Apollo 3500 Operator's Manual

APOLLO Gate Operators, Inc.

Model 3500 Commercial Swing Gate Operator

Now with new current sense adjustment procedure - see page 14

INSTALLATION MANUAL

052004

CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS……………. 3

Applications .............................................................. 4

Pre-Installation Checklist ........................................ 5

Parts Identification ................................................... 6

Post Location Guide ………………………………….. 7

Operator Installation ................................................ 8-13

EMERGENCY MANUAL OPERATION ……………… 13

Programming Current Sensing ……………………… 14

835/836 Control Board Description …………………. 15-19

Siren Installation ……………………………………….. 20

Radio Receiver Options ............................................. 21

Troubleshooting guide .............................................. 22-24

Warranty .................................................................... 25

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING - To reduce the risk of injury or death:

• READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

• Installation should be performed by a professional installer.

• Required welding should be performed by a qualified welder.

• Should electricity be required, use a certified electrician only.

• Any device that requires 120 Volts AC should be U.L. approved.

• Review with the owner all safety concerns including:

⇒ Do not operate the gate unless area around gate is in full view.
⇒ Never let children operate or play with gate controls. Keep the remote control

away from children.

⇒ Always keep people and objects away from the gate. NO ONE SHOULD CROSS

THE PATHE OF THE MOVING GATE.

⇒ Periodically test the obstruction sensitivity to assure safe and proper

operation. Do not test sensitivity by standing between the gate and the hinge or
stop post.

⇒ Do not allow children to play with the gate controls.
⇒ The “CAUTION AUTOMATIC GATE” signs should be clearly visible from both

sides of the gate.

⇒ Always insure that the gate has closed securely before leaving area.
⇒ Arrange with local fire and law enforcement for emergency access.

• Use the emergency release only when the gate is not moving.

• Recommend safety devices such as loop detectors, edge switches, and beam

detectors when applicable.

• Install control devices such as keypads far enough away (5 feet or further) from any

moving parts of the operator and gate to prevent possible injury.

• Do not install control box where the gate can come in contact with person using the

push button on side of control box.

• Always disconnect the battery or power source when making adjustments or repairs to

any part of the gate or operator.

• All rollers should be covered to prevent injury.

• KEEP GATES PROPERLY MAINTAINED. Read the owner’s manual. Have a qualified

service person make repairs to gate hardware.

• The entrance is for vehicles only. Pedestrians must use separate entrance.

Test the gate operator monthly. The gate MUST reverse on contact with a rigid object or
stop when an object activates the non contact sensors. After adjusting the force or limit of
travel, retest the gate operator. Failure to adjust and retest the gate operator properly can
increase the risk of injury or death.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

APPLICATIONS

The Model 3500 Swing Gate Operator is approved for Vehicular Class I & II usage
under UL 325 Guidelines, and is designed to handle swing gates up to 20 feet in
length and 800 pounds each. A professional fence or gate dealer is recommended
to assure proper installation. The Model 3500 operator is 12 Volt DC (Direct
Current) powered. There are several advantages with 12 Volt DC systems:

• Low voltage virtually eliminates risk of electrical shock.

• Battery powered operators provide up to 200 operations in the event of

power outages.

• The battery may be recharged with a battery charger or by solar energy

(eliminating the need for costly trenching to remote entrances).

If a battery charger is used and a standard electrical outlet is not readily available, a
licensed electrician will be required for proper electrical hook up.

The following table should be used as a guide for capacity of operation of operators
only, additional options may reduce the the daily usage. Please note that the charge

capability of solar panels will vary with different geographical locations.

Charging Methods for Average Daily Usage

Model # Daily Usage ---> 1-10 1-20 1-40 1-60 1-80 80+

201 5 watt solar panel

210 10 watt solar panel

MSX20 20 watt solar panel (requires 5310 regulator)

MSX30 30 watt solar panel (requires 5310 regulator)

MSX40 40 watt solar panel (requires 5310 regulator)

404 1.5 amp battery charger

405 10 amp battery charger

Note: Double the amount of solar panels for dual gate operators.

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PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST

The following check list should be used before beginning installation:

Verify that the proper operator has been selected for this application.
Verify proper installation and operation of the gate.

1. Are the hinges servicable?

2. Does the gate swing free and level?

3. Will the gate require a locking device?

4. Is the hinge and stop posts sturdy enough to handle the gate & operator?

5. Does the gate meet U.L. construction?

Determine the general location of the operator, attachment points, and solar

panel (if used).

1. Is there a suitable location for the operator?

2.Can the solar panel (if used) be mounted in an unobstructed area facing
south (in the northern hemisphere)?

3. Will additional solar panel cable be required?

4. Is electricity available (if required)?

Consider safety and access options. Recommend if needed.

1. Will there be children or animals in the area?

2. Are safety loops, edge switches, or photo beam detectors required?

3. How can the gate be opened in emergencies?

4. How will visitors enter and exit?

5. Will vehicles (and trailers) have sufficient room off roadway to operate any
control devices such as keypads?

Operator

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

Primary Arm

Secondary Arm

Adjustable Arm

Mounting Plate

Fasteners

Gate Bracket

CAUTION Signs (2 each)

Control Box

POST LOCATION GUIDE

Determine the angle that the gate will open to (A). Select the post coordinates ( B&C) as shown
on the chart below. Distances are from the hinge square to the center of the mounting post.
Longer gates should operate at the longer speeds.

A

Open degrees

900 10 31.2 46.7 35.3 15

900 10 30 47.5 38 16

920 15 30 42.7 26.2 12

970 13.5 25.5 44.3 46.1 17

970 15 25 45.6 45.6 16

1000 20 25 40.9 37.1 13

1070 20 20 43.2 52.1 17

1100 25 20 35.9 43.8 13

1160 25 15 37.6 56.3 16

B

inches

C

inches

D

inches

E

inches

Approximate

Seconds to open

1170 20 15 43.3 52.9 20

OPERATOR INSTALLATION

STEP 1

The 3500 operator is designed for installation using a 4” x 4” square post
with 1/4” wall thickness.

1. Determine the height on the gate where the operator will attach to.

2. Install the post as per the diagram below. The top of the post should be 2”
above the centerline of the location where the gate bracket will be mounted
on the gate.

3. Conduit should be considered at this time for cable routing from control
box to operator.

Horizontal center line of
where gate bracket is to
be installed

2”

IMPORTANT: The mounting post should be square to the gate in the closed
position and level for proper operation.

Hinge

Wall or Fence

Gate

Distances are
from the hinge to
the center of the
mounting post