3 Gate Opener Alternatives

Some customers will tell you they want to stretch outside of the realm of just gate transmitters and radio receivers. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, there are a few different options on the marketplace these days that will open the gate as you or your customers leave the property.

1 – Exit Loop

One of those options is an exit loop. Installing an exit loop involves saw cutting into the driveway, trenching a path back to the operator and then sealing the saw cut. This can be time consuming and labor intensive. Each loop installation can have its challenges. Whether the saw will not run, the blade is dull, its too cold for water to keep the dust down, or just being on the ground installing the loop into the saw cut. BD Loops have helped with making this easier by having a great preformed loop.

2 – Gate Sensing Probes and Wands

Another option is to install a sensing probe or wand into the driveway. This involves less cutting into the driveway, but you still need to saw cut, bore a hole, and seal the cuts. You also need a good sealant to prevent the salt that is applied in the winter months from eating away at the driveway surface. Again, you will be on the ground installing this product as well. And if you place your sensing probe along the drive, actions such as mowing next to the driveway will open you gate every time the mower passes near the probe because the probe is looking for a moving metal object. Installing a wand or sensing probe into the driveway is an efficient and effective gate access solution.

3 – Vehicle Detectors

A sliding automated gate operator with a photo eye and a vehicle detector installed above the photo eye

The third option that should be noted is a vehicle detector. This option is new to American Access Company, but after installing it in lieu of saw cutting and exit loop or placing a sensing probe in the driveway, we can testify that the product works very well. It takes a few more minutes to set the detector up and calibrate it so it will not pick up pedestrian traffic and to set vehicle detection distance. This device is used in the same manner as the exit loops and driveway sensing probes, as it will open an automated gate as a vehicle drives up to it. The sensitivity of the vehicle detector can also be set with the push of a button. For example: If there is a 12 feet wide driveway and you do not want the vehicle detector to pick up a riding lawnmower on the edge of drive, you can set the distance to range out to 11 feet. You can mow the grass on the edge of the drive all day long and it will not pick up the mower if it is more than 11 feet away.

Another great feature with vehicle detection is that the head of it is adjustable for up to 30 degrees in both directions. So, if you would like the detector to pick up on a car before it gets too close to the gate, you can move the head of the unit without going through the hassle of remounting it on the post.

Vehicle detectors can be used to detect vehicle presence. This means you can put it into presence mode and it would act as if it was a safety loop, preventing the gate from closing when there is a vehicle in its path. The range can vary depending on the width of the drive, the picture shows a maximum distance of 18 feet.

A diagram of the detection field of a vehicle detector. Vehicle detectors can detect a vehicle up to 18 feet away

For a free quote for an exit look, driveway wand or sensing probe, or a vehicle detector, send us an online request today. American Access Company is the Midwest’s premier gate access control contractor and would love to help you find the best option for you.