Will this Timer meet my specific need

Just connect the same valve to 3 different zones on the timer. For each "zone" (actually the same valve) you wiil set a specific day. Example: zone 1, set the watering for 30 minutes on mondays; zone 2, set the watering for 30 min on thursdays; zone 3, again for 30 min on saturdays. Ok, I know that this is not the most efficient way, since you will use 3 zones on the timer to do the watering on the same real zone, but it will do. Hope I helped.

This will work. Get the 4 zone model even if you are only going to use one zone. You will need to install a solenoid valve The timer is easy to set and has the capapbility of watering the three days you select as well as intermitent manual operation. Leave the hand valve in the open position. See my prior replies for seting instructions.