Basic Gate to Smart Gate
At a basic level, an automatic gate is powered by a motor. This can be done by just holding one button an the gate opens and hold another and the gate closes. Things have come on a lot from this very simple setup, lets go through some of the possible features of a modern automatic gate.
Automatic closing
This is the most common way gates operate. The user taps a button anc the gate opens all the way. It will wait for a preprogrammed length of time and then close automatically. There is also a hidden feature of the top of the range FAAC boards, which is close after passage. What this means is, you tap the button to open your gate. It goes open and waits for you to drive up to it and then knows you are there because you go through the safety sensors. Once you are clear of the safety sensors it will close the gate straight away. This gives you the convenience of having a gate open ready for you and the peace of mind that seeing your property being secured behind you will bring.
Intruder Alert
When you have an encoder on your FAAC automatic gate, there are three benefits that can be utilised. One of which is a security feature, because the encoder is a device that measures the exact position of the gate, if it moves when it shouldn’t be moving an alarm can be generated. This can integrate with an home security system or be sent to you on a phone app when using Simply Connect.
Energy Saving
The second feature of an encoder is to reduce the energy consumption of the gate motor when in use. Couple this with FAAC BUS safety devices which switch off when the gate isn’t moving and you will help to save the planet and your pocket. If you are using a FAAC 24v motor there is also the possibility of connecting it to our solar kit instead of a mains supply. This can often reduce the installation cost when the gate is position in a remote location as running a cable out to the gate can be very expensive.
Safety
The encoder adds a layer of safety to the gate system by monitoring the speed of movement. If the gate stops moving before it reaches the full open or closed position, the encoder detects that there has been a collision and reverses it away. There is also a way to prevent the gate from ever hitting in the first place. The addition of the XGuard laser scanning safety sensors provides a curtain of detection all around the gate. If a person is in the way, the gate will not hit them.
Easy Access
We have long range RFID, ANPR and geofencing technologies that can allow you to enter your property without reaching for a button. If you like your gate to open at the touch of a button, there is a new range of remotes with FDS technology that has an increased range, haptic feedback and the possibility to add and remove remotes via the Simply Connect phone app. For visitors to your home, there are GSM intercoms that will call a list of phone numbers and you can choose to let the person in by pressing a key on your phone.
Stay Connected
Get your installer to place your gate on the cloud using a FAAC Simply Connect module and open up more features. You can set hold open times, allow access to guests temporarily, manage your gate engineers access and choose what time your families remotes are able to operate the gate. Get notifications of any errors including if someone forces the gate open, check the position of the gate, and disable lost remotes. All this can be done on your phone via a free app which is available for Apple and Android devises.