locoboy
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| posted on 3/12/06 at 10:54 PM |
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Automated Gates
Fellas,
I have a sliding steel railing type gate as the entrance to the driveway, its the width of a double driveway so approx 4m long.
Its currently opened and closed via muscle power!
There is a length of upturned angle iron set into the ground forming a ^ shape that allows the pully type wheels on the bottom of the gate to carry
its weight back and forth.
It opens and closes smothely at present and is begging for an automated system!
My question is....
How can i make it automated without spending £300+ on a dogs nuts purpose made thing?
I have an idea utilising a starter motor and pushbike sprocket and pushbike chain tack welded to the side / underside of the gate
Im concerned about how i would make the motor stop when its fully open and when its fully closed, also when its open how will the motor know its open
and that its next opperation is to close it?
Lastly what sort of kit is available to remotely switch power to the motor via infra red or such?
Im not just being lazy............the road outside is narrow and i often cause an obstruction when i have to stop and jump out to open or close the
gate.
[Edited on 3/12/06 by locoboy]
ATB
Locoboy
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RazMan
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| posted on 3/12/06 at 11:00 PM |
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How about converting an engine hoist motor? They have movement limiters too don't they?
Remote control is easy peasy - Maplin do a 2 channel remote control or you could use a garage door jobbie.
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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nitram38
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| posted on 3/12/06 at 11:14 PM |
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You need magnetic reed limit switches. You can buy them from a Security company or maplins.
Our gate at work has a chain underneath that is attached one end and a tensioner made from a piece of stud with nuts either side. You will also need
to make the chain adjustable in the horizontal plane as the gate will tilt as it passes over the cog. This will mean that the chain will tilt away
from the cog when fully open and will slip. Hope this info helps.
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Simon
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| posted on 3/12/06 at 11:38 PM |
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Ok, cheapest way is to have self centering hinges, so gates open in both directions, and return to "shut" after use.
Fit softening to gates, as you drive into them they open, once through, they close
About a tenner!
HTH
ATB
Simon
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MickA
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| posted on 4/12/06 at 06:08 AM |
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Locoboy,
I wire Auto gates up here in Australia both swing and slide and yes they are a bit pricey(I sub contract)...One of the possibilities that I have seen
is a car starter motor as a drive and the rack was either purchased or made and it worked well but we replaced it with a modern unit, so all you need
ia a starter motor as the pinion drive some form of rack attached to the gate and two limits mounted near the motor with a striker plate on each end
of the rack to stop it in the open or close position then a small car battery wired up to a cheap/small battery charger...
Hows that sound
I know confusing
Cheers
Mick
Sunny Wollongong( just south of Sydney)
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Peteff
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| posted on 4/12/06 at 11:28 AM |
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How about a winch motor, they run both ways and will run forever, I've seen them used in stairlift plans on t'internet somewhere. (Not
that I've been looking at stairlifts, honest)
yours, Pete
I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.
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Confused but excited.
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| posted on 4/12/06 at 03:47 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Ok, cheapest way is to have self centering hinges, so gates open in both directions, and return to "shut" after use.
Fit softening to gates, as you drive into them they open, once through, they close
About a tenner!
HTH
ATB
Simon
How efficient is that?!
I vote Simon 'Locoster of the Year 2006'. 
Tell them about the bent treacle edges!
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Simon
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| posted on 4/12/06 at 10:33 PM |
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quote:
How efficient is that?!
I vote Simon 'Locoster of the Year 2006'.
Cor, get car on the road at beginning of year and an award at the end
What a year it's been. I'd just like to thank Ron Champion for the idea, Haynes for publishing it, Locostbuilders for all
...............
ATB
Simon
[Edited on 4/12/06 by Simon]
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