Midrand Gate Motor Installer

The operation of a gate motor can vary depending on the type of gate (sliding, swinging, barrier, etc.) and the specific motor model. However, the basic principles are similar. Here's a general overview of how gate motors work:

1. Power Supply: Gate motors are typically electrically powered. They require a power supply, often connected to the mains electricity. Some models may also have options for battery backup to ensure continued operation during power outages.
2. Motor Mechanism:
   • Sliding Gate Motors: For sliding gates, the motor is usually attached to the gate and moves it along a track.
   • Swing Gate Motors: Swing gate motors operate by using a mechanical arm or arms to swing the gate open or closed.
3. Control Mechanism:
   • Gate motors are controlled by a central control system. This can include devices such as remote controls, keypads, intercoms, or smartphone apps.
   • Users input a command through one of these control devices to open or close the gate.
4. Safety Mechanisms:
   • Gate motors often come equipped with safety features to prevent accidents or damage. These may include sensors that detect obstacles in the gate's path, auto-reverse functionality, and manual release mechanisms for emergencies.
5. Limit Switches:
   • Most gate motors have limit switches to determine the fully open and fully closed positions of the gate. These switches ensure that the gate stops moving once it reaches the desired position.
6. Programming and Settings:
   • Gate motors may have programmable settings, allowing users to adjust the speed of the gate, set automatic closing times, and customize other operational parameters.
7. Security Features:
   • Many gate motors have additional security features, such as the ability to integrate with access control systems, intercoms, or surveillance cameras.

In summary, a gate motor works by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion to open or close a gate. Users control the motor through various input devices, and safety mechanisms and limit switches help ensure smooth and secure operation. The specific details can vary based on the type and model of the gate motor. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure proper functionality and longevity.

Programming remote for your gate motor is a straight forward process. However, each and every manufacture have their own process to program remotes. Refer to your manufacture manual for your current model. Alternatively contact us for fast assistance

The lifespan of a gate motor can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the motor, its usage patterns, maintenance, and environmental conditions. On average, a well-maintained and properly installed gate motor can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

A gate motor, also known as an electric gate motor or gate opener, is a device that automates the process of opening and closing a gate. It is commonly used for residential, commercial, and industrial gates to enhance security, convenience, and control access to a property. Gate motors come in various types and designs, but they generally operate by using electric power to move the gate along a track or a set of wheels. The motor is usually connected to a control system, such as a remote control, keypad, intercom, or even a smartphone app, allowing users to open or close the gate with ease. Some common types of gate motors include:

1. Sliding Gate Motors: These are used for gates that slide horizontally along a track.
2. Swing Gate Motors: These are designed for gates that swing open and close like a door.
3. Barrier Gate Motors: Typically used in parking lots or commercial areas, these motors operate a barrier arm that rises and falls to control vehicle access.
4. Overhead Gate Motors: These are suitable for overhead or garage-style gates.

Gate motors provide a practical solution for managing access to properties, improving security, and eliminating the need for manual gate operation. They are widely used in both residential and commercial settings to enhance convenience and control over entry and exit points.

Installing a gate motor can be a very complicated exercise. It requires skills and very strict safety precaution. It is advisable to always use services of qualified installers for such a task. You can also refer to installation guides and videos we compiled for various gate motors by clicking here.

The question of which gate motor is the best is asked many times. There is no straight answer to this as choosing gate motor depends entirely on use application. Also, need to consider support and maintenance availability in your area for such gate motors. In South Africa, common gate motors include Centurion, Gemini, ET NICE and Hansa. There are other gate motors which might do as good if not better. Get advice from your local gate motor installer or contact us for free consultation and quotation.

The price of the gate motor depends on factors such as the weight of the gate, size and application. Our prices for gate motors starts from R5900 including installation. This gate motor price can go high depending on factors explained about. Also note that electrical  power source can also increase the price of installation. click here for prices

When your centurion gate motor is failing to complete the setup. different erros messages will be displayed on the controller screen. Let look at the different messages, their meaning and ways to resolve the problem

Message: Multiple Pulses on Origin

Possible causes

• Sensor positioned too far from the origin magnet
• Sensor and origin manget positioned at different heights
• Incorrect orientation of magnet inside enclosure
• More than one magnet on gate
• Incorrect orientation of origin magnet
• Magnetised item on rack
• Incorrect orientation of the electric motor is causing induction
• Missing pins on origin enclosure• Faulty harness
• Faulty origin sensor

Solutions

Ensure that the sensor is as close as possible to the origin
magnet – ideally the gap should be approximately 13mm.
Refer to Figure 1 on page 2
• Sensor and origin magnet should be positioned at the
same height
• Ensure that there is only one magnet on the gate
• Ensure that there are no items such as metal bars on the
rack that could have become magnetised
• Orientate the electrical motor so that the wires are facing
away from the controller
• Replace faulty origin sensor
• Open sensor enclosure and correct orientation of internal
magnet

Message: Origin not found

possible causes

• The distance is too great between the origin sensor and
the magnet
• The magnet and sensor are mounted at different levels
• Incorrect orientation of magnet
• The gate is getting stuck at a certain point before the
magnet has passed the sensor
• Faulty origin sensor

Solutions

• Check the information screen on page 75 – it should
display the position of the magnet (left/right) when the
magnet is passing the sensor
• Ensure that the magnet and sensor are mounted at the
same level
• Ensure that there is an audible ‘click’ whenever the
magnet passes the origin sensor
• Ensure that the arrow on the magnet is facing the
operator – there should be a repelling action when the
magnet is brought near the sensor
• Move the magnet closer to the origin sensor. Refer to
Figure 1 on page 2
• Replace the origin sensor

Message: No endstops found

Possible causes

• Mechanical Endstops have not been installed
• Oil in DOSS chamber
• DOSS faulty or disconnected
• Electric fence contact preventing gate from reaching fully
closed position
• Faulty electrical motor

Solutions

• Install physical Endstops in order to induce the stall
needed to stop the motor
• Ensure that the harness is connected on both the
controller and DOSS side
• Check for evidence of oil on the encoder by following the
procedure documented below: (D5-Evo/D5-Evo
Low-Voltage only)
• Remove the DOSS and carrier so that the encoder wheel
is clearly visible
• Disengage the gearbox
• Place your finger on the wheel
• Move the gate a metre or so in both directions
• Check your finger for oil
• Place an endstop approximately 100mm before the fully
closed position and perform setup procedure
• Disconnect the motor wires from the controller and place
them directly on the battery terminals to check whether
the motor runs. If not, replace the electric motor.

Message: Inconsistant endstops

Possible causes

• Mechanical Endstops are not securely fitted
• Poor meshing between rack and pinion due to excessive
gap, missing teeth, etc.
• Faulty DOSS sensor
• Electric fence contact preventing gate from reaching fully
closed position

Solutions

• Ensure that Endstops are sturdy and do not move
• Ensure that gap between rack and pinion is approximately 3mm
• Check for missing teeth on rack
• Place an endstop approximately 100mm before the fully
closed position and perform setup procedure