Fyi I've notice that most motor installation are placed on concrete and anchored in place, but in order for the unit to operate properly and under no strain make sure when placed it is plumb, level and square and if you are starting from scratch and making the concrete pad required that's great. But placing it on existing concrete and the area is not level there is a method to fix that. I suggest using 1/2 inch drop-in concrete anchors then cut 1/2 inch stainless steel all thread rod don't worry about the length they can be cut down after install is complete. After setting the anchors in place per the instructions thread the cut rods into the anchors it's recommend to use some anti seize when using stainless hardware, then run washer and nut and tighten it all the way to the concrete, then run a nut with a washer on top to about where all four nuts and washers are close to where you need to be level and plumb, then set the opener over the rods and dial it in where you need to be, place a washer and nut then tighten it up. On a typical installation you'll probably have about a inch of gap between the bottom of the motor support and existing concrete, that gap is filled with a little bit of sand and cement mixture, you can do that later but you can operate the gate without it, if all goes well it will be solid as a rock, I would give the support a good prime and paint for maximum protection. Just thought I would help all us DIY ers. Good luck with your install!👍
Had the same problem with flapping solar panel. I built a wooden frame and secured it to the rear of the panels. Still having issues with the gate stopping every now and then during closing. Great overview, thanks for sharing. Mark
Was debating whether or not to buy this unit and after watching your videos I think I will and install it myself and thanks for the liks I used them to buy several of the thinks I didn't have.
Hello from the PNW (Portland, OR) thanks for these two videos. We just ordered the exact same setup except (chain version) and happy to find your installation and suggestions!
Hey Mike Thank you so much for the video as my wife and I were already going to order this set up but this video really helped a lot and we use your affiliate links on most of it.
I ordered a topens gate opener because i saw your video and was impressed. Now when I installed it the gat opener would not open all the way it only moved for a abut 2 seconds. For the life of me I could not get the motor to run for more than 3 seconds. If you have any tips I would love the help.
Oh handsome man thank you so much fo this video! We're trying to find the best mortor for out gate and are considering goinh woth a solar type! Thank you for the 6 month updated ! How long has it been since you first installed this motor, and how long has it been since tou made this video? Is it srill working great? Any issues since thia video?
The system has been installed for almost four years (October 2019) and still works perfectly. Exactly one year ago I had to change the batteries. I went with 15Ah batteries (a slight increase in power storage) because we were using the opener a lot after dark with the kid’s sports. This is the replacements I chose and they are working great: www.amazon.com/dp/B088KSZK53/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_58RJGXM1092BWWY5DTXH?linkCode=ml2&tag=admiralking-20
hi - been trying to get a video comparing chain vs rack systems, i have a similar size gate at my shop and looking for a 1100lbs system, but not sure on rack vs chain..
How's the gate opener going thus far? Any issues or is it still functioning well since you installed it 4 years ago? Please respond as I'm considering buying. Thanks in advance :)
Still works great. We have three drivers in our household all coming and going everyday. I have had to replace the batteries once and readjusted the aluminum pillars I was forced to fabricate because they had become loose over time. Mostly I just wipe off the solar panels whenever I notice they are dusty.
@@houseonthemend I am thinking to use 12v 22Ah batteries and 60w solar panels?..is it a bad idea?..do not much about solar gate panels and operators..Thank you so much for your help!!
I had a customer purchase the photocell sensors. I followed the instructions for setup and could hear the sensor trigger when I blocked the beam so I knew it was setup properly. The gate would not open with the unit installed so the customer returned it.
I have had similar instances where the gate opener seems to have forgotten where the magnets are. In every instance, disconnecting the power from the green bank of plugs for at least a minute resets the system.
In the original installation video there are links to everything in the video’s description: Topens DK1000S Solar Powered Gate Opener - Install & Review ua-cam.com/video/luruAkCajy4/v-deo.html
I have mine 2 years now it's faultless I couldn't be more pleased with it.
Totally agree
Don’t have the unit. After watching both videos I’m definitely interested in mimicking your setup on my gate. Thanks video was great!
You’re very welcome!
Fyi I've notice that most motor installation are placed on concrete and anchored in place, but in order for the unit to operate properly and under no strain make sure when placed it is plumb, level and square and if you are starting from scratch and making the concrete pad required that's great. But placing it on existing concrete and the area is not level there is a method to fix that. I suggest using 1/2 inch drop-in concrete anchors then cut 1/2 inch stainless steel all thread rod don't worry about the length they can be cut down after install is complete. After setting the anchors in place per the instructions thread the cut rods into the anchors it's recommend to use some anti seize when using stainless hardware, then run washer and nut and tighten it all the way to the concrete, then run a nut with a washer on top to about where all four nuts and washers are close to where you need to be level and plumb, then set the opener over the rods and dial it in where you need to be, place a washer and nut then tighten it up. On a typical installation you'll probably have about a inch of gap between the bottom of the motor support and existing concrete, that gap is filled with a little bit of sand and cement mixture, you can do that later but you can operate the gate without it, if all goes well it will be solid as a rock, I would give the support a good prime and paint for maximum protection. Just thought I would help all us DIY ers. Good luck with your install!👍
Had the same problem with flapping solar panel. I built a wooden frame and secured it to the rear of the panels. Still having issues with the gate stopping every now and then during closing. Great overview, thanks for sharing.
Mark
Mark thank you for sharing your experience.
Was debating whether or not to buy this unit and after watching your videos I think I will and install it myself and thanks for the liks I used them to buy several of the thinks I didn't have.
@CRUZ AZUL thank you very much!!
Hello from the PNW (Portland, OR) thanks for these two videos. We just ordered the exact same setup except (chain version) and happy to find your installation and suggestions!
I wasn’t aware there was a chain version! How exciting. Thank you for the update.
Thank you for this video! Am seriously thinking of this particular setup!
We love it! So much better than the child-labor motors.
Hey Mike Thank you so much for the video as my wife and I were already going to order this set up but this video really helped a lot and we use your affiliate links on most of it.
Thank you, Allon. I’m so happy the videos helped!!
Thanks for share your experience with this solar engine sistem! blesses from La Cumbre, Cordoba, Argentina!
Lucas you are very welcome.
I ordered a topens gate opener because i saw your video and was impressed. Now when I installed it the gat opener would not open all the way it only moved for a abut 2 seconds. For the life of me I could not get the motor to run for more than 3 seconds. If you have any tips I would love the help.
Gilberto my first suspect would be insufficient power run to the unit. Then I would make sure the magnets are placed correctly.
Oh handsome man thank you so much fo this video! We're trying to find the best mortor for out gate and are considering goinh woth a solar type! Thank you for the 6 month updated ! How long has it been since you first installed this motor, and how long has it been since tou made this video? Is it srill working great? Any issues since thia video?
The system has been installed for almost four years (October 2019) and still works perfectly. Exactly one year ago I had to change the batteries. I went with 15Ah batteries (a slight increase in power storage) because we were using the opener a lot after dark with the kid’s sports. This is the replacements I chose and they are working great: www.amazon.com/dp/B088KSZK53/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_58RJGXM1092BWWY5DTXH?linkCode=ml2&tag=admiralking-20
@@houseonthemend awesome thank you so much for replying! I might just go with this one. Thank you so much. Xxoo
hi - been trying to get a video comparing chain vs rack systems, i have a similar size gate at my shop and looking for a 1100lbs system, but not sure on rack vs chain..
Chain is much easier to install.
How's the gate opener going thus far? Any issues or is it still functioning well since you installed it 4 years ago? Please respond as I'm considering buying. Thanks in advance :)
Still works great. We have three drivers in our household all coming and going everyday. I have had to replace the batteries once and readjusted the aluminum pillars I was forced to fabricate because they had become loose over time. Mostly I just wipe off the solar panels whenever I notice they are dusty.
hi Sir..how many cycles of use per day?
thanks for your time and great great job!!
As I stated in the first video, the manual claims 10 openings per day. We have never had an issue even on cold or busy days.
@@houseonthemend I am thinking to use 12v 22Ah batteries and 60w solar panels?..is it a bad idea?..do not much about solar gate panels and operators..Thank you so much for your help!!
Use blue threadlocker on the nuts and bults
Great video ..you should brace those pillers
Tv Black how do you mean?
@@houseonthemend turn each piller into a right angle triangle . That will eliminate the movement of the pillars. Thats a powerful motor
Great idea.
Hi Mike. I want to use your setup but the Gate opener is 370w. Is your choice of batteries workable with this 20w increase in wattage?
Great question, Simon. I went by the manufacturer recommended size of batteries for this unit.
Thanks!
You’re welcome
Does any have one of these that has been installed in Colorado?
Do you have a video for the ad5s? Need to troubleshoot brand new install
No I do not
does your opener use magnetic limit switches?
Yes. I cover all the features and installation steps in the first video.
Does topens have an operator for swing gates
Yes there are several on Amazon.
Any ideas about installing photocell sensors.? I have installed a dk990 and can not get the sensors to work properly.
I had a customer purchase the photocell sensors. I followed the instructions for setup and could hear the sensor trigger when I blocked the beam so I knew it was setup properly. The gate would not open with the unit installed so the customer returned it.
Do u recommend it?
Yes. It works great for us.
may I ask if this model works with homelink that inside the cars?
Probably not
@@houseonthemend ty for reply
You’re very welcome.
Can you install this on a chainlink gate?
No but I’m told in the comments Topens now makes a unit that runs on a chain instead of a rigid track.
I installed a photocell sensor didn’t work now the control broad cuts out ?
A wired photo cell not recommend per Topens installation, draws to much power, is what I've read.
This applies to solar powered units only
@@luiszaragoza3721 thanks for sharing this insight. Wish I had seen this earlier😅
Thank you for sharing.
We just bought a topens opener & can’t get it off midway mode???
I have had similar instances where the gate opener seems to have forgotten where the magnets are. In every instance, disconnecting the power from the green bank of plugs for at least a minute resets the system.
@@houseonthemend okay we will try my husband is having a really hard time.. we’ve tried everything!! Wish we could call you!! 😂
It didn’t work
Then I would check the dip switches and ensure the gate rolls smoothly in manual mode and isn’t binding on the gear.
How do I know which gate and track to buy?
In the original installation video there are links to everything in the video’s description: Topens DK1000S Solar Powered Gate Opener - Install & Review
ua-cam.com/video/luruAkCajy4/v-deo.html
So the Topens is to be connected to the gate of our choice? Topens doesn’t make the actual gate, correct?
Correct
Ok gotcha, thanks.
@2ndAmendProtector you’re welcome.