Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/298794
80 • MAY 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Encon technical workshop focuses on USAutomatic gate operators HAYWARD, Calif. — On March 27, Encon Electronics hosted a semi- nar in conjunction with gate operator manufacturer USAutomatic. The technical workshop was led by senior product specialist Mike Quattlebaum, and consisted of two sessions of the same material. This guaranteed small class sizes and re- sulted in quality, practically one-on- one technical instruction. Multiple Encon dealers partici- pated as Quattlebaum covered their three primary gate operators: the Pa- triot slide gate operator, the Patriot lin- ear actuator and the Ranger 500 swing gate operator. Quattlebaum provided the group with some background about USAuto- matic and their history. "The solar friendly design makes our products the most efficient solar operators on the market today," he stated. "In addition, all USAutomatic accessories are engineered for solar. Installing USAutomatic accessories will lower inventory costs and increase profits because of their solar capabil- ity," he added. Quattlebaum continued by detail- ing the Patriot swing and slide gate op- erators. "The swing version comes with a 6 watt solar panel and offers up to 35 cycles per day. The Patriot RSL slide gate operator accommodates gates up to 600 pounds and has up to 20 cycles per day solar. The Ranger 500 swing gate operator can be used for gates up to 13 feet and 400 pounds. Like the Patriot models, the Ranger can be AC or solar charged." Next, he outlined installation guidelines for the Patriot and Ranger covering rear pivot point installation, intricate programming details for both control boards, and specifics on the limit shaft drive spacing. "Too much spacing between the limit shaft drive and the operator could potentially lead to skips," Quattle- baum said. "This can cause the open and close positions to vary slightly. If skipping occurs, adjust the limit as- sembly by loosening four screws and sliding it over." He then provided a complete overview of USAutomatic's solar ready accessories. "Our LCR radio equipment is solar friendly and includes: receivers, 2 or 4 button transmitters, and various keypads that allow up to 22 different access codes. We also offer a 12Vdc electric gate lock and a 7-day timer. Our 7-day timer is the only solar friendly timer on the market." He followed with step by step in- structions on how to wire a photoeye to the Patriot control board. "Photoeyes are recommended for all gate installations to provide safety and protect objects that might be in the gate path. Our power management software is installed in the control board, which provides photoeye pro- tection without pre-maturely draining the battery," he noted. According to Encon sales man- ager Zach Eichenberger, "The seminar was a great way to introduce USAuto- matic to our customers, and partici- pants benefited from the technical nature of this workshop. Encon will continue to provide our customers with unique educational and training opportunities like this throughout the year." For upcoming event information and news, visit Encon's web site at www.enconelectronics.com or call 800-782-5598. Encon's technical workshop was led by USAutomatic senior product specialist Mike Quattlebaum (center), and consisted of two sessions of the same material. This guaranteed small class sizes and resulted in quality, practi- cally one-on-one technical instruction. Quattlebaum covered his company's three primary gate operators. Smith goes to see his supervisor in the front office. "Boss," he says, "we're doing some heavy housecleaning at home tomorrow, and my wife needs me to help with the attic and the garage, moving and hauling stuff." "We're short-handed, Smith," the boss replies. "I can't give you the day off." "Thanks, boss," says Smith. "I knew I could count on you!" • • • An old blacksmith realized he was soon going to quit working so hard. He picked out a strong young man to become his apprentice. The old fellow was crabby and exacting. "Don't ask me a lot of questions," he told the boy. "Just do whatever I tell you to do." One day the old blacksmith took an iron out of the forge and laid it on the anvil. "Get the ham- mer over there," he said. "When I nod my head, hit it real good and hard." Now the town is looking for a new blacksmith.