Spoke with Ghost regarding the 5 button remotes limited distance. Ghost upgraded the 5 button last year and they are the same as the 3 button now. I own both and both work several hundred feet from the gate. My gripe is the post bracket is not suited for a 4x4 steel post. Had to grind it to work AND make my own bracket extensions. Worked with Ghost tech support and got tired of that after a couple conversations and finally made my own bracket. If you can weld the post bracket to the post, then no problem. Their are many vids with 6x6 or larger wooden posts and large round posts. Will make a 4x4 post vid one day explaining why...
Good point. I'll be installing metal gate posts but I hear you on the keypad post. I cant believe that thig is 50 bucks! Let me know when you make the video.
@@dutchofsc Has your gate lost the closed setting or the closed setting needs to be readjusted? Every several/many weeks my gate closes 4~6 inches more than it should. It will close well beyond the closed gate post. This then requires readjusting the closed limit position. I read a couple others have similar issues but they have not mentioned a remedy. Two neighbors have a different manufacturer gate opener and never have this problem. tAlso, havent made the vid yet. Installing a Knox key switch for Fire Dept today.
Great video. Thank you for sharing. I'm contemplating tackling this same project. I love how you have everything so neat. Really nice job. I think I may try this myself.
@@dutchofsc Just had to watch it again....really liked how nice and neat you are. I have an instrumentation background so I'm a nerd when it comes to all the wires and everything else tucked away....haha. I also loved the bench with the box on it for deliveries....just awesome. Yes, laying out my fence around 3 acres, setting up corner post with bracing, then the entrance fence. I will place my order for the Ghost control like yours. Thanks again. And, I may take you up on the help!!!!
Great video. After watching yours I watched the Ghost installation video, and it recommends using coaxial cable to extend your antennae. If you haven’t already done this, I wonder if you could reposition it higher using this method to increase your range. Thanks for making an honest review video, this is helpful.
Can you please do a follow up video on how you installed the security camera with your already installed gate and solar panel system? Thank you in advance.
My range for my standard remotes were extended just by raising the antenna. There is a video on TH-cam not made by me on the subject that was very useful. You have a Nice setup, I see some improvements in my future thanks to you. Running the camera off the battery would be great feature to add and in range of my Wi-Fi
Good deal. Ghost now offers an antenna extension, it seemed to help a bit but the wifi is definitely causing some major interferance. I'll likely trench a line to prevent this from happening. I just uploaded a video with the new ghost wifi module and app, it's awesome. I can operate the gate from my phone and much more. Check it out.
Good job on the video. You mention the lack of range on the opener yet it appears to open in about 10 seconds so that doesn't strike me as a huge deal. Odd choice of background music but otherwise, good vid.
I like the Honest review! I just swapped to Ghost controls. The other gate opener had very poor range (10 feet or so) for remotes. This controller has 10 times as much range😃. I did put a 90 degree bend in the antenna. It seem to help.
I recently seen a video, where they used a coax cable to move the antenna up on top of the pole and it extended range considerably , just by putting the antenna up higher on the pole
Ghost Controls uses narrow band RF (Radio Frequency) @ precisely 433.92MHz. Narrow-band has a bandwidth of typically 100-300 kHz compare to Wide-band that has typically 1-3 MHz. RF Signals that fall outside of its bandwidth, the system start to rejecting it as noise. Narrow-band system has significant noise rejection performance over wide-band which in term has superior range performance. Basically, if you can filter out ambient noise you can hear a person much much further away. However, narrow band system required the transmitter to produce the frequency (433.92 MHz) with high accuracy at 433.92 MHz +/- 100kHz. The closer the transmitter can produce the 433.92 MHz signal, the better the range/performance. So far, so good? Sorry about the long winded pre-cursor. Why is it factory transmitter has so much better range than in car transmitter like HomeLink??? HomeLink system works by first 'listen' to the factory signal during the programing process. It then reproduce/transmit the signal it 'learns' during the 'listening' process. Both the 'listening' and ''reproducing' process has inherent builtin error and tolerance. Car with older Homelink modules may not be able to produce the 433.92MHz within the required tolerance and the signal that it sends will be rejected by the system. In this case, it will not work at all. Car with newer Homelink will be able to 'listen'/'reproduce' the 433.92MHz signal. However, it usually can not reproduced it with the kind of the factory transmitter. Think of the Homelink a copier machine, it can copy the signal but it can never be better than the original. Homelink is designed as a variable frequency to learn various transmitters from many manufactures. Ghost Controls factory transmitter use crystal oscillator that typically can produce the 433.92MHz signal to be within .05MHz or 50kHz. In summary, the range performance is determine mostly by: 1. The receiver's ability to reject RF noise outside its intended frequency. In this case 433.92MHz is the intended frequency 2. The transmitter ability to accurately and precisely produce the 433.92MHz. Factory transmitter is fixed frequency so it can produce this frequency at much higher accuracy the variable frequency device like HomeLink. BTW, not all HomeLink devices are created equal. Hope this help explain your concern about the transmitter's range and thank you for purchasing Ghost Controls opener.
Thank you for the great information. Do you work for ghost? Do you have any recommendations on improving the range? Even the factory 5 button remotes have a weaker range the the original 3 button remote the unit came with. I love the gate opener, range is a bit of inconvenience but if there is a solution then I would certainly want to try it. Thanks again.
@@dutchofsc Yes, I worked for Ghost. I am the EE that designed the system. You can extend the antenna higher up using standard TV coax cable to improve range. We are planning to introduce the extension kit in a few months, it basically a coax cable with the antenna at the end. To extend the antenna, you will need the female-to-female connector like this: www.amazon.com/VCE-Coaxial-Connector-Extension-Connects/dp/B01MZIMOQX/ref=sr_1_5?crid=399WL2MNSUQ6P&dchild=1&keywords=coax+female+to+female+adapter&qid=1622060503&sprefix=coax+fema%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-5 and standard cable TV coax cable. Place the antenna above any post or object will maximize range. For the 5-button remote that experience less range, you can change the coin cell battery (CR2032) and see if it improve range. As the battery age, it may not produce enough current for maximum transmission. Thanks
@@mickeynguyen1087 That will be great. I'll be on the lookout for the extension kit. I'll try the link, and try making my own antenna. On the 5 button remote, I did change batteries but no change in performance. Like I said in the video, I love the system, just the range it's the only gripe. Thanks again for reaching out
Great instructional video and review. I am hoping to do a similar install this summer. I was concerned about the lack of solar power with the typical Ghost solar setup. Your setup seems to solve many of my concerns. Can you share how you have programmed your charge control or make a quick video on that? Clearly your system works great and has not caused any issues with the Ghost Control circuit board. Nice install! Thanks.
I got the renogy solar charge controller, it's water proof, and was basically plug and play. Select the type of battery (lead acid in my case) and go. amzn.to/3VqxIiD affiliate link
Any idea there is a way to run this off just AC power instead of a battery? Also they just released a new control board which will let you program a remote mobile app on your phone to open/close gate which works pretty well.
my wifi camera is causing a lot if interference. With the camera off, I still don't get the range advertised. I have the ghost external antenna that my have helped a tiny bit.
Can you post a video of how you have the deep cycle battery wired in and what size you got? We need to upgrade from the two battery pack that it came with to something with a little more storage power.
Sure thing. I have a solar panel ( amzn.to/3gmpIO3 ) on a mount ( amzn.to/35225Hi ) going to a charge controller ( amzn.to/3n0r81O ) then to the battery via a fuse. Does this help? I have an interstate 12v deep cycle battery on a book shelve type bracket/. Does this help?
@@dutchofsc Thanks for the explanation. I had the same question. What fuse did you get and how did you connect it? Also, and more importantly, how is power going from battery to the control board for the gate? I watched the video and couldn't figure out how you connected it. I even zoomed in. Thanks and great video! I am hoping to mirror your setup exactly like you have it.
I love my ghost control gate opener. My question is since the majority of ppl buy this with the solar, has anyone found a "call box" that can be solar and would ring a cell phone to let you know they are at the gate. I am over 2000 feet from the gate and unexpected guests would have no way to know a code. Also, opening the gate with my cell phone would be a plus!
Great news! Ghost created a new setup, albeit still in beta, but it will let you actuate the gate over internet or bluetooth with an app. It may not be best for your instance since you are so far away. I actually had my cell phone number on a sticker at the gate, low tech but it work. I'll be uploading the new video shortly
@DutchOfSC - Fellow Reolink user here, my trial is that my gate is ~1000' from home so I've no real good network connection (no line of sight). Can I ask what connections you used to wire the camera to the battery? Can I ask about the mounts you are using for the solar panel and junction? Thanks sir!
amzn.to/35225Hi That's the mount that I slightly modified but it worked great. I used the power plug that came with the camera kit, cut the end off and stripped wires. Those cameras are 12 volt dc so easy enough. Does this answer your question?
Sure. I have a solar panel, solar charge controller connected to a car battery. This car battery provides 12v DC power to the gate opener (and in my case camera). Battery runs down a bit at night and charges back up in the day. Does that answer your question?
Actually no, it held up quite well. Those long screws did the trick. I installed metal 8x8 square tubes since, I'll probably do a video in a few weeks if you care to watch, maybe subscribe?
Where did you get the solar panel mount/bracket? I cant find anything similar. Also, would love that video you mentioned on a camera including the boosting pole you use and what the inside of the box looks like - maybe even a link to it LOL. Great setup! Are the lights still working out on the posts?
amzn.to/35225Hi What kind of boosting pole are we talking about here? And yes, the light have faded some but they light up quite nicely. I'll be doing a whole video when I install a new gate, the whole thing will be getting redone with metal posts, a big control box and larger gate. Stay tuned.
@@privacyatty LOL, I'm not and far from it, actually hate that stuff, LOL. Ubiquity is not that bad, lots of how to videos right here on youtube university.
@@dutchofsc no. The receiver. You said your only complaint was the range of your remote. I was just suggesting to mount that receiver box higher on the pole.
@@dutchofsc also try stripping about 1/4-1/2 inch of that wire for the receiver (the one dangling outside the box that you were showing the camera in your video), and fanning out the exposed wires. Not too far apart though. Your "fan" should be about 1/2 an inch wide. Hope that helps the range. I also hope you know what the hell I'm talking about.... 🤣
My auto close works like a dream. They have a new multi connect module that lets you change everything via app, before it was a pain with holding this, pressing that...
Well, I guess I'm either the only one with problems with my Ghost gate opener, or there are 18 satisfied customers and the rest of us have our comments removed. For me, I hate it. I have had nothing but issues and not all manufacturer fault. Its windy here and it just can't handle wind.
Thanks for sharing. I ordered a ghost control today. You have the voice of an airline pilot! Have a great weekend!
Spoke with Ghost regarding the 5 button remotes limited distance. Ghost upgraded the 5 button last year and they are the same as the 3 button now. I own both and both work several hundred feet from the gate. My gripe is the post bracket is not suited for a 4x4 steel post. Had to grind it to work AND make my own bracket extensions. Worked with Ghost tech support and got tired of that after a couple conversations and finally made my own bracket. If you can weld the post bracket to the post, then no problem. Their are many vids with 6x6 or larger wooden posts and large round posts. Will make a 4x4 post vid one day explaining why...
Good point. I'll be installing metal gate posts but I hear you on the keypad post. I cant believe that thig is 50 bucks! Let me know when you make the video.
@@dutchofsc Has your gate lost the closed setting or the closed setting needs to be readjusted? Every several/many weeks my gate closes 4~6 inches more than it should. It will close well beyond the closed gate post. This then requires readjusting the closed limit position. I read a couple others have similar issues but they have not mentioned a remedy. Two neighbors have a different manufacturer gate opener and never have this problem. tAlso, havent made the vid yet. Installing a Knox key switch for Fire Dept today.
Extend the antenna. Easy fix. If you are getting 300 feet that's good. I have over 50 units in the field. Work excellent.
That's great
Great video. Thank you for sharing. I'm contemplating tackling this same project. I love how you have everything so neat. Really nice job. I think I may try this myself.
Do it!. Let me know if you need any help.
@@dutchofsc Just had to watch it again....really liked how nice and neat you are. I have an instrumentation background so I'm a nerd when it comes to all the wires and everything else tucked away....haha. I also loved the bench with the box on it for deliveries....just awesome. Yes, laying out my fence around 3 acres, setting up corner post with bracing, then the entrance fence. I will place my order for the Ghost control like yours. Thanks again. And, I may take you up on the help!!!!
Great video. After watching yours I watched the Ghost installation video, and it recommends using coaxial cable to extend your antennae. If you haven’t already done this, I wonder if you could reposition it higher using this method to increase your range. Thanks for making an honest review video, this is helpful.
Great point. They actually released an extension antenna kit, which I installed, it did not help much unfortunately.
Can you please do a follow up video on how you installed the security camera with your already installed gate and solar panel system? Thank you in advance.
Will do.
My range for my standard remotes were extended just by raising the antenna. There is a video on TH-cam not made by me on the subject that was very useful. You have a Nice setup, I see some improvements in my future thanks to you. Running the camera off the battery would be great feature to add and in range of my Wi-Fi
Good deal. Ghost now offers an antenna extension, it seemed to help a bit but the wifi is definitely causing some major interferance. I'll likely trench a line to prevent this from happening. I just uploaded a video with the new ghost wifi module and app, it's awesome. I can operate the gate from my phone and much more. Check it out.
Really nice setup!
Thanks!
Good job on the video. You mention the lack of range on the opener yet it appears to open in about 10 seconds so that doesn't strike me as a huge deal. Odd choice of background music but otherwise, good vid.
I'm thinking that the first piece of music was "ghostly" on purpose?
I like the Honest review!
I just swapped to Ghost controls.
The other gate opener had very poor range (10 feet or so) for remotes.
This controller has 10 times as much range😃.
I did put a 90 degree bend in the antenna.
It seem to help.
10 4. Hope you're enjoying it as much as I do. Thanks for watching.
My ghost controls opener will go 250' and when I'm in the house and we have a metal house it's still works I'm real happy with it
I recently seen a video, where they used a coax cable to move the antenna up on top of the pole and it extended range considerably , just by putting the antenna up higher on the pole
I added the external antenna (sold by Ghost) and it double our range. Mounted it on a 10' 2x4 . Plenty of cable to run the controller.
What size lag screws did you use? Thanks for the helpful video!
Ghost Controls uses narrow band RF (Radio Frequency) @ precisely 433.92MHz. Narrow-band has a bandwidth of typically 100-300 kHz compare to Wide-band that has typically 1-3 MHz. RF Signals that fall outside of its bandwidth, the system start to rejecting it as noise. Narrow-band system has significant noise rejection performance over wide-band which in term has superior range performance. Basically, if you can filter out ambient noise you can hear a person much much further away. However, narrow band system required the transmitter to produce the frequency (433.92 MHz) with high accuracy at 433.92 MHz +/- 100kHz. The closer the transmitter can produce the 433.92 MHz signal, the better the range/performance. So far, so good? Sorry about the long winded pre-cursor.
Why is it factory transmitter has so much better range than in car transmitter like HomeLink???
HomeLink system works by first 'listen' to the factory signal during the programing process. It then reproduce/transmit the signal it 'learns' during the 'listening' process. Both the 'listening' and ''reproducing' process has inherent builtin error and tolerance. Car with older Homelink modules may not be able to produce the 433.92MHz within the required tolerance and the signal that it sends will be rejected by the system. In this case, it will not work at all. Car with newer Homelink will be able to 'listen'/'reproduce' the 433.92MHz signal. However, it usually can not reproduced it with the kind of the factory transmitter. Think of the Homelink a copier machine, it can copy the signal but it can never be better than the original. Homelink is designed as a variable frequency to learn various transmitters from many manufactures.
Ghost Controls factory transmitter use crystal oscillator that typically can produce the 433.92MHz signal to be within .05MHz or 50kHz.
In summary, the range performance is determine mostly by:
1. The receiver's ability to reject RF noise outside its intended frequency. In this case 433.92MHz is the intended frequency
2. The transmitter ability to accurately and precisely produce the 433.92MHz. Factory transmitter is fixed frequency so it can produce this frequency at much higher accuracy the variable frequency device like HomeLink.
BTW, not all HomeLink devices are created equal.
Hope this help explain your concern about the transmitter's range and thank you for purchasing Ghost Controls opener.
Thank you for the great information. Do you work for ghost? Do you have any recommendations on improving the range? Even the factory 5 button remotes have a weaker range the the original 3 button remote the unit came with. I love the gate opener, range is a bit of inconvenience but if there is a solution then I would certainly want to try it. Thanks again.
@@dutchofsc Yes, I worked for Ghost. I am the EE that designed the system. You can extend the antenna higher up using standard TV coax cable to improve range. We are planning to introduce the extension kit in a few months, it basically a coax cable with the antenna at the end.
To extend the antenna, you will need the female-to-female connector like this:
www.amazon.com/VCE-Coaxial-Connector-Extension-Connects/dp/B01MZIMOQX/ref=sr_1_5?crid=399WL2MNSUQ6P&dchild=1&keywords=coax+female+to+female+adapter&qid=1622060503&sprefix=coax+fema%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-5
and standard cable TV coax cable. Place the antenna above any post or object will maximize range.
For the 5-button remote that experience less range, you can change the coin cell battery (CR2032) and see if it improve range. As the battery age, it may not produce enough current for maximum transmission.
Thanks
@@mickeynguyen1087 That will be great. I'll be on the lookout for the extension kit. I'll try the link, and try making my own antenna. On the 5 button remote, I did change batteries but no change in performance. Like I said in the video, I love the system, just the range it's the only gripe.
Thanks again for reaching out
@@dutchofsc email me at mnguyen@ghostcontrols.com. I will get you taking care of. You can be our 'tester' for the extended antena kit.
@@mickeynguyen1087 sounds like a plan. I can make an update video
Nicely done!
Nicely done. SC is a great state. I live near Saluda.
That's awesome!
Great video! I love the package bin stand and lights too.
Thanks. The parcel locker with reflective tape has been working fantastic.
Great instructional video and review. I am hoping to do a similar install this summer. I was concerned about the lack of solar power with the typical Ghost solar setup. Your setup seems to solve many of my concerns. Can you share how you have programmed your charge control or make a quick video on that? Clearly your system works great and has not caused any issues with the Ghost Control circuit board. Nice install! Thanks.
I got the renogy solar charge controller, it's water proof, and was basically plug and play. Select the type of battery (lead acid in my case) and go.
amzn.to/3VqxIiD
affiliate link
Any idea there is a way to run this off just AC power instead of a battery? Also they just released a new control board which will let you program a remote mobile app on your phone to open/close gate which works pretty well.
Oh yeah, I got that kit and did an update video, check it out.
I’d love to see a video on your camera setup.
What size gate....u can put tv coaxel. Up on pole rhe screw old antenna in. U will get 100 or 200 feet more
my wifi camera is causing a lot if interference. With the camera off, I still don't get the range advertised. I have the ghost external antenna that my have helped a tiny bit.
Can you post a video of how you have the deep cycle battery wired in and what size you got? We need to upgrade from the two battery pack that it came with to something with a little more storage power.
Sure thing. I have a solar panel ( amzn.to/3gmpIO3 ) on a mount ( amzn.to/35225Hi ) going to a charge controller ( amzn.to/3n0r81O ) then to the battery via a fuse. Does this help? I have an interstate 12v deep cycle battery on a book shelve type bracket/. Does this help?
@@dutchofsc Thanks for the explanation. I had the same question. What fuse did you get and how did you connect it? Also, and more importantly, how is power going from battery to the control board for the gate? I watched the video and couldn't figure out how you connected it. I even zoomed in. Thanks and great video! I am hoping to mirror your setup exactly like you have it.
I love my ghost control gate opener. My question is since the majority of ppl buy this with the solar, has anyone found a "call box" that can be solar and would ring a cell phone to let you know they are at the gate. I am over 2000 feet from the gate and unexpected guests would have no way to know a code. Also, opening the gate with my cell phone would be a plus!
Great news! Ghost created a new setup, albeit still in beta, but it will let you actuate the gate over internet or bluetooth with an app. It may not be best for your instance since you are so far away. I actually had my cell phone number on a sticker at the gate, low tech but it work. I'll be uploading the new video shortly
This was a very helpful video -- thank you.
Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching.
How big is the solar panel, battery and controller? Thx
@DutchOfSC - Fellow Reolink user here, my trial is that my gate is ~1000' from home so I've no real good network connection (no line of sight). Can I ask what connections you used to wire the camera to the battery? Can I ask about the mounts you are using for the solar panel and junction? Thanks sir!
amzn.to/35225Hi
That's the mount that I slightly modified but it worked great. I used the power plug that came with the camera kit, cut the end off and stripped wires. Those cameras are 12 volt dc so easy enough. Does this answer your question?
What is the solar panel end mount used in the video? Looks great.
amzn.to/35225Hi
Slightly modified but works great
Can you explain the solor panel, charge controller installation?
Sure. I have a solar panel, solar charge controller connected to a car battery. This car battery provides 12v DC power to the gate opener (and in my case camera). Battery runs down a bit at night and charges back up in the day. Does that answer your question?
@dutchofsc how many watts is your panel? I have the factory 10 watt
Did you have to end up cutting a square surface on the round post to attach the arm bracket?
Actually no, it held up quite well. Those long screws did the trick. I installed metal 8x8 square tubes since, I'll probably do a video in a few weeks if you care to watch, maybe subscribe?
Where did you get the solar panel mount/bracket? I cant find anything similar. Also, would love that video you mentioned on a camera including the boosting pole you use and what the inside of the box looks like - maybe even a link to it LOL. Great setup! Are the lights still working out on the posts?
amzn.to/35225Hi
What kind of boosting pole are we talking about here? And yes, the light have faded some but they light up quite nicely. I'll be doing a whole video when I install a new gate, the whole thing will be getting redone with metal posts, a big control box and larger gate. Stay tuned.
Did I understand you say that you used a different solar panel than the Ghost solar setup? Is theirs not good?
I bought one on amazon. I got a 60 watt, theirs is 10. I knew adding a camera would require more power so I overbuilt :)
@@dutchofsc do you have a link to your solar panel and charger?
Your camera requires WiFi, right? If yes, how do you have it in that remote spot? Thanks.
I have a ubiquity outdoor wifi antenna about 350 feet away, works great.
@@privacyatty LOL, I'm not and far from it, actually hate that stuff, LOL. Ubiquity is not that bad, lots of how to videos right here on youtube university.
where did you get the solar panel mount from?
amzn.to/35225Hi
Luv to see how the WiFi camera send back to you
Install it higher
The gate?
@@dutchofsc no. The receiver. You said your only complaint was the range of your remote. I was just suggesting to mount that receiver box higher on the pole.
@@dutchofsc also try stripping about 1/4-1/2 inch of that wire for the receiver (the one dangling outside the box that you were showing the camera in your video), and fanning out the exposed wires. Not too far apart though. Your "fan" should be about 1/2 an inch wide. Hope that helps the range. I also hope you know what the hell I'm talking about.... 🤣
Using Lora remote
No, the real pain with the Ghost is auto close can't be turned off!
To turn the auto close off, press and hold the set auto close button down until it beeps and then release.
My auto close works like a dream. They have a new multi connect module that lets you change everything via app, before it was a pain with holding this, pressing that...
Well, I guess I'm either the only one with problems with my Ghost gate opener, or there are 18 satisfied customers and the rest of us have our comments removed. For me, I hate it.
I have had nothing but issues and not all manufacturer fault. Its windy here and it just can't handle wind.
I had to adjust my "force" screw because wind prevented it from closing. I hate to hear about your issues.