REPAIRING A FAULTY ELECTRIC SWING GATE

Kobus Labuschagne is the owner of Autogate Garage doors and Gates. His company provides assistance in repairs of electric gates and installation of gates and their motors. In this guide you will find some useful information on how to find the cause of your faulty swing gate and maybe repair it.

Electric Swing Gate

Before you begin, check that your power supply is working properly. Normally my technicians would begin by checking the intercom or keypad which is normally lit up, to see if the lights are on. Press the buttons on the keypads to see if there is a corresponding beep or sound. These all give you an indication if there is power at the gates or not. Should that not be the problem, then the next move would be to check your transmitter is operating as your battery might be flat. Usually there is a light on the transmitter that indicates that it is working by pressing one of the buttons. Check with the other access controls such as key in a number to your keypad, press the gate release button on the intercom and test out all the peripheral equipment by process of elimination. If your gates are still not functioning after checking the power supply and peripheral equipment then follow these steps

Electric Sliding Gate Diagram

Maybe your gates are stuck in open position and will not move? Then you can use any object to wave in front of one of the photocells and there should hear a quiet clicking sound. This will only be heard from  one of your photocells, so you will need to test them both. If you cannot hear that clicking sound there is a problem with your safety beam / photocells so there is no power to them, or the safety beam has failed because it is broken or it may be that there are insects / debris inside it  that is blocking the beam. It is usually easy to remove the cover of a photocell just to check that the beams are clear. There is usually also some demonstration that they are working by a light being displayed (LED).You may have the reflector type, check the alignment. If the photocells appear to be unobstructed but not working, you need to contact autogates.co.za.

If this appears to be the opposite problem, whereby you gates are closed position, using the manual release, move the gates to about half open, if they are on a ram system lock the rams back in. If they are on an underground system leave the gates swinging freely, now activate the gates with transmitter or other access control and observe the functioning of the swing gates. Does one motor work? Both motors work? Or neither motor work? If neither of the motors work and we know we have power supply, it is likely to be a problem with the electronics or the control system - call us on 086 111 2928, we are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Sometimes you have not understood the problem well, and we may be able to help you over the phone

GATE AND GARAGE DOOR REMOTES AND HOW THEY WORK

Modern remotes are the form of rolling pin and crypto –key remotes, which are used to create a very different non – duplicate code. In simpler terms this means that the remote cannot be cloned and cannot be tempered with by burglars. There are a lot of different remotes on the market and they all tend to have their own purposes.  For more info on programming your remotes, please click here www.autogate.co.za

The green remote, these kinds of remotes can be cloned. If you need another remote, you take it to a shop, and they can copy the code onto a new remote for you. A sophisticated burglar using a radio scanner could also clone your remote in theory, although this happens very rarely in practice.

The blue nova remote, this one is different as well as it has a randomly changing code, which makes it impossible to duplicate. This is the most secure type of remote. These remotes are paired (synchronised) with a specific gate motor's receiver unit. Each gate's receiver unit keeps track of which remotes have been added to it. To configure a new remote, you need to follow the instructions of your particular gate motor's receiver unit, to add a remote to it.

There are also the gate motor remotes, such as the centurion gate motor remote. This one is available in different types as well as works with the sliding and swing gate motors of the Centurion Brand works with the Nova remote. Another important factor to take into consideration is the gate motor comes with two or three button micro-tech remotes. The ET remote also works with the domestic swing and double swing operated motors usually come with a Nova remote. Then we have the DACE motor, this one can be configured to work with Sentry,Centurion,Smart,Nova or Clahe  control keypad.

The best and strongest remotes to use would be the www.autogate.co.za

Friendly Advice for all townhouse residents

South Africa has a very high unbearable crime rate and it is now the target of townhouse owners and residents. In this article you will be warned about the dangers and new improved methods on how to prevent being a victim. Suburbs that are currently on the target are Randburg, Roodepoort, Krugersdorp, Sandton, Midrand and Pretoria. One of the main factors why people tend to live in townhouses is for the security, considering the high boundary walls, the electric fence, the electric gate and sometimes security personnel. Burglars are now coming with ideas on how to gain access to such beefed up security townhouses. They will pretend to be the electrical meter guy who came to take readings, they can be the odd handyman called out for a piece job or even something silly as they came to pick up some clothing donations from a certain unit knowing that there is no one at home. They also work in syndicates and are given inside information from your ordinary temporary gardener or maid. Autogate security (www.autogate.co.za) will give you some tips on how to prevent yourself from falling to become a victim of crime. This information is to keep you, your loved ones and your assets safe.

·         A resident buzzes someone in at the gate without checking who they are or what they want. Always confirm who the visitor is.

·         A resident´s “friend” is given the gate code to enter and exit the complex at will. All secure codes should be treated as confidential.

·         A resident uses a brick to keep a side gate ajar as the intercom is broken and visitors are expected. Ensure that security related systems are in good working order.

·         The would-be intruder steals a remote control for the gate. Always keep remote controls in secure places.

·         The intruder sneaks in the gate when residents don´t wait for it to shut before driving off. Be alert at all times and wait for gates to close before driving off

·         The intruder could reside inside the complex. Alert neighbours are important!

Another possibility is that, although the front of a townhouse complex is secure, the other perimeter walls might not be so well protected.

Did you know that if you live on the outside borders of a security complex and you have the boundary wall with electric fence as security that at times your fence may not work properly? When the branches of a tree grown and tend to touch your fence, the security alarm system automatically goes off. The garden staff and caretaker will investigate what is causing the fault and can´t find out why it is happening, the system might be switched off completely leaving the whole complex vulnerable.”

Nowadays targeting electric fences seems to be the latest method that brazen thieves are using to gain perimeter access. It is believed that various other techniques are used to establish whether a resident is home or not, including ringing the door bell in early hours of the morning. Burglars tend to investigate and assess the situation of the place before moving in. When electric fencing is installed, the frame carrying the strands should be angled away from the protected area. If the strands are upright, thieves may be able to throw a heavy duty blanket over the wires and scramble across. Special attention should be given to the corners of secured walls as this could be a weak security spot. In order to prevent these bad people from succeeding, you may take precautions, such as activating the unit´s alarm if you are going out or to bed and remembering to close all windows. It is important to fully understand the workings of your alarm system and what it can do. If you don’t have an alarm system or it is faulty, visit our webpage for more info on affordable home alarm systems.

I certainly hope you found my article of very importance and for more information about security in townhouse, visit my website.

www.autogate.co.za

AUTHOR : KOBUS LABUSCHAGNE

TOP 10 SECURITY TIPS by Autogate Security

SECURITY TIP NO. 1 from Autogate Security

Autogate Deadbolt with 25mm throw

All doors and windows should be securely shut and fastened. Open windows and doors are an attraction to unwanted invaders. Thieves tend to have an eye for unsecured entrances points and windows. Crime in South Africa is very popular, this is caused by lack of work, poverty and other reason known to the thieves themselves. To beef up your security, your doors should have a deadbolt lock with a 25mm throw and reinforced strike plate with 75mm screws. Morden houses mostly have windows installed with burglar bars and window locks. If you live in Johannesburg or Pretoria, then i believe crime is of nothing new to you.

SECURITY TIP NO. 2 from Autogate Security

The sliding doors which is built from glass, should have a metal rod of polywood in the track and be installed with vertical bolts. A burglar folding or other type of steel gate should be used as security just outside of the sliding door.

SECURITY TIP NO. 3 from Autogate Security

Should you be the lucky one who has an attached garage door to your garage, then you should also consider installing a lock and not rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.

SECURITY TIP NO. 4 from Autogate Security

Leave one or two lights on, that way it seems your home has someone inside all the time. Install low energy outdoor bulbs, as it is cost effective and will discourage them intruders.

SECURITY TIP NO. 5 from Autogate Security

When you go on holiday or a trip, ask your neighbour to pop around to your home now and again. Your mail shouldn’t be left unattended. You can also ask your neighbour to park in your driveway, if there is parking space shortage.

SECURITY TIP NO. 6 from Autogate Security

Do not leave a message on your telephone answering machine, alerting people that you are on holiday or away for a while.

SECURITY TIP No. 7 from Autogate Security

Trim unnecessary bushes away from entrances, walkways and windows. These places are a hideaway for the burglar people.

SECURITY TIP NO. 8 from Autogate Security

Join a local community neighbour watch and to protect your neighbourhood.

SECURITY TIP NO. 9 from Autogate Security

Local donations of small change to your community watch. Attend community meetings, so as to know what to be in the lookout for and they in return will get to know you.

SECURITY TIP NO. 10 from Autogate Security

Paradox Alarm from Autogate

Install a cheap but effective home alarm system in your home. www.autogate.co.za. We sell and install home alarm systems to suit your budget.

This little article below is of very important knowledge to bear in mind and i do hope you can share it with your friends and relatves. This is a real and s happening right here in my neighbourhood of the Northern Surburbs. These items are strategically left on your pavement to look like general public litter and are always placed so that a passer-by won't kick it out of the way.

CREAM SODA CANS ARE USED AS: GREEN – this means go ahead - all clear (nobody home!!!).


COKE CAN AS: RED –  this means be prepared to use armed force or will encounter resistance

A FLATTENED PLASTIC MILK BOTTLE IS USED AS: WHITE – this means easy target
.
You will get to see the blue containers, and this means - somebody on premises will provide assistance;

please stay safe and alert.

Introducing Auto Gate

Auto Gate is a business with over 20 years experience in automated garage door, gate opening systems, intercom systems, alarm systems and security accessories. Our business is devoted solely to the sale, installation, servicing and repair of motors and remotes for gate and garage door automated opener systems.

Load Shedding Tips

Alarm, Gate motor, Garage door motor & Electric fence Batteries: 
Load shedding can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your battery. Ought to your battery be older than year, you ought to contact the Autogate security  to either replace or check the battery. The new gel batteries have an average battery life of between 6 & 8 hours.
Electric Fencing: To be positive that your electric fencing continues to function in the coursework of the power cuts/load shedding, your electric fence battery ought to have a backup battery.

Electric Gate Battery needs to be effective in
case of Powercuts

Generators: In the event you are using a generator never operate it anywhere inside your home, including the garage or any confined area, as it produces carbon monoxide which can be deadly. A generator ought to be kept at least 15 feet away from the home with its exhaust pointing away from the house. It ought to always be installed by an electrician to evaluate the house's electrical process for proper grounding & polarity & to be positive extension cords are installed correctly.
Arriving/Leaving Home: Be positive that you are alert when arriving or leaving your home in the evenings, as the street lights & your outside lighting won't be functioning in the coursework of the power cuts/load shedding process.
At Home: Be positive that all of your automated gates & doors are secured, & that all other gates & doors are locked.
If an Autogate client feels that at any time in the coursework of a power failure they are in danger from a actual emergency, contact the control room emergency number on 086 111 2928.This number ought to ideally be stored on speed-dial on your cell phone.

Important Security Hints & Tips to Think about In the coursework of Load Shedding
In light of the recent & continuous power cuts/load shedding throughout the country, AUTOGATE Security has outlined important hints & tips that they encourage everyone to think about in the interests of maintaining security in the coursework of this time:

Clients must even be aware that the power cuts/load shedding can have an impact on security systems. With candles, gas & other lighting devices being used more often, these can lead to an increased fire hazard & home fire extinguishers ought to be on hand.