Automating your Gates
Installing gate automation is a complex process, whether a new installation or automating existing manual gates. Every project is different and will depend on your design choice, entrance location, lifestyle needs and your budget. We can help you to decide the best automation solution for your project and provide you with a concise and comprehensive estimate and works programme.
The Automation process is three fold with the systems for the gate motors, the system by which you communicate and programme the gate and the control system to coordinate the two systems.
Gate Motors
- Above Ground for Swing Gates
- Below Ground for Swing Gates
- Sliding Gates
Communicating with your Gate
- Hard Wired Systems
- GSM System
Swing Gate Motors
There are two primary motor options for swing gates, regardless of whether your gates are wood or metal. The actual model installed will depend on the specification of the gate design & function.
Above Ground Automation takes the appearance of hydraulic arms attached to the rear of the gate.
Advantages
- More cost effective automation solution. The motors are less expensive than below ground and very little ground work is required to install the motors
- Easier to maintain as more accessible
Disadvantages
- Aesthetically more conspicuous
- Limited opening range – Are unable to open gates to a greater angle.
- More vulnerable as the motor is exposed and do not respond well to the gates being ‘pushed’. When opening the gates manually care needs to be taken to open them slowly due to the arm hydraulics
Below Ground Automation are installed next to each pier and are buried ‘underground’ a special enclosure
Advantages
- Aesthetically inconspicuous
- Less vulnerable to external cultural & atmospheric elements
- Offer greater range of opening, can open gates up to 180degrees
Disadvantages
- More expensive. As they require more construction elements
- Susceptible to complications from ground environments & gate location
Sliding Gate Motors
If you are installing a sliding gate, the motor option you have is a specialist sliding gate motor. The final model will depend on the size and specification of your sliding gate.
Sliding Gate Motors are always situated above ground. The Gate recess area can be treated in various ways. It can be left unconcealed, or concealed by forming a pocket wall, or in some cases where excavation is required the open space will be secured by installing a lockable gate.
Communication Systems
You’ll need to communicate with visitors to your gates and programme it to operate in the way that best suits you. An entry system panel is installed adjacent to the the gate entrance. This entrance panel affords two way speech and video if that option is required. There are several communication options for you to choose from: Audio & Video Systems and GSM Systems.
The Communication System for your Automated Gate System is an integral element of the project. Many people have difficulty understanding and deciding which is the best type of system for them, but with our guidance and experience we can assist you in making the correct choice.
We will Guide you through the communication complexities and help you choose the best system for you
Audio only or Audio & Video Communication
Both these systems require hardwiring from the gate system At least one panel is required in the house to communicate with the Entrance panel. You can have multiple panels inside the house, but each panel requires cabling.
Advantages
- Static points for reliability
- Provides Video capability for screening
Disadvantages
- Aesthetically more conspicuous
- Can be more expensive due to cabling and additional equipment
- Less Flexible & Accessible
GSM Communication
An increasingly popular form of communicating with your gate. GSM communication operates through your mobile phone and house phones negating the need for cabling and audio/entry panels in the house.
A SIM card is installed in the Entry panel, which can be either ‘pay as you go’ card or ‘contract’.
Advantages
- Flexible programming to suit your lifestyle – Divert facility to pre-programmed numbers
- Gates can be operated from anywhere. Facility to open gates via mobile phone at no cost per call (up to 200 mobile numbers stored)
- You can open your gates through your hands free car phone
- Additional users phone numbers can be programmed into the system for entry. eg regular visitors to the property
Disadvantages
- Dependent on good mobile phone reception
- Some confusion over how to set up and operate by customers
- SIM card operation and on-going cost.
Vehicle and Pedestrian Entry & Exit
Vehicle Loop
A Vehicle loop is a sensor set into your front driveway and allows vehicles to exit or enter automatically, depending where they are positioned. Vehicle loops can be programmed to operate during specified times of the day.
If a vehicle loop is not installed, the gate will have to be opened from inside the house or by a remote controller.
When deciding on whether you need a Vehicle Loop please consider the number of visitors you have to your home. This could be friends, family, acquaintances, domestic help, deliveries or workmen. None of whom will be able to open the gate to exit which will have to be done by a resident.
Pedestrian Entry & Exit
There are different options on how to manage Pedestrian Exit and Entry. Whether you have a separate pedestrian gate or not you can install a key pad which requires a code to open the gate or a simple exit button. Both can be programmed to operate at certain times.
