Automatic Gate Opener Charging Circuit Testing

How to test my charging circuit (field test). It is recommended that you also load test the battery(s).

1. In order to properly test the circuit we need to start with battery(s) that are not currently low. (below 12Vdc).

2. Measure battery voltage

• If you have two batteries, check them individually.
• If the voltage(s) is above 12 Vdc, proceed with testing.
• If the voltage(s) is below 12 Vdc, charge the battery(s) externally before proceeding.

3. Measure the voltage on the battery with the charge source removed with the system on but not moving.

4. Restore charging source, the battery voltage should raise above the previous reading. This might require activating the unit to run once. If the charging source is solar, you must be in direct sunlight (panel must not be shaded by trees or the sun obstructed by clouds).

5. If the battery voltage reading is climbing (even a few .10 of a volt when the charging source is restored) the charging circuit is functional. If there is no change, check the transformer output or solar panel output.

Transformer output:

Approximately 18Vac

10 watt Solar Panel output when not connected
Approximately 18 to 22 Vdc / .57 Amps

30 watt Solar Panel output when not connected
Approximately 18 to 22 Vdc / 1.71 Amps