Viking Gate Openers: I'm Sorry But Not Sorry

I'm not sorry to say it: here is a major weakness in Viking gate openers. Thankfully it's easy to overcome. You can find this frustrating part inside Viking Access models L3, H10, F1, T21, Q4, Q7, L3NX, H10NX, F1NX, T21NX, Q7NX, L-3NX, H-10NX, F-1NX, T-21NX, Q-7NX, L-3, H-10, F-1, T-21, Q-4, Q-7.
Gate operator installations, advise, tips, repairs, and general vehicular gate opener knowledge with Jacob Gilliam, a Certified Electronics Technologist and master level gate technician with 18+ years of daily experience.
#techtips #northstarcontrols #vikingaccesssystems #jacobgilliammastertech #noexcusesgateautomation #gate #gates #accesscontrol #accesscontrolsystem #automated #automatedgates #gateopeners #gateoperators #swinggates #slidegates #powergates #drivewaygates #entrygates #electricgates #solargates #vikingaccess
#jacobgilliammastertech

[@roberthanchey4357]

Thank you Jacob we really appreciate the support!!!!

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

I love you guys, at NorthStar. Y'all make a solid product! I use your product EXCLUSIVELY!

[@gabemoore8119]

That's hilarious.. I have only recently started using the viking products and just installed an L3 using the built in loop rack. Have always used linear since their rsl/osco days and have been very happy with the simplicity of the viking setup thus far. We'll, hopefully mine will be the one in a million that's not unreliable. 🤣

[@fuzzievohs]

Great video! Do you have a link to the Northstar replacement? I can't see the numbers on it in the video. Thanks!

[@rentaissanceman]

I notice you are using a Liftmaster Loop detector in that Viking loop rack. I'm reasonably sure that detector is not compatible with the Viking loop rack. I looked today for Viking's list of compatible detectors, but could not locate it. I have seen a list before, and I remember that Liftmaster was not compatible. I'll contact Viking tech support on Monday and confirm. I have been installing and servicing Viking since they came on the market. I have never had an issue with their loop rack when I use a detector that they have tested. More soon.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

We have tried every imaginable brand of loop detector on those loop racks since probably the year 2008. That just happened to be the brand of detector someone had installed inside 'that' model, at 'that' specific customer, when my team & I stopped to service it and I decided to finally just make a video about the topic. Just a random service call and a random customer, but a universal problem across all customers. Viking even called and acknowledged the issue and asked if I had any possible ideas as to the "why", or ideas on a solution; they were looking for anything that they hadn't already considered... and you gotta respect a company like that. ;-)

[@Lowdown13blues]

Hi, we’re about to get a new unit installed and we’re debating in between all-o-matic or Viking brands. Which one would you recommend for a sliding residential gate ? Thank you

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

I have a lot of respect for both brands. What influences my suggestion the most is 5 things: 1) the gate (slide/swing, size of entrance opening, weight, design) 2) the area of the country it's being installed in 3) electric of solar 4) how many homes behind the gate 5) between which models you are trying to decide on; the model of the Viking vs the model of the All-O-Matic. Then I can give you an honest opinion 🙂

[@armadillo6900]

First thing I do is throw it and wiring away. I like cartel exit probes. Their adjustable for se sensitivity and no loops. Most driveways are disaster anyway.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Which Cartell are you using?

[@christopherpoppiti1106]

I've got an issue with a Viking neigborhood swing gate. The entrance syncs with the timer well with no issues, however, the exit after two months of no issue with a new timer defaults to (when it's time to close the gate) instead of the 1 minute countdown before closing, the Viking unit flickers between 59 and 58 and is stuck doing that and the gate remains open. Any clue?

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Is the "Open" or "ReOpen" light on the board lit up when this issue occurs?

[@chrisb.2954]

Hello I have a quick question will the loop detector effect the wireless keypad.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

They are separate accessories inside the gate operator. They shouldn't have any effect on each other whatsoever. That's the 99% accurate answer. There are always rare exceptions to every rule.

[@royalpools]

I have a Viking key to sliding gate opener. I do not know how to put it in neutral we get frequent power outages, and I do not have a battery connected. Is there a simple way to put the gate in neutral so I can manually open it without having to remove the chain?

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Viking slide models do not have a "neutral". The key you have is likely to lock the plastic cover down on the chassis. But all Vikings do have an emergency release switch that allows you to push real hard and back drive the gearbox with the chain still attached. Lean into it and the gate opens slowly. Find the red emergency release switch and flick it to the "off" or "release" position.

[@chaosorder1208]

Hi do ever do a review on who offers most complete and integrated community access capabilities. I get really concerned about having multi-vendor solutions because they may integrate but I cannot get overall performance data, proactive notifications when there are problems, etc. Any thoughts on this?

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Interesting question! In 20 years nobody's ever brought that up. But now that you ask, I do know of a few manufacturers who are good about covering all aspects of the automation of gates and the access control. I would have to say DoorKing and Linear. Both of them make access control equipment AND gate operators. Most vendors usually make one or the other. And so, yes, in most situations you're mixing and matching manufacturers. If I give it more thought, maybe I can think of another brand or two, but for right now those are the two that come to mind first.

[@chaosorder1208]

@@JacobGilliamMasterTech The one we are looking at specifically is LiftMaster. They have gate operators, barrier arm systems, transponder readers, kiosk and a subscription based guest management app for residents. Seems like a comprehensive end-to-end solution.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

There you go! Sounds like you found your solution :-)

[@chaosorder1208]

@@JacobGilliamMasterTech Thank you. have you done any reviews on pro/cons of in ground versus above ground vehicle detection solutions?

[@jake90770]

We always use D-TEK mvp loop boxes and harness on this unit

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

That's an EMX brand, if memory serves me well.

[@jake90770]

@@JacobGilliamMasterTech The one that i'm referring to is the golden aluminum loop box with a harness not a plug in little box like the one in your video

[@hectorespinoza7641]

Hey Jacob was wondering if you could tell me how to program new controllers to my gate and to make only those controllers open my gate because I order some on Amazon and without programming them they opened my gate that’s a safety issue

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

What remotes are you using? Typically has a brand and model on the back of one of them.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Sorry for the delayed reply!

[@hectorespinoza7641]

@@JacobGilliamMasterTech I’m using the lift master

[@bradymayne6598]

Change the dip switches in the receiver in the gate then match them on your remote. Should be 10 of them and you can change them up and down but they come up down up down from what I've seen so unless you change them they will probably all work if they are new.

[@morganescamilla163]

HI JACOB CAN YOU ANSWER I INTALL OPENERS BUT I HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH VIKING 1 THIS HAVE TIMER FOR OPEN AND CLOSE ALL WEEK BUT WE CAN'T OPEN OR CLOSE WITH KEYPAD IF THE TIMER ARE ON ONLY CAN MOVE WHEN TIMER ARE OFF YOU KNOW WHATS THE PROBLEM O HOW CAN FIX IT

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

That sounds normal. If you have a 7 day timer that opens your gate at a certain time and allows it to close at a set time, then it will over ride any other commands. You can't override the timer with a keypad or remote.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

It could technically be "done". But normal setups would not allow for it.

[@mistymilam9089]

I just purchased a home with an L3 model, and recently, my gate decided not to open daily. It has the ERR UL Sensor and ERR EMI NO EMI, but if I wait a few hours, it will start working again. Any suggestions?

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

The no EMI is likely of no concern, as the machine is still operating. But the UL Sensor error is in regards to the safety beam that covers the area that the gate slides open to. Basically, it THINKS someone or something is behind the gate, so it will not open until it thinks the area is clear. Hopefully the safety sensor was installed and installed properly by the tech. Could be something as simple as an alignment adjustment to that sensor, but it could be multiple causes. In this situation it would be best to call a qualified technician that can put their eyes one the situation. I can attempt to be more helpful if you can send me some photos of the install.

[@mistymilam9089]

I posted two short clips.

[@mistymilam9089]

I can’t figure out how to attach a video to this.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

I received your text messages, just send photos there :-)

[@richardrodriguez8247]

Where in the heck is the Learn/program button on the K2? I've given this thing everything but a prostate exam trying to find it. The manual is no help and searches online are useless. I had someone install it and now they are gone. I need to program some remotes for my kids. HELP PLEASE!!!

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Okay, I can understand why you're frustrated. Viking doesn't make remotes. So first I need to know what brand of remotes you are using?

[@bmack2938]

Do you have any videos on connecting up a photocell? Any help is appreciated.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

I do not at this time. There are so many different types of safety beams and operators, it's a bit daunting to consider how to eat that elephant lol

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Do you have a particular safety sensor in mind, to any particular operator? Maybe I can consider making a video for you ;-)

[@bmack2938]

@@JacobGilliamMasterTech wow that’s a really fast reply and thank you so much. I have a Viking slide gate opener and I just added the Viking Monitor wifi option. Works like a charm. The previous photo cell works on a reflector. It’s a NIR-50-325 UL325 RETROREFLECTIVE PHOTOEYE KIT. The previous homeowner completely disconnected it. The gate today will crush a fender or kill a child. No kids around. I have a vflex board and the wiring diagrams are not clear. I get three wires in and I’m left guessing. So photo cell to a vflex board? If your so inclined. Regards,B

[@bmack2938]

@@JacobGilliamMasterTech the reflective photo cells all seem to have five wires.

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

@@bmack2938 yes, they will have 5 wires, but you will nearly always not be using the 5th (Normally Closed NC wire). What color is the round Viking logo on your board? Black, green, or orange?

[@melaniedelaney640]

Mine won’t close says sensor error any help be nice

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

It has been operational, and now is says "sensor error"? Before considering throwing money at it, try to first pull the big white connector off the control board (it has a red, black, green, and white wiring in the connector) -- this will power the board power down -- once the board is powered down, then plug the white connector back in, let the board boot up, and see if the error clears. If not, then it's best to get a qualified technician scheduled.

[@ambercalhounmusic]

Mines making a siren like. Car going off what to do

[@JacobGilliamMasterTech]

Highly likely the electrical power to it is cut off and the batteries are now too low to operate the motor. It can be 1) a breaker 2) a fuse 3) a bad EMI board 4) a bad toroidal transformer. Check for fuses first. Send me the model number you have.

[@Simon-br2ke]

Top board doesn't light up any more.

[@Simon-br2ke]

​@@JacobGilliamMasterTech1:16

[@Lowdown13blues]

Hi, we’re about to get a new unit installed and we’re debating in between all-o-matic or Viking brands. Which one would you recommend for a sliding residential gate ? Thank you

[@armadillo6900]

Installed vikings for last 15 yrs. No problems

[@brianweit7823]

what about mice ?@@armadillo6900