Idea for Automatic Door/Gate Opener

rightsidenov · 09-16-2008, 01:09 AM

So I have this idea, and I'm wondering if a) it sounds easy to do and b) if anyone has done it. But I know it's possible.

I'd like to have GPS monitor my position, and when I get within a certain distance of the gte to my apartment complex, FB sends a signal to a relay that will trigger my gate opener. This could work for garages too.

Yes, I realize it's a simple push of a button, but my theory is if it's something that is repeated based on a certain set of rules then a computer should be doing it.

So what's your thought on this outside-the-box idea?

JohnWPB · 11-28-2008, 11:52 PM

Sorry, kind of an old post to revive, but this is possible now if you are using Road Runner. Check into BlueZX3's GPS Events plugin. It can trigger any event based on your GPS location, and direction of travel. For instance if you are exiting your community, you don't want to trigger the gate opener to open the gate on the entrance side.

This is exactly something that I am going to do when I get a new car and computer installed. I already took the gate opener apart, and wired a FB output to it to "push the button" on the gate opener. I also ran another set of leads to a small momentary button that can be pressed manually. Sorta a "manual override" so to speak

2k1Toaster · 11-29-2008, 01:35 AM

The GPS event from Blue's plugin can be sent to send a command to MDX to pulse the output which should work well for a gate. For a garage door, you would need some feedback to know it is open. Rarely does mine open with 1 push, so it would need mkore than 1 pulse but how many is enough? It would always change, so you would need to have something feed info back.

Maheriano · 11-29-2008, 12:20 PM

Are you guys actually messing with the wiring on the public gates to your complex?

greenman100 · 11-29-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Maheriano

Are you guys actually messing with the wiring on the public gates to your complex?

Why would they need to do that?

They probably have RF transmitters to get in...

JohnWPB · 11-29-2008, 10:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Maheriano

Are you guys actually messing with the wiring on the public gates to your complex?

There is no need to mess with the gate at all. I have a remote similar to this one:

It took it apart, and attached to leads to the button you press to open the gate. Those leads go to the FB, and when Blue's plugin reports I am close to the gate (based on GPS) the FB will close the circuit, thus "pressing the button".

I am lucky in the fact that the opener will continue to transmit as long as the button is pushed down. So when I get within 10 yards or so of the gate, the FB will press and hold the button, till I am past the gate, and then release.

Maheriano · 12-01-2008, 11:12 AM

Oh, I got it. The door to my parkade has a fob I need to swipe on a pad, that sucks.

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