| Do I need to install
110 or 220 volt electric to the gate operator? No. These units are operated by a 12 or 24V battery
pack located inside the control box/cabinet. The batteries are trickle-charged by a
transformer that plugs into a standard 110 volt outlet. The wire from that transformer to
the control box is a low voltage wire that can be up to 1000' long. For longer distances,
the 110 volt electric would have to be installed closer to the gate or solar panels can be
purchased to recharge the battery.
Is everything I need included with
the Operator Kits?
Mostly, but not everything. Transmitters are not
included and must be purchased separately. Also, the low voltage wire from the
outlet to the control box is not included. The operators should be mounted on a solid
section of the gate. If there is no place to mount the arm, a horizontal angle iron or
rail may need to be installed (not supplied). Brackets for mounting to that rail are
included.
Is it realistic for the average
homeowner or business owner to install the unit(s)?
Probably. Some fabrication of post brackets and gate brackets will be
required (Miracle operators). Welding and drilling plates for the mounting brackets
is an easy job for someone who knows how to weld. RoboSwing operators require some welding
for the arms. Other than that, the system is not difficult for an average person to
install. The operators do not require an electrician to wire them assuming an outlet is
within 1000 feet. The system is low voltage. Everything wires to the control boards. Only
basic common hand tools are required. The operators come with complete, illustrated
installation instructions. We also have installation manuals online. Our toll free number
is available for support.
How long does it take to install an
operator?
After the brackets are done, It is safe to
assume the average homeowner can install one complete single gate operator in less than 4
hours at a leisurely pace. That is assuming the gate is installed and in good working
order. Low voltage wire may require burying, which may take extra time. A second operator
installed for a double gate will take about another 2 hours plus the time it might take to
install the control cable from the control box to the other operator. That line needs to
be buried under the driveway.
Will the Miracle swing gate operators
work on a gate mounted in the center of a column?
The new UL325 safety codes restrict the
centering of gates on columns for swing gates. It is our understanding that this is not
permitted due to the pinch point created between the column and the gate when it is fully
opened. If you are a professional installer, advise your customer against it. The gate
should be hung near the rear corner of the column.
I have 36'' square columns. Will the
Miracle swing gate operators work?
Yes. As long as the operator is mounted as
required in the manual, the Miracle operators will work on any size column as a pull to
open or push to open system.
My gate is difficult to open and
close. Will the operator help?
No. The operators will only work on plumb
posts and a level gate that swings or slides freely. The operator will not work or will
fail prematurely on poorly constructed gates. Gates with supporting ground wheels will not
work with operators.
What kind of wire is needed for the
accessories?
The transformer connects to the surge
suppressor board using 12 gauge wiring not to exceed 1000 ft. Most of the accessories use
18 gauge wire. Individual accessories may require different gauge wire, see your manual
for the accessory. Wire is available here.
Is the low voltage wire the only type
of wire required?
No. The Miracle operators use a 40' power
cable (included) consisting of 6-16 AWG wires. That cable is to be installed between the
control box and the operator arm. When running more than a twenty foot power cable, use
two more 16 gauge shielded wires on the outside of the power cable to replace the blue and
green wires. The shielded wire must be grounded. The control box must be located adjacent
to the control arm on a post or fence. The slave unit, which operates the second leaf of a
double swing gate, comes with a 40' power cable that is normally buried slightly under the
driveway to the slave operator. Power cables can be cut to size.
How far away can the hard-wired
accessories be installed?
All accessories can not use more than 1000' of low voltage
wire to each one. The same requirement as the low voltage wire from the transformer to the
control box. The distance from the accessory to the control box will dictate the gauge
wire required.
How does the basic system work as far
as opening and closing?
Operators use a remote transmitter (not included). The gate
is operated by depressing a button on the remote to open and close the gate, like a garage
door operator. The gate operators are equipped with an automatic timer close feature, with
an adjustable delay. The gate closes automatically. The timer can be turned off so the
gate requires a transmitter to close the gate.
Can I use more than one transmitter
on one gate?
Yes. You can purchase as many extras as you need. One for
each car and maybe one for the house, if it is close enough to the gate to work.
What is the range of the
transmitters?
About 100', if unobstructed.
What if the meter reader or delivery
person needs to use the gate?
For people who need access, other than
regulars, optional keypads
are available that require a code to be typed into the numbered keypad. You can change the
code whenever you like and provide that code to authorized users.
What safety features would prevent
someone from getting caught in the gate?
The operators are equipped with an
obstruction sensitive control that is adjustable so even the slightest obstacle pressure
will stop the gate. A warning sign is also included to warn pedestrians that the gate is
automatic electric powered. Additional safety devices are available including loop detectors and photo eyes.
Can I install the low voltage wire in
conduit?
Yes, this will be necessary if buried
in-ground unless direct-burial wire is used.
Can I install the control cable in
conduit?
Yes, the most common use of conduit is under
the driveway from the control box to the slave operator on double swing gates.
Can the power cable be cut or
spliced?
The power cable can be cut to size but never
splice wires together. Use common electric boxes to connect wires at the gate.
If I order an operator and can't make
it work, can I return it?
Yes. Call us on our toll free number and we
can walk you through a successful installation. If not, you can return the operator for a
full refund before the expiration of 30 days from ordering. All of the parts must be in
original new condition in the original boxes and return shipping must be paid by you.
Returns must be approved in advance. After receiving the operators and accessories back
and inspection of their condition, we will gladly refund your money (not including
shipping charges from you to us).
How long will the batteries in the
control box last?
Battery life is dependent on many conditions.
Three to five years is the expected life span of the batteries.
What normal maintenance is required?
Besides making sure the gate is in good
repair and swings or slides easily, minor programming adjustments may be necessary from
time to time. The operator is programmable for opening and closing distances. If the gate
should not close or open completely, the controls may need reset. This is a simple process
that is performed at the control box with directions in your owner's manual. Always grease
hinges as required to assure easy movement of the gate. Most operators fail because the
gates or gate posts have failed. The operator is designed to be very low in maintenance.
For intensive duty, lubricate the operator fitting plates and check electric connections
every six months.
Will the operator work on any type of
gate?
No. All operators, have weight and gate width
limits. The Miracle operators have a 600 lbs gate weight limit and a maximum gate size of
15' per operator. The RoboSwing has a 400 lb. weight limit and a maximum gate size of 16'
per operator. The RoboSlide has a 800 lb. weight limit and a maximum gate size of 20' per
operator. All operators can be configured in a master/slave set-up to double the size of
the gate opening.
How long does it take the gate to
open?
The weight of the gate and width will
influence opening times. Most operators take between 14 and18 seconds to open or close the
gate.
Can the swing gate operators push to
open?
For the Miracle operators, yes. The
post/column bracket will need fabricated differently for the push to open (see manual).
The gate operator(s) can be reprogrammed upon installation for 'push to open'
applications. The operator arm is normally installed on the inside of the gate and pulls
inward. If it is installed on the inside of the gate and needs to swing the gates out or
away from the operator arm, that is a 'push to open' application. The RoboSwing is
designed for 'pull to open' only.
How many solar panels are necessary
for these operators?
The Elite operators require at least one
panel for single gate applications. Double gate applications may require at least two
panels. More may be necessary depending on geographical location and the weight of the
gate. Requirements will vary with accessories used. Call for additional information for
specific needs.
How many different codes can be used
with a keypad?
Depends on which keypad is purchased. Some
keypads have 1000 code capability.
I have checked everything on my
transmitter and it appears to be faulty.
Make sure the dip switches match on the
receiver and tranmitter. Check the owner's manual for how to change frequency settings. If
the frequency is set properly and the battery is good, make sure you are using the
transmitter properly. Some people hold the button down too long or push it too many times
in succession. This will send mixed signals to the receiver. Push firmly once and let go
immediately.
Is the transformer that plugs into
the outlet water-proof?
No it is not. If it plugs in outdoors, you
need to cover it with a rain-proof cover. We do not sell these covers but they are readily
available from electrical supply or hardware stores.
I installed my operator, it worked
great for a week, then it stopped working? Is this a warranty issue?
Although the Elite Miracle operators are
warranted for two years (RoboSwing and RoboSlide warranted for 3 years), chances are your
problem is minor. The gate operator comes with a fully charged battery. After you
installed it, it worked until the battery ran down. Chances are that your wiring for the
power is faulty. Check the outlet for power. Maybe someone turned off the circuit. Check
the low voltage wire. It could be cut or never properly installed in the first place. Is
the transformer plugged in? Check the fuses. If the gate is out of adjustment and slams
the stops to hard, it could blow fuses. Replace the fuse and adjust the limits on the open
or close side so the operator stops running just prior to hitting the stops. The stops are
only intended to position the gate firmly open or shut. They are not meant to literally
stop the gate.
How hard is it to push the gate
without an magnetic lock?
The magnetic lock is an option to secure the gate in the
closed position. It works automatically with your transmitter. It is not required because
the operator will hold the gate firmly shut. Someone could force the gate open, if they
push hard enough. A car could push it open easily, breaking the operator arm and/or
mounting hardware. It's not likely a child could force the gate open and squeeze through.
If that is critical, get the lock.
Can I adjust the Elite swing gate
operators on one half of a double swing gate to open only 75-80 degrees while the other
half opens a full 90 degrees?
The operators and most operators all have limit switches,
adjustment knobs or memory capabilities that allow one to set the gate to open to
different degrees. 75-80 degrees as you wish should not be a problem. This must be
done when there is an obstacle blocking the full 90 degree opening. |
