Wifi gate controller

[ericm979]

Hello fellow rural people. I'm looking for a better gate controller for our new place. I'd like one that has a camera, voice, and be able to be networked. It'd have a phone app. The idea is that people who come to the gate would be able to talk to us on our phones and we can use the app to let them in. I also want a keypad and the ability to give out codes to people.

So far I have found a few all in one solutions. This one: One moment, please... is about $300. It's got all the features I want. But with the new version nearly all of the useful features stop after 120 days and then you have to sign up for a $30/yr subscription to get them. In order to have the gate controller and the app talk to each other if you're not on the home network, traffic needs to go through a server. In this case it's likely in China somewhere with no info on privacy or security. The list of ports that they want you to open in your firewall is alarmingly long. And it's got some poor reviews.

AES GLOBAL LLC | PRAETORIAN GUARD looks good but it's $1600!!! And I can't find any info from actual users. At least the port list is reasonable. Any of these things will be on their own VLAN so their ability to get to the rest of my network will be limited, but still I don't want them to get hacked.

Then there are non all in one options. I could use a stand alone keypad if I can get the other features elsewhere. For example Smart Garage Door Openers | Garage Door Remote Control by ismartgate looks like I can get the voice, camera and remote unlock from them and then use a separate keypad. It'd be great to be able to use the app to change codes and see when each was used but I'm probably only going to have a few codes so it's not a deal breaker to not have it.

Pretty much everyone has a cell phone these days, so I can just have people call me rather than having the gate controller host an intercom. I'd still need a camera so I can make sure they're really at the gate, but that's doable. So at a minimum I'd need a way to use my phone to remotely open the gate.

Any ideas or products I missed? It might be a couple months before I set this up (or run out of time and pay someone to do it) but I like to plan ahead.

 

[ponytug]

Yeah, I wouldn't do the first option either, for the reasons that you identify.

I think that a neighbor has something close to what you want. I think hers is hard wired to the house, and makes the transition to the network there, but available on her phone remotely. I'll ask. It was professionally installed and is professionally maintained.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ponytug]

It is a "DoorBird". There are a number of models.

All the best, Peter

 

[ericm979]

Thanks! I found another called Opyn that also looks good. I'll have to contact them to find out where the server is.

 

[bdhsfz6]

These are some of the concerns I faced when shopping for a gate opener system:

The controller either has to be within WiFi range, use a paid cellular link, use an RF connection or be wired to the house. It also requires power, either solar or wired AC. Battery backup is also a consideration.

Many systems require an active internet connection, which can be a problem during a power outage. The quality of your internet service can also be a factor.

I haven't had good luck with these apps that control appliances. Many rely on off site servers which can be hacked, include spyware, or simply disappear if the company stops maintaining them. As you've discovered, many require a monthly subscription. Dealing with a major brand can minimize these issues.

There is also the problem of providing access for police, fire and EMT personnel if you are unable to admit them. Many upscale systems have options that prevent this from becoming a problem.

If you live in an area with frequent lightning strikes, check the specs of the system you buy to see if surge protection is included.

Some municipalities have laws governing gate opener installations and permits & inspection may be required.

I have no idea whether any of this applies to your location or particular installation and I doubt you'll find a $300 system that takes it all into consideration. Something to think about anyway.

 

[2manyrocks]

What would be the drawback to having a wifi camera that shows who is at the gate, allows you to talk to them and give them a key code to a manual keypad to unlock the gate?

 

[ericm979]

What would be the drawback to having a wifi camera that shows who is at the gate, allows you to talk to them and give them a key code to a manual keypad to unlock the gate?

A drawback would be needing to have a temporary code programmed and available, as I don't want to give out the code that we use. But that can be addressed.

Another would be that it would depend on the wifi cam's person or vehicle recognition and having it alert us. Where a more complete solution would have a call button. If they press that they we know they want to come in vs just turning around. Of course we could just put a sign up with a cell # to call. I have seen that at some places.

But it is definitely a possibility!

Our gate controller at the old place in CA has a key switch for a fire dept key. We should probably have something like that at the new place.

 

[ponytug]

@ericm979 You might want to check with your new fire department. Ours was happy with our gate code. With the new interagency cooperation, it is not clear to me whose key we would need to get for a Knox Box here. I'm considering a sensor for emergency lights, but I don't have a model/brand researched; I just know that they exist, and our gate opener can take the input.

All the best,

Peter