Installing the Best Off Grid Solar Powered Automatic Gate Opener from Ghost Controls

[@Robert-bm4dm]

Excellent install. Great video. A couple of comments. I've installed four such automatic solar gates (mine were all made by Mule). I operated them for about ten years with only occasional repairs, one replaced controller box, and a few replaced batteries. The first one I installed was for an elderly friend in Arizona at the end of his road. Within a week, the gate opener, control box and solar panel had been stolen. I suggest (and I did on my subsequent personal three installs) that you replace the hitch pin clip (you called it a cotter pin) with a small lock or anything that will at least slow down someone intending to take your autogate mechanism for him/herself. Also... I suggest you consider using a silicone calk around the holes where your wires enter both boxes. I left a little too much space and later found that my control/battery box (the are combined for Mule openers) had various insects and spiders living inside (including one rather large black widow spider). On my subsequent installs, I also used a steel pole inset into concrete that was about 15 feet high for the solar panel to discourage theft. I also recommend that you use steel electrical conduit to protect your wires wherever exposed. I had a problem on several occasions with some type of animal chewing through the black insulation on my wires. Hope this helps someone. Those gates are really time savers.

[@Guust_Flater]

1 tip, if you buy a system like this without the (zombie)lock, you should replace the pins (@7:07 and @11:33) with locks. Otherwise the "bad people" just pull one of yhese pins and push open the gate with ease. Great video! 👍😎

[@michaellogan8676]

I hope you all are doing well. We miss your videos and hope you can post soon. For many of us you are part of our extended family as we have been with your journey a long time.

[@hxFubar]

Nice system, I'd throw a few reflectors on the post to the key pad so you see where it is as you drive up at night and maybe even on the gate so someone doesn't come up on it to fast in the night..

[@MrFlip001]

Pop a tack weld on the nut holding the hinge pins on. Keeps the honest man honsest...er. Easy to grind off for servicing later.

[@bradpayn8058]

Or mushroom them with a hammer.

[@jamiewolfe3927]

After viewing your video, I called Ghost Controls about a system for my needs. I told them about your video and how informative it is. She, Marley, wanted me to share it with her. Expect to be contacted. Thank you for taking the time to video your installation.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_Hell, solar power what happen to the other remote control? You know I'm talking about, remember when your Dad or Mom hit you up-the-side of the head and said: Go change that channel, and I even had it tested on the gates too. It works the same, no matter channels or gates. If I remember correctly, they also had the same remote for taking the trash out. It was amazing what that remote could do... Thanks for the memories... Beer assistant, where my damn remote control! : )_

[@robertscott2210]

SAPPER FOREVER I was the remote control. 😢

[@bcvahsfam]

Miss you guys and your updates. We think of you often and hope all is well.

[@nancysadewater964]

Great to see both of you. The gate looks great and I am sure will work great for you and your neighbor.

[@brianwhite9555]

Like how you approach these projects, analyzing your exact needs, researching the proper elements to meet them. And you do a fantastic job of explaining parts, pieces, operation, at the same time filming it with viewers in mind. We could clearly see your actions, how everything went together, how it operated under real conditions. Thanks for attention to details! Assuming you don't have overhead illumination(light pole?) near the gate at nighttime, wondering if you might want to put reflective tape on the free end of the gate so vehicle headlights will track opening and closing. Sign in middle of gate may serve that purpose though.

[@blessingsofthewind375]

Just wanted to stop by and say Hi. I have been thinking of y'all. Take the time you need and real life comes first. Blessings to you.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

❤️

[@KackleHillHomestead]

Installed last year it is the best for me, it has work without incident you’ll love it! Missed seeing you thanks for sharing

[@politicalpartyagnostic268]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 One year? Well that is a good test period. Glad to hear it is working well. This helps in my decision process. I am sure glad I didn’t just run our and buy the one at my favorite home supply depot.

[@PaullaWells]

That gate opener is pretty nifty. Jamie, congratulations on hitting that goal! Way to go!

[@trondhansen9896]

please try to give an update soon,like what does the water test from your well show about the quality of the water(it can not be all bad can it?)best of wishes to you all and thank you for sharing the ups and downs in life with us.

[@georgesoul6924]

Thanks for all the updates, you guys have been working so hard for so long. Keep up the good work, as a business owner I completely understand the constant moving target of goals :( You guys rock!! Keep your chins up.

[@purpguy69]

Think I’d find a way to lock those cotter pins on the control arm so no one could take those off! Great video

[@MichaelPNW1982]

purpguy69 was my first thought, too.

[@roniniowa1661]

I’m pretty confident Jeremy includes a great deal more security than what is exposed on KZbin.

[@CoolHandLukeakaSgtBilly]

You may never see this because of the many posts. Don't trust cotter pins. They can be pulled and the gate swung open. Replace connecting pin with SS bolts with locking nuts. Much harder to be opened by anyone tampering with the system. One of the other viewers suggested conduit for all the wiring. I concur, wires and zip ties can be easily cut. Just a suggestion from personal experience. Good job on the installation and filming.

[@kenputer56]

I have a Mighty Mule with all the same features , been in use for ten years now and not a problem.

[@Uncle_Buzz]

This is very timely... I've been researching solar gate openers for our homestead. Cheers! Chris.

[@no_handle_required]

I love this! I'm getting my first piece of land and leaving the city, and I want to do this too. I love the open carry too 👍🏻

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

We've had our property gate for a few years now and would love to have a system like this! Thanks for the install demo!

[@danieltatum3477]

This is just about a how to guide on installing one of these Gate Systems thank you so much, when I order one it will be from this company thanks to you

[@WendyK656]

Wow that is pretty nice Jeremy and another great lesson from you

[@SunnySlopeHomestead]

Wendy K right , always a wealth of info

[@tylerwalton3930]

Hope everything is going well, I check your channel every single day for updates!!!!

[@TheAngriestGamer.]

this was pretty cool. i never thought ied find a gate/garage door opener so interesting.

[@annbobst1]

I know right.

[@briankulis9706]

I am thinking of buying a Ghost Controls gate opener for my Estate. This video closes the deal. Great job of walking me thru the process! I am excited to get started.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

All the components we used are linked in the description below the video. We’ve been very happy with ours!

[@henryrodgers3409]

Looking good . Very nice set up . It might be a problem with areas that get lots of snow but that is not your problem . Easy to install . Good video .

[@lindaroney4820]

congrats on your shirt...the rock will be awesome!!! looking forward to checking out and sharing you web page!!! God bless you and your family, you are an inspiration to more people than you will ever know!!!

[@robertrockwell7581]

pretty cool the stuff they come up with today's tech.

[@lesleyharris3198]

Looks like a great system, any news about the house build? Thanks

[@sonyagregory5711]

Really nice setup on your gate. I know you are loving that! Going to check out your new website! I know I will love it!

[@SunnySlopeHomestead]

Sonya Gregory I cant wait to get one now for sure but here to saving up lol

[@rufusrizzo78]

Thanks for sharing! I like the Zombie lock, I haven't seen one of those. I would be a little concerned about the batteries being in the sun in that black box, on a 90F sunny day it may be 120F or more inside the box. I'd check to make sure they're not leaking at the end of every summer. You may be able to mount them low on the post to keep them in the shade longer.

[@AutoCrete]

Judging from shadows and the angle of the solar panels it appears that the battery box is mounted on the north side of the (6 x 6?) post

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Correct. The batteries are in the shade all day.

[@katherinekelly6432]

I am glad to see someone else besides me use a adjustable wrench as a hammer. In the process of installing one of these now, hence why I am watching this vid instead of my usual mindless junk. Not being mechanically inclined I will leave my pistol at home so I am not tempted to shoot the control box when the frustration reaches unmanageable levels. It has been known to happen in the past. The boards on the manure spreader look like swiss cheese because the dam thing is always breaking down.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

I like you already

[@nanomaine]

A really nice gate! Thank you for showing it to us.

[@Felsworn5121]

Thanks for the video. Followed the links and bought the whole kit-and-caboodle. Hope you got credit for the purchase.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Thanks! It works great. 👍🏻

[@mmanut]

Great install. Maybe a camera on the pole so you can see who is coming up the driveway. Motion detector for people on foot or bikes. Just a thought. They have a large selection for decent price‼️👍👍. Vinny 🇺🇸

[@ndimec2117]

mmanut can you suggest a place I can get these items you've suggested?

[@American-OutdoorsNet]

We also have a 16' gate attached to a 6'x6' post. Even using the heavier duty bolts, we took an extra step to prevent the gate sagging. We took a small 2" x 4" block of wood and screwed it to the other/opposite 6"x6" post and use it as a "footrest" for the gate. It is about 6" off the ground and even with the bottom of the gate. If the gate is going to be left open for any length of time, we just set the end up on the block to take weight off and support it.

[@highflyingacres7826]

We put a wheel on it for support and ease of opening.

[@krislindquist4978]

You guys have the best ghost video on here& you guys are the reason I just purchased everything ghost makes like you guys 🤘⛽

[@Richard-1469]

Thanks for the video. Your setup looks very nice. You mentioned burying the exit sensor wire. Do you plan to protect the wire in conduit as it runs up the wooden post, to protect against a weed eater? The conduit might also prevent someone from easily opening your gate, by cutting the wire to your exit sensor. It appears that simply connecting the Normally Open white wire to any other wire (except red) would trigger the gate to open. Sorry, if that's not correct. But that's what it looked like from your video where the white wire connects to the Open Terminal and the Common, Shield, and Ground wire connect to the Common Terminal.

[@plecceardone]

Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make/ upload this video. Very helpful as I am planning to install this same solar gate opener. Thanks again.

[@Miss449686]

Thanks for sharing this information -- love the new gate opener.

[@FrontierPreppers]

Great to see you guys!... It feels like, it has been a while since the last video.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yeah it’s been a minute!

[@shepatown]

An awesome improvement for country living. What great neighbours you must be. Just wondering if the batteries will survive a freeze in the winter - probably so, I guess.

[@kleineroteHex]

👍👍 for your consistent clear audio, needs to be said. What is meal planning?? LOL Just never worked for me, my kids however seem to do well with it, they did not get that from me!!! I need a solar gate for my garden 😉

[@sraiken]

Thank you for making this video. I was planning on doing just this. I had not settled on an approach and your video brought it all together for me. Thank you brother.

[@stacey1703]

I know one day you guys will have a awesome solar system

[@Butchmcmasters7MM]

Hope everything is good didn't hear from y'all lately I read some of the comments that you will be back soon God bless you and your family keep the videos coming have a great day looking forward to the next video

[@PaulyOutdoors]

Great video Jeremy! This is definitely something I will do once I get my gate set up. Thanks for the step by step.

[@cameronalexander359]

What a time to be alive.

[@campoman1681]

I hope you get sorted soon.

[@contentment164]

Nicely done! We just installed a 16 foot gate at our homestead and will consider this.

[@stormiemorton3085]

Great job. I’m new and my husband and I have been enjoying the videos. Lots of good information.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Dave-ge1uu]

It appears that the original gate hinge pins were not loose or wobbled out as you stated they could be. I have a gate that is mounted with the threaded hinge pins and the gate is still going strong after 25 years. You replaced a very secure method of installing the gate with threaded rod pins that only requires one to remove the nut and pull the gate with pins out of the post.

[@henryrodgers3409]

That may be so but if someone really wanted to get on the property all they would have to do is drive through the gate . I'm sure that he has cameras and motion sensors set up to monitor the gate . The main reason why he installed this system is so that he and his family would not have to get in and out of their vehicle all the time to open and close the gate . A gate just stops the honest people from getting in . No gate is going to stop a person with bad intentions .

[@Jonzuber]

Make sure that the underground wire is installed in pvc schedule 40 pipe in order to protect the wire from gophers and moles.

[@normagomez9660]

love your new website! Easy to navigate, well organized , totally awesome!!!

[@homesteadingusa]

Great video. I had my mind made up to purchase a Mighty Mule and then I read the reviews and watched some videos. After some time, I found your video due to Ghost Controls was highly recommended from the many who wasted money on the mighty mule. Your video was very clear and informative and has helped me decide to go with Ghost Controls. Thank you and keep the video coming.

[@bradpayn8058]

That's cool now I want one! One suggestion though Jeremy, and I'll bet you may have thought of something too already and just haven't gotten to it yet. Those approximately 3" wood rails between the posts on the sides of the gate won't stop anyone intent on driving that road (your ccw will if you're home though :) ). I'd consider pipe and concrete, either with rails, or just some ballards. If you want to keep the wood rail look, maybe just a single pipe rail out of sight behind one of the wood rails, with vert posts in concrete and welded. Maybe even a few boulders placed just right. I see that guy cable is kind of in the way on one side, but it looks like it wouldn't take much to kick out the next section just past it, or a tow strap. I've seen locked gates on barbed wire fences in Wyoming too often, were people just cut the wire and go around the locked gate. Those rails don't look much tougher. At least it's not far to trees! You won't stop walkers, but most of them want to drive.

[@SunnySlopeHomestead]

Brad Payn I want you too ! My gate area is shaded though so I have to figure that out

[@phillully4472]

Kool Jeremy real nice gate opener. That should keep unwelcomed trespassers out. Hope Jamie is doing well too. Catch ya next time.

[@rodneyross5282]

Wondering where you are? I miss your entertaining and informative shows. Please hurry back.

[@SunnySlopeHomestead]

I’d love to have a gate and that crescent hammer you used 😊

[@keithbrookshire]

That's an impressive system. I'm always happy to see a new video from you guys.

[@harley96cube]

Very nice. I'll check out Ghost for my next one. I did a video years ago about a Mule I installed. It worked fine, but did not have all of these bells and whistles.

[@Carol_Pearson]

"Screwy things and washery things," sounds like something I would say to describe bits of hardware. LOL.

[@organicskincare]

You guys have the best show. Love it!

[@fasnuf]

I have this same gate opener and for the most part it works. Once in a while I need to reset it. Trying to get it changed over from A/c power to solar without spending the $100-200 for their solar kit.

[@plsniper]

Awesome vid bud! Love the 1911!

[@bobjones9727]

Great YT channel. Just an observation: I'd build up that perimeter fencing a little. The log fence rails look awfully easy to drive through if one really wanted too.

[@Dave-ge1uu]

The gate can be opened by a shovel being waved over the magnetic sensor.

[@BrownsSelfStorage]

You made the best helpful off-grid video on KZbin I am going to purchase the system through your Amazon link I definitely need this for my self storage new business I am building up !!!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliabartlam3878]

Great video! It looks great and I am sure that it really makes things easier.

[@arussianasset3948]

Haven't seen any new content. I thought maybe you were just busy building your new home. Nice sanitary install on the gate opener Jeremy. Standing by for house construction footage. Good luck Jeremy & Jammie.

[@JamesCouch777]

We have double gates but that system is nice.

[@jazfarm5726]

FYI. I have just received the order for mine. It is for 2 14 foot gates. Looking forward to getting it installed.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Awesome. Good luck 👍🏻

[@mackdickerson9322]

Good vlog guys. Am a fan of Ghost Controls myself. Am glad to see that I'm not the only one that thinks a Crescent wrench can double as a hammer ha-ha. Hey Big Guy, which do you find more mentally comfortable the holster in or out of your britches? Thanks.

[@annbobst1]

I am hooked on your channel. I was bummed to find out you can't find a builder😢 That's crazy.

[@garythreadgill8913]

“It’s got Zombie Lock” O.K. I need this! 😂

[@trevorhummer9179]

hope everything is fine guys. chances are u got a contractor finally. anxiously awaiting an update...even a 5 min vid....even 1 min. just tell us youre alive and well lol

[@krystonjones]

lol?????????

[@Wolfmancollectibles]

Hope ya'll are ok, ya'lls last video was over a month ago hope noting happened. If ya'll can post and let us know if everything is OK!

[@chelemichele1524]

Great info on solar gate!!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Great system. Thanks for sharing.

[@lynnbradley7387]

What was your total cost on this system? Everything included realizing you already had your gate in your post.

[@Jonzuber]

You may want to add an adjustable hard rubber 8"dia. wheel at the end of your gate in order to remove the stress off of the gate hinges. I've used them with 20' steel gates with great success.

[@ServiceTrek]

pretty cool, and off grid at that.

[@RAYOFSONLITE]

Congratulations on your tee. Great to have goals but do not allow yourself to become frail please.

[@tonyboneize]

Best video by far. Thanks 🙏

[@cannon440]

Very nice AND reasonable priced.

[@jpwilliams5264]

Wonder how this would hold up in a canadian winter?looks like a great kit!

[@politicalpartyagnostic268]

Looks good. I went to their website through your link. They have several systems and I would like to know which one you installed. I think that one would work for me.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

TSS1XP with some additional accessories.

[@politicalpartyagnostic268]

Guildbrook Farm - Off Grid Living Thank you!!! Love you guys!!! 👍🏻😘

[@richg3395]

I hope you all are doing well. Can't wait for more videos! Thank you for all you do.

[@SeanDIY]

I got a grease gun (same you use for your car) and grease the bolt hinges. Makes it last and take less of a beating. Nice work all around!

[@maxrpmstuff]

Well done video, 'Thank you' for sharing your perfect installation!

[@Reaper4367]

Nicely done mate. Cheers for sharing.

[@Subgunman]

Nice system, however...... I would run all intercabling between boxes in Sealtite conduit ( as used in AC wiring between cutoff box and the AC compressor.) cable to the control arm should be run in a stainless steel Armor Flex conduit whic can be obtained from various high end alarm supply companies. These few changes will eliminate the average joe from messing with your gate. You could even add a wireless alarm system to alert you of any tampering.

[@markthompsoncpa]

I like the idea of pointing both pins up. (if concerned about someone lifting gate off I'm sure there would be a way to restrict that

[@julieschossow9315]

Can't wait to visit your site!

[@AudioGardenSlave123]

Wouldn't mind an update video on this system as to how well it's worked and the quality of the components. Not really a video but an little update of sorts. I wish they would make that lock mechanism to have a long bolt that passes through a slot so you can't bent the gate in the middle a couple of inches and slide the little bolt out of slot. Perhaps it's more of a claw lock mechanism, I'm not sure cause it's all covered up so maybe this isn't a real issue.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Update: Still working great. The lock is like a “claw” so it fully encloses on the latch bar. You need a key to open it manually.

[@AudioGardenSlave123]

@@Guildbrookfarm I guess hook would be a better description than claw. Alright thanks for the update. Other people can read it here if they're interested in the long term usage, so it's appreciated.

[@offgridsweden]

Awesome video you guys. Have a great Sunday, Andreas 🇸🇪

[@soulchicken2518]

So for the real people. And I will know. [e-mail]. Email me with how you think I can deal with my girls. If you're interested in the videos I can send you the one I'm most concerned about.

[@Joe-sn6ir]

i need to find a good down-to-earth woman like this. kudos to you!!!

[@pixelupdates7041]

Excellent video. You are articulate, succinct and thorough. Question: Is there a watertight flange around the control box?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yes

[@kaylakristine1290]

Love the "No Spray" sign. You guys have covered all the bases, great work.

[@joecnelson77yes]

What does the sign mean?

[@Staki6908]

@@joecnelson77yes It's an organic farm so no spray .