Motorized Driveway Gate “Access Control”
Access Control, in the simplest terms, means controlling who has access to your property.
Access Control System equipment provides the ability to manage access into and out of gated property. Controlled access ensures authorized visitors can enter the property while restricting access to unauthorized people. Controlling access at the gate keeps the property secure and safe.
We are most familiar with the numeric keypad – enter a code and open the gate.
Electric gate openers have become increasingly advanced over time. The “smart” access control intercom system is a notable innovation in this evolution. These systems incorporate advanced features and connectivity to improve the user experience. A driveway gate access control intercom system lets you manage who enters your property using your computer or smartphone.
What are the different types of driveway gate access control systems?
1. The most straightforward “access control” is a keypad into which a numeric code is entered to open the gate.
2. A Telephone intercom access control system uses your existing home phone. Telephone intercoms use the home phone handset to talk to visitors and grant or deny entry. Although “old school technology,” they are still available and dependable. This system requires underground wires to be buried from the gate to the house, adding to installation costs.
3. Wi-Fi and Cellular Call boxes utilize your home Wi-Fi or a Cellular network such as Verizon or AT&T. These intercom systems connect to your smartphone or PC, enabling you to talk to and see visitors at your gate.
The WiFi/Cellular intercoms have audio or audio/video capabilities.
Similar to a cell phone, a cellular-connected driveway gate intercom system needs a SIM card, which comes with monthly fees.
Wi-Fi and Cellular intercoms work wirelessly, so no underground wires need to be trenched and buried, reducing installation costs.
What is a Smart Access Control Intercom
Smart access control intercom systems are equipped with internet or cellular connectivity. This integration allows a driveway gate to be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or voice assistant, such as Siri or Google Home.
A smart access control intercom enhances security and convenience through real-time notifications, remote monitoring, and integration with other smart home systems
With a simple app installed on your smartphone, you can control and monitor your automatic gate from anywhere.
Features to look for in a Smart Access Control Intercom System
Integration and Connectivity
Smart access control intercom systems offer advanced security features.
The latest security options include app-based systems with integrated security cameras and advanced access technologies like fingerprint, Bluetooth, RFID, and license plate recognition.
Operational Safety Features
Safety for your gate should always be a top priority. Sensors detect obstructions and halt or reverse the gate’s movement to prevent damage or injury.
Another built-in feature is an automatic closing timer, ensuring the gate closes securely after access. These safety features are essential for the operational integrity of your gate and for providing peace of mind regarding the well-being of those on your property.
Remote Access Control
Convenience is vital when it comes to any automated system. A high-quality gate opener will allow you to control access to your property from anywhere.
Remotely control access to your property using mobile apps with features like open/close capabilities, activity logging, and camera surveillance, all accessible through your smartphone.
Multiple User Access Authority
Smart Access Control Intercom Systems allow guest to control gates using numeric codes or smartphone apps, providing flexibility and convenience while maintaining security.
Geofencing
Geofencing is a virtual boundary that, when crossed by your smartphone, will trigger your gate opener to open or close automatically, providing a convenient and hands-free way to manage gate access.
Power and Battery Life
Gate openers need a reliable power source, such as a standard wall outlet or a solar-powered system. LiftMaster gate openers have built-in battery backups that can last for days during power outages, keeping the gate operational.
Numeric Keypad Access Control
Starting with the simplest, the numeric keypad is the least expensive, around $250.00. Enter a 4 digit PIN to open the gate. This simple device is the only equipment visitors need to open your gate. If you need to see and speak to a visitor, then an audio-video capable intercom upgrade is required.
Audio and Video Intercom Access Control
Todays intercoms take advantage of Wi-Fi and Cellular technology making installation more affordable. Working wirelessly saves money by not having to trench and bury wires to the home. These systems are very desirable, allowing owners to use a Smartphone to see and speak to a guest, then allow or deny access to the property with a tap.
If you have wi-fi internet service at your home and it is within 600 ft. of your driveway gate, The LiftMaster Smart Video Intercom – S works seamlessly with LiftMaster gate operators.
If wi-fi is not an option, another solution is Cellular Service. A strong cellular signal is necessary for streaming video. CellGate is the leader in cellular connectivity.
LiftMaster
LiftMaster Smart Video Intercom – S
$1200.00
- Designed for smaller multi-tenant buildings and single-family homes with a gate.
- Provides peace of mind by allowing you to visually see and speak with visitors before granting them access with the myQ Community Smartphone app.
- Connects via Ethernet or WIFI.
- Smartphone control requires a myQ connectivity subscription.
- Phone.com VOIP subscription required.
The Smart Video Intercom – S allows you to watch live or recorded videos, so you’ll always be aware of what’s happening at your front entrance. With motion-activated video feed, recording, and night vision capabilities, you can monitor any activity on your property 24/7.
A fantastic intercom that works with you existing home wi-fi. It requires a strong wi-fi signal at the gate to operate. It can also be hardwired directly to your wi-fi router via a ethernet cable buried underground from gate to router (added cost).
LiftMaster Monthly Subscription Service Plan
LiftMaster MyQ Subscription Service Plan
The LiftMaster Smart Phone – S intercom requires two subscriptions to achieve full functionality. A LiftMaster myQ account, and a VoIP service is required for calling function.
Many homes with LiftMaster automatic garage door openers already have a myQ account that operates the garage door.
If you have an existing myQ account, your myQ Community account will have the same password. Go to; account.myQ.com and log in.
If you do not have a myQ Community account:
Method 1: Call LiftMaster Customer Care at 800-323-2276 to create an account. You will get a welcome email from LiftMaster. Accept the invitation and register or login to your account.
Method 2: Navigate to https://account.myq.com and click the Sign Up button. Follow the onscreen prompts to set up a facility, select Community Manager, select a subscription plan.
For Support, call 877-247-6764 or visit https://support.partner.liftmaster.com/s/community-access-support
CellGate
Walkman Series Cellular Intercoms
For cellular connectivity, CellGate is the way to go. Works with both Verizon and AT&T cellular networks.
Watchman Cell W410
$1800.00 – Works on a Verizon or AT&T LTE cellular network.
Full Telephone Entry.
Visitors can contact the owner via telephone entry, and the owner can open the gate from wherever they are with a Smartphone or PC.
Full numeric keypad.
Unique access codes can be provided to visitors on a long-term, limited-use window, or temporary-use basis and can be set up in 60 seconds via the CellGate app or TrueCloud web portal.
Includes one input for card reader, keypad, or wireless remotes.
The built-in camera takes still pictures when someone utilizes the keypad or calls to gain access, or pictures can be taken on demand via the CellGate app.
Better security–photos allow you to confirm a visitor visually.
The W-410 does not have live streaming video, photo only.
Optional add-on external camera to capture secondary views such as license plate, etc.
Watchman Cell W450
$2900.00 – Works with Verizon and AT&T cellular networks.
Advanced Telephone Entry, Visitor Management & Access Control w/Live Streaming Video
The Watchman W450 model is the first cellular-based advanced telephone entry and access control solution that also streams live video of visitors at the gate directly to your smartphone.
The Watchman 450 offers the same hardware functionality as the W410 but with the added feature of streaming live video.
The Watchman W450 works on a cellular LTE network. Telephone lines or internet access are unnecessary, which means it can be installed virtually anywhere there is cellular service.
The W450 is a complete end-to-end gate security solution for any single-family home or business.
CellGate Service Plans:
The Watchman intercoms require a paid subscription to get full functionality. CellGate offers a Tiered Plan, allowing you to pick and choose options to suit your needs.
TIERED MONTHLY SERVICE PLANS – Choose your features, choose your budget.
STEP 1: CONFIRM CONNECTION TYPE BASED ON BEST CARRIER COVERAGE (Verizon or AT&T)
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR MONTHLY SERVICE PLAN
TrueCloud Connect Dashboard
Once the signup process is complete, you will have a TrueCloud account.
Here is a Quick Guide to walk you through all features available from your TrueCloud Dashboard, complete with step-by-step instructions.
Call 855.694.2837 x103 for CellGate service pricing details.
As of Oct. 2024 the Basic Plan costs $20.00 per month and the Advantage Plan costs $30.00 per month.
External Cameras
Watchman® Compatible External Cameras:
Cellgate has four external cameras that integrate with any Watchman® access control system. The number of external cameras that can be added per system depends on the specific Watchman product chosen. All cameras include a 32GB SD card for video storage on the camera. Videos are also accessible via CellGate technical support.
There is an additional monthly fee for adding external camera(s).
Solar Power
Solar Kit for the W410 and W450 – $1200.00
The add-on Solar Power kit enables the installation of an audio/video intercom, and motorized gate opener, in any location without electricity, if there is cellular service.
CellGate Directional Antenna
If your cellular signal is insufficient and a cell tower is within 6 miles of the installation location, a directional antenna can be added to improve system performance for an additional cost of $300.00.