Common Tech Terms:
Gate Opener (Sliding and Swing):
Multimeter: A multimeter can be known as a multi-tester, a volt/ohm meter, or VOM. It is an electronic measuring instrument that has the ability to measure voltage, current, and resistance. Customers use this to test how much power is going into their gate opener/circuit board, or their solar battery.
Transformer: A transformer is a device that transfers electric energy from one alternating-current circuit to at least one other circuit, either increasing (stepping up) or reducing (stepping down) the voltage.
Start Capacitor: A start capacitor gives the motor an electrical push to get it going. It’s only used for a couple seconds before it disconnects for the rest of the motor cycle. If the motor starts but the gate won’t open, this is often the culprit.
Worm Wheel Gear: A worm wheel gear is a staggered shaft gear that transmits movement between two shafts that aren’t parallel, not do they intersect. It helps to provide speed reduction.
Stall Force: Stall force is the amount of pressure it takes to stop the motor. If the gate is
Wire Gauge: Wire gauge refers to the physical size of the wire, though it runs in the opposite direction of thickness. The smaller the wire gauge number, the thicker the wire diameter. Common sizes include 16-, 14-, 12-, 10-, 8-, 6-, 5-, and 2-gauge wire. We often use 5-gauge wire with our products.
Photocells/Photoeyes: Photocells are sensors that need to be connected to the designated port on the circuit board. They create a laser beam, and if the laser beam is broken by something they will keep the gate open. Even a stray rock nearby can cause the beam to be broken and the gate to stay open.
Limit Switches: Limit switches are a type of magnetic sensors that signal to the gate where to stop when they’re opening or closing. This is often the cause of gates going off the track, stopping too soon, or only one side functioning correctly. To diagnose if the limit switch is the problem, you can send the customer the limit switch canned response in our ticket system.
Circuit Board: The circuit board, other known as the control board or motherboard, is a small board that transmits data and controls the innerworkings of the gate opener. It is the board that all the accessories, actuator arms, and limit switches are wired to. The gate opener remotes are programmed to the circuit board. Often it is the circuit board that is causing the issue. Sometimes the issues mimic those created by a faulty limit switch. In order to figure out if the circuit board is causing the issue, you can send the customer the limit switch canned response in our ticket system.
Exit Wand: The exit wand is a sensor that you bury beneath a driveway. When you drive over the sensor, it signals to the gate to open. We have two types – the wireless and the wired one. The wireless exit wand runs off of the circuit board’s frequency, while the wired one needs to be wired to the circuit board.
Exit Sensor Adapter: This is the little sensor adapter that the customer can wire into the circuit board. It enables the exit wand to sense the passing vehicles. It works with the wired exit wand (LM157).
Manual Release Key: If the system fails or the power goes out, the gate can be opened manually using the release key. The key is triangular and is located inside the triangular plug hanging out at the bottom of the actuator body. To use it, turn the key counter-clockwise until it stops to unlock the motor. When you turn it clockwise, it will restore the operation of the gate.
Awnings:
Torsion Bar: The torsion bar is designed to absorb the stress from the movement of the arms flexing This is the piece that actually attaches the awning to the wall, and can be called “the backbone”.
Armbar Links: 8" from the ends of the awning and the arm bracket(wall side) 6" from the ends.
The middle arm, once neutral, you want the arm bar link 2" closer to where it bends.
Limits: The limits are white and red screws that, when turned clockwise or counterclockwise, will control how far out the awning will extend or retract.
Fabric: This refers to the canopy.
Wind Rating: Our awnings are rated for 25mph. This means that they should not be out in winds higher than 25mph.