Gate opener recommendation

[deepblue100]

Hi, I am looking for guideance in trying to find a quality, dependable, solar gate opening package and locate an installer. Also it needs to be affordable. I live in nc 28025 . It needs to have battery back up and some ammenities. I do not live in visual sight of the gate and need to know when someone is there and I need to be able to open the gate from afar. I would like to probably have a light @ the sight(optional).
I maybe able to figure something else out for the lighting. can you make some recommendations and explain why.

Thanks

 

[RedTailHawk]

subscribed! I'm looking for a similar setup, but rather than the ability to remotely let someone in, I'd prefer to have a gate opener remote for my car and a couple of my guests. Otherwise a visitor would have to get out of their vehicle and push a button on the gate to open it (and in theory it closes automatically after they pass thru).

 

[deepblue100]

Absolutely, positively, must know type of gate.
Single, swing
Double swing
Sliding
...

It is a double swing gate with an iron frame.

 

[NC4AB]

Me thinks "affordable" may not go well with your constraints (remote buzzer, remote gate control, light and installation) Your zip code comes back to Concord, just down I-85 from me. Best recommendation would be to contact several of the fence companies in the Charlotte area and get bids on an access control system to meet your needs.

I have a similar installation that uses the following components, all self installed at various times over the past 10 years:

Might Mule (GTO) gate opener
Mighty Mule keypad
Mighty Mule driveway sensor (buried)
Harbor Freight Solar Panels
Deep Cycle 12 volt battery
MorningStar Solar Charge Controller
Lorex Security Camera (wired to house via 1 pair of wires in an underground cat 5 rated cable)

If solar powered is a requirement make sure you have a clear view of the sun in the winter, I initially started with the 5 watt solar panel which came with the Mighty Mule Gate opener kit and it was borderline on keeping the battery charged during the winter. When I added the Security Camera I upgraded the solar panels and added a larger storage battery.

People we know along with the power company, cable company etc all have a unique code to the keypad and can open the gate as needed. I have not added remote open / close yet but I have spare wires in the Cat 5 cable to add that functionality in the future if needed.

Andy

 

[csp]

I'd stay away from Mighty Mule. I installed a double opener a few weeks ago and within one week one of the openers had a failure with a control board within the arm. The woman that I installed it for also told me that a friend of hers had the same opener and had to replace an arm about every 8-12 months. Not sure why she chose that brand, knowing that information.

 

[HeyNow^]

We have an Apollo gate opener operating a double 20 ft chain link gate. Total solar using 20 watt panel with remote controls that operate 700 feet from our house. We've had them since 2010, same battery and does a great job. I'm not near your zip so my installer would do no good.

 

[deepblue100]

Mighty Mule... hmmm, no. I heard they have bad customer support.
Does anyone have experience with this model (US Automatic Sentry):

http://goo.gl/GXb4ad

 

[bigcreek]

Apollo is an awesome quality opener, but you will pay a lot of money for it. Ive only installed one solar mighty mule on a double gate and it did well and the price is cheap. You get what you pay for but it has done well so far and its been in use for over a year. Eagle is another good brand.

 

[Cyberbear]

Nothing that works well and serves your needs is going to be cheap. I have your identical situation and I went with the Mighty Mule system years back. Good security and convenience always comes at a price, no free lunches anymore.

 

[8mpg]

I had a gate installed a couple years ago. My fence guy only uses Apollo. He said its a mid priced opener but dependable. I wouldnt do Mighty Mule...just do a search and you can see they **** out all the time.

Use a full size deep cycle 12v battery back up, not the little motorcycle battery size. 20w solar panel is plenty.

 

[turbowoodworker]

http://www.amazinggates.com/Default.asp

Not cheap. Did one myself without help and it went fine. Quality, well built stuff and good tech support. There is a picture of my install somewhere on GJ. If I find it I'll repost.

 

[deepblue100]

Many thanks for your replies, i still can't choose one. I guess I'm gonna break the budget

 

[Naom]

We have a Mighty Mule automatic gate opener. According to the manufacturer, it can handle gates with a maximum length of 18 ft and a weight of 850 lbs. Yes, it comes with remote control. So you don’t have to get out of the car. Its look and specification suggest that it is suitable for residential buildings, farms, ranch, small warehouses, etc. It worked perfectly with all. However, it is slower when compared with other gate openers, but it is acceptable because it can handle heavy gates with ease.

I loved the fact that it runs on both the AC power source and solar panel. Also, in case of power failure, it has a battery backup. The device is available for both single and double door gates. You can check on beonhome.com for more info.