Blogs


Automation blogs

Reasons for gate failure

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

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

Remotes selectionRemotes selection

 

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

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

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

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

RCD protection on electric gates can cause problems. What measures can you take to help?

Cantilever gate calculator

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

Benefits of cantilever gates and the calculation of forces

Brushless motors

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

Do brushless motors live up to expectation. What is so special? 

Lifetime warranties

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

Are lifetime warranties a liability or a selling point? Can pre-assembly help?

Automated pesdestrian gates

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

When does a door become a gate?

Solar Powered Automation

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

Battery and solar panel technology advances make solar gates increasingly more viable.  

Haptics & Optics

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

How sensors in gate motors have made gate automation safer


Safety blogs

Categories of behavior

Photobeam safety selection Photobeam safety selection

 

Gate automation safety relies on the design of safety components.    We take a look at the categories of behavior of equipment.

Gate safety

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

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

Photobeam safety selection Photobeam safety selection

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

Photobeam safety selection Photobeam safety selection

 

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

Photobeam safety selectionPhotobeam safety selection

 

Does a butterfly in Brisbane warranty a callout here?

Boarded gates can suffer from excessive wind force. 

Are safety bus's bust

Photobeam safety selectionPhotobeam safety selection

 

What are the pro's and con's of safety bus's.

Are bus's the future of automation wiring?

What is the future of automation?


Home & House blogs

Planning permission for driveways

Photobeam safety selectionPhotobeam safety selection

 

First impressions are lasting impressions. Some considerations in the planning of a new vehicle entrance

Are Logistics Delivering?

Delivery lockerDelivery locker

 

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

Safety edge selectionSafety edge selection

 

What are the choices in vehicle chargers, and how they apply to private dwellings.


Product blogs

Photobeam types

Photobeam safety selection Photobeam safety selection

 

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

Safety edge selection Safety edge selection

 

All safety edges do the same thing, but the different technologies have characteristics that make them more or less suitable.

Exit sensor types

Control panel functions and attribute Control panel functions and attribute

 

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

Photobeam safety selectionPhotobeam safety selection

 

There are new access control systems released every year, but few target hit the button like the new PING receiver

Exit Sensors 1

Photobeam safety selectionPhotobeam safety selection

 

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

QW213

Lower power from a BKS motor

Came's industrial BKS  AC motors  have no pressure sensitive reversal, so rely on external safety devices. See how to reduce torque by re-wiring the transformer. 

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.