Entryway/Gate project

[adjusterr]

I am also considering automating my entry gate. I noticed you said you would NOT use a Mighty Mule opener, why not. I have been considering a Mighty Mule but don't need headaches. Nice job you are doing.

 

[Sackett2]

watching with interest; something I plan to do in the far future

 

[Dishpointer]

I am also considering automating my entry gate. I noticed you said you would NOT use a Mighty Mule opener, why not. I have been considering a Mighty Mule but don't need headaches. Nice job you are doing.

In my opinion, the Mighty Mule gate opener is not strong enough for our usage. Since most of the gears are plastic and with our strong Kansas winds and the winters we get here, I don't believe it will hold up. I have researched these gate openers a lot and have read about some of the problems from posts on here and just decided that I only want to purchase a gate opener once. If you live in a milder climate and don't cycle it too many times per day then it will probably work just fine.

 

[forgeblast]

What are you going to use if not mighty mule?

 

[EddieWalker]

Great project that I'm looking forward to following along!!!

Eddie

 

[Dishpointer]

What are you going to use if not mighty mule?

We are going to use this gate opener since most of the houses around here have them and the owners say they have been trouble free: LA500 - Residential / Light Commercial DC Swing Gate Operator

And the solar version will save us 30% of the cost of the whole system by using the federal tax break! (read the info at the bottom of the first link)

and this entry system: TAC1 - Single Line Telephone Access Control

The telephone line running to the house is buried about 18" down right where the entry system pad is going to be installed. Since this line has 4 pairs of wires inside and the house phone only uses 1 pair, we are going to tap into this line and use a pair of wires to tie the system to the house. The only concern is we need to make waterproof connections where we tap into this line to prevent a short or disruption to the phone service.

We will also install a ground loop in the drive that senses vehicles and will alert us when someone pulls up to the drive.

 

[jonnyc1999]

Great project, this is the first time I've noticed this thread, but I'll definitely be following along from now on. :thumbsup:

 

[cqaigy2]

WoW!

Thanks for the picts

 

[Dishpointer]

I'm slowly knocking it out...course by course:thumbsup: Here's the latest progress as of today. I'm up to 4 courses high and had to tie additional rebar on to the existing. It's much easier laying block that's not on the ground. Did I mention bending over handling heavy blocks sucks?

Another problem I encountered is laying block on a curve makes for radical joints. The bricks being smaller will not have this problem.

 

[tractchores]

Thats a serious gate! Im hoping to build a gate and some pillars soon as well and am looking forward to more pics.