BN-LINK Sprinkler Timer Outdoor - 2 Zone Programmable Water Timer with Rain Delay, Automatic Irrigation System for Lawns & Garden Hoses - Waterproof Manual Controller with Large LCD Display

I installed the BN-LINK sprinkler timer at the start of a dry spell to take care of two separate watering zones: a pair of soaker hoses in the vegetable beds and a rotating sprinkler for the lawn. Over a few weeks of daily use, it proved to be a capable, straightforward dual‑zone timer with thoughtful scheduling options and just a couple of caveats around flow and fittings.

Setup and installation

Out of the box, the unit ships with sealing gaskets already seated. I mounted the timer directly to an outdoor spigot and ran two standard 3/4‑inch hoses to my zones. The body is all plastic, which keeps the weight down and doesn’t feel flimsy, but I still recommend supporting the hose runs so you’re not hanging a lot of weight from the spigot threads. A short leader hose or Y‑bracket takes the strain off the faucet and the timer itself.

I got a drip or two on the first attempt, which was fixed by reseating the included washers and snugging the connections more firmly. If your faucet threads are a little worn, a couple wraps of thread tape can help. The outlet posts are compact, so if your hose ends are bulky or stiff, using a short flexible leader hose can make hookup easier and reduce cross‑threading risk.

Power is via two AAA batteries (included). There’s no wiring or external power required—handy for sheds or fence posts with no outlets. The battery door seals well and the unit claims an IP54 rating; I left it in the weather with no issues.

Programming and interface

The BN-LINK timer’s interface is refreshingly simple. The large LCD presents time, day, zone indicators, and schedule details without you having to memorize codes. Button presses are deliberate but not mushy, and the layout makes sense: pick a zone, set a start time, run duration (1 minute to 12 hours), and choose a frequency.

The scheduling design is flexible in a practical way. You can water:

• At intervals from every 1 to 12 hours, or
• On a day cadence from every 1 to 7 days

Each zone is truly independent; I had the soaker hoses running twice daily in one zone and the lawn on an every‑two‑days schedule in the other. That separation is the main reason to buy a dual‑zone controller, and here it’s executed properly—no shared start time quirks, no awkward workarounds.

A couple of notes on the logic:
- It’s interval‑based, not a full calendar with specific weekdays. If you need “Mon/Wed/Fri only,” this model doesn’t do that; it does “every 2 days,” etc.
- You get one start time per zone. If you want multiple distinct start times per day on the same zone (e.g., 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.), you can accomplish that with an hourly frequency and appropriate duration, but not as separate start programs.

That said, for most hose‑end and drip tasks, the available options cover a wide range of needs.

Manual watering and rain delay

Two features I used constantly: manual watering and rain delay.

• Manual is a one‑button affair: choose your zone and set a temporary run time without affecting the programmed schedule. Great for topping up pots or testing a sprinkler head without reprogramming anything.
• Rain delay suspends both zones for 24, 48, or 72 hours. It’s a single press to choose the delay interval, and the schedule resumes automatically afterward. This saves water and avoids overwatering after a storm, and it’s faster than editing schedules.

These controls are the right level of “smart” for a non‑connected device. You don’t get weather‑based automation, but you do get the essential tools to avoid waste.

Watering performance

Flow performance is always the question with battery‑powered hose timers. Inside is a solenoid valve that will introduce some restriction compared to an open spigot. In my setup:

• Drip/soaker hoses: No problem. The timer maintained consistent output and pressure suitable for slow watering. This is where the device shines.
• Lawn sprinkler: With a single rotating sprinkler head, performance was acceptable. Coverage was slightly reduced compared to a direct spigot connection, which I compensated for with a longer run time.
• Multiple sprinklers in series: This is where the limits show. If you’re trying to push high flow to two large sprinklers on one line, expect noticeable pressure drop and diminished throw.

If your use case is primarily high‑flow oscillating sprinklers or multiple heads on one hose, you’ll likely be happier with a heavy‑duty brass‑valve controller or a plumbed manifold. For garden beds, soakers, drip, and one hose‑end sprinkler per zone, the BN-LINK timer works as expected.

Build quality and weather resistance

The casing feels robust enough for seasonal outdoor use, and the IP54 rating is appropriate for a timer that will live under an eave or on an exterior spigot. The seals kept out dust and light spray during testing. I wouldn’t leave any hose timer out through a freeze, and that applies here: winterize by removing the unit, draining it, and storing it indoors.

The large LCD is easy to read in shade and still legible in direct sun, though like most reflective displays, glare can make some angles less readable at midday. The buttons have survived rain and heat without sticking. My only gripe is with the printed manual—compact fonts make it harder to read than it needs to be. Thankfully, the interface is intuitive enough that you may only refer to the manual once.

Power and battery life

AAA batteries are inexpensive, and the controller sips power. After several weeks of twice‑daily cycling, the battery indicator hadn’t budged from full. Real‑world battery life will vary with frequency and temperature, but a season on one set of batteries is a reasonable expectation. Because it’s battery‑powered, schedules persist through power outages and you don’t need to worry about reprogramming after a storm.

What it does well

• Real dual‑zone independence: Separate start times, durations, and frequencies for each outlet.
• Simple, consistent scheduling: The every‑X‑hours and every‑X‑days options cover most yard scenarios without overcomplicating the UI.
• Useful conveniences: Manual run and rain delay are easy and don’t disrupt your base program.
• Big, readable display: Clear status at a glance.
• Easy install: Standard threads, gaskets included, batteries in the box.

Where it falls short

• Flow restriction under high demand: It’s not the best match for feeding multiple high‑flow sprinklers or long linked runs.
• Plastic fittings need care: Hand‑tighten firmly, use good washers or thread tape if needed, and avoid stressing the outlets with heavy hoses.
• Limited scheduling granularity: No specific weekday selection and only one start time per zone.

None of these are deal‑breakers for typical garden and lawn maintenance, but they’re worth knowing before you commit.

Tips for best results

• Use a short leader hose from the spigot to reduce torque on the timer and make connections easier.
• Check the included washers and add thread tape if you see any weeping at the joints.
• Match your zone to the task: dedicate one zone to drip/soaker and the other to a single hose‑end sprinkler for balanced performance.
• Program longer run times instead of trying to push more heads; this timer is happier delivering moderate flow over time.
• Mount where you can see the display without bending behind shrubs—it makes quick manual runs and rain delay a breeze.

Verdict

The BN-LINK timer strikes a practical balance: two independently programmable zones, a genuinely user‑friendly interface, and the right set of extras (manual run, rain delay) in a weather‑resistant package. It isn’t a high‑flow powerhouse and it doesn’t try to be a smart, app‑connected controller. Instead, it reliably automates hose‑end watering with a minimum of fuss.

I recommend it for homeowners who want to automate garden beds, soaker hoses, and one hose‑end sprinkler per zone without installing a plumbed irrigation system. If your setup requires driving multiple high‑flow sprinklers or you need day‑specific scheduling and app control, look at heavier‑duty or smart alternatives. For the majority of yard and garden tasks, this timer is an easy, effective upgrade that saves time and water with very little learning curve.