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Hunter X2 Timer Guide · Toronto Irrigation

How to Work With a Hunter X2 Timer

The Hunter X2 timer controls sprinkler start times, station run times, watering days, manual watering, test cycles, rain sensor bypass, seasonal adjustment, and optional Wi-Fi control with the Hunter WAND module.

4-14
Station Models
A/B/C
Watering Programs
1-6 hr
Station Run Times
10-200%
Seasonal Adjust
WAND
Wi-Fi Upgrade

What Is the Hunter X2 Sprinkler Timer?

The Hunter X2 is an irrigation controller used to run sprinkler zones automatically. It controls when watering starts, how long each station runs, and which days the system is allowed to water. Hunter offers X2 models for different station counts, and the controller can be upgraded with the WAND module for Hydrawise Wi-Fi control.


For most Toronto sprinkler systems, the most important settings are date and time, start times, station run times, watering days, seasonal adjustment, manual station testing, rain sensor status, and WAND Wi-Fi setup. For normal watering, the dial should always be returned to RUN.

Hunter X2 timer with WAND module

How to Program a Hunter X2 Timer Step by Step

Step 01
Date

Set Current Date and Time

Turn the dial to Date/Time. Use the + and - buttons to set the year, month, day, hour, and minutes. Use the arrow button to move between fields. When finished, return the dial to RUN.

Step 02
Start

Set Program Start Times

Turn the dial to Start Times. Press PRG to select Program A, B, or C. Use + and - to set the start time. One start time runs every station assigned to that program, so avoid adding extra start times by mistake.

Step 03
Run

Set Station Run Times

Turn the dial to Run Times. Select the program with PRG, then set how long each station should water. Use the arrow button to move from station to station. Lawn, garden, drip, sunny, and shaded zones often need different run times.

Step 04
Days

Choose Watering Days

Turn the dial to Water Days. Select the program, move through the days of the week, and choose which days watering is allowed. The X2 can also support odd, even, or interval watering schedules.

Manual
Zone

Run One Station Manually

Turn the dial to Manual. Select the station, set the manual run time, then turn the dial back to RUN. This is useful for testing a single zone, checking repairs, watering new sod, or inspecting dry spots.

Adjust
%

Use Seasonal Adjustment

Turn the dial to Seasonal Adjust. Use + and - to increase or decrease all watering run times by percentage. This lets you fine-tune watering during spring, summer heat, and cooler fall weather.

Hunter WAND Adds Wi-Fi and Hydrawise Control

Hunter X2 WAND Wi-Fi sprinkler controller
Hunter WAND module for X2 timer
Hunter smart sprinkler controller for irrigation scheduling

How to Test a Hunter X2 Timer After Programming

How do you test all stations?

Press and hold PRG for about three seconds. Station 1 will appear. Set a short test run time, then allow the controller to cycle through each station. Watch every zone to check coverage, pressure, leaks, broken heads, and clogged nozzles.

How do you manually run a full program?

Turn the dial to RUN. Press and hold the arrow button for about three seconds, then press PRG to select the program. After a short pause, the controller will begin running the selected program.

Why is my Hunter X2 watering too often?

The most common cause is extra start times. One start time runs the whole program. If Program A has three start times, the entire Program A schedule can run three times. Remove unnecessary start times and keep only the watering cycles you need.

Why does one station not turn on?

Run that station manually first. If it still does not work, the issue may be a valve, solenoid, wiring problem, clogged sprinkler head, broken pipe, or low pressure. A full station test helps separate controller problems from field problems.

How does rain off work?

Turn the dial to System Off to stop automatic watering. For temporary shutdown, set an off-day count and return the dial to RUN. The controller will resume watering after the delay is complete.

How does sensor bypass work?

If a rain sensor is stopping the system and you need to test sprinklers, move the sensor bypass switch to BYPASS. After testing, return it to ACTIVE so the sensor can stop watering during rain.

Helpful Hunter X2 Features Homeowners Should Know

What does WAND do?

The Hunter WAND module upgrades the X2 timer with Wi-Fi control through Hydrawise. This allows remote access, weather-based watering, alerts, online scheduling, and easier seasonal changes from a phone or computer.

What is Cycle and Soak?

Cycle and Soak splits watering into shorter cycles with soak time between them. It helps reduce runoff on slopes, clay soil, compacted lawns, and areas where water applies faster than the soil can absorb it.

What is Delay Between Stations?

Delay Between Stations adds a pause between zones. It can help with pressure recovery, slow-closing valves, pump systems, or irrigation layouts where switching immediately from one zone to another causes issues.

What is Easy Retrieve?

Easy Retrieve saves a backup of the watering schedule so it can be restored later. This is useful after service work, seasonal adjustment, or programming changes.

Should WAND users still program the dial?

When WAND is active, most scheduling is managed through Hydrawise. The controller should stay in RUN for normal operation. Manual station, manual program, and test functions can still be useful at the controller.

When should the Hunter X2 schedule be adjusted?

Adjust the schedule during spring startup, summer heat, new sod watering, drought conditions, rainy periods, and fall shutdown preparation. Seasonal adjustment is usually faster than changing every station run time individually.