Hunter X2 Irrigation Controller with Outdoor Cabinet

Product details

At a glance

• Outdoor mains-powered irrigation controller
• Available with 4, 8 or 14 irrigation zones
• 3 independent watering programmes
• 4 start times per programme
• Station run times up to 6 hours
• Cycle and Soak helps reduce run-off on slopes and heavy soils
• Seasonal Adjust changes watering across all programmes without reprogramming individual run times
• Compatible with rain sensors and Hunter ROAM remote controls
• Optional WAND module adds Wi-Fi connectivity and Hydrawise smart irrigation control
• Outdoor cabinet with backlit display
• 2-year Hunter manufacturer’s warranty

Why choose the Hunter X2 irrigation controller?

The Hunter X2 is a versatile mains-powered irrigation controller designed for reliable automatic control of multi-zone irrigation systems. Its straightforward dial and button programming make it easy to operate as a conventional standalone controller, while advanced functions such as Cycle and Soak, Seasonal Adjust and rain-sensor compatibility provide greater control over watering.

A key advantage of the X2 is its upgrade path. The controller can initially be installed and operated without an internet connection, then upgraded later with the optional Hunter WAND Wi-Fi module to provide remote access and Hydrawise smart irrigation management.

Choose from 4, 8 or 14 irrigation zones

The Hunter X2 is available in 4, 8 and 14-zone versions. Each zone controls a separate 24V irrigation solenoid valve, allowing different areas of the irrigation system to operate independently.

For example, lawn sprinklers, landscape beds, drip irrigation and sports watering areas can each be assigned to separate zones with different watering times and schedules.

The X2 is a fixed-station controller, so the number of zones cannot be expanded later. It is therefore worth allowing for any additional irrigation zones that may be added to the system in the future when selecting the controller size.

Standalone control or upgrade to Wi-Fi with WAND

The Hunter X2 can be used as a complete standalone irrigation controller without Wi-Fi. Programming is carried out directly at the controller using the dial, buttons and backlit display.

If remote control is required, the optional Hunter WAND module plugs into the controller and connects the X2 to the Hunter Hydrawise platform.

This makes the X2 a flexible choice where straightforward local control is required initially but Wi-Fi operation may be useful in the future. There is no need to replace the complete controller to add smart irrigation control.

Hydrawise smart irrigation control

Adding the WAND module allows the Hunter X2 to be managed through Hunter Hydrawise using a smartphone, tablet or web browser from anywhere with an internet connection.

Hydrawise can use local weather information to automatically adjust irrigation schedules according to conditions such as rainfall and temperature. This helps avoid unnecessary watering while still providing plants and turf with the water they require.

Hydrawise also provides remote programming, controller status information and system alerts, making it particularly useful where the irrigation controller is installed away from the person responsible for managing the system.

When upgraded with WAND, Hydrawise also provides more flexible online programming, including up to six start times per programme and extended run times.

Flexible irrigation programming

In standalone mode, the Hunter X2 provides three independent programmes – A, B and C. Each programme can have up to four start times, allowing different groups of irrigation zones to follow separate watering schedules.

Individual station run times can be set for up to 6 hours, giving the controller enough flexibility for both shorter sprinkler programmes and longer-running drip irrigation systems.

The controller also includes useful programming features such as:

• Easy Retrieve memory – saves the preferred irrigation programme so it can be restored if settings are changed
• Delay Between Stations – provides a programmable pause between irrigation zones
• Short-circuit protection – detects an electrical fault and skips the affected station rather than stopping the entire irrigation programme
• Programme suspension – allows irrigation to be stopped for an extended period without deleting the watering schedule

Cycle and Soak and Seasonal Adjust

The Hunter X2 includes two particularly useful functions for adapting irrigation to site and weather conditions.

Cycle and Soak

Cycle and Soak divides a station’s total watering time into shorter applications separated by soak periods. This allows water time to penetrate the soil before irrigation continues.

It is particularly useful on slopes and heavy or compacted soils where applying the full watering requirement continuously could result in puddling or surface run-off.

Seasonal Adjust

Seasonal Adjust allows all programmed station run times to be increased or decreased by a percentage without changing each individual watering time.

For example, watering can be reduced during cooler spring or autumn conditions and increased during hot summer weather while retaining the original irrigation programme.

Rain sensor and remote-control compatibility

The Hunter X2 has a dedicated sensor input and can be connected to a rain sensor so that automatic irrigation is suspended when rainfall makes watering unnecessary.

A Hunter Mini-Clik rain sensor provides a simple wired option, while a Hunter Wireless Rain-Clik can be used where running a sensor cable is inconvenient.

The X2 is also compatible with the Hunter ROAM remote control. This allows irrigation stations to be started manually from around the site, which can be useful during commissioning, maintenance and sprinkler adjustment without repeatedly returning to the controller.

What irrigation systems can the Hunter X2 control?

The Hunter X2 is designed to operate standard 24V AC irrigation solenoid valves and is suitable for a wide range of permanent automatic irrigation systems, including:

• Automatic lawn sprinkler systems
• Landscape and garden irrigation
• Pop-up sprinkler systems
• Drip irrigation and dripline
• Sports and amenity irrigation systems
• Multi-zone irrigation valve manifolds

The controller can also provide a pump-start signal where required, allowing it to form part of larger pumped irrigation installations.

For multi-zone garden and landscape systems, the X2 can be paired with one or more 24V underground irrigation valve manifolds to provide automatic control of individual watering areas.

Hunter X2 or Hydrawise Pro-HC?

Both controllers can provide Hydrawise smart irrigation management, but they approach it differently. The Hunter X2 is primarily a conventional irrigation controller that can be upgraded to Wi-Fi using the optional WAND module, while the Hydrawise Pro-HC has Wi-Fi and Hydrawise connectivity built in.

The X2 is a strong choice where conventional controller operation is important and Wi-Fi may be added either immediately or at a later date. The Pro-HC is more appropriate where integrated Hydrawise control and a touchscreen interface are required from the outset.

Outdoor installation and electrical requirements

The Hunter X2 is supplied in a durable outdoor cabinet designed for wall mounting. The controller measures approximately 23cm high × 19cm wide × 10cm deep and incorporates an internal transformer.

UK and European models operate from a 230V AC mains supply, with the internal transformer providing the 24V AC output required to operate standard irrigation solenoid valves.

The controller should be installed in a suitable accessible position where the display and controls can be reached for programming and maintenance. The mains electrical connection should be installed in accordance with the relevant electrical requirements.

Only low-voltage control wiring is required between the controller and the irrigation valves, allowing valve boxes to be positioned remotely around the irrigated area.

Technical specification