How Your Automatic Driveway Gate’s Closed Loop System Works
Automatic driveway gates are highly beneficial for controlling access into a property. One of the primary benefits of an automatic driveway gate is that it allows you to open/close it without getting out of your vehicle. You can control the gate remotely from the convenience of your vehicle. Furthermore, automatic gates are also equipped with a dedicated feedback loop system that allows them to control the operation to prevent any collision in case an object is the gate’s closing path.
The Loop System of an Automatic Driveway Gate
As mentioned above, automatic gates have a feedback loop system that helps prevent collision by controlling the gate’s operation according to different situations. Loops are a part of an output signal that is mainly used to attain the stability and consistency of the automatic gate system. Usually, automatic gates either use an open loop system or a closed loop system.
Closed Loop System
A closed loop system is commonly used in barrier operator applications. Generally, it is placed under the arm of the operator. The arm automatically lowers when the vehicle clears the loop. A closed loop system uses feedback where a part of the output signal is fed back to the input to improve stability and reduce errors.
How an Automatic Driveway Gate’s Closed Loop System Works?
A closed loop control system of an automatic driveway gate uses the concept of an open loop system. However, it has more than one feedback loops or paths as compared to an open loop system. Closed loop system is designed to automatically achieve and then maintain a condition by comparing the desired output with the actual condition. The system achieves this by generating an error signal that differentiates between the reference input and the output.
In simple terms, a closed loop system is a fully automatic control system of your automatic driveway gate in which its control actions depend on the output in a certain way.
The vehicle/object detection sensor on your automatic driveway gate monitors for objects in the gates path and compares them with the input reference. If there is an object in the path of the gate, then the controller stops the gate from being automatically closed. Similarly, if the gate is closed and you send the command from your remote control to open it, the sensor will detect the object in the gate’s path and report it to the closed loop feedback system, which will prevent the gate from opening.
Since your automatic driveway gate’s closed loop system has some knowledge of the output condition due to the object detection sensor, it is better equipped to handle the gate’s operation in any conditions.
The term closed loop implies the use of a feedback control action that reduces the chances of any errors within the system. The feedback of the closed loop system distinguishes the main differences between a closed loop system and an open loop system. The accuracy of the operation of an automatic driveway gate’s closed loop system depends on the feedback path, which is generally made very accurate.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
4 Things to Consider When Deciding Between a Pre-Made or Custom-Made Automated Iron Gate for Your Home
An automatic iron gate is a great investment for your home, offering increased security, convenience, and a very stylish fixture to your home’s exterior. However, there are choices when it comes to buying an automated iron gate for your home, pre-made or custom-made.
Each has their advantages and disadvantages depending on your requirements so be sure to consider the following four things when deciding between a pre-made or custom-made automated iron gate for your home:
1. Cost
One of the main considerations to make between a pre-made and custom-made automated iron gate for your home is the price. As you might imagine, a pre-made design is generally much cheaper than a custom-made design, being mass produced that results in a lower cost to manufacture.
As a result, pre-made automatic iron gates are always going to be cheaper than a custom-made gate, so be sure to consider your budget for the gate when deciding between the two options.
2. Time
How urgently do you need the gate by? Some people have strict deadlines they want to stick to, which is understanding when considering the added security and convenience the gate provides the home with.
So, those that want to have their automated gate installed as soon as possible should probably decide on a pre-made product. These are typically ready for installation when purchased, while a custom-made gate could take several weeks to finish and install, so bear this in mind when choosing between each gate.
3. Style
Perhaps the biggest advantage of a custom-made automated iron gate is the fact you decide on the design.
This is a huge draw for many people, as automated gates are one of the main features outside your property, so if you want a specific design that fits within your current aesthetics, then a custom-made gate is always a better option.
You can get virtually any style you want from a custom-made design, with the iron capable of being wrought into countless designs to meet your tastes. Remember, an automated gate adds value to a property, so the more stylish the design the more value it is likely to add.
4. Versatility
A custom-made automated gate is always going to be a more versatile option as it can be designed to accommodate the precise needs of your property. Whether it’s the size, style, or color, a custom-made gate is always going to guarantee the best fit possible.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
6 Benefits Of Installing A Metal Automatic Driveway Gate At Your Home
Your home is likely the most important thing you own, so it makes sense to do as much as possible to keep it safe and secure. While there are countless security measures that can be taken, such as installing security cameras and alarm systems, one of the more overlooked forms of home security is an automatic driveway gate.
Not only do they look great, but a metal automatic driveway gate offers a range of benefits that make them a fantastic investment for homeowners around the country. Check these six benefits of installing a metal driveway gate your home!
1. Enhanced Security
The most benefit but one certainly worth reiterating – a good metal automatic driveway gate will make your home even safer. Being able to control entry into your home is one of the surest ways to avoid issues with burglars, trespassers, or any unwanted visitors, allowing you to decide who can enter the premises.
Not only that, it creates a secure perimeter for those inside. For instance, if you have kids or pet dog, an automatic driveway gate ensures they won’t easily run out into oncoming traffic, which could have fateful consequences.
2. Convenience
An automatic driveway gate offers more convenience compared to manual gates, saving you the time and hassle of getting out to open and close them whenever you are passing through. With an automatic gate, you never need to leave your vehicle while still enjoying the security of a gate on your driveway.
3. Improved Aesthetics
A metal automatic driveway gate is a stylish addition to any property. These gates are designed with residential properties in mind, typically coming with wrought metal work that only enhances the aesthetics of your property.
4. Added Value
An automatic driveway gate could add some serious value to your property. While you may not be looking to sell anytime soon, whenever your property is being evaluated you can be sure that a feature such as an automatic driveway gate is only going to increase the value of your home.
5. More Privacy
Everyone wants to enjoy privacy at their home, so an automatic gate is a great way to get more privacy for you and your family. As it restricts entry to your property, you get better assurances that you are enjoying your home with the utmost privacy.
6. Protection from Wildlife
Not all threats to your property are from other people, with many homeowners dealing with nuisance pests such as rabbits, deer, foxes, and even coyotes. A metal automatic driveway gate ensures no animals get onto your property, keeping your landscapes safe from damage.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
4 Ways to Troubleshoot Your Automated Gate Remote Entry Problems
Automated gates are great as they allow you to open/close the gate remotely from your car. Unfortunately, sometimes due to weather, environmental elements, or some other reasons, these gates may stop functioning properly. The good news is, there are ways to troubleshoot the gate to find the cause of the problem and fix it so that you can have your automated gate working again.
Following are 4 ways to troubleshoot your automated gate remote entry problems:
1. Try Using Another Control
The first thing you should do when your automated gate is not opening/closing remotely is to try another control such as intercom or keypad and see if it works properly. If another control works correctly, then you should try another remote control. If that also works, then it means that the batteries of your remote control are flat. If none of the remote controls work but the gate opens/close correctly via other controls, then there is a problem with your remote control receiver.
2. Check the Power Supply
Check whether the power supply to your automated gate is on. If you are not sure where the electrical isolation is, then check the fuse box and see if there are any switches that are in the off position. You should also read the labels of the switches that are off and if any of them are for the automated gate, then switch it back on. If the switch stays on then you should try the gate again. If it is on and you still cannot operate the gate, then there may be another issue such as a damaged cable to the motor, a faulty motor, or an electrical joint on the cable with water in it. On the other hand, if the trip switch returns to off position when you switch it on, then you will need professional help.
3. Check the Internal Fuses of Control Panel
Your automated gate stops working if the internal fuses of the control panel are blown. So it is recommended that you check them. It is highly recommended that you isolate the gate electrics before you check the fuses. Don’t proceed if you don’t know how to switch the power off. After switching the power off, open up the control panel enclosure and carefully inspect the main circuit board for the labeled fuses. Open them one by one and take a look at the glass fuse inside. You will see a fine silver wire inside the fuse if it is not blown. On the other hand, if the fuse has blown then you should look for replacements.
4. Call an Automated Gate Repair Company
If none of the above mentioned ways help, then it is recommended that you call an automated gate repair company. Not only will those professionals provide the parts and repair you need, but they will also help tune up your automated gate system so that it lasts a long time without any issues.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Schools Should Have An Automatic Gate System For These 5 Reasons
It goes without saying that every school should be as safe and secure as possible. There are many methods with which this can be achieved, from CCTV to a team of security guards, but one of the simplest yet most effective security measures is an automatic gate system.
Why? Read below to find out:
1. Deterrence
The sight of a robust automatic gate at the entrance of a school is always going to deter unwanted visitors. After all, an automatic gate system means there are security measures already in place, acting as a very strong deterrent for any would-be intruders, vandals, or unwanted visitors.
2. Cost-Effective
An automatic gate system is one of the most affordable security measures available to schools. They require only an initial outlay for installation, after which they are completely autonomous. This may save a lot of money for a school’s budget, as not all can afford costlier security measures, such as a team of armed guards.
3. Safety
It’s an obvious advantage of using an automatic gate system yet one still worth mentioning – gates make a school safer.
As the gate restricts control into the school, unwanted visitors never need to be permitted access, while those attempting to break or sneak in will not find much success with a robust gate system in place.
Furthermore, a gate system offers better protection against vandalism. This can be particularly beneficial for high schools that have a higher number of vehicles parking on the premises throughout the day.
4. Visitor Control
Schools see a high number of visitors daily, including staff, students, and parents. As a result, many people are coming and going on any given day, which often poses a security risk when there is a lack of control over who comes and goes.
With an automatic gate, the school may permit or deny entry to whoever they wish. Those that want entry need to be authorized before they receive it, helping to prevent unwanted visits. This can be especially effective when used together with security guards, CCTV, etc.
5. Aesthetics
Automatic gates have a stylish look to them, typically featuring ornate ironwork and other fine craftsmanship. Better still, an automatic gate system can come in many different styles to create an aesthetic of your choosing.
Whether it’s a stylish addition to improve the exterior of the school or a more foreboding design to deter unwanted visitors, gates can greatly enhance the aesthetic of a school’s grounds
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
4 Spring Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Your Automatic Gate System
Spring cleaning involves a long list of things that should be taken care of. Because of this, many people forget the maintenance of their automatic gate systems. This is one of those things that should be on your spring cleaning checklist because just like your home and vehicles, automatic gate systems also require proper maintenance and upkeep in order to work efficiently.
Following are 4 spring cleaning and maintenance tips for your automatic gate system:
1. Visual Inspection
Check your gate’s condition and identify inefficiencies and failure. Generally, automatic gates do not fail very quickly and if there are any issues, they can be traced to slow degradation. Examine the main body of the gate for tears, dents, and other forms of damage. If it is a sliding gate, then make sure that the chain drive or belt is in good condition. Clear the tracks on which the gate moves. Furthermore, inspect the electrical connections and the gate opener as well as the bushings and bearings. If there are any anomalies, then it is recommended that you consult a professional for troubleshooting.
2. Cleaning
Clean your automatic gate in order to get rid of all the accumulated dust and dirt. If your gate is metal, then you can easily wash it with water, a soft sponge, and mild soap. These products are sufficient to get rid of any type of grime that accumulates due to exposure to harsh weather and environmental conditions. When you are wiping the gate, look for any signs of rust and if you find them, then clean off the affected area by scrubbing it gently. After you have cleaned your automatic gate, rinse off the soap deposits and then let the surfaces dry. After that, apply protective wax. By doing this, you will minimize the chances of rusting. If your automatic gate is made of wood, then it is recommended that you repaint it.
3. Lubrication
Lubrication is an essential part of automatic gate maintenance. Friction can damage the moving parts of the gate that control the automatic operations. The gate will move with difficulty if the surfaces are completely dry. The internal components will also grind roughly. This entire process can lead to the premature failure of essential parts of the gate. That’s why it is very important to keep the automatic gate operation seamless and smooth. An appropriate lubricant will help you ensure that. Some of the components that require lubrication include screws, rollers, hinges, chains, and pulleys. Don’t use petroleum-based lubricants as they attract dust.
4. Pest Control
You might think that your automatic metal gate is safe from pests, but it isn’t. They can sabotage the operation and performance of automatic gates. Automatic gates consist of electronic parts that ensure their smooth operations and functioning but insects such as spiders, snails, and bees can damage such parts. Slugs and snails can damage the gate’s circuit boards. That’s why it is important to check for any pests in your automatic gate system. Call a professional pest control provider if you encounter the presence of any pests.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
