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I have this idea of writing an app/something to make the gate, that we have in front of our house, smart. But I just don't know where to start. I assume that the gate uses IR because we have remotes for it, but I'm not sure. The gate also has a codepad and I want everything to work simultaneously. Meaning that when I'm done with my project the remotes and code still work.

So, can anyone help me to get started with this project?

  • Would it be logical for the gate to use IR? What would it use otherwise?
  • Should I try to read and emit the same signal using a Pi/Arduino?
G Buis
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    Does the gate controller have a button (for inside the house?) that just opens the gate? if so then you can just attach a network controlled relay to the line for the button. – hardillb Jan 29 '19 at 13:49
  • @hardillb it does. So I do that and I can reach the relay through the wifi network? Do you have a product example? Would the regular button still work if I set it up correctly? – G Buis Jan 29 '19 at 16:04
  • put the remote conttrol inside you pocket .... does it still operate the gate? .... if it does, then it is an RF remote .............. how is the codepad connected? – jsotola Jan 30 '19 at 22:02
  • Okay thanks! It's connected on a pillar next to the gate, exact wiring etc I don't know because I haven't opened it – G Buis Jan 31 '19 at 23:17

1 Answers1

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As mentioned in the comments...

Assuming the controller has a button that will trigger the gate to open then you just need to find a way to "press" that button.

The simplest way is probably to attach a relay across the 2 wires to the button. The relay can be triggered by something like a esp8266 or the GPIO pins on a raspberry pi.

The question is then if it's a momentary press or if it needs to be held while the gate opens.

If it's momentary then the relay just needs activating for a second, if it's press and hold then you will need to activate the relay for the length of time it takes for the gate to open.

That is a very simple approach and doesn't cover things like feedback on if the gate is open/closed.

hardillb
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  • Right. Sounds good! It's a momentary press, so I just need to activate it for second or so that it will register. How would I get feedback? – G Buis Jan 31 '19 at 23:18
  • No idea, it will depend on if the existing system has any indicator you can tap, or if you have to implement it yourself with limit switches or some other sensor – hardillb Jan 31 '19 at 23:24
  • That's going to be me implementing it myself.. Thanks! – G Buis Jan 31 '19 at 23:41