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Automatic Gate Opener
Posted on 5/20/16 at 8:41 am
Posted on 5/20/16 at 8:41 am
I'm about to install an automatic gate opener at the front of my driveway. Its about 100ft maybe 120 with bends, from the nearest power source. Should I use hard wired or go with a solar panel? Anyone done one of these installs? Anything to watch out for?
4
Posted on 5/20/16 at 8:55 am to nolaks
I would definitely hard wire. Can you even find one that would run off of DC (solar)?
Posted on 5/20/16 at 9:07 am to bbvdd
quote:
I would definitely hard wire. Can you even find one that would run off of DC (solar)?
I agree on this. You do want a backup power source
Posted on 5/20/16 at 9:09 am to bbvdd
Pretty much every brand has a solar option. I have been thinking about doing it to my gate since I just ran power out there. I know that people have had trouble with the solar ones though
Posted on 5/20/16 at 10:46 am to nolaks
Do hard wire set up, with battery backup if the power goes out. I have a liftmaster linear gate opener and have been pleased. Get the remotes for your cars and a mounted keypad for guests. I also added a "fire" box near the gate so that emergency vehicles can get immediate access.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 10:56 am to ToroTiger
quote:
I also added a "fire" box near the gate so that emergency vehicles can get immediate access.
FYI, check with the Parish before you do an install. They have some pretty specific ordinances regarding access gates (even on private property) and you don't want to be making mods or tearing stuff down post construction.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 11:11 am to nolaks
Mine uses a 12v deep cycle marine battery, 35 amp/hr if I remember correctly, and a small solar charger. Current battery is about 3 years old and I've never had to put a charger on it.
The control box is a piece of shite but it's easily repairable. You can skip the solar panel and hard wire the system and the 110v constant will act as a battery tender. When the power goes out you will have a battery backup. The actual motor itself isn't the most secure thing in the world. A simple cotter pin holds the arm to the pivot point on the gate. Someone who's familiar with these things can get inside the gate with minimal effort.
The control box is a piece of shite but it's easily repairable. You can skip the solar panel and hard wire the system and the 110v constant will act as a battery tender. When the power goes out you will have a battery backup. The actual motor itself isn't the most secure thing in the world. A simple cotter pin holds the arm to the pivot point on the gate. Someone who's familiar with these things can get inside the gate with minimal effort.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 12:33 pm to nolaks
My dad uses solar with a battery backup. Had a protective case for a marine battery. Works even when sun ain't shining.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 2:56 pm to mtcheral
I want to do this and hadn't even considered solar
Posted on 5/20/16 at 3:05 pm to Barf
Tractor supply sells replacement pins that have locks to replace the cotter pins. Keep in mind: Gates only keep honest people honest.
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