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Started by JillS8 • 12 replies • 887 views

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JillS8 (California)
Posts: 101

Posted:

Living in a gated community that needs a remote to enter . A homeowner had a remote programmed 3 months ago . Something went wrong and now remote does not work. Homeowner has requested several times that the Management Company and the board call gate contractor out to fix.. Homeowner concerned that her daughter and safety as she now has to get out of car to open manually. What is a fair amount of time for this homeowner to wait for board to accommodate the request? Is it a fair request?

BarbaraT1 (Texas)
Posts: 821

Posted:

This is something that should have been handled within 24 hours, unless it is part of some larger problem requiring more time, in which case the owner should get a timeline.

But, I'm not sure that the problem is with the gate. Sounds like the remote needs to be reprogrammed or replaced, both of which could be done within hours.

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

If everybody else's remote works, then I would tell the owner to buy a new remote. In our association, we don't supply gate remotes, but will suggest which ones are known to work and assist with programming.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

JillS8 (California)
Posts: 101

Posted:

The remotes worked. Gate system was updated and the gate tech programmed their remote and then it stopped working.

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 3,868

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JillS8 on 12/20/2018 7:50 AM
The remotes worked. Gate system was updated and the gate tech programmed their remote and then it stopped working.

Then I have to assume then that all homeowners remote access to the gate doesn't work. Correct?

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RichardP13 on 12/20/2018 8:46 AM

Posted By JillS8 on 12/20/2018 7:50 AM
The remotes worked. Gate system was updated and the gate tech programmed their remote and then it stopped working.

Then I have to assume then that all homeowners remote access to the gate doesn't work. Correct?

My comment above is based on our gate technology with "dumb" remotes where they all send the same static code. In this case, if a single remote doesn't work, it is a problem with the remote.

My understanding is that some newer systems are more sophisticated, either using a rolling code or some other method that makes each remote unique. In that case it might take somebody on the association side with technical expertise to assist.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 3,868

Posted:

All the HOA's I have managed who had gates used a remote that was programmed with the toggle switches.

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RichardP13 on 12/20/2018 9:55 AM
All the HOA's I have managed who had gates used a remote that was programmed with the toggle switches.

That's how ours is, and all remotes send the same static code. I assume most are that way too, but there are companies selling more sophisticated rolling code systems, similar to what most garage door openers have been using for at least the past 20 years. With a rolling code system, each remote is uniquely identified to the gate controller and programming requires action on both sides.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 3,868

Posted:

Will only know once the OP responds

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

Yeah ... I don’t understand this one.

FredS7 (Arizona)
Posts: 927

Posted:

1. Yes, if there is a problem with the gate it is reasonable to expect a rapid response (< 24 hours).

2. Yes, it is very likely the problem is with the poster's remote.

3. Depending on the system the poster may or may not need the assistance of the association to get a new (or old) remote working.

JillS8 (California)
Posts: 101

Posted:

My remote worked for years. Piggy back system added to accommodate more remotes. Gate Company programmed my remote to new system. Remote stopped working. Not my remote.😀

ArtL1 (Florida)
Posts: 140

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By DouglasK1 on 12/20/2018 9:29 AM

Posted By RichardP13 on 12/20/2018 8:46 AM

Posted By JillS8 on 12/20/2018 7:50 AM
The remotes worked. Gate system was updated and the gate tech programmed their remote and then it stopped working.

Then I have to assume then that all homeowners remote access to the gate doesn't work. Correct?

This really depends on how modern/antiquated the gate controller is. My gated community with a 13 year old system has unique codes (not rolling) per remote. This means you can program your vehicle's Homelink remote from a gate clicker, but the gate controller needs to have a database maintained that allows every code we know of (for all the remotes issued or sold to residents) to open the gates. AFAIK, if it was rolling codes, this wouldn't be possible without a more involved pairing process (which I had to do for my garage door opener).

If the controller is replaced, that database needs to be reloaded. If that was done recently, it's possible the gate maintenance company didn't have the full database or didn't properly program the full list. Either way, this is something a competent gate maintenance company should have handled in a day or so.

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