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Frequently Asked Questions - Consumer
What is the difference between the "SOLAR" and the "AC" Apollo gate operator?
Only the means by which the battery is charged. Our "solar" operator comes with a 5 Watt solar panel
with bracket, while the "AC" operator comes with a fully automatic battery charger.
How many times can I open my SOLAR gate operator per day?
With average sunlight, the 5 Watt solar panel will put 10 to 15 cycles of power per day back into the battery.
Keep in mind that as options are added to a system you may have to increase the solar wattage.
How may times can I open my AC gate operator per day?
The AC charger charges the battery whenever it needs it 24 hours per day. With this in mind you can use your
AC charged system up to 200 cycles per day.
If there is not any sunlight, how many times will my gate operator work?
This will depend upon the battery used in the system. With a 105 amp hour deep cycle battery a basic system
will operate up to 100 cycles with no sunlight. Optional equipment installed on the system could lower this number.
How much voltage should a solar panel produce?
The standard 5 Watt solar panel with our unit should produce between 13 and 20 volts, at a current output of
225 to 375mA. These ranges are affected by the amount of sunlight and the orientation of the panel. Remember that
even if a solar panel is producing voltage, it must also be producing adequate current in order to charge the battery.
At what point should I be concerned about over-charging my battery?
In solar applications 20 Watts and higher a charging regulator should always be used. This not only protects
the battery from over-charging, it also keeps the battery from discharging at night since our regulator contains
a built in blocking diode. AC charged systems will not over-charge since the battery charger shuts off when the
battery becomes fully charged.
How often should I check the water level of my battery?
The water in the battery should be checked every 60 to 90 days.
How long will the battery last in my system?
Battery life varies depending on the brand of battery, charging methods, and the style of battery being used.
Normal life expectancy of a marine deep cycle battery is from 3 to 5 years. (sometimes longer) Deep cycle batteries
last longer than car starting batteries usually. Check the water level frequently to extend the life of any battery.
When do I need a blocking diode for my solar panel?
The panel that comes with standard Apollo gate operators is an "amorphous" panel and will not discharge
at night so it does not need a blocking diode. The 10 Watt and larger panels are "crystal silicone" panels
and require a blocking diode or charging regulator that contains a blocking diode.
How far from the control box can I mount my solar panel?
The solar panel may be mounted up to 100' from the control box. When this is done, use adequate gauge wire for
the distance run. If any splices are made, make them above ground in weather proof boxes. Always run the wires
in conduit to protect them.
How do I determine the amount of solar wattage needed for my gate operator?
First determine the number of cycles per day the operator will be expected to run on a daily basis. This figure
should include anybody that may use the gate. Then determine the wattage needed with the following formula:
| Cycles per Day |
= Solar Wattage Needed
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2
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Next, determine all of the options that will be installed in the system and find their standby current draw.
Add all of these figures together to find your "total current draw" of all the options and use the following
formula to determine the solar wattage needed:
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(Total Current Draw) X 24 hours
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= Solar Wattage Needed
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300
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Add the two totals found from both of the above equations to determine the total of the amount of solar wattage
that will be needed to operate the system. Remember that if this total is 20 watts or more, you should also include
a charging regulator.
How many degrees of travel can I get from my Apollo swing gate operator?
If the operator is installed according to the instructions in the manual, you will be able to swing the gate
up to 105 degrees. More degrees of travel can be attained with some special installation techniques. Your dealer
should have the tech. sheet on this application.
<P>How large of a gate can I swing with an Apollo 1500?
The spec sheet for our Apollo 1500 shows that it will handle gates up to 14' and 400 lbs. This is a very conservative
rating. Our 1500 has been installed on much larger and heavier gates with excellent results. The most important
things to remember are that the gate should be free swinging and be hung plumb and level. Also solid gates will
always pose a larger problem for any operator since they will catch a large amount of wind and be more difficult
to swing.
How large of a gate can I operate with the Apollo 7000 slide operator?
The spec sheet for the Apollo 7000 shows that it will handle slide gates up to 20' and 400 lbs. Again, this
is a conservative rating. The Apollo 7000 has been installed on much longer and heavier gates with superb results.
The installation of the gate is the key here. It should roll level on good rollers and not bind. Keep in mind that
the 7000 comes with 25' of chain, so for gates longer than 21 or 22 feet you will need additional #40 chain and
an extra connecting link.
What options should I consider buying for my Apollo gate operator?
Of course everyone that uses the gate on a regular basis will want their own transmitter since this is the easiest
method of activating the gate. But your guests will also need access to your property. Digital keypad or intercom
systems with a keypad are both very popular choices for entry to the gate. Exiting also needs to be considered.
Again a keypad may be used, but the most popular choice for exiting is the #217 Free Exit Probe Detector. This
option allows vehicles to exit the gate automatically, with no direct action needed. These are most popular options.
Your dealer/installer can tell you about many others that are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Dealer / Installer
What is the normal pivot point for an Apollo 1500?
Normally it is 13" out from the gate and 6" back behind the hinges. This measurement is taken from
the center rotation point of the hinges of the gate. It is easiest to use a framing square to measure this point.
The pivot arm should be cut and saddled to fit the hinge post so that the 1/2" hole will end up at this point.
Remember to weld the pivot arm on 1/2" below the center of the member of the gate that you will be attaching
the gate bracket to.
What does the standard Apollo 1500 gate operator include?
The kit includes a control box with the standard 633 board and pulsar receiver, one remote transmitter, gate
bracket, bolt kit, hardware kit, pivot arm, caution sign, 416E actuator, instruction booklet, and either a single
5 watt solar panel and bracket or a fully automatic battery charger depending on if the operator is ordered Solar
or AC.
What needs to be added to install the system?
The only other thing required is a deep cycle 12 volt battery.
What equipment do I need to install the operator?
A welder, cutting torch, and basic hand tools including 3/4" wrenches and a level will be needed to install
the basic unit.
What tools should I have to properly service an Apollo gate operator?
A good service kit should include wire cutters, strippers, various large and small screwdrivers, a good assortment
of wire terminals, splice kits for weatherproof splices, a digital multimeter capable of voltage and current
measurements and continuity check, pliers and a cordless soldering iron and solder. These basic tools should be
in any service kit. Other specialty tools will be needed when troubleshooting phone systems and the like.
How should I check the voltage in the battery of an Apollo unit?
First, disconnect any charging devices from the battery (solar panel(s) or AC battery charger). Then with your
digital meter properly set to DC voltage, place the black lead of the meter to the battery and the red lead to
the positive of the battery. This will measure the resting voltage of the battery. Now activate the gate operator
to read the true voltage of the battery. If the battery falls below 12 volts with the operator running, the battery
is low and should be re-charged or replaced. You should always check the battery under a load to get an accurate
reading of the state of the battery. A battery hydrometer is also a good way of testing a battery, though I find
the meter a bit easier to use and the exact condition can be determined.
How do I check the output of the solar panel?
Disconnect the solar panel from the battery. Then, with your meter set to DC voltage, put the red wire of the
solar panel to the red lead of your meter, and the black wire of the solar panel to the black lead of your meter.
This will give the voltage the panel is producing
Next, set your meter to DCmA or DC Amps and reconnect the leads as previously described. This will show you
the current output of the panel. Be careful not to exceed the current capacity of your meter, especially in the
DCmA setting.
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GATEKEEPERS,
INC.
