The 101 is a great timer. I like the fact that it's powered by the flow. It does have some problems though.This timer(flowmeter) is cheap. Too cheap. I've purchased more than 30 and watched them age and product evolve over the last 10 years. 10 years ago they worked flawlessly in the original models. No leaks and no failures. Five years ago Melnor went to a design that incorporated plastic parts, but I don't think there was problem in that development, but coincident with that and other modifications, was chronic leaking.
The problem lies primarily in the way the current design threaded female receptor connects to the frame. They use a small screw to secure the female threaded adapter to the body. It leaks, at least on those mfg'ed in the last 3 years.
Another leak point occurs under the dial. There shouldn't be a problem here because the dial is actually independent of the spring loaded shut-off valve. The dial gear train merely releases the spring. Previously, these problems didn't occur. I wish I had bought a batch of the old units.
Both of these complaints point to quality control. In a given mfging run several units may have problems. The probability of getting a problem unit has risen from 5% five years ago to an amazing 30% now. If you doubt, ask Yardbirds, that is, if they would bother to collect such records.
I keep buying them in hopes I will get a few good ones. I'd be willing to pay twice as much for out of the box leak free reliability, at least the reliability they used to have. Quality has fallen partially because the company believes they can't sell a non-electric unit at a price that could support the quality.
I don't know what others are doing with the 101, but these reports about getting 2 - 3 years out of them don't square with my experience. They last indefinitely even while exposed to the elements. I've yet to have one fail as long as it wasn't a failure out of the box.
Another thing: the sun's UV erases everything printed on the dial, so you have to emboss your own set points. No biggee, but the company incurs superfluous cost in providing all this gallonage and hours, which is also rendered superfluous by variations in flow velocity and imprecision in quantities desired. The company should leave it to the user to determine how far to rotate the dial for some preferred quantity of water.
Last thing: Don't rotate the dial beyond 210 degrees. The unit will act as though it's locked ON.
We've only used this timer for a month or so. So far, it works just great. If it lasts for a full season, I'd give it 4 stars, considering its price. We have yet to find a timer from any manufacturer that lasts more than 2-3 years. One of our gardens requires a trickle flow about once a week. Unlike other volume timers I've tried, model 101 handles this chore well. Of course, it also handles full flow for other sections of the garden. We are also about to try out a more expensive Melnor, model 3010, which is strictly a time-counter much like a kitchen timer. Both models are much cheaper than any from Gardena, and seem at least as good. Model 101 is made in the US, model 3010 in Germany.
