro Irrigation System:
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| Similar Items:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Ecxtra 6 Zone Timer, 3 Programs, Modular Style, Expandable 6 To 10 Zones With 2 Zone Expansion Module #53741, 4 Start Times Per Program, Run Time, From 1 Minute To 4 Hours, Easy To Program Using A Personal Computer, Includes Interactive Software That Simplifies Timer Set Up & Programming Using A Home Computer.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Good Timer September 18, 2008
Robert Hull (Denver)
I've had the timer for about two months. Easy enough to program, with more than enough time/zone options. I was using an old lawn genie, which in comparison, worked like a dinosaur. So far, I'm glad I got it.
 Probably the worst controller on the market. September 5, 2008
NINRocket
I have A LOT more experience with this controller than the other reviewers. I've been using it for a few years. I just got a $350 dollar water bill thanks to the Toro ECxtra.
The timer can be programmed using a USB module or manually. Both have proven unreliable to me.
With the first USB module I would make program changes and later find out that only some of the data was written to the irrigation controller. Toro knew this because when I called them they sent me a different module with newer firmware. Because of this I started programming mine manually at the controller.
Last month I overseeded my lawn and set the irrigation controller to cycle 15 minutes per zone 4 times a day. After one week I manually deleted this program.
About a week ago I received a notice from the water department that I may have a leak between the meter and my house since my usage was up from 5,000 gallons to 56,000 GALLONS!!! Hence the $350.00 bill.
I went and checked the controller and verified that all 3 programs, A,B and C had NOTHING setup. That same night the irrigation started running for 15 MINUTES PER ZONE. THERE ARE NO START TIMES IN THE CONTROLLER ON ANY PROGRAM.
I pulled the plug on the unit and am going to see what Toro will do about the $350 dollar bill.
The Toro ECxtra has some very shoddy programming and I would recommend anyone looking at an irrigation controller to avoid this system at ALL COSTS!
 Get the 'Schedule Advisor' Software, too June 12, 2008
BookGuy (USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought this controller/timer by itself, and then bought Toro's Schedule Advisor software that comes with a 'TimePod'. The software makes programming this thing a snap. You'll need a Windows PC running XP or earlier [at the time of this review] to use the Schedule Advisor software. They have released a beta version of the Schedule Advisor software that works on Vista [at the time of this review].
Programming manually is just as mind-numbing as on any other controller. You really need to know what you want to do (e.g., 12-minutes for the grass, 20-minutes for the drip along the garage, 15-minutes for the shrubs along the driveway... but only every other day, etc.) The manual interface is just as good as any other; there are no surprises there. The buttons and dial are cogent and easy to use. The LCD is good with lots of icons to indicate status. Wiring is a snap with easy connectors and easy access. Best of all, the Ecxtra comes with non-volatile RAM inside. This means you don't need a backup battery in it. The Ecxtra will retain your watering schedule *for years* with the power disconnected. Yes. Years. The only thing you need to do is reset the date and time after a 24-hour loss of power, but that is no big deal to accomplish. The Ecxtra is easily expandable up to 10-zones by clicking in a small 2-Zone module. So, if you buy the 6-Zone Ecxtra you can expand it to either 8- or 10-Zones with either 1 or 2 additional modules. The modules are sold separately.
I titled this review "Get the Schedule Advisor Software, too", because that's what I think you should do if you want to use this controller to its maximum potential. It takes the mind-numbing programming process and tosses it out the window. If you have the software, it asks you very simple questions, and you give simple answers, and voila... a watering schedule.
You take this schedule and download it from your PC into the "TimePod" that comes with the software package. You then take the TimePod and connect it to your Ecxtra where it downloads the schedule, and you're done. The TimePod looks like it is actually just a USB memory "stick" with a USB connector on one end (for upload from your PC) and a proprietary connector on the other end (for download to the Ecxtra). It's really quick and easy to use. Probably the easiest part of the whole Ecxtra experience. The Schedule Advisor software takes your geography, weather patterns, system setup [drip vs. sprinklers], etc. into account. You don't have to be a meteorologist, though. Just know your Zip Code and you're good. It also has an internet link to [...] [on newer versions of the software] that lets the controller grab local weather information and incorporate it on its own, if you like, or you can program it yourself; your choice. It's not hard at all, and it's kind of fun.
The software interface looks a little dated--like an interface you might have seen in the Windows 95-98 timeframe, but it's functional and not all that bad unless you're a computer interface purist.
Be aware, though, that earlier versions of the Schedule Advisor software had some bugs. I faced this problem. The CD that came with my standalone Schedule Advisor software/TimePod had v.1.0.48 on it. If your retailer has had the software on their shelf for longer than a year, you may also find this to be the issue. Toro has a forum website, though [Edit: Amazon won't let me post a URL, so go to the Toro website and look for an ECxtra forum.] that lets you download newer versions of the software that have fixed the bugs that kept my system from initially functitoning. They're up to version 1.0.60 as of June 2008. They have also released a Vista-compatible beta version of the software (v.1.1.8) as of June 2008. It has probably gone final if you read this review after July-August 2008. You can also get the Vista software at [...] <-- Edit: I guess I can't post a URL, so go to the Toro website and look for an ECxtra forum. You can find the software there.
If you do want to get the Ecxtra AND the Schedule Advisor software, Toro also offers them as a package deal that'll save you a couple of bucks.
Overall, I like the Ecxtra a lot. I love the computer-savvy aspect and the non-volatile RAM. Both are excellent ideas, in my opinion, and a long time coming, but now they're here.
Toro ECxtra 6-Zone Sprinkler Timer October 10, 2007
Alice M. Alger (Augusta, GA United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
One of the classiest products of its type I have seen. This is the fourth sprinkler system I've installed and this is a standout: Computer programmable (with an additional module); snap in wire connectors; directions for connections and use are clear and well-written by someone who speaks English. I am very pleased.
Hard to program August 13, 2007
Ken (Colorado)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I found this timer difficult to program and when I wanted to operate a single valve by itself it wanted to run all the valves it was grouped with on the timer (A,B, or C). Someone with some common sense needs to design this clock so it can be quickly programmed or operated manually so individual lawn or drip system areas can receive extra attention just on their own.
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