[Shop-talk] Automatic driveway gates

Thu Feb 16 07:18:57 MST 2023

Thanks for all of the advice, guys.  The area between the garage and the gate is not all that great and I think a single swinging gate would be more trouble than it is worth. That said, I am starting to think that a sliding gate might be the way to go and I have plenty of room on one side for the gate to slide.  But, I know nothing about siding gates and have some research to do.  And, fabricating one 16’ or so frame (I gather you need plenty of overlap on each end) seems a lot more work than two 6.5’ ones.  Lots to figure out, but fortunately I have time.   I’ll try to remember to update the list when I am done.

Jim

> On Feb 13, 2023, at 10:06 PM, old dirtbeard <dirtbeard at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Jim,
> 
> My gate opening also is just over 13' and I am using a single swing gate with one of the GTO SW4000 XLS gate openers. 
> 
> This opener is rated for up to 20' gates and 1,000 lbs. It should be about $1,100 if you have room for a single swing gate:
> https://www.gatecrafters.com/product_detail_875.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInbXKjIGU_QIVQRh9Ch1cAAq7EAQYASABEgIeJvD_BwE
> 
> These all run on battery with a charger that could be from 110VAC. I ran 110 VAC in buried conduit to the gate (I wanted AC receptacles there anyway) and then plugged the charger in there, but you also could run the low voltage cable in the ground from the charger in the garage out to the gate.
> 
> A solar charger also would be sufficient to keep the battery charged if you do not want to run cable or you do not want AC out at the gate. There really is no need for AC at the gate unless you want it..
> 
> I also am just using the remote to open and close the gate from the cars, garage, house, etc. There is no reason to run control wires.
> 
> I can send photos if you would like.
> 
> best,
> 
> doug
> 
> 
> On Mon, Feb 13, 2023 at 6:15 PM Jim Stone <1789alpine at gmail.com <mailto:1789alpine at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> The driveway opening is just over 13’, so two 6 1/2’ gates.  The gates are about 40’ from the garage and I plan on burying a section of pvc conduit from the gate to the garage to run the wire and put the controls in the garage.  I’ll probably use a battery backup, but our power is pretty reliable and I have a back-up generator wired into the main panel (manual transfer switch) so losing power wouldn’t be too big a deal.  The back is pretty shaded and running wire to a sunny area for solar panel wouldn’t be any easier than just running it to the garage, so I’ll probably skip that.  Weather-wise we are on Eastern Long Island and our climate isn’t too extreme, especially compared to Michigan!
>> 
>> As for a keypad, whether or not I add one will depend on when I get this all done.  We’re just starting an addition to our house and contractors and construction vehicles need access to the back driveway (our house is a thru lot).  After that, it is pretty much just my wife and me and the main entrance to the house is in the front, so guests won’t often need access to the back.
>> 
>> My main interest at this point is brand recommendations.  It is hard to make exact comparisons, but it looks like the basic system (minus back up batteries, solar panels, etc.) will run me anywhere from around $700 to $2000, which is a pretty wide range.  Common, readily available brands I’ve seen appear to be Mighty Mule, Ghost Controls, Topens.  Doug on this list recommended a GTO until that looks really nice, but is about $1700 for dual gates and might be overkill for my needs.  That said, having a trusted satisfied customer recommendation is worth a lot, so that remains in the consideration set.
>> 
>> I’m still in the researching phase, so any input will be greatly appreciated.
>> 
>> Jim
>> 
>> > On Feb 13, 2023, at 3:43 PM, <alfuller194 at gmail.com <mailto:alfuller194 at gmail.com>> <alfuller194 at gmail.com <mailto:alfuller194 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> > 
>> > Hi Jim:
>> > 
>> > Do you have any particular needs as far as gate configuration go?
>> > 
>> > My step-mother has a swing gate, but the clearance to the street means you
>> > have to [1] when entering wait on the street for it to open, with added risk
>> > of oncoming traffic, and [2] when leaving - wait on the street to ensure it
>> > closed.
>> > 
>> > A condo complex in California had a lift-up gate, which constantly broke the
>> > belts that held up the gate. We really didn't need a lit gate, as there was
>> > never an snow...
>> > 
>> > Places in Michigan had gates that swung or retracted, but they would get
>> > hung up in the snow or ice in the winter...
>> > 
>> > If you are in a place where the electric power is unreliable, you might want
>> > to consider solar power and/or backup.  Do you need or want to integrate a
>> > keypad into the controls? Same for an intercom?
>> > 
>> > I'm sure there are more considerations, but those are what come immediately
>> > to mind.
>> > 
>> > ----------------
>> > All the best,
>> > 
>> > Al Fuller
>> > 
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: Shop-talk <shop-talk-bounces at autox.team.net <mailto:shop-talk-bounces at autox.team.net>> On Behalf Of Jim Stone
>> > Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2023 11:30 AM
>> > To: Shop Talk <shop-talk at Autox.Team.Net <mailto:shop-talk at Autox.Team.Net>>
>> > Subject: [Shop-talk] Automatic driveway gates
>> > 
>> > Does anyone have any experience installing automatic driveway gate openers?
>> > It looks pretty straight-forward, but any advice and/or brand
>> > recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  I will be installing a dual
>> > gate opener for the driveway to my shop.
>> > 
>> > Thanks,
>> > Jim
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>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Best,
> 
> Doug

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