FAAC RANGER User Manual

INTRODUCTION

This operator is intended to be installed on vehicular Class I, II, III or IV gates as defined by UL 325. Maximum gate load not to exceed 400 pounds and 13 feet in length.

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL CAREFULLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

The Ranger control board was designed with a current sense safety feature and we strongly recommend other safety devices such as photo eyes to make each particular installation as safe as possible and reduce the risk of personal injury and/or property damage.

Please read carefully and understand the Safety Section of this manual.

Cautions - Very Important

¾ Do not attempt to enter the gate area while the gate is moving. Wait until the gate comes

to a complete stop.

¾ Operate the gate only when it is fully visible, free of persons or obstructions, and

properly adjusted.

¾ Do not allow children to play in the area of the gate. Do not allow anyone to ride on the

gate.

¾ Do not allow children to play with the remote control or any other activation device. ¾ Do not attempt to "beat the gate" while the gate is opening or closing. This is extremely

dangerous.

¾ Test the current sense feature and all safe ty devices regularly to insure correct operation. ¾ Study the entire Safety Section (page 23-24), paying particularly close attention to the

Entrapment zones on page 24 and be aware of these areas no t only during use but also during any adjustments to the unit.

¾ The USAutomatic battery charger is designed to operate with a +12 vd c battery, sealed

maintenance free type Group U-1 battery recommended. 33 amp hour minimum.

¾ All control stat ions should be located at least 6 feet from any mo ving part of the gate o r

operator.

¾ Do not ever install any control device where a user will be tempted to reach through the

gate or fence to activate a gate.

¾ Do not attempt to completely seal the control box.

BATTERY REQUIRED FOR OPERATION (Battery not included)

Recommended battery type

Battery 12-volt, Group U-1; sealed (maintenance free); 33 amp hour minimum.

The Plug N Go harness has two 1/4” ring terminals to connect to bolt type battery post.

CAUTION: Do not install wet cell battery into control box; this type of battery usually

has removable caps used for service and will vent into control box.

without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

USAutomatic Part Number 720104

Table of Contents

Page

Introduction and Recommended Battery Type ...................................................................... 1

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. 2

Importance of a Properly Designed Gate / General Requirements ........................................... 3

Parts Included .................................................................................................................. 4

Gate Qualifications / Applications ...................................................................................... 5

Ranger Gate Opener General Information and Special Features .............................................. 5

Ranger Gate Opener Information Solar Charged ................................................................... 5

Understanding AC Charged System / Solar Charged System ................................................... 5

Gate Cycles per Day AC charged / Solar Charged / Solar Region Map .................................... 6

Mounting Site Review / Ranger Installed Photo ................................................................... 6

Installing Actuator Support Bracket / Installing Actuator Bracket .......................................... 7

Installing Actuator to Actuator Bracket ............................................................................... 7

Installing Gate Bracket to Actuator .................................................................................... 8

Attaching for Push to Open Installation .............................................................................. 8

Installing Gate Bracket to Gate (Pull to Open) and (Push to Open) ......................................... 8

Preparing Ranger Control Box for Installation ..................................................................... 8

Installing Ranger Control Box ........................................................................................... 9

Splicing for Ranger 500 S Linear Actuator Cable if Needed .................................................. 9

Ranger Quick Connect Harness Initial Installation ............................................................... 9

Ranger Battery Installation ................................................................................................ 10

Determining Charger Location (AC or Solar) / Solar Panel Installation ................................... 10

Optimizing Solar Panel Location ........................................................................................ 11

Transformer Installation / Connecting Charge device to Charge Controller .............................. 11

Charge Controller Operation Check .................................................................................... 11

Charge Controller / Transformer Manufacturer Information ................................................... 12

Linear Actuator Cable Connection ...................................................................................... 13

Ranger Quick Connect Harness Final Installation ................................................................. 13

Understanding Sensitivity Adjustments and Entrapment Alarm .............................................. 14

Adjusting Gate 1 and Gate 2 Sensitivity .............................................................................. 14

Understanding Close and Ope

Operating Gate for the First Time / Making Final Adjustments .............................................. 14

Installing Safety Signs ...................................................................................................... 15

Adjusting Close Limit Utilizing Nudge Technique ................................................................ 15

Ranger Control Board / J2 Terminal / Control Switches Function ........................................... 15

Ranger 500 D Gate 2 Kit Installation .................................................................................. 16

Installing Gate 2 Linear Actuator and Junction Box ........................................................... 16-17

Connecting Gate 2 Actuator to Control Board ...................................................................... 17

Operating Gate 2 for the First Time and Final Adjustments ................................................... 17

Programming Transmitter and Receiver ............................................................................... 18

Programming Wireless Keypad ........................................................................................ 19-20

Optional accessory information, Garage receiver, Push to operate button, 7 day timer .............. 21

Optional accessory information, Photo Eye Installation / Wiring ............................................ 22

Safety Section .............................................................................................................. 23-24

Periodic Service ............................................................................................................... 24

Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................................... 25-27

Accessory Wiring Information ........................................................................................... 28

Warranty Statement .......................................................................................................... 29

n Limit Adjustments ............................................................... 14

IMPORTANCE OF A PROPERLY DESIGNED GATE.

USAutomatic, LTD is not responsible for any damage to a gate in which the gate operator is installed. A poorly installed or misadjusted gate could be damaged. It is the responsibility of the installer to verify proper gate installation prior to operator installation.

As a general rule a gate which is to be automatically operated must be stronger and smoother than one which will be manually operated. Since the gate is a major component of the system, great care and concern must be given to the gate design.

NOTE: A GATE OPERATOR CANNOT OVERCOME A POORLY DESIGNED GATE.

A. Does the gate swing smoothly without binds or excessive resistance? Swing gates should swing level and

plumb to prevent the operator from having to lift the gate open or closed. Swing gates should not require a wheel to support them. Wheels create drag, which will cause operator problems. A wheel is generally a sign of a weak hinge system or a weak gate frame.

B. Is the gate frame of substantial strength without excessive weight? Will the frame withstand normal wind

load conditions without sway or vibration? Will the gate close correctly without being hand-guided or lifted to close?

C. Are the hinges suited for an automatic gate operator? We recommend bearing type hinges to reduce

friction drag.

D. Will a reinforcement brace be required to attach the linear actuator to the gate or does a suitable cross

member exist in the gate design?

If any of these problems exist, they must be corrected to achieve a reliable automatic gate system.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Tools required for most installations: Wrenches & Socket – 9/16 Drill Level and tape measure

Drill adapter for socket attachment Pliers Hack saw

Welding is the recommended method of securing the linear actuator mounts to the gate and hinge post. Bolt on brackets are optional, but may require frequent service to keep tight. They must be very securely attached (i.e. carriage bolts with lock nuts and washers). Lag type bolts are not recommended. Loose or unstable linear actuator mounts will result in improper operation.

IMPORTANT CAUTIONS:

1. Do not perform any welding with the actuator cable plugged into the control board or the battery

connected. Serious damage to the control board and/or battery may occur if attempted.

2. Use control box as a template to determine mounting screw locations and then attach screws and slide on

control box. Do not attempt to hold control box and drill mounting holes this could damage the preinstalled components.

3. Always disconnect the battery power from the control board using the Quick connect harness prior to

wiring any devices to the control board.

PARTS INCLUDED Ranger 500 S part number 020510

Ranger Actuator Bracket Pro Part # 610420

Ranger Actuator Support Bracket Pro Part # 610425

3/8 x 16 serrated hex nut Part # 610518 1 per

3/8 SAE flat washer Part # 610516 2 per

#12 Self tap hex screw Part # 610532 4 per

Bronze Bushing Part # 610530 2 per

Manual release pin Part # 610534 1 per

Manual release clip Part # 610535 1 per

Transmitter Part # 030210 2 per

Quick Connect harness Part # 630040 1 per

Transformer Part # 520008 1 per

LCR Receiver Part # 030200

Charge Controller Part # 520007

Ranger Charge cable Extension Part #

Ranger External Reset Cable Part # 630060

Linear Actuator Part # 510300 1 per

Control Board Part # 500500

Gate Bracket Part # 610110 1 per

3/8 x 2 ½” shoulder bolt Part # 610512 1 per

Nylon washer Part # 610528 2 per

Entrapment Siren Part # 530015 1 per

½” Cable gland Part # 620022 1 per

Safety Sign Part # 601027 2 per

Ranger Control Box Assy Part # 020570

GATE QUALIFICATIONS/APPLICATIONS

The Ranger gate operator is designed and rated for vehicular class I, II, III or IV swing gates up to 13 feet in length. Recommended for Gates that meet the following descriptions:

The Ranger gate operator is designed and supplied with weld on mounting brackets to fit most types of gate installations. If desired, optional bolt on brackets are available (part # 620151) for hinge post from 2 3/8” to 6” round or square.

Ranger Gate Operator General Information and Special Features

The Ranger gate operator is powered by a 12 VDC battery (not included). This battery is charged by the supplied transformer which requires AC power (120 VAC) to be either at the gate area or within 1000 feet of the gate area. If the AC power is more than 10 feet from the gate operator control box then additional extension cable is required (see page 10 for Ranger charge cable extension kit information).

If preferred with the optional Ranger Solar Panel kit, you may use a solar panel to charge the battery. Typically only one panel will be required. The Ranger gate operator is capable of a high number of cycles per day. For information on what you can expect from a solar charged system see page 6. Accessories that are added to your gate operator must be solar friendly accessories and they will be identified as such. Visit www.usautomatic.com for more information and design assistance.

The Ranger gate operator features Quick connect wiring harness that eliminates the need for any complicated wiring. The only wiring required consists of two wires from the harness that must be connected to the battery positive (red wire) and negative terminals (black wire). All components have been pre-installed so that installation can typically be completed in less than one hour.

The Ranger control board features high quality components and industry leading ideas such as auto resetting fuses for motor protection. The old auto type fuse that blows and must be replaced has been designed out of this control board to avoid the unnecessary expense of buying fuses. Patent pending on board limit adjustments are a first in the industry and make limit adjustments easy if needed.

The standard LCR transmitter and receiver package offer the customer many advantages. The solar friendly receiver design, two output channels, excellent operational range and the ability to store up to 42 individual transmitter dip switch settings make this product superior. The wireless keypad design allows for 2 to 5 digit access codes and memory is retained, if battery is removed. USAutomatic strongly recommends this package to reduce the possibility of premature battery drain that may be caused by other receiver packages.

Garage door compatibility is possible using “Garage Door Receiver” (part # 030214). It is easily installed by connecting 2 wires.

Understanding AC Charged System

The Ranger gate operator comes with a low voltage transformer which plugs into the charge controller and can easily provide 575 cycles of operation a day without decreasing the battery charge. In the event AC power goes out the operator will operate for weeks on the battery (if cycles per day are below 20) before needing service. Again, accessories connected to the operator are critical. Always use Solar Friendly accessories to help avoid premature battery failure in cases of power outages.

Understanding Solar Charged System

The Ranger gate operator is designed to provide enough cycles a day for most installations without needing more than one solar panel. Care must be taken to ensure the solar panel has full sun throughout the day; partial sun will give partial results. If no sun is present then a solar system is not practical no matter how many panels might be installed. Solar Panel must be kept clean and in full sunlight.

The design of the system must pay particular attention to any accessories that might be added, use only Solar Friendly accessories to help avoid premature battery failure. For a complete list of accessories please visit www.usautomatic.com.

GATE CYCLES PER DAY AC CHARGED SYSTEM (TRANSFORMER INCLUDED)

AC charged systems should not exceed 575 cycles per day.

GATE CYCLES PER DAY SOLAR CHARGED SYSTEM (OPTIONAL SOLAR KIT)

Solar charged systems should not exceed the cycles listed in the chart below. These numbers are based on a single 6 watt solar panel installation. If additional panels are installed additional cycles will be available.

Model Type

Ranger 500 S single gate

Ranger 500 D dual gate

REGION 1 REGION 2 REGION 3

10 cycles per day 40 cycles per day 60 cycles per day

5 cycles per day 20 cycles per day 40 cycles per day

Region 1 covers the area of the country receiving the least amount of solar radiation. On average the amount of charge time is 1.5 hours in region 1, 3 hours in region 2 and 5 hours in region 3.

Figure 1

Region 1 Hours of Solar Radiation 1.5

Region 3 Hours of Solar Radiation 5

Region 2 Hours of Solar Radiation 3

These are conservative numbers and the Ranger gate operator should have no problem performing as stated in the chart above. See Region Map (figure 1) to determine cycles that can be expected. These numbers are based on a basic system with the standard 6 watt solar panel and adding solar friendly accessories will not have any great affect on the numbers stated. Using other accessories can cause premature battery failure. Look for the solar friendly logo when considering accessories for your gate opener.

MOUNTING SITE REVIEW

Review the items below prior to installation and predetermine the solution to any problems which may exist.

A. Does sufficient space exist for mounting and future servicing of the operator and control box? B. Which direction will the gate swing?

Will the gate operator pull the gate open to the inside (Pull to Open)?

Will the gate operator push the gate open to the outside (Push to Open)? C. Where will the actuator bracket and gate bracket be secured at the hinge post and to the gate ? D. Where will the control box be mounted to support the weight of the battery and can it be located within

8 feet to prevent splicing of the actuator cable? E. How far away is the 110 VAC receptacles for the transformer? Transformer is supplied with 12 feet of

cable, if extension is needed use Charge Cable Extension pig tails included. See page 10 for charge

extension information and recommended wire size chart for extension distance needed. F. Where will the solar panel mount if solar charged so that optimum sunlight is received? Solar panel in

most cases needs to face a south west direction. Solar panel comes with 15’ of cable if extension is

needed use Charge Cable Extension pig tails included. See page 10 for charge extension information

and recommended wire size chart for extension distance needed. G. How will accessory control wiring, if any, be brought to the control box? Knock outs are provided in

control box bottom for conduit. H. Have all safety concerns been addressed? (See Safety Section Page 23-24)

Installing Actuator Support Bracket & Actuator Bracket (Pull To Open)

*Bolt on brackets shown optional

The picture in figure 2 is a Pull to Open installation. When determining the location of the actuator pivot point all measurements should be made from the center of the hinge. The dimensions for a typical 90 degree ope ning are 5” behind the

7”

hinge center and 7” toward the inside of the property.

Measurements are from hinge center, there are many types of hinges available. Make measurements from the hinge center.

Actuator pivot point

5”

Actuator pivot point

Ranger actuator support bracket and actuator bracket are standard and require welding to install

Figure 2

Gate shown in the full open position

Installing Actuator Support Bracket & Actuator Bracket (Push To Open)

*Bolt on brackets shown optional

The picture in figure 2A is a Push to Open installation. When determining the location of the actuator pivot point all measurements should be made from the center of the hinge. The dimensions for a typical 90 degree ope ning are 4” behind the hinge center and 7” toward the driveway from hinge center. This

7”

type of installation places the bracket out slightly toward the drive.

Shown in Closed position

Direction of gate

movement when opening

Installing Linear Actuator to Actuator Bracket

See figure 3 (Bolt on brackets shown are optional)

1. Install nylon washers and bronze bushings into rear of linear actuator.

2. Install into actuator bracket

3. Secure in place using 3/8 x 2 ½” shoulder bolt and two 3/8 SAE washers.

4. Use 3/8 serrated hex nut to secure, tighten firmly. Do not over tighten.

Important: Actuator should swing freely, Do not over tighten.

Figure 3

Figure 2A

4”

Installing Gate Bracket to Linear Actuator

Figure 4

See figure 4 Install manual release pin, gate bracket and manual release clip

to linear actuator extension rod end.

Installing Gate Bracket to Gate (Pull to Open Only)

Important: The linear actuator was shipped from the factory set to the fully retracted position. To determine

where the gate bracket will be installed follow the steps below:

The linear actuator should be connected to the actuator bracket at this point.

1. Swing gate to the fully open position.

2. Now open gate another couple of inches (the gate will never open

more than this position). The gate can be adjusted later to open a little less if needed.

3. Swing linear actuator around (should swing freely) in a level

position to meet the fully open gate. This is where the gate bracket should be installed on the gate.

4. There are 2 - ¼” holes in the bracket. They can be used to screw the

Figure 5

bracket to the gate before welding if desired (see figure 5 & 6).

5. The gate should now be installed in the fully open position. Verify

that linear actuator is level and all pieces have been installed correctly.

Installing Gate Bracket to Gate (Push to Open Only)

Procedure is identical to the steps for Pull to Open except the gate will be in the fully closed position.

Preparing Ranger Control Box for Installation

The control box has two holes in the bottom of the box providing access to the wire compartment. The large hole is for the actuator cable and the smaller hole is for the charge device cable.

Install the provided cable gland into the small hole as shown in figure 7.

Cable Glan

Figure 6

Figure 7

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