Entryway/Gate project

[adjusterr]

I am also considering automating my entry gate. I noticed you said you would NOT use a Mighty Mule opener, why not. I have been considering a Mighty Mule but don't need headaches. Nice job you are doing.

 

[Sackett2]

watching with interest; something I plan to do in the far future

 

[Dishpointer]

I am also considering automating my entry gate. I noticed you said you would NOT use a Mighty Mule opener, why not. I have been considering a Mighty Mule but don't need headaches. Nice job you are doing.

In my opinion, the Mighty Mule gate opener is not strong enough for our usage. Since most of the gears are plastic and with our strong Kansas winds and the winters we get here, I don't believe it will hold up. I have researched these gate openers a lot and have read about some of the problems from posts on here and just decided that I only want to purchase a gate opener once. If you live in a milder climate and don't cycle it too many times per day then it will probably work just fine.

 

[forgeblast]

What are you going to use if not mighty mule?

 

[EddieWalker]

Great project that I'm looking forward to following along!!!

Eddie

 

[Dishpointer]

What are you going to use if not mighty mule?

We are going to use this gate opener since most of the houses around here have them and the owners say they have been trouble free: LA500 - Residential / Light Commercial DC Swing Gate Operator

And the solar version will save us 30% of the cost of the whole system by using the federal tax break! (read the info at the bottom of the first link)

and this entry system: TAC1 - Single Line Telephone Access Control

The telephone line running to the house is buried about 18" down right where the entry system pad is going to be installed. Since this line has 4 pairs of wires inside and the house phone only uses 1 pair, we are going to tap into this line and use a pair of wires to tie the system to the house. The only concern is we need to make waterproof connections where we tap into this line to prevent a short or disruption to the phone service.

We will also install a ground loop in the drive that senses vehicles and will alert us when someone pulls up to the drive.

 

[jonnyc1999]

Great project, this is the first time I've noticed this thread, but I'll definitely be following along from now on. :thumbsup:

 

[cqaigy2]

WoW!

Thanks for the picts

 

[Dishpointer]

I'm slowly knocking it out...course by course:thumbsup: Here's the latest progress as of today. I'm up to 4 courses high and had to tie additional rebar on to the existing. It's much easier laying block that's not on the ground. Did I mention bending over handling heavy blocks sucks?

Another problem I encountered is laying block on a curve makes for radical joints. The bricks being smaller will not have this problem.

 

[tractchores]

Thats a serious gate! Im hoping to build a gate and some pillars soon as well and am looking forward to more pics.

 

[Bladehauler]

Great Job so far !!!! just found the thread . Keep up the good work and let me know when your in Texas, as I too have a new entrance to build in the future !!

 

[DennisH]

I'm also watching with interest; this project is on my future short list.

 

[bradm64]

Great job. Going to be an amazing looking entry way. Gotta keep this thread hidden from the wife for a while. Want to do an entry way like this for our place one of these days, but not ready to start now.

 

[s219]

Nice work so far!

 

[Dishpointer]

Thanks everyone. It's definitely a lot of work and your back will not appreciate it. Yesterday I set two courses on the right section. The first couple of courses are the worst as you have to bend over a lot. Once you get to the third course, it's not too bad. It rained today so I will postpone work until tomorrow.

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Our driveway is 1/4 mile long and we have had a 16' vertical-lift gate at the end for 22 years. In 22 years you learn a few things.
You said:
>>>He wants 2 automatic gates with a keypad/intercom that is tied to the phone so when someone pulls up and doesn't know the code or have a wireless transmitter, the call button rings the house phone and a command can be given to open up the gate.<<<

Everyone is free to do what they want, but that sounds very annoying to me.
The last thing I want is for any and every Tom, Dick or Harry to be setting at the end of my lane ringing my phone.
My motto is, if they didn't call first, better luck next time.
That is one of the reasons for the gate. No one dropping in whenever...
The ringer idea makes me think, "Why not just live in the city where folks can just walk up and ring and ring and ring and ring your doorbell?"
No thanks!

Another thought: Regardless of the opener that you chose, you will also need a lock to positively lock the gates closed. Openers are not secure enough in my opinion.

Also we have a barrel key switch right at the gate that we can turn off when we leave for a few days. This completely disables the gate and leaves it locked shut.

Some people put their gates on a timer to open and shut at certain hours unless they are gone at which time it stays shut. I think this is good for business but not for me. All that does is tells the crooks when you are home or away. Our gate is alwys shut and locked.

 

[Pixguy]

I think I'd have a sign that states:

If you need entry, call me.
If you don't have my number,
have a good day!

 

[riversedge]

Pretty nice. Hurry up and finish so we can see it in operation!

 

[Dishpointer]

We finished the left wall and columns today and are slowly finishing up the right side. We had the brick man stop by and he is going to use a saw to cut the slope on the walls. We also filled up the holes that held the rebar with concrete. The big column is 7 1/2 feet tall whereas the end columns are 6.

We painted the steel beams with POR-15. It's a special paint that totally bonds and seals the steel to keep it from rusting.

Here's the progress on the right wall. We should finish that this week.

 

[Dishpointer]

It sure is easier working with the clean, newer blocks. The older blocks had 3 cavities and weighed about 5 pounds more.