Automated opener

[JasonSiege]

So, I'm actually referring to automated openers for gates. These run for a lot of bucks, are they really worth it? Is the tech ok at the moment with any brand or even model or should I just mind my own business? I'm looking for help to decide whether or not I should install one and possible directions, suggestions, if anyone can help.

[Bombastinator]

3 hours ago, JasonSiege said:

So, I'm actually referring to automated openers for gates. These run for a lot of bucks, are they really worth it? Is the tech ok at the moment with any brand or even model or should I just mind my own business? I'm looking for help to decide whether or not I should install one and possible directions, suggestions, if anyone can help.

It makes sense they’re expensive.  Not a lot of people can afford to have gates on their house. High fixed cost, few customers.  Thing is, you either have to have someone open the gate or do it electrically. 

[Bombastinator]

I suppose you might be able to modify a garage door opener system if you’re handy.  I doubt someone who has a gate to their compound would be interested in doing such things though.

[GOTSpectrum]

I dont think it would be all that hard to DIY automate gates that swing open. 

 

Use springs of some form to hold the gate closed and then a motor with some form of pulley/arm system to actuate the gate... 

 

Then you'd need a controller of some form, (could simply be a smart plug), a relay and power system. 

[Bombastinator]

Read the initial post again.

 

gate openers are basically garage door openers sometimes combined with a security system. Often video. 

[artuc]

In theory they are simple.

 

Reality is they can be complicated.

 

Depending on gate style, sliding is generally a control, motor and gearbox unit that goes on a concrete plinth with a pinion gear. The gate has a track and rollers with racking on the underside. The gear engages into that racking and turns either way to slide the gate open and close. There will be limit switches, physical or magnet and reed so it knows when it's reached open or close.

 

A swing gate will have an actuator arm on each door/gate leaf and a seperate motor and control box. Usually you may need a stop and a locking mechanism also.

 

There are more types, they are same same but different. In a nutshell typically a control board with a motor control circuit that then drives the appropriate motor. However can even see some that use things like a PLC and VFD/VSD. Note that they are also usually rated for certain loads and cycles and often have single and three phase mains and ELV DC models.

 

Now might sound simple to just set up but it would be a massive pain. They learn in their limit settings, have adjustments for speed and force of closing. Different handing/direction, delays in close or open times, safety sensors such as PE beams, ground loops and load/impact sensing, windforce adjustments,.interfaces to access/security systems or remote release, fire drop and e-stops and lockouts and interlocks, remote fobs.

 

They do all this out of the box and it just works and some of the safety features can be legally required.

 

I wouldn't want to program one up, because I wouldn't want to be responsible for it.

 

I can guarantee a bespoke DIY contraption is going to squash a child or smash in the side of a car. 

 

 

 

[Kevin1Peters]

I don't really see a solution in complicating yourself to modify a garage opener to make it open the gate, especially if you lack the skills to do it too. But that could be a solution. Nonetheless, garage openers aren't that cheap either. But you do have plenty of "budget" options when it comes to gate openers too, you just need to look online on as many reliable sources as you can. I'll give you some links to maybe find here what you seek, hopefully:

 

https://www.optimainstitute.com/garage/automatic-gate-openers.html

https://www.liftmaster.com/for-homeowners/gate-openers

https://www.mightymule.com/automatic-gate-openers/

https://ghostcontrols.com/product-category/gate-openers-accessories/automatic-gate-openers/

 

You can find ok systems that go for less than $500, you can see that yourself if you check out what I recommended. Just do your homework and make sure that you look into an opener that complies to the style gate and size you have or you'll have to replace it on the spot. And again, don't go in over your head with modifying garage openers if you don't have the skill set for it, cause the price difference isn't necessarily existent, and you might be wasting your time and end up nowhere with that effort.