Discussion
Automated gate sensors misting up in damp or frosty weather – any solutions?
We've got an automated gate which is becoming a bit of a pain whenever the weather is damp or frosty.
My wife normally leaves for work first thing in the morning and quite often the gate opens but then refuses to close.
The problem seems to be one side of the safety beam sensors misting up or frosting over. The gate then thinks something is obstructing the beam and won't close.
I've attached a couple of pictures showing the sender and receiver.
Has anyone experienced this and found a way of preventing it? Is there some sort of coating, cover or other solution that might help?
It's not exactly a busy location where we live, but I'd still rather the gate closed automatically instead of having to keep going outside and wiping the sensor!
Any suggestions appreciated.
We've got an automated gate which is becoming a bit of a pain whenever the weather is damp or frosty.
My wife normally leaves for work first thing in the morning and quite often the gate opens but then refuses to close.
The problem seems to be one side of the safety beam sensors misting up or frosting over. The gate then thinks something is obstructing the beam and won't close.
I've attached a couple of pictures showing the sender and receiver.
Has anyone experienced this and found a way of preventing it? Is there some sort of coating, cover or other solution that might help?
It's not exactly a busy location where we live, but I'd still rather the gate closed automatically instead of having to keep going outside and wiping the sensor!
Any suggestions appreciated.
Googling Nice gate problems and solutions, AI slop offers:
And links to https://gaterepairer.co.uk/nice-gate-repairs/
And links to https://gaterepairer.co.uk/nice-gate-repairs/
You've said you can clear it by wiping the outside, it might be worth checking inside the sensor to see if there's any buildup of crud that's degrading its operation, so the misting is the just "last straw" that stops it working. One of mine became intermittent last year, and it turned out to be full of tiny dead insects.
Thanks for the input
I've tried the silicone spray wiped over it - that was yesterday and made no difference
I do wonder given the distance between the TX/RX (About 6M) is enoough to make the signal very weak and therefore blocked by a little condensation?
I'll look into the photocell specs and see what the jumper pin placement can offer.
First world problems I know, but still...
I've tried the silicone spray wiped over it - that was yesterday and made no difference
I do wonder given the distance between the TX/RX (About 6M) is enoough to make the signal very weak and therefore blocked by a little condensation?
I'll look into the photocell specs and see what the jumper pin placement can offer.
First world problems I know, but still...
Is it only that right hand side that gets an issue?
If so I would say a sloping hood above it should sort.
If it is both sides; could it be condensation because it is mounted on metal? – if so experiment with some rubber or wood between the metal gate post and sensor?
I have never had the problem (Mounted on stone) in any kind of weather
If so I would say a sloping hood above it should sort.
If it is both sides; could it be condensation because it is mounted on metal? – if so experiment with some rubber or wood between the metal gate post and sensor?
I have never had the problem (Mounted on stone) in any kind of weather
andyxxx said:
Is it only that right hand side that gets an issue?
If so I would say a sloping hood above it should sort.
If it is both sides; could it be condensation because it is mounted on metal? if so experiment with some rubber or wood between the metal gate post and sensor?
I have never had the problem (Mounted on stone) in any kind of weather
Its the one on the RHS. Thats the battery powered Receiver. The other end is always fine and doesn't attract the moisture as its well shielded by the shadow from the shed. Youcan see the unaffected one in the pics - the one mounted close to the motor drive moduleIf so I would say a sloping hood above it should sort.
If it is both sides; could it be condensation because it is mounted on metal? if so experiment with some rubber or wood between the metal gate post and sensor?
I have never had the problem (Mounted on stone) in any kind of weather
The design of the receiver does look slightly sub-optimal as it would guide drops of water right in front of the critical point of the sensor. I guess it is to stop it pooling on the top.
I fitted a "Roger Technology" sliding gate kit to our house and it probably has around a 5.5m span between transmitter and receiver on the inside of the gate and they are mounted on metal posts. No issues, although I have had to repair the CAT5 cable in the junction box that I used to wire in the infared and anti crush safety edges a few times in the last 6 years.
I would try the suggestion above about temporarily covering it. A taped upside down takeaway box for the ultimate in temporary classy solution?
I fitted a "Roger Technology" sliding gate kit to our house and it probably has around a 5.5m span between transmitter and receiver on the inside of the gate and they are mounted on metal posts. No issues, although I have had to repair the CAT5 cable in the junction box that I used to wire in the infared and anti crush safety edges a few times in the last 6 years.
I would try the suggestion above about temporarily covering it. A taped upside down takeaway box for the ultimate in temporary classy solution?
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