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Blogs
Automation blogs
Reasons for gate failure
Gate control has changed over 30 years. Gates are now required to be safe. So how does the gate know where or when to stop? We try to explain the techniques and advantages.
Motor types
Why are there so many motor types used in gate automation? Confused? We try to explain the differences and advantages of each gate motor type.
Gate run limits
Gate control has changed over 30 years. Gates are now required to be safe. So how does the gate know where or when to stop? We try to explain the techniques and advantages.
RCD's for electric gates
RCD protection on electric gates can cause problems. What measures can you take to help?
Cantilever gate calculator
Benefits of cantilever gates and the calculation of forces
Brushless motors
Do brushless motors live up to expectation. What is so special?
Lifetime warranties
Are lifetime warranties a liability or a selling point? Can pre-assembly help?
Solar Powered Automation
Battery and solar panel technology advances make solar gates increasingly more viable.
Safety blogs
Categories of behavior
Gate automation safety relies on the design of safety components. We take a look at the categories of behavior of equipment.
Gate safety
A gate is a machine built on site. Every one is different. They all need to be declared 'safe' by the installer. They all need a manual.
Force testing
Limiting the force a gate can apply to within the safety limit is one way to ensure the gate complies. How do you test thae force, and what are the limites?
The law and the machine
An automated gate is a bespoke machine built on site.
The law requires all machines to be safe, including your gate.
Force testing isn't a breeze
Does a butterfly in Brisbane warranty a callout here?
Boarded gates can suffer from excessive wind force.
Home & House blogs
Planning permission for driveways
First impressions are lasting impressions. Some considerations in the planning of a new vehicle entrance
Are Logistics Delivering?
We all have horror stories about poor service in the parcel delivery industry but are they victims of over demand?
We look practices and innovations in parcel delivery.
Electric vehicle charging
What are the choices in vehicle chargers, and how they apply to private dwellings.
Product blogs
Photobeam types
Photobeams are the staple safety device for gate automation. Are they all the same? We take a look at some new developments
Safety edge types
All safety edges do the same thing, but the different technologies have characteristics that make them more or less suitable.
Exit sensor types
Gate control has changed over 30 years. Gates are now required to be safe. So how does the gate know where or when to stop? We try to explain the techniques and advantages.
Smart opener raises arms
There are new access control systems released every year, but few target hit the button like the new PING receiver
Exit Sensors 1
Drive up to a barrier or automated gate, and it opens for you. How does that work, and what is new?
Application notes
QW209
Hybrid swing and sliding gate
How to wire up one swing gate leaf and one sliding gate leaf with safety photobeams
QW016
Hold open by remotes
Several methods of hold open by remote control that override wired inputs
QW025
Traffic lights on controller panel
Connect a pair of traffic lights on a gate controller for blind entrances.
QW210
Run a 3 phase motor on a ZA3
Use a standard ZA3 panel to operate 3 pole contactors for running 3 phase motors
QW206
Hybrid gates on 230V panels
How to wire up one swing gate leaf and one sliding gate leaf with safety photobeams
QW302
Ram geometry examples
Some methods of mounting gate arms to inward opening gates on a post or pier.
QW208
Safety edge operation for partial opening
Safety inputs on old CAME panels causes the the gate to open fully, even when partial opening is activated. This solution solves the problem.
QW012
Hold open with a handy relay
Some control panels only have an alternate open/close input. This is a problem for loop detectors and other activation devices that may give more than one pulse.
QW212
Diagonal beams protect a farm gate
It can be difficult to provide photobeam safety for wide single leaf farm gates. This scheme allows full coverage with 3 to 5 photobeams
QW101
Making a ground loop with a multicore cable
A loop is traditionally 3 to 4 wire loops in a circular pattern. This technique makes use of a single mains cable run in two ducts.
QW303
Outward opening ram geometry
Some methods of mounting gate arms to outward opening gates on a post or pier.
QPU07
Outward opening barn doors
Articulated arm motors are well suited to swing out wooden doors. Garage doors, barn doors, fire doors and vents are typical applications.