Alpha Gate Automation

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Automatic Gate & Intercom Installs – May 2012

Sliding gates seemed to be the flavour of the month during May. Here’s some of the many automatic gate installs we completed, along with an interesting vandal-proof video intercom system.

If you’d like to know more about installing a system at your property, call us today to arrange a free quote. We’ll have a technician schedule a personal visit to assess your needs, and advise you of the best solution.

And don’t forget – all work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Sliding automatic gate in Aluminium featuring horizontal slats, and a video intercom

Aluminium sliding gate featuring horizontal slats, with video intercom

aluminium automatic sliding gate with vertical slats

Aluminium sliding gate with vertical slats

aluminium automatic sliding gate with precious silver powder coated horizontal louvres

This sliding gate features “Precious Silver” powder coated horizontal louvres

anti-vandal video intercom system

Vandal proof video intercom system with metallic keypad

You can also find more of our work over on our Pinterest page, go check it out!

How to Maintain Your Automatic Gate Between Services

Maintaining your automatic gate between services

You won't be needing these!

Just like a car engine, your automatic gate needs a bit of care and attention every now and then. To make sure your motor keeps working in between services, here’s a couple of very easy maintenance tips you can carry out.

Cleaning the Photocells

Firstly, make sure the photocells are clean and clear of dust or dirt. Something like a dry microfiber cloth that you can get from the supermarket for just a couple of dollars will work fine.

Avoid using any chemical based cleaners as these could damage the surface of the cells.

Cleaning the Mechanical Parts

The other thing to look out for is if there’s anything getting stuck in or near the actual mechanism of the gate.

Sticks, leaves, stones and other obstructions could cause the gate to stick and keep the motor from working smoothly. Sliding gates tend to get these obstructions in or around the gate track, but a simple garden broom will do the trick in removing them.

You may be tempted to spray a little lubricant into the mechanism of your gate, but we generally advise against this as you could end up damaging internal parts. If you think your gate does need a little help or has developed a bit of a squeak, that’s usually a good indication it’s time to call in a technician.

When Should an Automatic Gate be Serviced?

Above are just a couple of ways to ensure your automatic gate and its parts runs smoothly. Our recommendation for having your gate fully serviced by a technician is around every 6-12 months for regular domestic usage, but if your property has above average or commercial use, we suggest shortening this time frame appropriately.

Did you find this article useful? Do you have any tips you use yourself? Why not leave us a comment below, or use the buttons above to share it on facebook, google+ or pinterest.

Your automatic gate isn’t working. What should you do?

Firstly, don’t panic! We’re going to show you how you can still get in and out of your property by switching the motor to its manual release mode – while you wait for your gate repair technician to pay a visit.

Why ‘Manual Release’?

Putting your gate into manual release is important, as leaving it in automatic may cause additional damage to the motor, or burn it out altogether – and that’s when a relatively easy fix becomes a lot more expensive!

Even though different motors have different ways of manual movement and release, they are all simple to operate. We’ve included a few of the more common ones below.

NOTE: Please ensure your gate is POWERED OFF and stationary before attempting any of the following procedures:

Sliding Gate Motors

BFT Deimos Automatic Gate MotorBFT Icaro & Deimos

  1. Insert and turn the key in the lower front of motor casing
  2. Rotate coloured knob anti-clockwise to release gate.

Nice RB400 Automatic Gate MotorNice RB400, RB500, RB600 & RB1000

  1. Slide the lock cover disc
  2. Insert and turn the key clockwise
  3. Pull the release handle

Came BX Series Automatic Gate MotorCame BX Series

  1. Insert and turn the key anti-clockwise
  2. Open the trap door and pull on the release lever

Swing Gate Motors

BFT Phobos Automatic Gate MotorBFT Phobos Mechanical Arm

  1. Key release is on top of the motor at the gate post end
  2. Insert and rotate the key clockwise to release

BFT Virgo Automatic Gate OpenerBFT Virgo Articulated Arm

  1. Key release is within black pull handle at front of motor
  2. Insert and rotate the key clockwise to unlock
  3. Pull black handle

Nice Wingo Automatic Gate OpenerNice Wingo

  1. Slide the protection membrane on top of the motor at the gate post end
  2. Insert and turn the key clockwise
  3. Pull the handle upwards

Came Amico Automatic Gate OpenerCame Amico Series

  1. Slide and open the small door on top of the motor at the gate post end
  2. Insert and turn the tri-lobed key clockwise

Of course, we can’t list every gate motor, so if you don’t see yours here, or you’re just not sure, simply note down the make and model number, call us at (07) 5572 8271 and we’ll help you out over the phone when we book you in.