Auto Open

Description

How the automatic gate opener works

For the Timed opening and closing go to the end of the description.

The auto open unit or automatic gate opener sits about 3m away from the gate on a post and about 750mm off the ground. If the sensor detects a vehicle then it activates a radio that sends an open signal to the gate units.

The sensor is controlled by a Dofygate circuit board that flashes the sensor for 0.2 of a second every second. This results in a lower power consumption and stops false openings. Also it brings vehicles to stop which is an advantage in many circumstances. The speed of the flash and hence the response speed can be changed using jumpers on the control board.

Uses and benefits

• In conjunction with keypad entry, auto open manages the exit
• As part of one way system or an exit only passage by only operating on one side
• Does not require the gateway to be dug up as with an induction loop used in car parks
• Takes its power from the gate unit or an associated solar battery pack

There are two sensors available

1. Diffuse IR has a range of over 3.0m for light coloured vehicles but only 1.5m for black vehicles. It does not require a reflector so setting up simply requires the sensor to point across the drive. It is less prone to extreme weather when compared to the reflective sensor. In situations where drivers of dark vehicles may be unacquainted with sensor in wide gateways this sensor may miss the vehicle.
2. Reflective IR has a range of 8m and anything breaking the beam in that space opens the gate. Suitable for wide gateways but can cause the gate to stay up in extreme cold weather conditions. Vehicle type and colour does not affect this sensor

Use with a Beast-e-Gate

As animals can activate the sensor if they stay in  front of it long enough then usually an alternative is needed. for small animals or large vehicles it is often a simple matter of mounting the sensor above the animal height.

Timed Opening and Close

A time clock similar to a central heating clock opens and closes the gate as required. Different times can be set up for weekends and week days as needed. A flashing LED provides 8 seconds of warning before a timed closure. The automatic closing sensors prevent closure onto a vehicle in transit.

While open the gate is asleep and will not respond to the fob. When closed the gate responds to fobs as normal and any other opening device being used.

This unit takes its power from the nearest gate unit and either one will do. Once set up the unit wired into the clock becomes the master and its opposite partner gate unit becomes the slave.