ActiveHome Automates the Gate

Posted November 14, 2002

ActiveHome Automates the Gate By Ryan Bonigut

I have a gate that is completely actuated by pneumatics and controlled by X10 equipment. The gate is actuated by a pneumatic piston. 2"bore 12" stroke double acting piston, with a flow limiter. The B3 code was asigned to the 3way valve that runs the gate actuater. The lock is a smaller piston. 1"bore 4" stroke double acting. It is mounted to the gate itself. The rod just locks into a hole in the wood post. The B4 code is asigned to the dual 3-way valve that runs the lock.

When the B1 Off code is sent, it releases pressure to big piston to close gate. After 1 minute of rest, the gate locks itself. The 1 minute rest time is to give the gate time to close. Also, if it's going to be reopened, it saves on available air pressure, noise, and wear. When the B1 On code is sent, it unlocks, then opens, with no delay. The B2 Off code unlocks the gate instantly. After 15 minutes, it relocks itself. The B2 On code has a one-step macro. It just instantly locks.

Plus, the ActiveHome system allowed me to create a redundant safety measure. I set it to send the B1 command at 10pm, and every hour following till 9am. This will make sure the gate stays closed and locked, for any reason it may not be.

Why you ask? I got bored. Also, theft has been a repeated past problem. Now, I can easily ride anything in and out without ever touching gate. It also insures the gate stays closed and locked at all times. At first look, it's too complex to even think about tampering with. So, any thief will have a problem with how to get things out.

X10 parts used:

• 2 Appliance Modules
• ActiveHome Kit
• 3 Keychain Remotes
• 1 Tranceiver (switch not used)

See what you can do with a few bits and pieces?

Sincerely,
Ryan Bonigut

      

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