Gate Opener Upgrade: Topens to BFT Phobos

In this video I replace my Topens A8132 gate opener with the BFT Phobos BT A25 from Easy Gates. Includes a quick review of some of the main problems I had with the Topens openers.

[@davidz1681]

Dammit. I bought a TOPENS product back in May. I'm barely getting ready to install them and then i found your video. I cant return the product because I'm out of return window. Thanks for the video. I need a beer to cry in.

[@RodMcBain]

Maybe I've just been unlucky and they will work OK for you 🤞

[@robertgoodman3783]

Thanks for the video like others i have bought the topens and now looking to cry into my beer! Lol, could you provide more info on how you wired up the shelly please?

[@TOPENS]

Dear Rod,
Firstly, let us extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience and dissatisfaction you experienced with our product. Your feedback is invaluable to us as it highlights areas where we can improve both our products and services. We have heard you, and we eagerly await the opportunity to support you. Please don’t hesitate to drop us a line if there’s anything we can do for you at any time; we are always here for you.
We understand how frustrating it can be when issues arise that affect your experience. While our team is dedicated to delivering top-quality products, we recognize the importance of your feedback in guiding our ongoing development and improvement efforts. We are continuously working to better align with the expectations of our loyal customers like you.
Although we are saddened to hear that you have chosen another brand as a replacement, we genuinely wish you the best with your new experience. We hope for the opportunity to regain your trust and confidence in the future.
Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience and frustration you have experienced. We are always here for a chance to help!
Best regards,
Team TOPENS

[@RodMcBain]

Thanks for the reply, the complaints I had would mostly be easy to fix in future designs so I genuinely hope you do take them on board.

[@norxand]

Great helpful video

[@RodMcBain]

Thanks!

[@b4vrj]

Good motors these bft rams. Only issues I find with bft is when you run the auto set, it leaves the “open force and close force” to a very low preset level. Which you can increase over time if and when need be.

[@RodMcBain]

Yes, they've been working well for me, very happy with them. Not noticed an issue with the auto set force settings yet but thanks for the pointer.

[@tomashubelbauer]

Great vid!

[@RodMcBain]

Thank you

[@comudoc]

I don't use Topens products so not defending them but your gates in any wind are a nightmare to open/close due to the design of your gates. Need gates that aren't working against mother nature and catching all the wind that blows in that direction

[@RodMcBain]

Wind is definitely a concern, but I think the gates location shield it from the worst of any direct wind. It was also one of the reasons for the lock, to reduce any force placed on the arms by wind when closed.
I can't say for sure but I don't think any of my problems with the faulty Topens arm are wind related, seem to be some combination of the crappy limit switches and the controller getting confused. Mechanically the arm seems fine, when the controller chooses to open / close, it works OK.

[@johncooper5293]

I've just bought a Topens so hopefully don't have similar issues. I'd imagine the metal plate will need the surface grinding off to weld it then painted. Hope the new ones last for that money.

[@RodMcBain]

Sorry, this was probably not the video you wanted to find! Hopefully I've just been very unlucky and you have a better experience.

[@johncooper5293]

@@RodMcBain Good to know. It is very cheap so not expecting perfection.

[@greg9345]

flow valves on those actuators could help.

[@dejanbrice8774]

Theyre electronic not hydraulic.

[@RodMcBain]

Probably not going to work well with electric openers 😀

[@greg9345]

@@dejanbrice8774 yes BUT the cylinders have Oil in them you can adjust flow rates mate if you add flow restrictors to the ports.

[@dejanbrice8774]

@@greg9345 Are you sure they are not electronic screw driven mechanisms like a lot of electronic openers?

[@briandavis818]

Are these gate openers solar powered?

[@RodMcBain]

Technically yes, I have solar panels and batteries for my whole house, but no they are not directly solar powered, they take a normal 230v mains supply. I guess that's a potential advantage the Topens openers had, they came with a separate power supply that you could directly attach a battery and solar panels to.