Melnor 3018 Digital Aqua Timer

Pros: Compact and easy to use design. Inside layout simple and robust.
Cons: Weak, or poorly deigned membrane plate inside. Will crack in time.

I got about 2 seasons out of mine, then the membrane plate inside cracked and water filled the unit. My ongoing epoxy fix might hold, might not...we'll see. I was really pleased by the simplicity and flexibility of the unit while it worked. I'm a little bummed by the thing breaking down after 2 summers though.

Nice compact design. Since I've had mine apart (actually the face blew off when it filled with water) I've looked over all the innards. The control electronics are well isolated from water infiltration. In a way, that's a good thing as the unit can keep right on working even if some water has leaked inside. On the other hand, since it does keep chugging along, even with water building up inside the housing, batteries can rust/corrode and small cracks/leaks could unkowingly worsen over time.

It would be cool if I could get replacement pieces for the cracked membrane plate. Ya, right.