Mighty Mule FM500 User Manual

Installation Manual for the

®500

E-Z GATE OPENER UL325 SERIES

® 500

E-Z GATE OPENER UL325 SERIES

1-800-543-GATE (4283) • www.mightymule.com

! WARNING

MOVING GATE

Can Cause Injury or Death

SINGLE GATE SYSTEM

US

WARNING!

This equipment is similar to other gate or door equipment and meets or exceeds Underwriters Laboratory Standard 325 (UL 325). However, gate equipment has hazards associated with its use and therefore by installing this product the installer and user accept full responsibility for following and noting the installation and safety instructions. Failure to follow installation and safety instructions can result in hazards developing due to improper assembly. You agree to properly install this product and that if you fail to do so GTO, Inc. shall in no event be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages or loss of profits whether based in contract tort or any other legal theory during the course of the warranty or at any time thereafter. The installer and/or user agree to assume responsibility for all liability and use of this product releasing GTO, Inc. from any and all liability. If you are not in agreement with this disclaimer or do not feel capable

of properly following all installation and safety instructions you may return this product for full replacement value.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY before attempting to install and use this automatic gate opener. This gate opener produces a high level of force. Stay clear of the unit while it is operating and exercise caution at all times.

All automatic gate openers are intended for use on vehicular gates only.

This product meets and exceeds the requirements of UL 325, the standard which regulates gate opener safety, as established and made effective March 1, 2000, by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

3121 Hartsfield Road • Tallahassee, Florida, USA 32303

Telephone GTO Sales: 1-800-543-GATE (4283) or [phone] • Fax [phone] or GTO Technical Service: 1-800-543-1236 or [phone] • Fax [phone] www.mightymule.com­

R500INST

rev - 04/03/06

©2002 GTO, Inc.

The Mighty Mule® Gate Opener is intended for use with vehicular swing gates. The opener can be used in Class I, Class II, Class III and Class IV applications. 

Vehicular gate opener class categories

Residential Vehicular Gate Opener-Class I: A vehicular gate opener (or system) intended for use in a home of one-to-four single family dwelling, or a garage or parking area associated therewith.

Commercial/General Access Vehicular Gate Opener-Class II: A vehicular gate opener (or system) intended for use in a commercial location or building such as a multifamily housing unit (five or more single family units), hotel, garages, retail store, or other building servicing the general public.

Industrial/Limited Access Vehicular Gate Opener–Class III: A vehicular gate opener (or system) intended for use in an industrial location or building such as a factory or loading dock area or other locations not intended to service the general public.

Restricted Access Vehicular Gate Opener–Class IV: A vehicular gate opener (or system) intended for use in a guarded industrial location or building such as an airport security area or other restricted access locations not servicing the general public, in which unauthorized access is prevented via supervision by security personnel.

Conversion Chart

Converting Metric Units to English Equivalents

When You Know	Multiply By	To Find	Symbol
centimeters	0.3937	inches	in. (or ")
meters	3.2808	feet	ft. (or ')
kilograms	2.2046	pounds	lb. (or #)

Converting English Units to Metric Equivalents

When You Know	Multiply By	To Find	Symbol
inches	2.5400	centimeters	cm
feet	0.3048	meters	m
pounds	0.4535	kilograms	kg

Converting Temperature

deg. Celsius	(ºC x 1.8) + 32	deg. Fahrenheit	ºF
deg. Fahrenheit	(ºF-32) ÷ 1.8	deg. Celsius	ºC

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Please record the product serial number (located on the control box cover), and the date and place of purchase in the spaces provided below. Refer to this information when calling GTO for service or assistance with your automatic gate opener.

Serial Number ____________________ Date of Purchase ____________________

Place of Purchase ____________________

Remember to keep all receipts for proof of purchase.

REFERENCE FUTURE FOR INSTRUCTIONS THESE KEEP

Table of Contents

Gate Opener Class Categories--------------------------------------------------------------	inside cover
Units and Standards Conversion Chart----------------------------------------------------	inside cover
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!---------------------------------------------------	page iii
Important Safety Instructions ---------------------------------------------------	page 1
Disconnecting the Opener--------------------------------------------------------------	page 1
Important Safety Instructions for the Consumer------------------------------------	page 2
Secondary Means of Protection Against Entrapment-------------------------------	page 5
Required Safety Precautions for Gates-----------------------------------------------	page 6
Warning Signs and Labels--------------------------------------------------------------	page 7
Installation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------	page 8
Parts List----------------------------------------------------------------------------------	page 8
Technical Specifications --------------------------------------------------------------	page 10
Installation Overview ----------------------------------------------------------------	page 11
Installation of the Mounting Hardware-----------------------------------------------	page 12
Mounting the Opener-------------------------------------------------------------------	page 16
Installation of the Closed Position Stop----------------------------------------------	page 16
Mounting the Control Box-------------------------------------------------------------	page 17
Connecting the Power Cable ----------------------------------------------------------	page 18
Powering the System ---------------------------------------------------------------	page 19
Solar Chart--------------------------------------------------------------------------------	page 19
Connecting the Transformer-----------------------------------------------------------	page 21
Control Board Settings -----------------------------------------------------------	page 22
DIP Switches-----------------------------------------------------------------------------	page 22
Setting the Closed Position-------------------------------------------------------------	page 23
Obstuction Sensitivity-------------------------------------------------------------------	page 24
Setting Your Personal Transmitter Code -------------------------------------	page 25
Installing the Receiver ------------------------------------------------------------	page 26
Connecting Additional Safety Devices -----------------------------------------	page 27
Connecting Accessories -----------------------------------------------------------	page 29
Push to Open Installation ---------------------------------------------------------	page 30
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide ---------------------------------------	page 33
Repair Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------	page 35
Column Installation Information -----------------------------------------------	page 36
Accessory Catalog -----------------------------------------------------------------	page 37

®

E-Z GATE OPENERS

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!

Thank you for purchasing a Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener—GTO's "do-it-yourself" automatic gate opener!

When correctly installed and properly used, your Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener will give you many years of reliable service. Please read the following information and watch the enclosed videotape to ensure you have the correct system for your particular needs. Furthermore, this manual and the videotape will enable you to properly install your Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener.

The Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener is designed for installation on a pull-to-open single leaf gate (gates that open into the property). By purchasing an accessory bracket, the Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener can accommodate a push-to-open single leaf gate (gates that open out from the property). The gate must not exceed 18 feet in length and weigh more than 350 pounds or exceed 6 feet in length and weigh more than 850 pounds (please see Technical Specifications on page 10). The Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener can be used on vinyl, aluminum, chain link,

farm tube, and wrought iron gates. Use on solid (wood) gates is not recommended. Solid surface gates have a high resistance to the wind. If the wind is strong enough, the opener will obstruct and stop.

The Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener accommodates extra transmitters, digital keypads, solar panels, push buttons, automatic gate locks, and other access control products. These optional accessories (see the enclosed Mighty Mule® Accessory Catalog) are available at most stores. Your store should be able to special order any accessory not in stock. If your store cannot special order accessories, please call the GTO Sales Department (800-543-GATE).

The Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener features adjustable obstruction sensing. This safety feature makes the gate stop and reverse direction within 2 seconds when it comes in contact with an obstruction. MIN is the factory setting; meaning the gate will exert the minimum force on an obstruction before it stops and reverses direction.

The Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener also has an adjustable auto-close feature. After the gate reaches the fully open position, it can be set to remain open up to 120 seconds before automatically closing. Pressing the transmitter button at any time after the gate opens fully will cause it to close immediately. OFF is the factory setting; meaning the gate will stay open until you press the transmitter (or keypad, etc.) again.

PLEASE NOTE—If your application requires any of the following:

Swing gates longer than 18 feet or weighing more than 850 pounds;

Slide gates;

Heavy duty or commercial uses;

Professional installation;

please call GTO at (800) 543-GATE [4283] or [phone] for information about our GTO/PRO professional line of gate openers and accessories. Our Sales Department will be glad to give you the name and phone number of a GTO/PRO dealer near you.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO INSTALL YOUR AUTOMATIC GATE OPENER: watch the enclosed videotape and read these instructions carefully and completely

to become familiar with all parts and installation steps. The video tape is only designed as a overview of the installation procedure. You must read the installation manual for detailed instructions on gate opener safety and proper use of the gate opener.

iii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Because automatic gate openers produce high levels of force, consumers need to know the potential hazards associated with improperly designed, installed, and maintained automated gate opener systems. Keep in mind that the gate opener is just one component of the total gate operating system. Each component must work in unison to provide the consumer with convenience, security, and safety.

This manual contains various safety precautions and warnings for the consumer. Because there are many possible applications of the gate opener, the safety precautions and warnings contained in this manual cannot be completely exhaustive in nature. They do, however, provide an overview of the safe design, installation, and use of this product. CAREFULLY

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, WARNINGS, AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFE SYSTEM DESIGN, INSTALLATION, AND USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

Precautions and warnings in this manual are identified with this warning symbol. The symbol identifies conditions that can result in damage to the opener or its components, serious injury, or death.

Because GTO automatic gate openers are only part of the total gate operating system, it is the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that the total system is safe for its intended use.

To Manually Open and Close the Gate, Follow the Procedure Below:

CAUTION: The gate will move freely and uncontrolled when the gate opener is removed from the gate. ONLY disconnect the opener when the control box power

switch is OFF and the gate is NOT moving.

Disconnecting the Opener

1.Turn control box power switch OFF.

2.Remove hairpin clip, clevis pin, and bushing from either the front or rear mounting point.

3.Remove the opener from the mount.

The gate can be opened and closed manually when the opener is disconnected.

Front or Rear Mount

Clevis Pin

Gate Bracket

Bushing

Hairpin Clip

NOTE: Substitute a Pin Lock for the clevis pin on the front mount of the gate opener to prevent unauthorized removal of the opener from the gate (see Accessory Catalog).

1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

For The Consumer

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury or death:

1.READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS. Failure to meet the requirements set forth in the instruction manual could cause severe injury and/or death, for which the manufacturer cannot be held responsible.

2.When designing a system that will be entered from a highway or main thoroughfare, make sure the system is placed far enough from the road to prevent traffic congestion.

3.The gate must be installed in a location that provides adequate clearance between it and adjacent structures when opening and closing to reduce the risk of entrapment. Swinging gates must not open into public access areas.

4.The gate and gate opener installation must comply with any applicable local codes.

I. Before Installation

1.Verify this opener is proper for the type and size of gate, its frequency of use and the proper class rating.

2.Make sure the gate has been properly installed and swings freely in both directions. Repair or replace all worn or damaged gate hardware prior to installation. A freely moving gate will require less force to operate and will enhance the performance of the opener and safety devices used with the system.

3.Review the operation of the system to become familiar with its safety features. Understand how to disconnect the opener for manual gate operation (see page 1).

4.This gate opener is intended for vehicular gates ONLY. A separate entrance or gate must be installed for pedestrian use (see page 6).

5.Always keep people and objects away from the gate and its area of travel. NO ONE SHOULD CROSS THE

PATH OF A MOVING GATE.

6.Pay close attention to the diagram below and be aware of these areas at all times.

Entrapment Zones for a Pull-To-Open Application

ZONE 1

ZONE 3

Driveway

ZONE 2

ZONE 5

ZONE 4

Gate in the

Open Position

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Entrapment Zones for a proper Pull-To-Open installation: Zone 1 – leading edge of the gate and the fence post. Zone 2 – between the gate and the gate post.

Zone 3 – the path of the gate.

Zone 4 – the space between the gate in the open position and any object such as a wall, fence, tree, etc. Zone 5 – pinch points between the opener and gate or post.

II.During Installation

1.Install the gate opener on the inside of the property and fence line. DO NOT install an opener on the outside of the gate where the public has access to it.

2.Be careful with moving parts and avoid close proximity to areas where fingers or hands could be pinched.

3.Devices such as contact sensors (safety edges) and non contact sensors (photo beams) provide additional protection against entrapment.

4.If push buttons or key switches are installed, they should be within sight of the gate, yet located at least 10 feet from any moving part of the gate (see diagram below). Never install any control device where a user will be tempted to reach through the gate to activate the gate opener.

5.Do not activate your gate opener unless you can see it and can determine that its area of travel is clear of people, pets, or other obstructions. Watch the gate through its entire movement.

6.Secure outdoor or easily accessed gate opener controls in order to prohibit unauthorized use of the gate.

Pull-To-Open

Application

	10'
10'	10'
	Moving Gate
	Area

	Driveway
	NEVER INSTALL
		10'
	any control device
	within gray area

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

III.After Installation

1.Attach the warning signs (included) to each side of the gate to alert the public of automatic­ gate operation. It is your responsibility to post warning signs on both sides of your gate. If any of these signs or warning decals become damaged, illegible or missing, replace them immediately. Contact GTO for free replacements.

2.The gate is automatic and could move at any time, posing a serious risk of entrapment. No one should be in contact with the gate when it is moving or stationary.

3.Do not attempt to drive into the gate area while the gate is moving; wait until the gate comes to a complete stop.

4.Do not attempt to "beat the gate" while the gate is closing. This is extremely dangerous.

5.Do not allow children or pets near your gate. Never let children operate or play with gate controls. Keep the remote controls away from children and unauthorized users; store controls where children and unauthorized users do not have access to them.

6.KEEP GATES PROPERLY MAINTAINED. Always turn power to opener OFF before performing any maintenance. Clean the push-pull tube with a soft, dry cloth and apply silicone spray to it at least once per month.

7.Service the gate and gate opener regularly. Grease hinges and replace the battery every 3-5 years.

8.To operate this equipment safely, YOU must know how to disconnect the opener for manual gate operation

(see page 1). If you have read the instructions and still do not understand how to disconnect the opener, contact the GTO Service Department.

9.Disconnect the opener ONLY when the power is TURNED OFF and the gate is NOT moving.

10.Make arrangements with local fire and law enforcement for emergency access.

11.Distribute and discuss copies of the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS section of this manual with all persons authorized to use your gate.

12.IMPORTANT: Save these safety instructions. Make sure everyone who is

using or in the vicinity of the gate and gate opener are aware of the dangers associated with automated gates. In the event you sell the property with the gate opener or sell the gate opener, provide a copy of these safety instructions to the new owner.

Should you lose or misplace this manual, a copy can be obtained by downloading one from the Mighty Mule® web site (www.mightymule.com), by contacting GTO, Inc., at 3121 Hartsfield Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 or by calling 1-800-543-4283 and requesting a duplicate copy. One will be provided to you free of charge.

4

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Secondary Means of Protection Against

Entrapment

As specified by Gate Opener Safety Standard, UL 325 (30A.1.1), automatic gate openers shall have an inherent entrapment sensing system, and shall have provisions for, or be supplied with, at least one independent secondary means to protect against entrapment. The Mighty Mule® utilizes Type A, an inherent (i.e., built-in) entrapment sensing system as the primary type of entrapment protection. Also, the Mighty Mule® has provisions for the connection of Type B2 protection to be used as the secondary type of entrapment protection, if desired.

1.For gate openers utilizing a contact sensor (e.g., safety edge sensor– Type B2) in accordance with UL 325 (51.8.4 [i]):

A.One or more contact sensors shall be located at the leading edge, bottom edge, and post edge, both inside and outside of a vehicular swing gate system.

B.A hard wired contact sensor shall be located and its wiring arranged so that the communication between the sensor and the gate opener is not subjected to mechanical damage.

C.A wireless contact sensor such as one that transmits radio frequency (RF) signals to the gate opener for entrapment protection functions shall be located where the transmission of the signals are not obstructed or impeded by building structures, natural landscaping or similar obstruction. A wireless contact sensor shall function under the intended end-use conditions.

Leading Edge Contact Sensor

on both sides of the gate

500

Vehicular Gate

Bottom Edge Contact Sensor	Post Edge Contact Sensor
on both sides of the gate	on both sides of the gate

ENTRAPMENT ALARM (UL 325; 30A.1.1A)

The Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener is designed to stop and reverse within 2 seconds when the gate comes in contact with an obstruction. Additionally, these openers are equipped with an audio entrapment alarm which will activate if the unit obstructs twice while opening or closing. This alarm will sound for a period of 5 minutes, or until the opener receives an intended signal from a hardwired entry/exit source (e.g. push button control or keypad) and the gate returns to a fully open or fully closed position. Turning the power switch on the control box OFF and back ON will also deactivate the alarm. Wireless controls such as transmitters and wireless keypads will not deactivate the alarm.

5

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Required Safety Precautions for Gates

Install Warning Signs

Warning signs alert people of automatic gate operation and are required when installing the Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener. Furthermore, a walk-through gate must be installed if pedestrian traffic is expected near the vehicular gate. We recommend using the GTO Bulldog Pedestrian Gate Lock (Call the GTO Sales Department) for controlled access.

Bulldog Pedestrian

Gate Lock

(recommended, not included)

Pedestrian Gate	Contact Sensor	Warning Sign
	(recommended, not included)

	500
Vehicular Gate
Contact Sensor	Contact Sensor
(recommended, not included)	(recommended, not included)

Entrapment Protection

GTO’s inherent obstruction settings, even when properly adjusted, may not be sensitive enough to prevent bodily injury in some circumstances. For this reason, safety devices such as safety edge sensors (or photoelectric sensors), which stop and reverse gate direction upon sensing an obstruction, are suggested for enhanced protection against entrapment.

Warning Signs

The warning signs (at right) must be installed on both sides of the gate (see page 7 for details).

! WARNING

Moving Gate Can Cause

Injury Or Death

1.KEEP CLEAR! Gate may move at any time.

2.Do not allow children to operate gate or play in gate area.

3.This gate is for vehicles only. Pedestrians must use a separate entrance.

6

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

!

Warning signs (2 enclosed) to be installed on each side of the gate (3—5 feet above the bottom of the gate)

These warning labels should be found at the locations specified below. If any of them are missing, immediately contact GTO for replacements.

		DC SWING SERIES / 500
		Conforms to UL 325 STANDARDS
		Maximum Gate: 500 lb. (226.7 kg); 16 ft. (4.8 m)
C		US Voltage: 12 Vdc; Frequency: 0 Hz; Power: 25 W
#xxxxxxx		Class I, II, III and IV Vehicular Swing Gate Operator.
		Serial Number: XXXXXXXXXX

TO MANUALLY OPEN AND CLOSE THE GATE:

1.Turn control box power switch OFF.

2.Disconnect front or rear mount from gate bracket.

3.Pull opener away from front or rear mount.

Disconnect operator ONLY when the control box power switch is OFF and the gate is NOT moving.

GTO, Inc. Tallahassee, Florida USA

Product identification and manual operation instruction label (1) installed on control box cover

®500

E-Z GATE ®OPENER UL325 SERIES

Logo and warning labels (2) installed on each side of opener housing

7

Single Gate Opener Parts List

Opener and Mounting Hardware

							500
						E-Z GATE	OPENER
	5ObS 0`OQYSb
					5ObS =^S\S`
"BWS1OPZS<gZ]\&					e $ >]eS` 1OPZS
	1Z]aSR >]aWbW]\					7\abOZZObW]\ DWRS]
	Ab]^ >ZObS
		>]ab 0`OQYSb			>]ab >Wd]b 0`OQYSb		E-ZGATEOPENER
						1cab][S` Ac^^]`b 1O`R
					6O`ReO`S
	! & f & 0]Zb "
						! & EOaVS` '
	! & f ! 0]Zb
					! & :]QY EOaVS` %
	! & f 0]Zb
						# $ EOaVS`
	# $ f ! " 0]Zb
					#AQ`Se;]c\bW\U	! & <cb %
	! & f	1ZSdWa >W\
						# $ <cb
		6OW`^W\ 1ZW^
						! & 0caVW\Ua
					8

Single Gate Opener Parts List (continued)

Control Box and Electrical Components

Battery (1)

! WARNING

Receiver (1)

GTO Transmitter(1)

Moving Gate Can Cause

Injury Or Death

1. KEEP CLEAR! Gate may move at any time.

2. Do not allow children to operate gate or play in gate area.

3. This gate is for vehicles only. Pedestrians must use a separate entrance.

Warning Signs (2)

Transformer (1)

		Control Box (1)
Tools Needed
• Power Drill		• Tape Measure
• Open End Wrenches — 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", and 9/16"		• Level
• 3/8" Drill Bit		• Wire Strippers
• Hacksaw or Heavy Duty Bolt Cutters		• C-Clamps — small, medium, and large
• Small (Flat Bladed) Screwdriver		• Center Punch
• Phillips Screwdriver		• Extra person will be helpful

YOU MAY ALSO NEED THESE ITEMS BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE INSTALLATION (Some of these items can be found in the Accessory Catalog page 37):

•Low voltage wire will be needed to run from the transformer to the control box; length depends upon the distance between the transformer power supply and the control box. See Powering the System on page 19, and the Accessory Catalog.

•If your gate is more than 1000' away from an ac power source you will need to use at least one Mighty Mule® 5 watt Solar Panel to trickle charge the battery. See the Accessory Catalog.

•If your fence post is made of wood and is less than 6" in diameter or 6" square, see page 12.

•If your fence post is larger than 6" in diameter you will need threaded rods or carriage bolts longer than 8". See page 15.

•PVC conduit.

•If you have thin walled tube or panel gates, see Recommended Reinforcement Examples on page 12.

•Depending on the type of gate, a horizontal cross member or mounting plate may be needed to mount the front of the opener and gate bracket to the gate. See page 11, step 2; page 15, step 10.

•Surge protection for transformer.

•Some types of installations require U-Bolts.

•If the gate is a push-to-open refer to page 36

•Additional washer or a metal plate may be needeed for wooden post.

9