Updated: April, 2023 I was introduced to the Galcon (originally made by Dig) irrigation timer about ten years ago. The battery operated timer I was replacing was now defunct. Ugh – something new, I thought, I wanted the timer I’m used to using. But, surprise, this new irrigation timer was 10 times better. Months later, back at the irrigation supply store, I saw my old timer back on the shelf but didn’t give it a second look – the Galcon/Dig had won me over.
Precision Run Times
What’s so great, you ask? First and foremost, the ability to set the run time precisely. The timer I previously used had a few choices for run times such as 1 min, 5 min, 10 min but there was nothing between 15 minutes and 30 minutes (some timers will give you 20 minutes). The Dig now allowed me to set any amount of time I wanted between 1 minute and 12 hours – at an exact time of day – with an option of 4 start times. Now we’re talking control. One option it does not have is ‘Skip Days'(something I love), allowing you to run your irrigation every day, every other day, third day, etc, but if they did have that the timer might be so popular they’d always be sold out.
I keep calling it the Dig timer but I’ve learned that the producer – Galcon – has taken it back and is manufacturing it under their own name. So far, no changes on the Galcon, same great irrigation timer. To be specific- the timer I like is the Galcon 9001D Hose End Tap Timer with Programmable LCD Display (previously the Dig 9001D). Updated Info: Galcon has a new improved version of the 9001D (not even sure if the 9001D is available anymore) It’s now the Galcon 9001BT, with Bluetooth capability that lets you program and operate the timer via an app.
Other Likes:
Easy to hook up – and Dig (also Rain Bird) makes a one piece pressure reducer/filter that easily attaches to the the timer. You want to add this in before connecting you drip lines. The filter and pressure can also be purchased as separate pieces. Also pictured is a brass 3/4″ female hose thread to female pipe thread brass swivel adapter. Read more about this in ‘How to Set Up Drip Irrigation with a Battery Operated Timer.‘ If you are only watering a few planters a short distance from the irrigation timer, you can also attach a female hose thread 1/4″ barbed adapter and go right to 1/4″ tubing.
The timer runs on a 9V battery which (should) lasts for a year. If you are seeing the ‘battery low’ picture when you look at the front digital readout after only a few months – you may have a compromised timer (or an out of date battery). They offer at least a one year limited warranty. So you want to know about the negatives – there aren’t many.
Dislikes:
Only a couple (in my humble opinion).
1. That black clip that allows you to disconnect the timer without unscrewing it from the hose bib – NO – do not use – if it breaks you are stuck without a timer. If you do replace the timer in the future – keep that black clip and you’ll have an extra (then you can dare to use it). It was definitely one of the few times that the Dig/Galcon and I had a falling out (some bad words were said). Anyway…lesson learned.
2. The ‘Rain Delay’ button never seems to work. No problem, if it’s the rainy season, disconnect the timer and bring it inside (this will expand its life. Leaving it out all winter is not great)
Price and Specs
Updated: With the Galcon 9001D no longer available on Amazon, the newer version, the Galcon 9001BT, sits at about $85. It’s the same great timer, just with added Bluetooth capabilities. I found these timers to last at least 3 years without problems, as long as I don’t subject them to months of freezing cold, rainy weather. Make sure to pull out the battery before storing them for the season.
Updated: The DIG timer is back – better than ever. The DIG BO9D showed up in a garden a few years ago. I have yet to write a full review about it (coming soon), but I might like this better than their old design (now Galcon). At $38, it’s less than 1/2 the price of the Galcon and equally, if not more, reliable. It has all the pluses I love in the programing abilities plus the body is a bit more weather resistant. And the one big plus – it shows the battery level in real time so you don’t get that ‘surprise, your battery is dead’ when you come out to check on things. I’ve included an Amazon link and photo below.
This irrigation timer is perfect for watering deck planters or small gardens. It’s very easy to set up (see this post) and program. Just put a note on your calendar at the start of the season to change the 9V battery. You can also use a brass Y to connect more than one timer and create two zones (shade and sun sections of your garden or if you just need more water pressure).
Happy Gardening,
Judy
ps. If you’re looking for a great, reasonably priced, battery operated timer, I’ve included my Amazon link for the Galcon 9001BT Battery Operated Timer. I’ve used this timer a lot for myself and for clients. It’s been very reliable. Galcon makes another timer, the Galcon 11000L functions the same as the 9001D but is a great alternative if you need a different shaped timer to fit a tight space. You can also find other drip irrigation supplies such as pressure reducers, filters, tubing, emitters and more.
At $38, DIG has produced a really great and super reliable, battery operated timer. The DIG BO9D has all the awesome programing abilities of the Galcon with a very convenient, real time battery level indicator. The body of this timer is a bit more robust than the Galcon but I feel that both these timers are fantastic options.