How are the GTO automatic gate openers powered?

All low voltage GTO automatic gate openers are operated by a 12 volt, 7.0 amp-hour battery which also provides battery backup during a power outage.

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How many times will the GTO gate opener operate during a power outage?

On the average, a fully charged battery can provide fifty (50) cycles after a power outage. The number of cycles may vary depending on factors such as the type and size of gate, number of added accessories, and weather conditions.

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How is the battery charged?

Each GTO Automatic Gate Opener comes with a transformer that plugs into any 110/120 electrical outlet and provides a trickle charge to the battery. The transformer is connected to the control box with up to 1000 ft. of 16 gauge, multi-stranded, dual conductor, direct burial, low voltage wire (not provided). If there is not a standard outlet within 1000 ft. of the control box, the battery charge can be maintained with optional solar panel(s). If an outlet is located outside, the transformer can be placed inside a weatherproof electrical box and connected to the control box with GTO low voltage wire.

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If I charge my battery with solar power, how many panels do I need?

The practicality of using solar power varies due to a wide range of conditions. If you are within 1000 ft. of a power outlet, we recommend using the transformer for a steadier, more constant charge. If you choose to use solar power, see the Solar Chart Powering Accessories which outlines the recommended number of panels (generally one or two) for your region of the country.

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Can I manually open the gate?

Yes. The opener arm is mounted with clevis pins and clips at both the gate and post ends. By removing the pin and clip at either end, the opener can be removed and the gate opened manually.

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Can anyone remove the opener this way?


Yes. However, to avoid theft, add the Master® pin lock accessory on one or both ends of the opener to ensure that only the homeowner can unlock and release the opener.

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Will the opener hold the gate tightly closed?

Depending on the length and type of gate, there is a possibility that the end of the gate can flex enough to allow a person or an animal to enter. For maximum stability and additional security, the GTO Automatic Gate Lock should be installed; this will act like a dead bolt does to the front door of a home.

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If I add an automatic gate lock can I still manually open the gate?

Yes. The Automatic Gate Lock has a manual keyed release.

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Can I open the gate with my garage door opener?

Garage door openers use a different radio frequency than the GTO Automatic Gate Opener. If you want your GTO entry transmitter to activate both, a garage door receiver can be purchased that has the same frequency as the GTO gate opener. If the gate and garage are within close range of each other, a two or three button entry transmitter can be purchased to operate the openers separately.

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Can I open the gate from my house with my transmitter?

The normal operating range of the GTO entry transmitter is 50 ft. to 100 ft. However, because it uses a radio frequency and is subject to interference by weather conditions, topography, outside interference, etc., the actual range may vary. If your house is within 1000 ft. of your gate, you can place a second set of low voltage wires in the ground at the same time you are running wire for the transformer and connect it to an unlit push button in the house. At the control box, simply connect the wires to the accessory terminal block.

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Can anyone open my gate if they have a GTO transmitter?

Not if you personalize your code. Every transmitter comes with identical factory settings, but you can personalize your code by repositioning the dip switches inside the GTO transmitter.

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How can people without an entry transmitter open the gate?

GTO offers a weatherproof Digital Keypad accessory (for wired or wireless applications) which can be mounted on a post near the gate. The keypad can be programmed with up to 25 different entry codes for use by family members, delivery personnel, employees, etc. An additional security feature is the ability to change only one code at a time. For example, you can give a delivery person an entry code and then that particular code can be changed or eliminated after the delivery, without affecting the other codes.

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How does the gate close?

GTO/PRO Gate Openers have an adjustable auto-close feature. You can program it to close from 10-60 seconds after the gate reaches its fully open position, or the auto-close feature can be completely disabled.

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What happens if the gate hits something while either opening or closing?

GTO Automatic Gate Openers have a built-in safety obstruction sensor which causes the gate to stop and reverse its direction if it comes in contact with an object during its opening or closing cycle. GTO/PRO Automatic Gate Openers have adjustable obstruction sensing settings.

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Will the battery operate my gate opener in extreme cold?

GTO Automatic Gate Openers are currently in use from the Arctic to the Amazon. Because of the battery's gel cell design, extreme cold may cause it to operate a little slower than under normal conditions, but it will not cause it to malfunction.

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Does lightning affect the GTO automatic gate opener?

No electrical device can withstand a direct lightning hit. However, the GTO Automatic Gate Opener does have built-in ground paths on the control board designed to diffuse normal static charges created by lightning.

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What if the retailer I purchased my GTO automatic gate opener from does not have an accessory I want?

Discount Fence Supply, Inc. will do all we can to get you the accessory you are looking for. We are in constant communication with GTO/PRO and make it our business to handle all the accessories you will need.  Contact us for details.

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