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GTO Solar Panel
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Mighty Mule® Solar
power guide
How practical solar power is for your Mighty Mule® gate
opener needs to be examined on a case-by case-basis. Factors
to consider are: location of gate, type of gate, frequency
of use, and how far the gate opener is from a power source
etc. Therefore, if you are within a 1000 ft of a power
outlet, we recommend using the transformer that is included
with your Mighty Mule Gate Opener. This will provide you
with the most consistent charge than you would get from
solar charging power. After all options are considered and
it is determined that solar charging is your best option.—
See charts below for the recommended number of solar panels
based on your model, climate zone, and frequency of use. The
table and map below illustrate the maximum number of gate
cycles to expect per day in a particular area when using
solar charging panels
- Up to 15 Watts of solar
charging power for Mighty Mule® models
FM200 and
FM350.
- Up to 30 Watts of solar
charging power for Mighty Mule® models
FM500,
FM502, and
FM352.
Installing an optional second battery
is recommended for best performance of your gate opener.
The chart figures are based on winter sunlight
(minimum) and do not account for any other accessory items
installed with your opener that draws additional power from
your battery. |
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What else will you need to
install your Might Mule® E-Z gate opener?
Other Materials You May Need...
Low voltage wire:
(16 gauge,
multi- stranded, dual conductor, direct burial wire)
will be needed. Wire length depends upon which
accessories used and the distance between the
transformer power supply and gate. [1000 ft. (304 m)
max.]
Solar Panels:
If your gate is more than 1000 ft. (304 m) away from
an AC 110V power source, Mighty Mule® Solar Panels
must be used to trickle charge the battery. The
FM500/700 and FM502/702 and FM350 are solar
compatible.
Push to Open
Bracket: If
your gate opens out from your property, you need to
purchase special order a "push-to-open" bracket. You
can program the models FM500, FM502, FM700, FM702
for this application. (Dual gates require 2
brackets) Call 1-800-543-1236 for details.
- For Mighty Mule® models FM500,
FM502 and FM350 you'll need Push to Open Bracket
(FM148)
Gate Reinforcement:
If you have
thin walled tube or panel gates, you will need to
reinforce them.
Mounting Plate:
Depending on
the type of gates, a horizontal cross member or
mounting plate may be needed to mount the opener arm
and gate bracket to the gate.
Properly
installed gate:
Your gate must be in good
working order, firmly hung on an anchored fence
post, and able to swing freely and evenly. This
operator WILL NOT WORK on gates with wheels or gates
that drag on the ground.
Gates weighing
more than 250 pounds
require ball bearing hinges.
(not provided by Mighty Mule).
Gate post(s)
must be at least 4 inches
square or 4 inches in diameter.
Gate post greater than 8 inches thick
will require longer bolts than the ones provided to
mount post brackets to the gate post.
Masonry column
installation may
require special procedures. Call 1-800-543-1236 (GTO
Technical Support) for details
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Low Voltage Wire is required for wiring the GTO Automatic Gate Opener
to the AC Transformer. It is also necessary for connecting some
accessories including the Push Button Entry Control and the Digital Keypad
(wired option). This wire is 16 gauge, dual conductor, multi-stranded, and
is ready for direct burial. The only wire recommended for use with GTO
products is GTO's 16 gauge, PVC sheathed wire. This particular gauge will
enable the transformer to provide an adequate charge to the control board
from as far away as 1000 ft. Do not use telephone wire or any solid core
wire; this wire does not work as well as the multi-stranded and can cause
the opener to go into low voltage lockout. Never splice wires together.
Splicing will seriously reduce the wire's ability to carry an adequate
current and it provides a weak point for corrosion. |
