Gates and Controls "Gate Blog"

The New and Improved Doorking 1812

2009-07-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

I recently received my training on the new 1812 telephone units from Doorking, and I have to say I am impressed!

I have always been a fan of the 1812, simple and easy to use, but the new generation units have some features and qualities worth looking at. Check them out!

They are called the "1812 Plus", and the "1812 Access Plus".

The “Plus” version offers enhanced audio quality (uses a digital audio circuit, and has a built in isolation transformer), ten temporary codes (you can program the start date and the end date "very cool"), 27 remote dial numbers (original only had 3). with the this version all programming is done at the keypad, no software is used or available.

The “Access Plus” version has all of the features and benefits of the "plus" and more.
Connect to a network (LAN, or WAN) and use PC software to control up to six additional entry points (utilizes RS-485 communication), have email notifications sent, (an email can be sent to you each time a specific entry code is used), 100 card/transmitter capacity, 500 event transaction buffer, and more.

Also both of these units are available in a new looking curved housing, giving the unit a refreshed look!

Call me and ask me any other questions you have and or check out the links below for more information.

Check them out on our website:
1812-081 Original (original housing, original board and features)
1812-089 Plus (original housing, but new features)
1812-090 Access Plus (original housing, but new features)
1812-096 Access Plus (in new curved housing)

You can also go to the 1812 page on Doorkings site, click here.

Thanks
Shawn

Isolation transformer "what are they all about"

2009-07-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

What is an isolation transformer? When will it help my system?

I have been getting this question more often lately so I thought it warranted some discussion. In short, an isolation transformer separates the incoming AC power from that of the device being powered. This separation or “isolation” can filter out unwanted noise in the AC power. At a basic level, all transformers are isolation transformers. By using a series of coils, they take electrical energy from the primary (input) voltage, convert it to magnetic energy, inductance occurs, and then electrical energy is recreated on the secondary (output) voltage. The ratio of turns of the primary coil to that of the secondary coil determines the amount of “stepped down” voltage. (example: A 120volt to 24volt transformer has a 5:1 ratio).

In our industry an “isolation transformer” differs from a common “step down” transformer in that it utilizes a 1:1 ratio of input voltage to output voltage, and is reserved for use when noise in the power source is a problem.

So when or why would you use an isolation transformer? Consider that the most common source of “Noise” in a telephone entry system is when some form of “ground” is getting into the power circuit. This may be noise on the phone line when the system is activated, a hum or buzz in the speaker, or maybe an intermittent problem of the phone system not reacting to the tone open command. These kinds of problems are often caused by noise entering the unit via the incoming power.

To trouble shoot this problem, the best thing to do is temporarily relocate the step down transformer so that it just requires a couple feet of wire to reach the phone unit. You can do this by taking the transformer, and plug it in to an extension cord. If the problem goes away, then this indicates that somewhere between the phone entry unit, and the original location of the transformer, noise is being induced in to the low voltage wires going to the phone entry unit.

Now you have two choices for a permanent fix, one is to relocate the transformer somewhere closer to the phone entry unit, perhaps at the base of the pedestal. This however may not be easy or practical since it will require relocating the 120vac outlet needed to plug the transformer in to.

A simpler solution is to add an isolation transformer and locate it near as possible to the telephone entry unit, ideally inside the telephone unit. This will separate the entry system from the ground noise being introduced into the power lines. It is a very effective and simple way to eliminate the most common source of noise in a telephone entry system.

Just remember that all transformers have specific ratings regarding their voltage and capacity, so you must know what voltage and current requirements you need, so can order the right one!

Good luck and good installing!
Shawn

HYS Drive Wheels

2008-12-17T22:00:00.001-08:00

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by Gateman

Tech Tip: How to measure battery voltage

2008-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

How to Properly Measure Battery Voltage in a gate operator:

With so many gate operators these days running on DC battery power, being able to properly check the condition of the battery is a must. To do this you will need a good multi-meter and the manual for the operator in question. Verify the operating voltage of your operator; some units are 12 volt DC, and some are 24 volt DC. Now you need to understand the difference between an “idle” voltage reading, and that of a “loaded” voltage reading. Simply measuring the voltage of a battery while the operator is not running (idle) does not tell you the true voltage condition of the battery. Batteries will often “float” back up near their rated voltage after resting, but this is a false indication, and will usually be a value that is near but below the rated voltage. For example, a 12 volt battery that reads 11.7 volts is not fully charged- if it were fully charged it would read over 13 volts. How do you get the REAL story? Easy, you measure the battery voltage while the motor is running. With your multi-meter, find a suitable place to monitor the battery voltage, while at the same time being able to give the operator a command to run. When the load of the motor comes on, you will notice a drop in the battery voltage. Make note of the lowest voltage you see on the meter. A charged battery will only drop slightly (less then 1 volt), however a low battery will drop significantly (2 volts or more), and if so, the motor will run slowly or not at all. If this is the case, then you have a low battery.

Good luck and good installing!
Shawn

Tech Tip: Disable Free Exit Loop

2008-12-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

Ever want to disable a free-exit loop or a free-entry loop at night to increase security?

I often have customers say to me “I would like to disable my free exit loop at night for increased security” or “I have a free entry loop for daytime use but I want to disable it at night”. How do you do it?

Should be easy, right? Simply disconnect the loop wires.

Not so fast. Cutting, disconnecting, or otherwise disabling the ground loop wires, results in the detector reporting a faulty loop.

In order to temporarily disable a loop, you need to turn off the loop detector output. Plug-in detectors (like the Elite ELD) can’t do this. Replace it with a stand-alone “box” detector, then run one of the relay output wires from the loop detector through a switch (Com and N/C) and then back to the operator.

When you throw the switch, the detector detects the vehicle but doesn’t communicate with the operator. Thus, the gate doesn’t open.

If you want to get fancy, you can use the extra relay usually supplied in your phone entry or keypad. Simply run a set of wires from it to the loop detector, and wire it as you would the aforementioned switch.

Good luck and good installing.
-Shawn

Installer certification through the AFA and IDEA

2008-12-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there is a certification now available for the gate operator installer?

Following a joint effort of the AFA and the IDEA, a certification program is now available to those in the trade of servicing and installing automatic gates. It requires taking and passing an aptitude test, and meeting a base requirement of field experience.

For more information visit http://www.americanfenceassociation.com/gateopschool/index.aspx

My first blog

2008-12-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Well as Bob Marley once said, "you cant stop the times", so with that sentiment, I boldly move forward in this ever more technical world and I post my first blog about the trade of Gate Operator Installation.

First thing I would like to say, is that in the light of our current economic time, I believe in my company and yours, I believe in our industry and our trade, and I believe in America!

Soon I will start posting my insights and knowledge of the automatic gate and access control industry, and I look forward to your input.

Good Luck and Good Installing. Shawn.