Gate Opens or Closes Slowly
When your USAutomatic RSL slide gate (AC or Solar) is running slowly, the most likely cause is low battery voltage. There's two things to think about when this happens: does the battery just need a tune up (recharged or replaced) and what caused the battery to become discharged in the first place. A bad motor in the actuator is also possible, though less common.
Solar Charged RSL Slide Gate Opener
If accessories are connected such as keypads, loop detectors, or any device powered by the battery:
- Verify that the current draw required to power them does not exceed the charging capacity of the solar panel.
- Confirm that the charger is operating correctly, that the panel is facing a southwestern direction, and that it is not located in a shaded area.
- Inspect the panel surface and wiring for damage.
To test the solar panel on a sunny day for correct voltage and current output:
- Remove the solar panel plug from the charge controller.
- Using a DC voltmeter, measure the DC voltage, which should read approximately 22 volts, and the DC current, which should read approximately 300 mA during peak sun hours.
- If either reading is incorrect, the panel may be defective.
AC Charged RSL Slide Gate Opener
If accessories are connected such as keypads, loop detectors, or any device powered by the battery:
- Verify that the current draw required to power them does not exceed the charging capacity of the charger. (Unlikely but possible)
- Confirm that the charger is operating correctly.
- Inspect the panel surface and wiring for damage.
Note: The USAutomatic charger does not output any voltage or current when disconnected from the battery. The charger cannot be checked by disconnecting it from the battery and measuring voltage output. To check the charger, refer to the Charge Controller Operation Check section for details.