Irrigation Controller with Indexer Delay Feature

Finding Controllers with Inter-Zone Delay for Mechanical Indexers

Need modern electronic timer with pause between cycles for 6-port mechanical indexer (single solenoid feeds indexer, indexes mechanically between ports).

Controller Requirements

Standard residential controllers (Rain Bird ESP, Hunter X-Core, Orbit) switch zones instantly — no inter-zone delay. Indexers need 5-15 seconds between valve signals for mechanical rotation.

Commercial-Grade Solutions

• Rain Master controllers — programmable delay between stations
• Rain Bird ESP-LXD / LXME — "Station Delay" feature
• Hunter ICC2 / ACC — "Inter-Station Delay" setting
• Toro TMC-424E — delay capability

Alternative Approach

Use a dedicated indexer controller (e.g., K-Rain Indexer Controller) that manages the indexer directly, triggered by a single zone output from your main controller.

Sourcing

Check irrigation specialty stores (Ewing, Horizon, John Deere Landscapes) — they stock commercial controllers and can advise on indexer compatibility.