Kinetico has modified their control valves many times over the years. And they have added new models to their line. Reusing an older model that has been discontinued may not be a good thing; especially if you want spare parts.
Yes to get non electric to work, they use water power which depends on pressure.
QEST fittings are great and very easy to use, only tighten the nuts until they squeal and then a 1/4 turn; do not over tighten them. Actually they do not have pipe thread, the threads are not used to make the seal, the white piece in the picture seals against the fitting's seal surface and the nut forces the two parts together. The SS retainer ring, and nut, then holds the pieces in place. You can also use Shark Bite fittings.
Although I'm seeing more'n more people posting problems with Kinetico equipment, on average Kinetico softeners work well but so do many others. Others can be just as "efficient" but won't be regenerated near as often as the small Kineticos so you can actually get better efficiency with a different type.
Kinetico control valves will not allow the customer to change the hardness or salt dose setting without the customer buying a new parts; or calling for service at whatever the one'n only local dealer wants to charge for it and the parts. I.E. recently on another forum I saw a dealer wanted $200 for a new salt tank and $80 just for a salt tank float that they use to set the salt dose with...
Kinetico simply put are sold for rip off prices and, you pay for the name only because all the rest of the softener, tanks, resin etc. is the same all the rest of us sell. IOWs, Kinetico only makes the control valve. The sales people hype the non electric and I ask why they cost so much since they have no motor, computer, wire/cable etc. etc.? (it's so they make more money)
Anyway, I strongly do not suggest any big box store brand. They last about 2-5 years before they have expensive problems.
I do suggest a softener with the Clack WSW-1 control valve that is correctly sized for your family size, number of bathrooms and the type of fixtures in them that will usually give you a regeneration on average once every 8 days using very little salt and water.
Fleck valves and especially the 5600 can not compare to the Clack WS-1 for features, ease and speed of repair, especially for a DIYer and simplicity.
Check out the sizing page on my web site to learn all about correctly sizing a softener.