Gates, automating opening for exits

[DieselBound]

Trying to decide what type of mechanism to use for triggering an automated gate for exiting the property. A sensor would seem like a convenient way to do this, but I wonder whether someone could hop my fence and trigger it. A keypad on the inside (for exiting) seems like a hassle (delivery folks would already have to punch on a keypad to get in), but if I'm on foot and I want to wander outside my gate this would be necessary as I wouldn't be able to trip a sensor with just my body.

Also, is anyone using X10 to operate their gate openers?

 

[RNeumann]

Most the ones we have use an induction loop. A vehicle will open it. Then I've seen a hidden switch or keypad on the inside if you want to walk through. Otherwise walk around or climb over from the inside.

 

[DieselBound]

Yeah, it's sounding like I need to go with both.

 

[Dftodd]

Neighbor uses a remote to open and close there gate. If long drive and expecting deliveries, a proximity sensor works good. Drive to a certain point, then the gate opens automatically. The trick is, when setting up a proximity sensor, don't install the sensor too close to the gate. Too close and someone can creep up to the gate on the other side and trip it.

Used to enter my daughters apartment complex that way by creeping up to the exit gate

 

[DieselBound]

Yeah, I'd be back a ways. Still worries me a bit as someone could toss a chunk of metal over the gate and get it to open, or so I'd think.

 

[RNeumann]

You are correct. We use our aluminum ladders with about a 75% success rake.

 

[DieselBound]

A sensor placed farther away would seem necessary. My issue is is that my gate opens to two paths around my circular drive. I'd have to have TWO sensors in order to have any significant setback distance.

I also tend to run my tractor through this area. I swear, seems nothing that I look to plan for is ever simple (I always have some really big twists).

 

[TractorGuy]

I need to do something on mine too. Thinking about just adding a second panel inside.

The gates themselves only keep the honest people out. The openers could be easily defeated to open them manually. I have little locks on the pins and braded the ends of all the bolts but at the end of the day you could drive a truck right through them.

 

[JRobyn]

We use an "exit loop" (inductive) set back about 60-70ft from the gate. All regular users also have a garage door opener remote (Liftmaster receiver inside the gate controller box). But the remotes are almost NEVER used for exit. The loop just works too well. Then, there's a SMALL walkpath, about 2ft wide beside the gate for pedestrians. That combination has worked just perfect for us for many years now.

If anyone needs to get in or out around that, they can pull the pin out of the actuator arm! So far, that has only happened on the very few occasions when there has been some problem with the operator. I considered putting a small padlock on the pin, but I figured if I did, someone would wind up forcing the whole gate/operator open with resulting damage.

Many of the keypads can be used either wired or wireless. Ours (Millenium 950 - http://www.niceforyou.us/images/pdfs/45/950-951_keypad.pdf) is wireless. That just means it has another garage door opener transmitter board inside. So one of those inside would also be an option.

 

[Tangoddess]

Hello and Good evening,

Piggybacking on this thread, I hope you do not mind. We are also wanting to install and a gate, motorize it and automate it at our farm property which has a 200 ft driveway.

In addition to an actual gate, and I presume a motor - any suggestions on a brand - what other hardware do we need?

An intercom? Keypad to control the gate? etc.

Appreciate any advice on hardware and robust brands/models.

Thank you

 

[TractorGuy]

The problem with having any kind of automated sensor in my case is the gate would go nuts when mowing. At least I think it would.

 

[JRobyn]

If you need totally solar powered, I have had superb service from my Apollo 1050. Got it and all the accessories from Discount Fence Supply. I know nothing about 120vac powered operators.

My gate will open when the mower goes right over the center of the probe. It probably would also if I mowed the outside edges of the road but one of those is straight up, the other straight down. We only mow the center of the road a few times a year, and when we do, it is good to have the gate open to mow under it. There's also a couple of different ways to "lock" it wide open when desired.

 

[kenmac]

I have a mighty mule (502 I think) I have a sensor that opens the gates on exit. It sits back a good ways. I removed those pins and installed bolts with lock nuts. Someone could still unbolt the arms and get in. It would be a little more trouble though.
I guess they could also crash through the gates as well.. LOL

 

[tractchores]

I have an exit loop (sensor in the driveway). It detects metal and can be adjusted down to where a bike will open it or only a car. It's very nice not to have to let people out... I find people's brains turn off when it comes to the gate. For entry a keypad (we use a linear 1 with a call button integrated with the phone) and/or a remote works. You can use the remote when exiting on foot, or I usually just use my cell phone to open the gate.

For the question on brands I personally wanted something commercial so I don't have to deal with it for 20 years. We did an ameristar swing gate with FAAC hydraulic openers, a FAAC control panel and a linear 1 keypad. If using it for security get a locking mechanism otherwise it can be easily pushed.