Archive for Uncategorized
Posted by Shamus on July 12, 2014
and it doesn’t work properly or reliably, sometimes it’s best to get rid of it and start again with a good well supported brand. I get many calls from people who have installed the cheaper options available, then got their electrician or did a DIY install, only to find it doesn’t go very well. Gate automation is one of those things that really doesn’t work well for most people unless you buy the good types.. Even the good top brands require back up and support, and you won’t find this with some unbranded kit bought for $500 off the net. Good gate automation aint cheap unfortunately.
Posted by Shamus on July 7, 2014
it is sometimes a good idea to open the gates, when using a power washer on your driveway around gate automation. You can sometimes wash the lubrication on the leadscrews off with the backwash, which causes problems. Open the gate first and avoid washing directly under the gate arms.
Posted by Shamus on April 9, 2014
Reading through my blog, I realise how my work, although quite interesting to me, is probably boring to many people- . I enjoy the challenge of approaching a gate not knowing what’s wrong with it,and working through issues with the customer until the gate is reliable again..
Posted by Shamus on April 9, 2014
I came across a strange problem today with a multi frequency receiver board, on a gate, which changed its frequency by itself, probably after a power glitch. All of a sudden, the remotes stopped working. They were all 433Mhz. The selectable frequency receiver was now working with 303Mhz remotes only! Power down and power up- 433Mhz resumed, remotes then worked.
Posted by Shamus on March 30, 2014
Thankfully, the panelbeaters at Ballentynes have done a good job and my van is as good as it was before.
Posted by Shamus on February 26, 2014
I am getting used to using my Pajero for gate servicing, and have got through some big jobs successfully, so don’t hesitate to call me for urgent work at the moment.
Posted by Shamus on February 12, 2014
while I was waiting at traffic lights, so I am using a different, less capable vehicle than my usual Liteace van. I’m able to do small jobs, assessments etc but will leave bigger jobs until late next week when I hope to get my van back from the panelbeaters. I’m struggling through until then. Phone me if I have lost your job sheet and not turned up in the muddle created by this accident.
Posted by Shamus on December 18, 2013
I am going to work through the Christmas period, and I’m available to assess and repair your gate and automation most non stat. holiday days. I’ll probably have a holiday in March or April.
Posted by Shamus on November 7, 2013
I can repair your swing gates that are sagging or scraping on the ground, or misaligned. Sometimes this involves adjusting or replacing hinges. It’s important to get the basics right before replacing or repairing the automation.
Posted by dave on July 20, 2013
Lately I’ve noticed an increase in gate control boards with slug damage and ants nests. It must be the season or perhaps the weather. If you notice ants in your control box, try getting them out first with a blower before spraying a barrier spray around the enclosure. If you spray them on the circuit board it could cause damage or problems as the dead soaked ants are more conductive. Ants sometimes hide under components such as relays and socketed IC’s. I’ve had to remove components with my desoldering set to clean out ants. I think a spray with pcb lacquer or conformal coating designed for circuit boards might help with new systems, but check with the manufacturer if this is ok and remember to mask switches, dip switches and relays etc as well as connectors or the insulated coating will cause problems also.
