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[jsteele]

My Driveway gate is controlled by a Linear 310MHz GRD-2 Two Channel gate receiver.  Usually opened with a Linear 8 dip switch clicker.  Firstly I would really like to know if it can be integrated into the X10 world and if so how might I go about this - and ideally I would control this from my Mac over the internet.

Any help for a newbie would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Matt.

[dave w]

As far as X10 and Mac this can help your search get started. Years ago I used the "xtension" program and liked it very much.

http://www.macworld.com/article/1046576/oldmacnewtricks3.html

You can probably use an X10 Universal Module to trigger your gate, similar to controlling a garage door opener and there is plenty of information on controlling garage door with X10. Just search the forum for "garage door" and also search for "Universal Module". The Universal Module may be scarce, but a Smarthome "I/O Linc" module can be used in it's place.

[jsteele]

Thank you!, ill take a look at the link- very kind.

[dhouston]

I assume that however you do this you will want the RF to remain operable so you can control it from the clicker.

While X10 also uses 310MHz RF, none of its transmitters will allow you to send anything but X10 RF codes so you either need a way to operate the gate with a Universal Module in parallel with the existing system or you'll need a way to send the appropriate RF. The simplest method might be to get another clicker and activate it via an X10 module.

[jsteele]

Exactly!! That's what I wanted to do - just get another clicker and operate it via a x10 module..  How do I do that? I'll get another linear clicker but hadn't seen the right module to control it, which one do I need?

Thanks for your help in this, invaluable!!

[Brian H]

X10 UM506 or X10Pro PUM01 low voltage isolated switch can be set to a momentary On pulse.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/UM506
Problem maybe finding one. As I believe they are one of the discontinued modules.

Some have used the Insteon 2450 I/OLinc with an X10 address programmed into it and set to momentary relay output.
http://www.smarthome.com/2450/IOLinc-INSTEON-Low-Voltage-Contact-Closure-Interface-1-In-1-Out-/p.aspx

[JeffVolp]

Problem maybe finding one. As I believe they are one of the discontinued modules.

They are available again at about $25 on eBay.

Jeff

[jsteele]

So the UM506 I can get I see from ebay. I read the product manual (so you wouldn't respond "read the manual!" but I don't yet see how I can connect a 8 dip switch clicker to this - I may be just not seeing the obvious here so apologies in advance:)

Thanks for your help!!

[Brian H]

You have to disassemble the clicker and connect the UM506's contacts {solder maybe} to the clickers push button switch.
When the UM506 activates. It is just like you pushed the button on the clicker.
If the clicker can control the two outputs of the GRD-2. You would have to use the button that controls the output of your choice.

[jsteele]

Brilliant!! Thank you so much, going get the parts now.

[dave w]

jsteele - just another thought which was mentioned earlier in the thread:

IF your gate motor is activated by a momentary closure from the two channel receiver you might be able to simply wire the UM506 across the same gate motor terminals. Also, does the gate motor have a "doorbell" button hard wired switch some where in your house or garage? (eg how do you open the gate if your clicker is dead?) If you have a hard wired switch, using that connection to the motor would not require hacking the clicker.

You have not said how you plan to use X10 to control the gate in addition to your present "clickers".

[jsteele]

So I need to use the insteon i/o unit as I can integrate this with the Indigo 6 software as I am a Mac only household. The gate also works off a multi code keypad in case the clickers fail but I think I'll try your suggestion of hacking the clicker to a insteon unit controlled by Indigo 6 pro (I don't think indigo lite will support this i/o unit) and hopefully this will work:)

[dave w]

G.L.

[jsteele]

Ha!  It only worked!!!

Thank you for the help, very much appreciated. I can now close my gate from anywhere in the world:)