We have a backyard gate that we generally keep latched with a simple manual slide-type latch mechanism. I'm noodling over automating it by changing the latch mechanism to a frame-mounted (just a side post really) lever or L-shaped bar that rotates up to open, and down engage a mating catch on the gate, then coupling the rotating part to one of these (suitably weatherproofed, I'm in the Pacific Northwest):
Zemismart New Update Tuya Zigbee Smart Roller Shade Driver Solar Panel Blinds Motor
Question: has anyone done something like that, and if so, do you mind sharing your solution? (I'm looking for details on the latch/catch implementation for the most part).
I did look at that as a possible solution, but it requires a power supply (which I do not have handy where the gate is). The shade motor has a battery and solar panel for charging.
This should work for the actuator setup. I'm no longer up to speed on the latest zigbee control devices. I bought one of these valves to play with a couple of years ago. The valve body comes off easily. You'd need to rig a latch on the stem. Strong torque. NOTE the power features with a limit switch to save power.
U.S. Solid Motorized Ball Valve- 1/2" Brass Ball Valve with Full Port, 9-24V AC/DC and 2 Wire Auto Return Setup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9LWXMW
any kind of lock/latch is going to need a power supply or battery.. i have a mighty mule gate and 12 v battery to open close the gate and the optional lock.. the latch is solenoid and just 2 wires so it probably would work with any gate given a relay.
A few ways to approach this but I believe the suggestions that "will last and not be a PITA" will have some of the following characteristics:
weatherproof in all respects besides submersion (but you did say Pacific NW )
12-24v DC supplied however you can, solar + battery, low voltage lighting power, etc.
higher-than-toy torque, unless all moving parts close & align well and are light weight
close enough for the Zigbee/Zwave radio (making shallow trenching of 24V DC possible)
I like the idea of repurposing a Zigbee enabled ball valve actuator, that was creative. I'll have to remember that for other uses. @rcjordan
I have sourced outdoor rated linear actuators for various purposes and used a 2-channel MHCOZY switch to reverse the poles to operate them. Then a Visonic MCT-370 to verify open/closed success.
Picturing all this on a gate is already seeming cumbersome and therefore reverting to something purpose-built (and hacking on some HA control) seems more attractive. You might do well to think more broadly as to how that gate/opening could be secured. That might open up other options for automation.
I'm going to try the blinds motor as an experiment, it's fairly cheap. Note:
The gate is close enough for Zigbee comm (I already have a magnetic contact sensor on it that works).
The motor only needs to pivot a "free fall" latch that does not weigh more than a few ounces.
The blinds motor already has an internal battery (claimed to last months) AND a solar charge panel.
The gate already has a manual security latch if need arises to positively lock the gate (and that latch cannot be activated from outside the gate, which leads to a public sidewalk).
I will need to craft a linkage between the motor an the pivoting latch, plus a waterproof enclosure for the motor, but I think those are within my (admittedly limited) skill set.
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