Remootio Gate WiFi control

[JOEPRO]

I made and installed my own automated double gates about 7 or 8 years ago. I used low voltage "Nice" branded automation boxes and control board.



I initially used a cheap sim card aftermarket opener and after a couple of years it went faulty and nearly took out the several hundred quid control board. The control board had a fuse which blew.

So at that time I updated to a Nice original WiFi controller and it was fairly basic control. Only close open on my app but did work until recently. Its now not picking up WiFi..

So im back to needing a controller. I am loath to buy another Nice branded one given this one died after a few years.

So I am trying one of these has anyone used them? They seem to have app GPS control

 

[JOEPRO]

Ps dont buy from ebay that seller is a drop shipper I found out after I ordered it.

 

[Kram]

I used low voltage "Nice" branded automation boxes and control board.

I'd say that enclosure is far too small for the contents and no suprise its failing, electronics need some air flow around them and that has none. I imagine its also a pain to work on being so squashed in.

 

[JOEPRO]

I'd say that enclosure is far too small for the contents and no suprise its failing, electronics need some air flow around them and that has none. I imagine its also a pain to work on being so squashed in.

Except that you are completely wrong and this is the Nice supplied and branded kit installed exactly as intended and within their specific enclosure.

 

[Kram]

That doesnt make me wrong, your the one complaining about two expensive failures and I'm letting you know the most likely reason. Hotter things run, the shorter their life.

So im back to needing a controller. I am loath to buy another Nice branded one given this one died after a few years.

 

[knighty]

does it do special gate functions?

could just use any wifi relay for that? I've got a bunch controlling roller shutters at work, better to have one app then 5 remotes!

I use sonoff wifi relays, they do a whole bunch of different ones, some mains powered some 12v

I think most of mine are knockoffs from aliexpress tbh but they all work no problem

 

[JOEPRO]

That doesnt make me wrong, your the one complaining about two expensive failures and I'm letting you know the most likely reason. Hotter things run, the shorter their life.

Nope your still wrong. Maybe don't offer pointed advice on something you clearly know nothing about.

 

[JOEPRO]

does it do special gate functions?

could just use any wifi relay for that? I've got a bunch controlling roller shutters at work, better to have one app then 5 remotes!

I use sonoff wifi relays, they do a whole bunch of different ones, some mains powered some 12v

I think most of mine are knockoffs from aliexpress tbh but they all work no problem

Yes it does offer more than just open or close functionality. I was looking at one of these the last time the cheapie sim one failed. But they were £300 ish at that time so I opted for the Nice one at around £100 and to my disappointment the Nice branded original WiFi controller only offered open or close options on my android app despite it claiming geofencing control.

A link to what this new controller claims and that I'll be testing after it arrives tomorrow and I install it

Remootio 3 WiFi Opener & Bluetooth Enabled Smart Remote Garage Door Wifi Controller | 2 Relays / Devices

The first end-to-end encrypted Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled smart remote and garage door controller, that lets you control and monitor your gates and garage doors using your smartphone.

www.theelectricgateshop.co.uk

 

[voipio]

Where is the WiFi box installed? It doesn't look at all weatherproofed, so I'm guessing it's tucked away somewhere inside the main enclosure, which probably means the WiFi antenna's efficiency is being compromised quite badly by its immediate surroundings.

A waterproof antenna and antenna connector would help. Something like:
www.amazon.co.uk/Vecys-Waterproof-Coaxial-Enhancer-Wireless/dp/B09PTYF16J
and:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/177281778806

 

[JOEPRO]

Where is the WiFi box installed? It doesn't look at all weatherproofed, so I'm guessing it's tucked away somewhere inside the main enclosure, which probably means the WiFi antenna's efficiency is being compromised quite badly.

A waterproof antenna and antenna connector would help. Something like:
www.amazon.co.uk/Vecys-Waterproof-Coaxial-Enhancer-Wireless/dp/B09PTYF16J
and:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/177281778806

Thanks - the Nice wifi module comes with its own internal wifi antenna which always worked before. But became flaky.



So I did recently add a larger external compatible wifi antenna for it which worked for a couple of days then the wifi module fell offline again and wont come online since. I suspect corrosion or something inside it means its now not strong enough to work properly and connect. So im done messing with it and I need my gates working by phone app again hence going for a new alternative wifi interface.

 

[JOEPRO]

Looks like this will be my wiring so should be simple enough



The above diagram takes care of the control side but doesn't mention the units power supply from the board!

So in my Nice control board instructions it says as follows so ill tap power off that:

 

[MetalMonkey]

I know you are looking for an entire gate controller, but it might be worth having a look at the shelly wifi relay stuff - all the commercial guys i know really rate it, and it gets used a lot in home automation.

 

[frank horton]

Just fitted a complete system but with remote.....wifi stuff here fades really quickly.......
about temp on the instructions it say from -15 to plus 40.....
today it been hovering around 40 ºc in the shade.....and my unit gets the sun all day....
I know what my job is tomorrow....

 

[ajlelectronics]

I used an Alexa switch module. Very cheap (£15 ish) and the gate can be controlled from anywhere in the world.

 

[JOEPRO]

Update - it arrived today so after work I got to installing it.

Their website and instructions at first all appear slick and well set up. But in reality its all a bit of a **** show and only shows you parts of the instructions here and there and nothing for other areas.

For example in several parts the instructions keep saying you can take the power direct from the gate's control board. But no where does it show you how to connect to the module.



When I queried this they said cut the supplied USB cable and join using it. So yeah not great instructions wise leaves alot to be desired.

There was a sensor in the box which they also dont talk much about but turns out you must install this for the app to know of the gates are open or closed.



I understand this is a universal module and fair enough but would be nice if a little clearer that this is needed and is a part of every installation and not a 5 minute install like they say in videos etc that dont show any of that!

Anyway I figured out my own install in this regard. All kept out of harms way and inside the gates foundation box. Luckily because I installed my gates I left myself a easy to use ducts and properly drained boxes. Most places id say do not have this luxury!

Pulled the cable through and mounted the sensor like below.

Closed -



Open-



So now it's all working and im playing with the app. Will report back in a few days how I get on. I am running it off the USB plug for now and ill go back and cut the power cable and make the final connection once I know its working the way I want it to.

 

[Dev]

Pretty neat, the hardware is very very similar to a Shelly or other iot board but it’s the app and all that extra stuff that adds value.

 

[knighty]

which gate motors/actuators/whatever do you have?

do you like them? work well? problem free?


I bought some actuators for my new yet to be installed gate.... but I'm second guessing myself if they're any good.... they're the type you fix to the gate and gate post

 

[JOEPRO]

which gate motors/actuators/whatever do you have?

do you like them? work well? problem free?


I bought some actuators for my new yet to be installed gate.... but I'm second guessing myself if they're any good.... they're the type you fix to the gate and gate post

There are a couple of levels you can choose from. 230v domestic level systems or low voltage 24v etc more commercial grade systems. The low voltage ones can also have integrated battery backup as one advantage along with motor encoders for pressure control etc.

I went with the latter option of a more expensive low voltage system with integrated battery backup. Mine was a Nice branded Big Fab system.

It has been great. Full diy install and programme no issues. The only problems I've ever have has literally been the remote sim / WiFi modules as covered in this thread.

The setup I have with ground box means that is heavy duty and is your lower hinge. What I did at the time was buy the empty boxes with hinges, installed the gates and a couple of years later when I was ready I tracked the tar, added the ducts and bought the motors and control board.

 

[knighty]

they look better than what I bought

my gate opening is 3.7m total (1.85m per gate) but they're quite tall (2.3m) and heavy (solid Iroko)

It's a bit wet where they are, I'm worried if I go underground they'll end up full of water every time it rains, gates are uphill from the house, but downhill of the lane outside

I might order these....

NICE Titan HS - Trade Electric Gates UK

24v Electromechanical gearmotor The magnetic encoder keeps set values stable and guarantees precise obstacle detection Rapid operation of swing gates with leaves up to 3.7m/ 6m OR 450kg 90° opening in 12 or 19 seconds depending on motor Electrical connections accessible from above The motor can...

trade.electricgatesuk.net

these drop locks look good.... but £512 is a bit pricey, before I was the price I thought I'd get 2, one for each side

Locinox Electradrop - Trade Electric Gates UK

Electric 24V drop bolt with 115 mm throw for safe locking of automated swing gates. By securing your gate with an Electradrop you disburden the electric gate motors. Vandal-proof powder coated aluminium housing To be connected to the warning light on automated gates (min 3 sec prewarning signal)...

trade.electricgatesuk.net

maybe drop locks at the bottom and an electric lock at the top (I'm worried about wind catching it.... plus I'm a bit anal about security)

I'll have to check the control box is happy connecting all of that, I'll do my own wifi control... I fancy tieing in a camera with numberplate recognition

thinking all 24v so can add battery backup easily

 

[Blobber]

Below ground operaters are good but you need really good drainage, I've seen a few where the aluminum motor case has corroded away and the odd one where the pivot has rusted out of the box!