Love my Ghost Control gate opener! We have had it five years without a "hick up" until lighting hit very close on our property taking out one of two controllers. Ghost Control technicians worked with me to isolate the trouble in a very short time and away we went with replacing the unit. It arrived within a few days for replacement which I will begin in a couple of days They have my 5 star rating in every aspect of the high quality unit, Ghost Controls!
@@mrstanley9856 we recommend grounding the gate and any adjacent metal fencing or structures, post, etc. This does not guarantee that lightening will not strike but it might help deter it from happening. Here is a link to schedule a call with a technician for more information ghostcontrols.com/pages/schedule-a-call
I have had other brands, and this one is far and away the best. Easy installation and easy to set up. The only issue I had is that the solar models come with one battery but they recommend two. The battery went bad after a few months, but they sent a warranty replacement. I bought a second battery and have had no issues. The battery box is already wired for two batteries. I would never go anywhere else for an opener.
Thank you so much for sharing these kind words of your experience with us, Marc! We are always happy to help and are thrilled to hear that you are still enjoying your Ghost Controls system. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can help with anything else! Thank you, Ghost Controls Team
We agree that a shadow box does allow for better ventilation, However, it still does exceed the 30% coverage that we recommend installing swing gate operators on.
Can I use this with a wood picket gate if I use board on board (sometimes called shadow box) picket spacing? This allows for pretty good airflow while still retaining the privacy of a wood picket fence.
Will this gate opener operate a rail road style gate. Gate is counter balanced with cement ballast and opens easily. About 20 ft total length and about 500-600#. What is the percentage taken off for us veterans?
What is the actual permissible push and pull force on the TSI ghost gate arm. I am aware of the chat with the recommended weight of the gate to length. But would be nice to know the maximum push/pull force. To me that would be better
I've got my Solar gate opener fully operational and it's great! Installation was easy and operates perfectly. Question: Is the Control Box Bluetooth-capable?
@@reneraven434 We are an authorized ismartgate dealer, but there are many other options available that are compatible with our system as well. Learn more about this process by visiting bit.ly/30KqyLv
I love this system but would like to know is it possible to extend the length of the cable on the operator arm? We have an older gate and where the power runs we would need extra length to for it to reach.
Hi, I apologize for responding so late to your question which is a good one. We do not recommend splicing the arm cable and will void the warranty. We do have other arms available that do come with longer cables. If you are trying to hook the ac transformer up to the power outlet you can go up to 1,000 ft from the gate and use 16 gauge stranded 2 conductor wire. I hope this helped answered your question. If not please email us at gcmarketing@ghostcontrols.com
We had a problem with the system getting hit with lighting, Ghost covered it, and a new board is in place and working well. Thanks for that. While reinstalling the new board we started to look for grounding instructions for the Ghost system. We cannot find anything on grounding for lighting from Ghost. Also, how can we tell where the power surge came from? Maybe make a replacement chip so it is easy to repair the board. IE: Arduino UNO Would it help to completely isolate the control arms and electronics from our metal fence that is around our farm? Trying not to spend $170 every time we get a lightning storm. Still better than any other gate system we have installed...
Hi Trell, Thank you for your support. I am glad we were able to help you replace your board, and thank you for your questions. We have put together comments for each. 1) repairing the old board is not an option, replacing one component would often lead to the next or another component needing to be replaced. 2) The microcontroller you mentioned, we feel as though it would not be a good option. 3) as far as grounding. You can install a grounding rod(s) ground rod connector(s) and wire appropriate for grounding purposes. Ground the gate, gate post, and connected fencing. Doing so may provide additional assistance with a power surge. We hope this was helpful.
Love the equipment. Wireless keypad batteries ran out now can’t get it reconnected. Can you walk me through reset? No answer on tech support phone or chat line. J
My gate is mounted on a 6" round treated wood post with a second bolted to the first for additional support. They are set in concrete. I was going to mount a square board to these and then mount the arm bracket to that square board. I am pretty sure this will work. Any alternatives that you can suggest?
Hey, Big John! This sounds like a great plan, aside from one thing. We usually recommend notching a square on the round post to attach the half-moon bracket, rather than bolting another board to this. We're also happy to run through any further installation questions you may have. You can reach us at (850) 558-5520 or by visiting myghostcontrols.force.com/ghostcontrolssupport/s/contact-form Thanks! - Kieley
@@Ghostcontrols2015 The the Ghost Control (single arm) got here yesterday and the three boxes are out in the garage. I am reading the manuals, watching the videos, and making a shopping list for mounting posts and other things I may need. I plan on mounting everything this weekend. I did notice the notching of the round post as you mentioned. After a little more research I called your customer service (sales?), prior to placing the order, and asked a couple questions. I ended up getting the system without the solar panel but ordered the 30w panel instead. I was going to buy your battery box and two batteries (I wanted a second battery in case the first died from over use or something). I thought it would be simpler just to get everything from you and not have to chase around looking for the best deal on a 12v marine battery and trying to figure out how to mount it. The CS person I talked to was very friendly but said that for my purpose ghost recommended a locally purchased 12v marine battery over the ones you sell. Something to do with charging the batteries with solar vs AC. I did not completely understand it but I am not the expert on this kind of thing.
Hi Shea! Our arms on their own will move some in high wind conditions. I would recommend adding our zombie lock to your gates so they are always locked when closed and will prevent wind from opening them. I would love to further discuss your particular situation with you to find the perfect kit for your needs. Please feel free to call our office at (850) 558-5520 when you are available. Our office hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Thanks for reaching out!
The T Series gate openers give you Tube gate adapters that will fit over most Tube Gate Pipes. If you are mounting to a 3 or 4 in round metal post we have adapters for that as well. Tanks!
I have two Ghost gate openers on gates coming into my ranch. Both openers are set up identical, and open 14' 100lbs tube gates. When opening and closing, they seem to open "too" fast and hit the fence. I used lumber to build a softer bump stops. The trouble is both gates "AT TIMES" will close to the fully closed position, wait 30-60 seconds, then open back up about 2 feet leaving a gap cattle can get through. I have tried and tried to reset the travel limiter and stall force on both gates but am ready to go back to another type of opener if this cant be resolved. Any suggestions? It seems temperature (freezing mornings / warm afternoons) sometimes causes the problem, but it dont get that cold in SE Texas
Thanks for reaching out, though we are sorry that it is because you have run into some trouble with your gate. Our support team would be happy to help you troubleshoot this situation with you to get to the root of the problem with the limits that are set on your gate. All of their contact information is available here: bit.ly/2Qp7Uag (and their phone number is 850-898-1411). However, the easiest way to get in contact with them (without waiting on hold) is to schedule a call for a time that you will be available at your gate. You can schedule that call by: - clicking the link above - scrolling until you see "Schedule a Technical Support Call" - click "At Your Gate Support" - select a time/date that works for you and complete the remaining fields - you will then receive a call from us at the date and time you have selected.
Hey guys, I'm about to install a full bells and whistles system from you, with extra battery, keypad, zombie lock and vehicle sensor (among other bits) but I am reading that the vehicle sensor should not be used with animals on the site. I have a farm/ranch and have livestock dogs that can go down the driveway, between my sheep fields. Will the dogs or the sheep trigger this sensor and open the gate when there are no vehicles present? Is there a 'less sensitive' sensor that will only go off when it sees a 1000+ lb vehicle, not a 100 lb animal? Thanks!
Tad, Thank you for reaching out, and for your interest in a Ghost Controls system! This is an excellent question. The vehicle sensors work by sensing moving metal. A metal dog collar, shoed horse, or another moving metal object can activate this sensor. We do not recommend using the sensor if you are trying to contain livestock or other animals to ensure they all stay safe. We would recommend skipping the sensor and installing a secondary keypad or push-button on the interior side of your property instead. My team is happy to run through any other scenarios and questions with you to ensure you get the perfect kit for your gate and lifestyle. They can be reached through the live chat box in the bottom right corner of our website or by calling 850-558-5520 option 1. Best, Ghost Controls Team
Hi Matt, you would have to create a custom kit with a loaded dual control box and then the replacement arm that has a 50' cable on it. You would cut the cable to size then. If you would like more information you could call tech support at 850-898-1411. Ghost Controls Team
Really interested in a ghost gate opening system for our rural property. what I'm not 100% sure about is: If Im going to open and close the gate 6 times a day what size solar panel do I need and what size batteries should I use. Can you help with this question. Looking at using car sensor, keypad, Zombie lock.
Jim, Thank you for reaching out! I apologize for this delayed response but hope the information will still find you well. We have a solar map available on our website that recommends how much solar wattage you should use based on your location and how many times the gate will be operated each day. That map is available here: ghostcontrols.com/pages/tips-for-solar-installations We also find that most solar installations work better long-term when paired with a deep cycle marine battery instead of our 12V led acid batteries. This will store more of the solar power you collect to ensure you can make it through rainy weeks or dark and cloudy winter seasons. If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 850-558-5520. Best, The Ghost Controls Team
I ordered the "push to open" kit. One would think the extended brackets would come with it since guidance to purchase them at extra cost (which I would have done) wasn't suggested and how would I know I needed them having never done a gate opener before. I contacted the company and got no response. So I made the brackets myself. Next, I went "by the book" with the programming. It did not work. The book says to "press the Jog Open button to the desired position". When I pressed it, nothing happened (battery fully charged). The book then says "don't forget to press the transmitter". So, I pressed it and the unit went into alarm. Great. After watching this video, when the guy does this step, he is actually pressing the "Jog to close" button. Very interesting. What gives? Was this tid-bit left out of the instructions? Now, nothing works and I'm still opening my gate by hand until I figure it out. Seems like it should be very simple to do when you watch this video, but it isn't. Go figure. Hope you have better luck with yours . . . .🤮
Hi Dickie, we are so sorry to hear you had a frustrating installation experience. When you follow the procedure outlined in the video from 10:45 to 11:50, this will allow you to correctly set your open limit position. Before setting the open limit, locate the "options" panel and move dip switch number 1 to the right. This is the correct position for a push-to-open gate. If you are still having issues, please contact us at 8508981411, or you can schedule a call at your convenience at ghostcontrols.com/pages/schedule-a-call
We do not recommend our systems on any Solid panel gate. The gate will act as a sail if wind is applied to it and in turn will damage the operator arm.
Smaller batteries are recommended for those that will recharge their battery using the ac transformer. Deep cycle marine batteries are recommended for solar applications.
How can I install a car exit sensor? The little tube that goes back along the driveway and if a car is there, will open the gate instead of using a button
This depends which model (wired vs wireless) you are installing. All quick start guides and manuals are available on our website (here: ghostcontrols.com/pages/manuals) and this video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-A80eCFCKXvI.html) shows how to program a wireless vehicle sensor. Please give us a call at 850-558-5520 for further help!
Can I use a Zombie Lock and Vehicle Sensor? It looks like I would have to plug both of them into the + slot on the lock, I didn't know if that would be an issue?
yes, only one battery box with two 12 7amp hour batteries are required or a deep cycle marine battery which is what i would recommend for solar applications if you will use your gate a lot or live in an area that does not get lots of sun everyday.
Does the exit sensor draw power continously or only when activated by a passing vehicle? I'm concerned about draining the battery power down if the censor is constantly active. I'm using solar power
@@Ghostcontrols2015 will the 5 watt solar panel along with two 7 amh batteries going to be enough power to keep the sensor from running the batteries down. The panel will get sun most all day.
@@rockhoundingeasternwashing5308 We would recommend if you have a single gate starting with 10watts and 2 7amp hr batteries. If you have a dual gate we recommend 30watts of solar and deep cycle marine battery for maximum reliability. In any case the vehicle sensor draws very little (1/30) compared to the board and the arm(s). Keep in mind you still need at least 4-6 hours of direct south sunlight for the solar panel. Solar panel will not charge well or at all in the shade or part shade and cloudy conditions.
What is the little round black piece that sits between where the wires come in to the box. My gate was not working at all, then I slightly twisted that and it started working again.
@adriangcnaz that is a strain relief. The gate opener wires or accessory wires go through the strain reliefs on the bottom of the control box to prevent water and other elements from getting in. You could have had a loose wire or your wire was too tight in the strain relief. If this happens again, I suggest opening the control panel and making sure all your wires are tightly connected into the terminals. If you would like more information please email marketing@ghostcontrols.com
@@adriangcnaz if one the control board it could either be the antenna or the only other plastic piece would be the on off switch? Please email marketing@ghostcontrols.com and we can get you with a support tech.
After installation, my opener closed the gate but wouldn't open the gate. Not having further time to work with the unit, I disconnected the arm and have let the unit sit idle for some time - manually opening & closing my gate until I can get around to troubleshooting whatever issue exists. --- Update: I've just connected the battery/control box to AC power using the available transformer. No doubt - the battery needs a charge before I can even attempt to use the opener. As of now, I don't have any lights lit on the control box, but the transformer's green light indicates the power is available for charging,. How long will it take the transformer to charge the battery, and will it charge with the -/o switch in either position (on or off)? If the battery will charge, I can then contact Ghost for troubleshooting.
Thanks for reaching out, though we are sorry that it is because you have run into some trouble with your gate. Our support team would be happy to help you troubleshoot this situation with you to get to the root of the problem with the limits that are set on your gate. All of their contact information is available here: bit.ly/2Qp7Uag (and their phone number is 850-898-1411). However, the easiest way to get in contact with them (without waiting on hold) is to schedule a call for a time that you will be available at your gate. You can schedule that call by: - clicking the link above - scrolling until you see "Schedule a Technical Support Call" - click "At Your Gate Support" - select a time/date that works for you and complete the remaining fields - you will then receive a call from us at the date and time you have selected.
@@Ghostcontrols2015 - First, I needed to replace the battery. Thanks to Ghost Controls for shipping a new battery, as the original would no longer charge but was covered by the warranty. Once I did that, I contacted tech support. I needed to adjust the arm by fully retracting it; moved the arm attach bracket on my gate to connect to the fully retracted arm; hooked up the electrical wire for my previously installed ZombieLock; and, WOW! She works as advertised. Excellent "at the gate" tech phone support. I'm pleased with my purchase. My 16' farm gate is a little slower opening than I anticipated, but it sure beats getting in/out of the vehicle to manually open/close the gate. The push to close appears faster than the pull to open function, but she's working great otherwise. Thank you Ghost Controls!
HI Dylan, If you have solar your solar panel charges your battery through the control board or if you don't have solar the included ac transformer would recharge it when you hook it to the control board and a GFI outlet.
Yes! The sensor and Zombie Lock both connect back to the main control board to communicate with each other and the gate operator of when to open/unlock. Please give our team a call at 850-558-5520 if you have any further questions!
Hi Diamond. Thanks for reaching out! I'm sorry to hear that you have run into some trouble with your gate. My technicians would be happy to help you troubleshoot this situation to get you back up and running. You can reach them at (850) 558-5520 or by visiting myghostcontrols.force.com/ghostcontrolssupport/s/contact-form We look forward to getting this situation worked out for you. Thank you, Ghost Controls Team
Hi Aaron! This is our full installation video, and we have further clips reviewing accessories and other optional add ons. Is there a specific section you wish was included in this video? We are always looking to make the installation process easier!
Great Video definitely helpful. However order of steps does not agree with manual. Also very well presented by your quality of install was a little off. Should have used a level on the mounting of the control box and battery box ==> kind of off level.
We have updated the manuals to more closely coincide with the videos. The angles of camera make them more appear more off level than they actually are but thanks for the comments.
PLEASE make a battery-less AC-powered version. The biggest complaint with so many of these systems (yours and other brands) is battery failure at an unpredictable time. Why force the use of a battery? Is that the only way to integrate low-voltage wiring? I'd happily run a higher voltage line one time if it means no battery maintenance ever.
Hello, you got it right. To stay within low voltage and DIY friendly product our openers run off a 12v battery. However, if you have AC close to the gate and use our battery box kit you should have no to little battey issues since keeps a steady trickle charge to the battery. We are sorry we can not be of more help on this one.
I purchased a dual gate opened and am satisfied except for one thing and that is the range of the remote controllers; it's terrible! Prior to making my purchase, I was told that the unimpeded range of the remotes would be 1000 feet. Even with the "upgraded antenna", I cannot get 200 feet and no one can tell me why????
If you need to manually open the gate for any reason, you simply pull the clevis pin, pull the operator arm away from the gate brackets, and proceed to move the gate manually as needed.
Have installed the 55" driveway sensor, bearied wond 18" deep, reset it several times and used two different methods calibrating wond nothing works, gate is closing and opening again by it self, seems to have totally disturbed thee controls as the gate is now trying to close but only moves towards closing for 20" comes back and tries again, after the third attempt it finally shuts. This item is far too expensive not to work so I hope Ghost comes to the party by solving the problem or refunding my money !
It is 12v DC, so why can't you use 120v AC and a rectifier to power the whole deal. No batteries should be needed. Does this DC motor use a start capacitor?
There are a few 'problems' with that (this system is design to run on 12VDC FROM the BATTERY): Converting 120Vac to 12 VDC via rectifier does NOT produce 12VDC. Basically not all 12VDC are created equal. * 12VDC from the battery is a flat line if you look at it on an oscilloscope. * Converting 120VAC to 12VDC, typically (cost effectively), is to use first step down transformer to convert from 120VAC to say 14VAC the 'rectifying' to produce 'DC'. What does it means by 'rectifying' or 'rectifier'? AC voltage is a sine wave (look like this ~)that goes above and below 0V (positive and negative). Full wave rectifier 'flip' the negative portion.to positive where half-wave just 'blocked' the negative portion. With me so far? After it is 'rectified', it is still a 'wave' (albeit a positive wave) and not a flat line voltage. A capacitor is added to 'flat out' the wave. Sound great right, we now have successfully converting AC to DC....BUT is it useful for the application..... Once a load (light, motor, circuits,etc) to a power supply it 'draws' current/power from the power supply. Depending on the load or the type of load it will draws differently from the power supply. For example: a 1W light bulb will draw a lot less current than a 10W light bulb. A 'rectifier' DC will 'dip' when a load is connected to, most of the time in low-power (mWatts range) application this is not an issue but a heavy load or sensitive load this can be a problem. Now allow me to explain why is rectifying circuit doesn't really work with Ghost Controls 12VDC Motor: 1. DC motor needs high 'in-rush' current to start the motor (like a car's starter), this current may need to be as high as 20-30 Amps for about a second or so. A 12VDC battery can supply this in-rush while a typical AC-to-DC rectifier CAN NOT deliver this type of in-rush current. Of course one can be designed but it will not be anywhere as cost effective as a 12VDC battery. 2. Solar installations also are large percentage of the installations. The battery as main power source with charging circuit (AC or Solar) kills two birds with one stone. Since it is designed for 12VDC battery (need to be recharge) with charging circuit, one can not simply replace the 12VDC battery with a battery source, it may damage other circuitry. Technically speaking, you can replace the battery with an AC-to-DC power supply, but it would have to be regulated power supply that can deliver between 200-300 Watts. In other word, a 200-300 Watts, 12Vdc Output power supply that is outdoor grade (Hint, it's not cheap). FYI, Start Capacitor is associated with AC-Motor and not DC-Motor. Hope this help.
FOLKS, if you want more range out of your HomeLink vehicle opener, or the Ghost controller, simply add in a section of cable & attach your antenna (higher & away from obstructions) to get twice the range. I learned about it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SQtA-DP9o_E.html
We're sorry to hear that you are experiencing some trouble with your system, Jacob. Please contact our customer support team at 850-558-5520 or support@ghostcontrols.com for assistance troubleshooting the problems you're experiencing.
@@Ghostcontrols2015 I already have. I was told that because i live within 15 miles of a military base, i was gonna have problems. Funny, i didnt have problems with my Mighty Mule, and i wont have problems when i switch to Lift Master. I know 3 people around me that have had problems with the Ghost Control openers not opening. 2 have already switched gate opener companies
@@jacobcairnes521 Thank you for reaching out, though we are sorry to hear it is because you are so dissatisfied with your Ghost Controls experience. We do not typically see interference to the magnitude that you are describing outside of military bases and other locations with large power lines or metal obstructions. We would like to send you one of our GXAT's (our Antenna Bracket Extension Kit), which is used to help extend your antenna above obstructions to improve the remote control operating range. If this extender does not remedy the situation, we would recommend trying a different universal receiver before switching your entire system as this could help improve your transmitter range without the cost of a full operator overhaul. If you would like to move forward with these modifications, please send an email to media@ghostcontrols.com so we can have the GXAT shipped to you as quickly as possible.
Why wouldn't you guys release an APP so anyone we choose to can install it and open gate from their smartphone? Instead buying keypad or multiple remotes is not a smart solution. It's kinda old school, I even threw out all our Garage opener remotes and replaced them with an App and now we use our smartphones.
Hi Shawn- I apologize for the delay in getting back with you. If you have not done so Please contact 8508981411 and one of the team will reach back out. If you are the Shawn with the phone number that ends in 36 I have forwarded your message on to the Tech group and you will be getting a call today. If not feel free to reach me directly at 850-558-5507 and I will you pointed in the right direction. Rick
What a frustrating experience it has been trying to get my Ghost Controls Gate Opener to work correctly. Ghost Control is absolutely a spot on name because it has a mind of it’s own. Stops here, stops there, may close all the way, may not. It may open, it may not. Jog here, jog there, set this, set that. Turn off the annoying beeps. Just kidding, they don’t really turn off. Power it off if you want it to shut up. And do you REALLY need the other remote to clone? Nah, you don’t. This has been a 100% waste of money and time while sending my frustrations over this miserable product through the roof.
Hi Mark, it looks like our tech support team has reached out to regarding your gates and has asked for you to set up an appt to discuss how to correct whats going with your gates. Please contact us at (850) 558-5520 M-F 8:00 AM to 6:45 PM EST or schedule an appointment at ghostcontrols.com/pages/schedule-a-call.
Hi Abe, this installation was just to show the basics of installing our product. Many of our customers have been able to hide the wires or find creative ways to blend the box in with their fencing. Please let us know if we can assist you in that process in any way!
Thank you for the comment! To answer question We have a patented design that that we trademarked as Safeforce which complies with UL325 Section 32.1.1 which requires two independent means of entrapment protection. Our products utilize Type C entrapment protection in addition to Type A inherent entrapment protection. This means no other entrapment protection is required to meet the standard and is why you do not see any additional safety devices being installed in the video. Thanks for watching!
Hi Adam, Please use the link below and setup a call so our support team can help walk you through what might be making your gate buggy. ghostcontrols.com/pages/schedule-a-call
This thing is garbage. Bought the solar dual swing and doesnt come with a battery box?? Where is the solar wire supposed to go??? Everything is an add on with this company. Bought one from Amazon for 300$ better than this one. Dual swing.
Our tech support team would love to help you. Please schedule a call with link or call 850-898-1411 so we can walk you through that. ghostcontrols.com/pages/schedule-a-call