Daylight saving
I’ve almost cleared my backlog, no unusual delays at the moment.
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Setting up a new system.
Sometimes I might get called back after replacing an old system with a new one, because the new arms don’t open or close fully. This probably just needs an adjustment on the control board. There is a feature of most modern gate systems on the control board which detects if there is an obstacle in the way of the gate (by monitoring motor current). It is hard to get the balance between obstacle detection and providing enough force to overcome variations in operation, such as wind, or rain washing away lubricant. I try to adjust the gate so that the motors aren’t pushing any harder than they need to because of two reasons- safety and mechanical reliabilty. Safety is obvious- if the gate detects an obstacle while closing it should stop and reverse. Mechanical reliabilty is enhanced by the gate not pushing hard on the stops which can strain the brackets, arms and gate unnecessarily. Gate automation seems simple and it could be, but safe gate automation is more complex which is why these settings might need adjusting occaisionally after installing.
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Leave a Comment (0) →Audio and video Intercoms
At the edges of what I service are intercoms. I can do fault analysis of the gate switching systems which open the gate, but I don’t really like to service audio intercoms as I work alone and it is difficult to analyse faults without help, ie a person at each end. I’ll replace obviously faulty handsets and gate stations if required.
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Leave a Comment (0) →Slugs can damage circuit boards
Some of the damaged control boards are caused by slugs sliding along the board and getting electrocuted, then they cause malfunction or blown fuses or tripped breakers. It isn’t easy to keep an enclosure sealed from pests like this over time, the cable entries and enclosures can deteriorate, warp in the sun and allow small insects and slugs to enter. This is the damage they can do.
Slugs can damage control boards.
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Leave a Comment (0) →control circuit board corrosion
Most modern control boards are of a type called “surface mount” because most components are automatically attached to the surface of the circuit board and not attached by plated through holes. Effectively, the components are smaller and tracks are closer together. This can make the board more susceptible to damage from moisture or insect and snails and slugs. Corrosion takes place, and the effects are typically worsened because of the proximity of the tracks and component pin outs. In some cases where corrosion has been apparent, I have been spraying the replacement pcb with conformal coating or pcb lacquer to try to alleviate future problems. I am unsure whether this is a local problem or not, but I think Auckland does have a salty atmosphere.
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Leave a Comment (0) →Gate won’t close
If your gate opens but won’t close, check your safety beam. Make sure there isn’t a plant or object in the way of the beam. Wipe the lens if it looks dirty or obscured. Still not closing? Call a technician like myself. 0800 991 888
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Leave a Comment (0) →Remote reception and “noise”.
All kinds of things can affect remote reception. Radio frequencies (rf) can interfere, electrically noisy or faulty equipment generates rf noise which can prevent a receiver from getting the correct digital signal from your remote. A faulty receiver or faulty remotes can seem like the same thing sometimes. The wired inputs (keypad or intercom switches) open the gate but the remote is intermittently faulty, or you have to get real close to operate it. If this is happening to your gate, you may need to consider calling a technician (like myself) to investigate the cause – but try a new battery in your remote first!
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Leave a Comment (0) →Sliding gate rack adjustment.
Many sliding gates I visit for servicing need the rack adjusted. This is necessary from time to time. The rack needs a little clearance from the pinion, otherwise the motor/gearbox bears the weight of the gate which can stop or impede the gate’s travel. Usually the rack is adjustable with slots but it is a time consuming job and often the adjustment has been taken up fully already so new mounting holes have to be made. Have your gate checked and serviced on a regular basis, maybe yearly.
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Leave a Comment (0) →Gate key
Just some advice to automatic gate owners who don’t have a key, you need to have an exit strategy when there is a power cut or gate failure. Find your key, or get one- before you need it. The key disengages the motor from your gate system, so you can push the gate open manually. Almost all gate operators have a key system of some sort. Don’t force your gate open if you don’t have the key, because many gate operators will be damaged by forcing. Not all keys work! They get stuck too. Spray some WD40 or similar into the lock if it is stuck. Undo or disconnect the arm if you are unable to find a key and you are still stuck. I will put priority on a job where people are stuck in or out of their property, but I am not always available late or on weekends, and I have a call out premium for after hours work. Also, my priority is to unstick the gate and I’ll need to come back in normal hours to fix it properly when parts are available and there is daylight etc.
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Leave a Comment (0) →Introducing myself
Hi, I’m Shamus. I am an experienced and qualified technician/engineer. I am a registered electrician and also have advanced trade certificate in industrial electronics. I have an NZCE also and have worked in industrial electrical and electronics before starting All Gates Electrical to provide a specialised and expert service business for electric and automatic gates for homes.
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