Do-it-yourself automatic swing gate drive. How to install automation on swing gates with your own hands

home

Programs

Create automatic gates Not everyone can do it on their own, because the progress of this work requires the obligatory supervision of a professional and his advice. In this regard, in most cases, the enthusiasm of those wishing to independently master this work is not sufficient to complete it.

But what could be the best advisor to perform professional work What is a good article with a detailed reflection of the step-by-step construction of this necessary and convenient part of our home? We offer you an article about methodical and detailed construction different types automatic gates.

There is no doubt that modern automatic gates, compared to classic ones, were created not only to ensure the security of personal territory, but also to be surrounded by comfort and modern achievements. Their superiority is confirmed by the huge market demand and supply. But regardless of the countless number of existing models, they are divided into three types: swing, sliding and garage. Although specified species perform a similar function, the peculiarities of their manufacture are completely different. Below we will consider these features in detail.

This type of gate is the most common among supporters of classical and modernism, because on the one hand they have conventional design with a budget price, on the other hand they are very comfortable. But the only requirement for their installation and intended operation is sufficient space for free opening and closing of both parts of the gate. Typically, the inner part or base of these gates is created from a special metal profile special rigidity. In this case, the outer part of the profile is covered with the desired coating at the request of the owner, for example, the coatings can be wooden, metal-plastic or simply metal. The general design consists of the following parts:

Supports for attachment and fixation;
A set of ears or loops;
Gate leaves;
Corner and central stops;
Gate valve;
Set of handles;
Support as a holder for the electric drive when attaching it to the damper and gate support;
A set of electric drives “usually two pieces.”

When creating a support for attachment and fixation, it is better to use a steel pipe. But it must be remembered that when using them, the gates become quite heavy and in most cases this does not suit the owners. Therefore, in order to reduce their weight, instead of steel pipes, a U-shaped steel base can be used.

For the purpose of durable and safe operation of these gates, it is best to make the supporting structure for the supports for attachment and fixation from a glass-type foundation. IN modern models Special hinges are used to connect the gate damper to the supports. The hinge kit also includes matching bearings made from a special steel alloy. When using bearings, the movement of the door parts will be free, and the weight will not be felt at all. Basically, the number of hinges connected to the gate is four or six pieces. The number of hinges depends on the weight of the gate, as well as its scale.

There are two types of hinges, including steel and with a polymer composition. The “flap” gate leaf includes a metal base “frame” and sections for filling. There are three types of filling, including loose, full and combined. The base of the gate is made of steel profile. Filling cells are made from different materials depending on the budget and taste of the owner. Priming and painting metal parts gates are a mandatory step in construction.

Corner or main stops are necessary parts of the structure. In essence, they are steel rods that fix the gate leaves in order to prevent their over-set displacements. The stops are either permanent or replaceable.

Like other parts, the latch and a set of handles for opening and closing are irreplaceable elements, since during undesirable factors associated with the unavailability of electricity, opening and closing the gate must be done manually.

Electrically operated support for strengthening the gate and gate supports are usually sold together. With the aim of full compatibility It is advisable to buy electrically driven supports as a set, because there are cases of deviations and differences in parameters during purchase from different manufacturers.

Detailed description of the automation composition

Currently, purchasing a gate automation system is not difficult. But it is necessary to make a list of parts included in the system. Including:

electric drives on the right side and left side with self-locking functions;
gate control cell "converter and general scheme control connections in one cell";
system of photocell parts “reception and transmission sensors, remote control device, etc.”;
connecting parts;
set of fastening parts.

In order to accurately purchase an automatic swing block, you must keep in mind the following indicators:

mass and scale of valves;
indicator of the intensity of use of “opening and closing gates”;
Indicator of ease of movement of gate leaves

Below we indicate them in detail.

The weight and scale of the gate leaves are interrelated parameters that directly affect the overall performance. Because strong wind forces will act on the shutters and the drive. Moreover, if we choose an automation system taking into account the sash weight of no more than 100 kilograms, and leave the area without attention, then the usual strong wind, which is a common occurrence in any climate, can easily damage a new automation system unit.

To accurately select a device, it is best to make certain calculations.

Let's imagine that the wind load in your climate is 60 kg/m. During construction planning regular gate from a profiled sheet with dimensions of 2x2 meters, the wind load will be 2x2x60 = 240 kg. Then we add the average weight of the gate leaves, i.e. 100 kg and end up with 340 kg. At the same time, for high-quality and safe installation gate we will take into account an additional measure of strength, which is suitable for a door weighing 450-850 kg for an equal wind load.

The "gate opening and closing" usage rate is used to determine the actual operation per hour. This indicator is indicated as a percentage.

Suppose the actual work per hour was 30 minutes, which would be equal to 50%. This information is indicated in detail in the technical data sheet.

The ease of movement of gate leaves is entirely determined by the correct installation of stops and hinges “without allowing deviations,” as well as by the level of friction in the hinge area, which is eliminated by periodic use of lubricants. Also, this indicator depends on weather conditions that create obstacles during the movement of the gate leaves, such as the influence of snow and severe icing. This information confirms the opinion of purchasing a device taking into account spare power. Otherwise, in winter, manual opening and closing of the gate is possible.

This type of gate is the most common today. Unlike swing gates, these gates have a complex design due to the use of certain fittings. But, fortunately, these days, with an increase in the level of comfort and market supply, you can buy absolutely any rare, expensive part.

But what are the differences and advantages of these gates? Let's list the most necessary ones:

The lower and upper openings of the gates do not have guides, which does not create certain restrictions on the vertical dimensions of incoming vehicles;
excellent and error-free operation of the automation, which eliminates cases of leaving the vehicle to open and close the gate;
simplicity in the maintenance process.

Building sliding gates with your own hands is not difficult and can be done by anyone who is familiar with carved and welding work. But, like all fashionable and modern designs, they have two serious drawbacks - the expensive price of the automatic part, as well as the presence of a free area of sash movement. In other matters, these gates have no competitors and can be used with pleasure for many years. The average cycle of their operating system involves fifty thousand actions associated with opening and closing.

Purchasing materials for gate cladding is entirely up to your taste. You can also choose profiled sheets, lumber, sheets or picket fences made of metal, etc.

Stage one. Let's choose the gate size. The geometric dimensions of the movable leaf are the main indicator of the weight of the gate, as well as the choice when purchasing fittings. The dimensions of the gate also determine the length of the distance required for the movement of the leaf.

Stage two. Installation of pillars for support. Suitable for materials:

profile pipe of steel;
oak timber;
steel channel;
concrete or brick pillar.

Stage three. Let's prepare the foundation of the general structure, i.e. foundation for the gate. To lay the foundation, you must dig and build a corresponding foundation pit.

Stage four. Let's build a supporting frame. This part of the gate is best made from a profile steel pipe.

Stage five. Painting external structure with sewing of the gate leaf.

After the applied primer has completely dried, you can immediately apply the paint. The best and cheapest option is alkyd enamel. Purchasing material for sewing entirely depends on your taste.

Stage six. We carry out installation work for gates.

Installation work gates are produced in the following sequence:

We install the rollers on the “banquette”, and also arrange them in the door leaf guide;
for accuracy when installing the gate, be sure to use a regular or laser level;
We will tack weld the lower bogies with rollers to the channel;
We weld the upper rollers;
We weld the lower and upper catchers to the pillars for support;
connect the automatic part;
We check the gate and determine the results.

Mainly divided into four types:

based on classic and swing designs;
with folding function of sectional design;
with lift and swivel function;
roller shutters

For building a garage door with your own hands, the first 3 types are easiest to match.

Building roller gates with your own hands due to the huge number of slats is not an easy job, so it is best to leave this work to professionals who work in industrial conditions. The creation of swing-type garage doors is completely consistent with external gates. And here is the design sectional doors consist of a considerable number of parts that will have to be purchased from the store, and even some of them are, oddly enough, in short supply. To save more effort and money, it is easier to order these gates than to make them yourself.

A gate with a lifting and turning function is assembled from an outer frame, a solid, high-quality leaf and, of course, an automation system. The automation system of these gates performs the function of lifting the leaf up to the height of the ceiling. They are simple and effective, but also have a major disadvantage, i.e. high cost of the automation system.

Automatic swing gates– a convenient and necessary thing, but quite expensive.

If you don’t want to spend extra money, you can make automatic swing gates with your own hands.

You just need to take into account that this process is quite complex, moreover, it requires extreme precision.

This article discusses the process of building swing gates, their mechanisms and how to use electric drives during the installation process.

Mounting nuances

The fact that many people want to simplify their lives with the help of such devices is not surprising, since controlling gates remotely attracts many.

In addition, many people need automatic Garage Doors, because it’s convenient: you don’t have to run several times from the car and back.

Automatic garage doors can be found very often in private sectors.

In principle, electric gates can be made by anyone who has at least a little knowledge of mechanics. You just need to remember that automation requires precision and accuracy.

Automatic gates are designed in such a way that the mechanism can be controlled using a button. Usually it is done near the exit from the site or at the entrance to the garage.

You can often see such gates near private houses. However, it should be noted that they are divided into three types - regular swing gates, garage and sliding gates. Each of these types has its own characteristics.

The simplest and most common type of automatic gate is the swing gate.

Their popularity lies in the fact that their design resembles that of a regular gate that is opened manually, since it has two leaves and opens outward.

In theory, all that needs to be done for them is to install electric drives, and the job is done.

However, even such gates must be made very carefully, strictly following all the instructions.

That's why some people trust various companies who install such a passage into the courtyard of the house, although no one is immune from mistakes - even professionals can sometimes do something wrong.

The reason for this is some nuances in the design of such gates.

You need to very well calculate the position of the sash to the aisle pillar and be able to use the sash stops correctly.

The last point is especially important if the automation is used without a limit switch.

And this is not to mention the fact that the design of such gates involves a lot of wires for electricity and other important devices for operation.

All this adds complexity for the amateur or beginner. If at least one of the basic principles is violated or done poorly or incorrectly, then there is a high risk of breakdown of the automatic mechanism, supporting structure and other unpleasant things.

However, if the gate is made correctly, then such a device can last quite a long time. It is very durable, and the doors themselves open in about 15 seconds.

All this especially applies to swing gates, since quite often they are made of wood.

In addition, the design of such a passage is relatively simple and will require less cost than the construction of sliding gates or garage doors.

However, the disadvantage of swing gates is that any obstacle in the way of such gates can cause a failure, so before opening you need to check for the presence of stones, etc.

To reduce the risk of breakdown and failure, you need to regularly lubricate those components that need it.

Otherwise, if a failure does occur, the doors close very slowly or do not work at all. You need to take repairs very seriously and find out the cause of the breakdown.

Necessary materials for swing gates

Make electric gates with remote control possible only if you have a strong desire to spend time choosing necessary tools and devices.

But if you approach this with all responsibility, then half the work is done, and the process itself may be simpler and even more enjoyable.

As mentioned above, swing gates are the most popular and durable, since the doors themselves can be made from anything (wood or forged metal), the principle of the device will be the same.

The only thing worth thinking about is the place to open the doors: you need to ensure that nothing blocks or interferes with them.

For the frame of swing gates, a very rigid profile is most often used, and the top is sheathed using iron or wooden panels.

What are the gates made of?

bolt;
racks for securing the sashes;
metal carcass;
sashes with the desired cladding;
set of hinges (garage type);
handles for opening;
electric drives.

For such gates you will also need the following materials:

fittings (diameter – 14 mm);
two pipes with a cross-section (one – 60x30 mm, the other – 40x30 mm);
wood, metal sheets, etc. (to make cladding);
pipe with a cross section of 100x100 mm (a channel can be used);
cement mortar;
bricks;
solvent;
conductor for current (electrode);
enamel (it is best to use alkyd);
three-wire cable;
self-tapping screw for metal;
PVC insulated tubes;
primer.

To do the job efficiently, the tools you will need are:

angle grinder (grinder);
shovel;
welding device;
screwdriver;
ruler or tape measure;
level (a device to determine the deviations of an object);
paint brush;
metal brush;
phase indicator (screwdriver-indicator);
RCD (residual current device).

You can see how it all looks when finished in the picture below:

The first step is to make the gate itself, and only then proceed to automation, which includes various electric drives.

People especially often make drives for garage doors, because it is convenient to open them not by themselves, but by remote control.

In order to install automation on garage doors without any problems, you need to take into account the size of the gate and figure out how to open it: if the doors are too heavy, then you need to make them lighter.

Gate manufacturing process

Racks for attaching the sashes can be made from metal pipes (the pipe size must be at least 100x100 mm). If the structure is too heavy, then you can make a metal frame in the shape of the letter P.

Concrete, wood beams and brick can be used as racks. To ensure that the racks hold tightly, it is best to make a glass-type concrete foundation.

Even if you use wood or brick as reinforcements, the posts must be concreted into the ground at least one meter.

Since most often they are used as a support for gates metal pipes, you should consider this option of racks first.

This pipe support consists of an internal and external part. The inner part is a 40x30 mm pipe, the outer part is a 60x30 mm pipe, which were indicated above.

The inner part is welded to the outer part so that the entire device is rigid and stands stronger.

After the two pipes have been welded, the resulting structure needs to be cleaned of corrosion, and then coated with a solvent and primer. After drying, the structure should be coated with alkyd enamel.

A possible option is brick racks. To do this, a pipe with a cross-section (size 100x100 mm) is placed in the center, then the fittings are welded to it.

Should be displayed on outside three metal element, parts that will be used to attach a pipe with a cross-section to brick pillars.

Later, loops are attached to this entire structure using a welding machine. About 1 m from the ground surface you need to attach embedded parts to mount the wires.

Once the gate frame structure is ready and dry, you can begin to sheathe it. This can be done using wood, metal plates etc.

To ensure that the selected material is well attached to the sashes, it is best to purchase metal screws or rivets.

To eliminate any errors or design flaws, you need to carefully check the stability of the gate and various distortions.

This check is carried out using a level to determine distortions in buildings.

You need to remember that garage doors should not be very heavy, as you may encounter some problems when conducting electricity.

Conducting electricity

After the gate is ready, you need to connect electricity to it. This is the most responsible and important point buildings, since it is necessary to accurately make all the necessary measurements.

But to do this, you first need to choose the right drive and check how light the gate leaves are.

If they are quite heavy and difficult to open, then you need to find out the reason, correct the defect, and only then start conducting electricity and automation. Otherwise, such gates will break in less than a year.

In addition, you need to decide on the choice of electric drive for the gate. To choose the right one, you need to know the exact weight of the entire gate structure, the distance from the hinge on the leaf to the support post and the linear size of the gate.

There are linear and lever types of electric drives. Technically, there is no particular difference between them, but the first type takes up less space and is not so visible.

The second type is more suitable for the garage; it is more bulky, but also more reliable than the linear one.

However, before installing the lever drive, you need to very accurately adjust the movement of the sashes.

You drive up to your garage or personal plot, press the button on the remote control (or the built-in transmitter in the car), and the entrance opens automatically. This is convenient: there is no need to get out of the car (especially in the rain).

Of course, there are also disadvantages that can negate all possible advantages:

Automatic gates with remote opening reduce the level of security of your home. The signal from the remote control can be intercepted. Attackers, using simple devices, read the radio code and can gain access to the territory after your departure.
The electric drive in a sense limits freedom: in the event of a malfunction, or a banal lack of electricity, opening the doors manually can be problematic.
The installed actuator takes up a certain place and spoils the aesthetics of the fence of your home.
Mechanical doors with incorrectly configured automation are an object of increased danger: animals or even people can fall under their influence.
A guaranteed free area along the trajectory of the valves is required.
The main disadvantage is that automation for swing or garage doors costs a lot of money.

While installing automatic gates with your own hands is still possible, making actuators and a gate control system is quite difficult. You will need a factory engine, mechanical rods, possibly gears, etc. Of course, the sliding gate mechanism can be purchased at a specialized store.

However, the cost of such a set most often exceeds the cost of manufacturing the doors themselves. In addition, installing automation on ready-made swing gates with your own hands can be complicated by incompatibility in geometry.

However, automatic garage doors are created with your own hands and can be easily installed both in the fence (fence) and in the garage door. The savings in this case are significant, plus moral satisfaction after successfully completed work.

Main types of automatic gates

To understand the amount of work, consider the main types of automatic gates

Hinged doors

This is a true classic: casement structures have been around since people learned how to make fences and fortress walls. Do-it-yourself automatic swing gates are usually made on the basis of an existing fence with an entrance. You have been using the doors for a long time, and at some point you wanted to install a remote control.

The wiring diagram looks like this:

WITH inside, between the doors and support pillars, actuators are installed: one for each half of the gate. Depending on the remote control, an antenna or an infrared signal receiver is installed. In the second case, direct visibility to the signal is ensured. There must be a warning light in a visible place that lights up when the mechanism starts operating. When making swing gates with your own hands, many people forget about this essential safety element.

Another element that is often ignored is photo sensors. If the trajectory of the gates is crossed by any object (car, animal, person), the gate should not operate in closing mode. Together with sensors, do-it-yourself gate automation should ensure that the voltage supply to the motor is stopped when the doors reach their extreme positions: open/closed.

If the drive can be activated by manual force (without supplying power), for safety, you should install a lock or other locking device that can be used if the yard is left unattended for a long period of time.

Recoil systems

In fact, it is a part of the wall (fence) that moves to the side using a support roller mechanism. This design was originally intended for a mechanized drive; manual gates are too heavy. Automation for sliding gates with your own hands is easier to manufacture, but to implement the project you will need a large number of materials.

Sliding gates must be installed on a strong foundation. Regardless of the material (metal, wood, plastic), the canvas has a lot of weight. The soft soil under the support rollers will sooner or later sag, and the opening mechanism may jam due to distortion.

For sliding gates made by yourself, you can select an actuator from various industrial and household components. There is an opportunity to save on the purchase of expensive drives. There is no need to create high-risk areas: the free space for moving the blade is not delicate. However, the control mechanism for do-it-yourself sliding gates requires the installation of photo sensors. When an object appears in the plane of the gate, movement should be blocked: just as precisely as in swing gates.

Sectional lifting mechanisms

Such systems are most often implemented in a garage. In essence, these are ordinary roller blinds, only the sections are made of more durable material. Lifting gates move along guides and, as they open, are placed along the ceiling.

Making a drive for sectional doors with your own hands is easier than making the door leaf itself. This element must fit perfectly to the guides. In addition, the slightest misalignment of the hinge joints can block the entire structure. Considering the fact that many (not all!) home craftsmen order canvas (regardless of the design) from professionals, making overhead garage doors with your own hands is not difficult. In this case, you will only have to make the actuator.

Particular attention should be paid to various sensors. If, when entering (entering) the garage, the roller blinds unexpectedly go down, the damage to the car will be significant. Not to mention the possible injury to a pedestrian, on whom a heavy structure will literally fall.

the main problem overhead gates made with your own hands is the drive power. To move swing or sliding gates horizontally, relatively little effort is required. And to lift a heavy sectional structure, the engine power must be many times greater.

Practical implementation

There is no point in telling how to make automatic gates with your own hands, based on ready-made projects in a complex. Each design is purely individual, and it is not always possible to repeat it exactly in your own backyard.

As we have already said, the easiest way is to make swing gates with your own hands. Most likely, you already have gate leaves. Let's consider possible designs of drive elements.

The question of how to make automatic swing gates has been resolved.

How to move the sliding structure

There are two concepts:

The lift gate drive needs no description. This is a regular winch with a steel cable. When wound on a pulley, the sections rise and are lowered under the influence of gravity.

Important: General rules safety when installing automation

Do-it-yourself automatic gates are made bypassing GOST standards and safety certificates. Responsibility lies with the author of the design, as well as the performer of the work (most often, this is the same entity). If damage or injury occurs, all problems will fall on you.

The presence of photo sensors prevents injuries and the leaves from pinching objects in the gate’s area of operation.
Limit switches turn off the motor when the final positions of the flaps are reached.
In addition, the installation of automatic gates must ensure electrical protection from overloads. If photo sensors or Limit switches will not work for some reason, the motor overload should trigger the shutdown circuit.
It is possible to install mechanical torque limiters (like on a screwdriver gearbox). It may be frictional or ratchet mechanism. The operating principle is as follows: the sash (leaf) rests against an obstacle (object or person), the drive shaft begins to slip. With the help of adjustment, it is necessary to achieve a balance of force: the limiter must overcome the resistance of the supporting or hanging mechanism of the gate, and operate when it is slightly exceeded.

Video on the topic

It is quite difficult to install automatic gates with your own hands. The automation can be mounted on both swing and sliding gates. It is recommended to use the latter. All work must be done carefully, since if errors are made during installation of the structure, the gate may not work correctly. The sliding gate automation is installed on the base, after which the correct gap is set between the drive star and the rack with teeth. During the installation of automatic swing gates, it will be necessary to take into account a large number of different parameters. If at least one of them is not met, the brackets will break away from the pillars or sashes, and the electric motor may also break.

Figure 1. Diagram of automatic swing gates.

Drawings of automatic gates are shown in Fig. 1 and fig. 2.

Items you will need:

switches;
jumpers;
control board;
remote controls;
peripherals;
blueprints.

Do-it-yourself automatic swing gates

Figure 2. Diagram of automatic sliding gates.

To determine suitable type automation, you should calculate the distance from the loop to the inner edge of the post. If the parameter is 0-15 cm, then linear automation can be used. This system has excellent appearance and low cost. If the parameter is 15-30 cm, then you will need to install lever automation.

Next, you need to measure the width of the sash and calculate the wind load. You should check the ease of movement of the sash. It is worth noting that a properly adjusted automatic gate can be opened with one finger. Otherwise, you will need to eliminate the distortion of the pillar or sash. The drives must move along the level. If the pillar is tilted, the trajectory will deviate from the horizon. As a result, the automation may jam.

When all the shortcomings have been eliminated, you can install automatic gates. The automation is mounted on poles. Their location may vary, everything will depend on the type of gate opening. Installation dimensions can be found in the installation instructions for the selected model of automation. It is recommended to adhere to the specified distances. It should be understood that a deviation of 1-2 cm may not allow the structure to be opened to the required angle. If only part of the stroke of the rod is used, then electric drive increased loads will be exerted.

Existing installation schemes for automatic gates

Schemes for installing automatic gates with your own hands can be different. The main ones are the following:

Opening to the courtyard. This automatic gate scheme is the most common. If channel posts are used, it is recommended to use linear wires. They are inexpensive and take up little space. Lever drive on metal poles It is installed quite rarely, as it is expensive. If there are columns made of concrete or brick, and the gate is mounted in the middle of the column, then a linear mechanism is not allowed, since when closing the gate will rest against the corner of the column. IN in this case You will need to make a niche in the column for the drive. Another option is to install lever automation. The lever system should be installed on a post. Levers long length make it possible to open gates that are located at a distance of less than 20 cm from the extreme part of the post.
Opening outwards. In this case, any type of system can be used, but it is recommended to install a linear structure. It is mounted inside the gate opening; as a result, the system will take approximately 15 cm of the usable area of the opening. If the gate is small in width, then the automation can be mounted at the top of the gate. As a result, it will be possible to operate the gate without any obstacles.

Sequence of actions for installing automation

Particular attention should be paid to the reliability of fastening the electric drive to the post. Often the system is mounted on a facing brick or a destroyed column. It should be understood that during use the electric drive may fall off along with a piece of brick or pole. If the post is in poor condition, it is recommended to scald it in a circle and install amplifiers.

At this stage, you will need to switch the drive to manual mode, and then weld the brackets to the structure. If a linear electric drive is used, then during the process of attaching the brackets, care should be taken to ensure that at least 1 cm of rod travel remains to the gate. If the structure stops due to unscrewing of the rod, a biting process will occur with high wear. In this case, the electrical structure for the gate will quickly break down.

After installing the drives on the posts and brackets on the gate, you will need to check the movement of the leaf. If during movement the mechanism jams or the structure becomes distorted, then the problem must be eliminated at this stage.

Next, the stops are set. If the design allows you to install stops in the ground, then it is recommended to use a system without switches. It is worth understanding that the fewer additional devices there are in the design, the more reliably it will work. It is recommended to use switches only in cases where it is not possible to install homemade automatic gates without them.

After this, the engine is connected. You should install the necessary jumpers, attach the remote controls, connect 3 wires of 220 V. At this stage, you can start the system.

If any of the flaps moves in the wrong direction, you will need to swap the wires on the electric motor.

Next, the switches are adjusted. Then you will need to set the shutter operating time and closing and opening force on the board. It is not recommended to use the highest force. It is best to set the minimum possible working force, which will allow the entire structure to function normally and control. If the gate is light in weight and the maximum possible force is set, the system will operate at maximum power. In this case, the mechanical part will suffer excessive load when the structure is stopped.

Points to consider

After this, it will be necessary to install photocells and a signal lamp. The photocells should not be connected until the limit switches have been fully adjusted, all settings have been set, etc. It is quite difficult to install automatic gates with your own hands correctly the first time. It is important to comply correct sequence actions, because if several errors are made, the system will not start. In this case, it is quite difficult to determine where exactly the mistake was made. The procedure is as follows:

Tools for installation of automation: welding machine, tape measure, hammer, corner, level.

Installation of a drive with a rack.
Installation of limit switches.
Installing jumpers on the board.
Power supply.
Connecting remote controls.
Adjustment of limit switches.
Setting the opening and closing time and force.
Installation of peripheral devices.

You can also mount a button with which you can control the gate. Each board has an output for external control of the structure. If this output is connected briefly with minus 24 V on the board, then it will be possible to control the gate in the same way as using a remote control. These contacts can be used to connect and install a spare key inside the yard for opening and closing the structure.

How to make automatic sliding gates

The sequence of actions will be as follows:

The first step is to install the base, which is sold complete with an electric drive.
Next, you need to install the drive and see where the rack with teeth is located.
If the drive needs to be raised, then the base should be mounted on several profiled pipes, which are welded to the channel.
After this, you will need to thread the wires through special holes.
Next, the rack with teeth is installed.
Limit switches are being installed.
Magnetic and mechanical limit switches are installed. Care should be taken to ensure that the latter do not break the spring.

Installation of automatic gates can be done without problems only if all the nuances are taken into account.

Building an automatic gate with your own hands is not an easy task, requiring certain skills and knowledge. And do not believe those who will assure you otherwise. However, making an automatic gate yourself is more than possible. This, in fact, is what will be discussed in this guide. Do you want to learn about the types and methods of creating automatic gates? Read on!

No one needs convincing that modern automatic gates are incredibly convenient. They are in demand, and, of course, the market is full of offers. However, the variety of available models is easily divided into three main groups:

swing automatic gates;
sliding automatic gates;
automatic garage doors.

The manufacture of these gates has its own characteristics.

And now - in more detail.

Automatic swing gates for a country house

Do-it-yourself automatic swing gates - budget and convenient

This type of gate is the most common and popular due to its convenient and simple device. A necessary condition is free space to open the gate.

Basically, the frame for such gates is made from a high-rigidity profile. Then it is sheathed on top - for example, wooden or metal panels.

A more expensive option, but certainly very beautiful, is forged carved gratings.

Automatic forged sliding gates always look presentable

Swing gates - list of components:

poles for fastening;
set of hinges;
gate leaves;
stops: side and central;
bolt;
handles for opening gates;
brackets for attaching the electric drive to poles and doors.
electric drives (two).

Swing gates - anatomy

It is convenient to make posts for fastening gates from steel pipe. If the gate turns out to be very heavy, it makes sense to install a U-shaped steel frame instead of posts. This is a guarantee that the gate will not move over time.

As load-bearing structure To install the base of swing gates (posts or frame), we recommend using a glass-type foundation.

A simple diagram for concreting a gate. Pay attention to the foundation pit for the “banquette”

IN Lately To strengthen the gate leaves, special hinges are used on the posts. They come complete with bearings. In this case, the gate movement will be smooth and easy. Typically, the number of hinges installed on the gate is 4 or 6. This depends on the weight of the gate and its size. There are two types of such loops: metal and polymer.

The gate leaf (leaf) consists of a frame and an infill panel. Filling happens three types:

sparse;
solid;
combined.

The gate frame is made of a metal profile (corner and connecting). Infill sections can be made from metal picket fences, sandwich panels, and also aluminum roller shutter profiles. The metal parts of the gate should be primed and painted.

Sketch of a swing gate with a metal picket fence with one-sided cladding: stone pillar-support, wall, 3-external frame, 5. side stops, 6. central stop, 7. internal stiffener, 8. linear automatic opening mechanism, 9. bottom latch, 10 .automation control unit

Side or center stops – required elements designs. Essentially, these are metal stop pins that prevent the gate leaves from going beyond the set limits. The stops can be either permanent or removable.

The bolt and handles for opening the gate should also be considered necessary design elements, because in case of any power outage, which, alas, is not uncommon in our country, you will have to lock and open the gate manually.

Electric drives and brackets for strengthening them are usually sold as a set. We do not recommend purchasing them separately, because drives and brackets from different manufacturers may not meet the parameters.

Correct fastening lever drive to a brick wall

Automation overview

Buying a gate automation kit today will not be the slightest difficult. As a rule, the automation kit includes:

right-hand and left-hand self-locking drives;
gate control unit (transformer and control board in one housing);
a set of photocells (receiver and transmitter, remote control, photocells);
nuts, bolts, bushings and keys for emergency release;
set of mounting plates.

This is what an automation kit for sliding gates looks like

In order to choose the right automatic swing device, you need to consider several important parameters.

weight and area of the valves;
opening intensity;
ease of movement of the gate leaves.

Let's look at them in detail.

The weight and area of the gate leaves are parameters that cannot be separated from each other. The reason is this. The sash and drive are subject to strong wind loads. That is, if we install an automatic device designed for a sash weight of up to 100 kg, and do not take into account the area, then the first strong wind will tear the expensive device like a monkey will tear a newspaper.

To choose the right device, you need to make simple calculations.

Let's assume that the average wind load in your area is 50 kg/m. If you want to install a standard gate made of corrugated sheets with leaf dimensions of 2x2 m, then the wind load will be 2x2x50 = 200 kg. Now we add the actual weight of one leaf (100 kg) and get a final value of 300 kg. In this case, taking into account the safety margin, it is necessary to install a drive designed for sashes weighing from 400 to 800 kg and for a similar wind load. Then your gate will serve for a long time.

Opening intensity - expressed as the ratio of actual operating time per hour. Expressed as a percentage. For example, 30% per hour. This data can be found in the data sheet.

Notes in the margins: How to use this option correctly? Suppose it takes approximately 20 seconds to open the gate leaf. The same amount for closing. Total, 40 seconds. Then, we allocate 30% of 60 (the number of minutes in an hour) and get approximately 18 minutes. Now we only have one thing left to do - turn 18 minutes into seconds (1080) and divide this value by 40. We end up with the number 27. Thus, these gates will be able to let 27 cars through in 1 hour. For a private home – more than enough. But for a cooperative garage it won’t be enough.

Automatic swing gates for garages: from the outside it is almost impossible to distinguish them from ordinary ones. Automation is visible only from the inside

Ease of movement of gate leaves - this parameter depends, first of all, on the correct installation of posts and hinges (without distortions) and on the magnitude of the friction force in the hinges (solved by timely lubrication). In addition, this parameter is affected by weather conditions: frost, snow, and icing create additional resistance. Therefore, you should choose a drive with power reserve. Otherwise, in winter you will have to help the gate manually, and this, you see, is not a dream.

By type of operation, automatic devices for swing gates are divided into:

Linear – these drives are also called “worm drives”. They work on the principle of lengthening/shortening the rod, which is driven by a worm gear;
Lever - the principle of operation of these drives is similar to the principle of the human hand. The long operating lever consists of two parts connected by a movable hinge.

Swing gates with linear automatic drives

Linear drives are perfect for swing gates, the leaves of which open on both sides of the yard. They are easy to use and relatively inexpensive.

Lever automation allows you to open gates suspended at a distance of 20-40 cm from the edge of the post. This type of automation can be installed on stone columns standing in front of the pillars of the gate frame.

As for the brands that produce automation for swing gates, only your preferences and the tightness of your wallet are important here. For our part, we advise you to pay attention to the products of the Italian company Came Group. This company specializes only in the manufacture of electric drives, and over 30 years of existence on the market, it has learned to do this quite well.

By the way, Came is the first company to come up with remote-controlled gates

Automatic sliding gates – design and rules for choosing fittings

This type of gate is now the most popular. Yes, if compared with swing gates, sliding gates will be more complicated due to the need to use special fittings. But nowadays you can buy anything, and this, in the recent past, an expensive and rare design element, has ceased to be a curiosity.

What are the advantages of sliding gates? There are a lot of them. We will list the most obvious ones:

the absence of guides both at the bottom of the gate opening and at the top - this removes restrictions on the height of entering vehicles;
precise operation of the automation - this eliminates the need to get out of the car to open the gate;
unpretentiousness in maintenance.

Everything you need to make sliding gates - picture cheat sheet

Do it yourself sliding gates will not be difficult for anyone who knows how to handle an angle grinder and welding machine. However, despite all their fashionability, they have two significant drawbacks: a more “biting” price for automation and the presence of free space for rolling back the sash. Otherwise, everything is great - these gates will serve you faithfully for decades. On average, the operational sliding gate system is designed for 50,000 opening/closing cycles.

The choice of material for lining sliding gates depends entirely on your imagination. It could be:

corrugated sheeting;
metal picket fence;
tree;
forging;
a metal sheet;
polycarbonate

Polycarbonate gates look very modern

Based on the type of design, these gates are divided into 2 types:

with whole cloth;
with built-in gate.

The set of accessories for sliding gates consists of

roller carriages;
upper support rollers;
rolling rollers;
2 catchers – upper and lower;
guide profile;
rubber plugs.

Note: The price of a set of fittings depends on the weight of the gate, the length of the guide and the manufacturer. For example, for a gate weighing up to 400 kg with a 5 m guide, a set of fittings from our production will cost, on average, 5,700-6,000 rubles. A similar set for gates up to 800 kg will cost 2,500-3,000 rubles more. A set of good quality overseas fittings, for example, Rolling Center (Italy), will lighten your wallet by 20 thousand rubles or more.

In a word, “think for yourself, decide for yourself.”

Interesting option gate trim: forging + polycarbonate

Making sliding gates with your own hands - step-by-step instructions

Step No. 1 Determine the size of the gate. The length, width and height of the movable leaf determines the weight of the gate, and, therefore, the choice of fittings. The size of the gate also determines the distance required to move the leaf. Ideally, it should be one and a half times larger than the gate opening.

Step No. 2 Install the support pillars. Suitable materials:

steel profile pipe;
oak timber;
channel;
pillar made of concrete or brick.

The main rule during installation is that the support pillars must be deepened into the ground by 1 meter. Otherwise, in the coming winter or spring, the support column may move vertically and ruin the entire geometry of the frame. And this will negatively affect the opening of the gate.

This is what the assembled “banquette” looks like before pouring concrete into the foundation

For correct installation column we do the following:

dig a hole about 120 cm deep;
We place a “cushion” on the bottom - a 15 cm thick layer of sand and crushed stone, compact it well;
we install the pillar and fill it with concrete (cement grade no less than M-300).

Step No. 3 We make the foundation for the gate. This is the basis of the entire structure. Firstly, the foundation supports the weight of the gate, and, you see, it is not small. Secondly, a “banquette” is laid in the foundation - a channel along which the gate leaf will move on rollers.

To lay the foundation you need to do the following:

Dig and arrange a pit.

Options:

length = 50% of the size of the gate opening.
width (cm) – 40-45;
depth (cm) – 100-120.

The shape of the pit is U-shaped, as shown in the figure
After the pit is ready, backfilling needs to be done. The size of the “cushion” is the same as when installing pillars.

Make a “banquette”. A channel (width 20 cm) and metal reinforcement (cross section 10-12 mm) are required. The reinforcement must be cut into “swords” 100 cm long, then welded to the channel flanges;
Install the “banquette” and fill it with concrete.

Important!

After pouring, the concrete needs to settle. The minimum time for gaining strength is 6-7 days.

The top of the “banquette” is installed flush with the road (i.e., at the same level).

To prevent cracks from forming, concrete must be watered daily.

This sketch clearly shows the depth of the metal supports - 120 mm. This value may change for regions with high soil freezing rates

Step No. 4 Making a supporting frame. It is convenient to make a frame for sliding gates from a profile steel pipe (the so-called gate profile).

Manufacturing stages:

cutting the profile into the required lengths;
removing rust from the pipe (you will need a grinder with a wire brush attachment);
degreasing the pipe with solvent or gasoline, applying anti-corrosion primer;
frame assembly by welding;
cleaning of welding seams and finishing anti-corrosion primer of the entire frame.

Helpful Tips:

For the external contour of the frame, we choose a corrugated pipe with a cross-section of 50x50 mm or 60x40 mm.

For stiffening ribs, a pipe of 20x30 mm or 30x40 mm is suitable.

We assemble the elements of the guide and frame in a checkerboard pattern, because the door leaf will definitely warp from heating.

Distribution of material for the manufacture of sliding gate frames

Step #5. Painting the frame and sewing the door leaf.

Painting can be applied immediately after the primer has dried. Inexpensive and practical option – alkyd enamel. To make the gate look richer, we recommend applying at least 2 layers of paint. After applying each coat of paint, it must dry.

The choice of lining material is a purely individual matter.

The material should be attached to the internal pipes (frame stiffening ribs). For assembly we use screws or rivets.

Scheme of convenient and inexpensive metal sliding gates

Step #6. Gate installation.

Installation is carried out in the following order:

we install rollers on the “banquette” and tuck them into the door leaf guide;
We set the gate strictly according to the level (you can use either a regular two-meter level or a laser);
we attach the lower roller carts to the channel by welding;
We weld the upper rollers (support and end);
We weld the lower and upper catchers to the support posts;
install automation;
We test the gate, show off to our neighbors and be proud of ourselves!

Such gates will cost you one and a half to two times cheaper than store-bought ones.

Scheme of classic swing gates with brick support pillars

Automatic garage doors - briefly about the main thing

There are usually four types of gates installed in garages:

classic swing;
sectional folding (with the help of systems of springs and guides they rise upward);
lift-and-swivel;
roller shutters

Sectional automatic garage doors: inside view

For self-made The first three types are best.

It is problematic to make roller gates with your own hands, because they consist of many slats, which are made only in industrial conditions.

Swinging garage doors are built on the same principle as external ones. To make sectional doors, you will need many parts that you will have to buy in the store: leaves, guides, shafts, hinges, suspension balancing springs, etc. Therefore, it is better to order such gates in a ready-made version - it is more reliable and, oddly enough, more economical.

Up-and-over garage doors - please note: in this example, the automation is installed correctly

Up-and-over gates consist of an outer frame, a solid leaf and automation, which lifts the leaf up to the “ceiling”. These are very simple and effective gates, the main disadvantage of which is expensive automation.

Swing gates made from scrap materials: video notes for craftsmen

Our verdict: if you really want to make an automatic garage door yourself, reliably and inexpensively, pay attention to the classics. Go for it!

Sections