DIY Gate Opener

knctrnl

New Member
Instead of spending $1,000 on a dual swing automatic gate opener I have found some $45 linear actuators that should do the trick If I can figure out how to apply the correct voltage to them through my Elk.
The actuators extend when +12v is applied and retracts when -12v is applied.
I have an M1 and a M1XOVR and some Elk-912B relays im not using.

Does anyone have any clue how I can have the Elk apply -12v for close and +12v for open. I assume I will need some sort of relay circuit and I would imagine there is a name for the type of relay I am looking for. I just dont know what to search for.
 
 
You can reverse the polarity of the voltage using a DPDT relay.  If the actuator needs to have power removed once the gate is open or closed, then you'll need another relay to shut off the voltage.  You'll probably want to use an aux power supply to provide power to the actuator rather than using the Elk's limited power.
 
If you're going to build your own gate opener, there are many safety aspects you need to consider beyond just powering the actuator.
 
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