Remote FCU - Any Ideas?

[shedbang]

Hi

I have an automatic gate which is wired to a switched FCU indoors on a spur from the downstairs ring. The gate has a manual open/shut button for postmen etc during the day, as well as the usual gate remotes on our key rings.

Ideally I would like to power down the gate at night so that it doesn't work and remains locked. The simplest and easiest way to do this is to switch off the FCU, but it is not particularly accessible behind furniture etc.

I was wondering if anyone has ever come across a remote controlled FCU or similar that I could replace the existing normal one with. You can get remote sockets and remote light switches, but I've never seen a remote FCU. I could in theory modify the whole thing and wire it via a 3-pin plug into a remote controlled socket, but it would look a bit Heath Robinson.

Any help gratefully received

 

[Aragorn84]

An inline time clock might work?

Could be really annoying if you happen to come home after hours though!

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Or if the emergency service require immediate access!
But I guess they would just blitz the gates!

 

[westie101]

Ideally I would like to power down the gate at night so that it doesn't work and remains locked.

Just as an aside, what is YOUR contingency in the event that you suffer a power cut and the gate won't open, particularly if the DNO or an electrician need to get inside to fix the problem?
Or even if you are outside and need to get in?

Just interested

 

[GarethW]

How about just disabling the button when you need to ?

A simple remote relay wired in series with the button would work.

You could even wire in a bright LED with it to light when the button is disabled.

Maplin: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/velleman-2-channel-rf-remote-control-module-a92jl

eBay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Channel...967224?pt=UK_Gadgets&var=&hash=item27db007e78

In case the links don't work in the future, search for "2 Channel Remote Control Module"

 

[shedbang]

Just as an aside, what is YOUR contingency in the event that you suffer a power cut and the gate won't open, particularly if the DNO or an electrician need to get inside to fix the problem?
Or even if you are outside and need to get in?

Just interested

I'd use the key to unlock the lock and lift the motor off the ground to swing the gate open. It's not Fort Knox this thing - it's a 5 bar gate so you could just climb it. But it's a nice little extra pain for anyone trying to get anything out of the outbuildings.

 

[shedbang]

How about just disabling the button when you need to ?

A simple remote relay wired in series with the button would work.

This is a good idea thanks. The only downside is not knowing the status of the gate from inside (i.e. when you press 'off' how do you know the command was received). You don't want to walk outside to check!

 

[GarethW]

That's where the LED comes into action !!!

 

[westie101]

I'd use the key to unlock the lock and lift the motor off the ground to swing the gate open. It's not Fort Knox this thing - it's a 5 bar gate so you could just climb it.

Ah thanks, some are - Fort Knox that is!!

I often see on fault logs "Lost supply, can't open gates to get in/out""