• VDS Simply SL600 sliding garage door mechanism for 600kg door.
• Mechanism mounting base with screws and anchors
• Manual release keys (2 pcs) 
• Limit switch activation tabs
• Detailed instructions written in Greek
• ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote control at 433.92 MHz, 1 pc
• 3m metallic rack

The VDS Simply SL600 (Kit-Economy) S set is an initial set for installing a garage door mechanism. Other materials can be added to it depending on your needs.

Criteria for installing the VDS Simply SL600 mechanism on your door

 Sliding garage door with mechanism - Features

A classic layout of a sliding gate with a mechanism naturally includes the door leaf, which has rollers at its bottom. The rollers must be well-maintained so as not to hinder the movement of the door and the mechanism.

The rail, on which the rollers move, is properly secured to the ground. The rail must be straight without bumps or deformations.

The door leaf is held in an upright position by the guide rollers. The guide rollers are positioned so that they are always in contact with the door from the fully open to the fully closed position. They must be stable and not allow the door to deviate from its path, but without hindering its movement. They are placed at the top of the door and in the middle of its travel.

The last accessories (for a door without a mechanism) are the mechanical stops of the door. The stops define the travel of the door, i.e., the final position of the door both when opening and closing.

To automate a door leaf, we install a metal (or plastic) rack. The rack is a toothed bar that cooperates with the motor's gear to transmit motion.

The motor is placed in the center of the door's travel so that it always has contact with the door. It has a gear that transmits motion from the mechanism to the door via the rack.

Beyond the mechanism, an essential accessory for the safety of the entire construction are the safety photocells. The safety photocells are placed on either side of the opening and check for obstacles in the path of the door. If an obstacle is detected during the closing of the door, the photocells send a command to the mechanism's control panel, and the closing of the door stops.

Also, for even greater safety, a safety beacon could be installed, which provides a visual signal when the door is in operation. This is usually installed when the door is adjacent to busy roads, roads with heavy traffic, and in areas where visibility is limited.

Finally, in cases where the range of remote controls is not desirable, an external antenna can be installed to boost the signal.

VDS Simply SL600 Sliding Automation Base

The mechanism comes with a base specifically designed for proper and robust support. The substrate should ideally be concrete to ensure the mechanism is properly supported. The diagram below shows the detailed dimensions of the VDS Simply SL600 mechanism base. The base has two holes that are placed on the left side as we look at the door from the side where the rack (and the mechanism) is located.

To install the base of the sliding mechanism, follow these steps:

• Check the sub-base and wiring. (the best solution is a reinforced concrete sub-base with coiled conduits for the wiring)
• Attach the square nuts to the bottom of the base.
• Install the base in place with metal expansion anchors (also known as "hammer-in" anchors).

Position of the VDS Simply SL600 Sliding Automation Base

The base of the sliding garage door mechanism must be placed at a specific point for the motor to function correctly. Below, the exact point where the base should be placed is detailed, depending on whether the door opens to the right or to the left. (left and right are defined as looking at the door from the side where the motor and rack are installed)  

To find the correct position for the base, follow these steps:

1. Push the door leaf manually to the fully closed position. Place the mechanism's base on the ground, at a distance of at least B from the edge of the door leaf.
2. Push the door leaf manually to the open position. The base must be at a distance C from the edge of the door. If this is true, proceed with the installation. If this condition is not met, there are 2 options:

• Accept that the door leaf will not open completely (but will open to the point where it reaches distance C from the base). Choose this solution if the free opening is sufficient and what remains continues to meet your needs.
• Increase the length of the door by extending the door leaf. It can be extended along its entire height or only at the point where it comes into contact with the rack.
  
  

 Mechanism installation (height) - Detailed dimensions

The installation height of the mechanism is extremely important for the entire installation process. What matters is the height in relation to the rack for their proper cooperation. Often, the design of the door determines where the rack will be placed so that there are attachment points for the rack on the door. Below are detailed drawings for the installation height of the mechanism in cases where the rack has been placed with its teeth facing downwards. (this is the recommended and most common solution)

H1= 18mm (height of motor mounting base)
H2=72mm (base top to gear top)
H3=15mm (gear top to rack spacer axis)
H1+H2+H3=H1+H4+H5=105mm (base bottom to rack spacer axis)
H4=67mm (base top side to rack bottom)
H5=20mm (rack bottom to rack spacer axis)
H6=10mm (spacer axis to rack top)
H1+H4=85mm (base bottom to rack bottom)
Ho= height of raised foundation (the base can be placed on a raised point for spatial reasons. In this case, the motor is protected, e.g., in case of flooding.

Based on the above dimensions, a preliminary check is performed before the mechanism's installation. There are two cases:

• If a rack already exists, we check if its already installed height is suitable in relation to the mechanism's dimensions and the height at which its gear is placed. If the dimensions do not match, we will either have to raise the mechanism's base (if the rack is high) or change the rack's position (uninstall and reinstall).
• If there is no rack, we check if at the desired height for the rack's installation, there are available mounting points on the door. Otherwise, we will have to place the entire structure higher by shaping the sub-base where the mechanism's base will be placed.

Metallic rack

The metallic rack is delivered in one-meter sections. It is galvanized for greater resistance to external conditions. The rack's cross-section is 12x30mm, the diametral pitch is 4 (module 4), and it has 3 spacers per piece. It can be installed on door leaves with a maximum weight of 2 tons.

A key point of attention is the clearance that must exist between the gear and the rack. Ideally, this clearance should be 1.5mm. 

If this clearance does not exist, the mechanism is forced to carry the door along its entire travel instead of simply pushing it. This will cause wear and tear, and sooner or later, problems in its operation will arise. Its installation is done by welding it onto the door.

In the opposite case, if the clearance is too large, the cooperation between the gear and the rack will not be correct, and jolts and stresses will be created in the motor. Therefore, particular attention is required to create this clearance.

VDS SL600 Sliding Mechanism Metal Gear

The metallic gear reliably transmits movement from the mechanism to the garage door via the rack. It features protection to prevent accidents and the entrapment of objects between the gear and the rack.

Autotech S5060T control panel for sliding garage door mechanisms

The Autotech S5060T control panel is included in the set and integrated into the mechanism. It is a control panel that combines simplicity of use with all necessary functions and has been time-tested. It pairs perfectly with the VDS SL600 mechanism.

Technical specifications:

• Features a socket for the mechanism's limit switches
• We can adjust the mechanism's force.
• There is the possibility for soft start and stop for less wear and tear on the mechanism and garage door.
• Accepts safety photocells which interrupt movement when they detect an obstacle during door closing and initiate reverse movement (opening).
• There is an available setting for automatic door closing with the user choosing the closing start time. Photocell use is essential for automatic closing function.
• There is an option for electric braking.
• The opening direction is adjusted with a microswitch.
• The panel can accept a push-button (keypad or simple push-button). 
• The panel can accept a 230VAC warning light without a flasher or a 230VAC lighting lamp.
• Features an integrated receiver with simple operation.
• User information regarding the mechanism's functions is provided by LED lights.

The aforementioned control panel has been tested by thousands of users and has proven to be extremely reliable. Furthermore, it features functions such as mechanism force adjustment, slow start, and stop, which make it one of the best choices currently on the market.

ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote controls at 433.92 MHz.

ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote controls feature an excellent design, while being easy to use and simple in both operation and programming. They have been tested by thousands of users and do not present any problems. They can receive up to four commands from different mechanisms, making them convenient for users who have more than one automation system in their daily use. 

Sliding mechanism installation procedure - Summary

 In summary, the steps for installing a sliding garage door mechanism are as follows:

• Check that the door operates smoothly manually.
• Check the wiring if it exists, or lay it.
• After checks, proceed with the installation of the motor base. Requires a stable sub-base. Usually, a reinforced concrete base is the appropriate solution.
• Mounting the motor on the base.
• Rack installation.
• Installation of accessories (if any)
• Check for proper operation of the setup and explain all details to users for safe use.

The above are simply a summary of the steps for installing a sliding mechanism. Inside the mechanism's packaging, you will find detailed, step-by-step instructions, well-written and easy to follow. 

Manual operation of the VDS SL600 sliding mechanism

The manual operation process of the VDS SL600 mechanism is simple and easy for all users. With the key, open the disengagement door and push it to the fully open position. The garage door now operates manually. By reversing the process (closing and locking the door), we re-engage the mechanism.

Packaging of the VDS Simply SL600 (Kit-Economy) S mechanism set

The VDS Simply SL600 (Kit-Economy) S set is delivered in two packages. One contains the mechanism, the remote control, and any accessories that may have been ordered extra from the set.

The second package contains only the metallic rack due to its weight and length.

The set is delivered ready for installation as it has been checked by our technicians and the remote control is programmed.

Installation instructions for the sliding garage door kit

The kit comes with detailed instructions in Greek. They have been edited by us to be easy to follow even for people who do not have direct experience with the subject.

They contain detailed steps for each stage of the installation, from the motor base and the rack to accessories such as photocells and push-buttons. Detailed instructions are also included for the Autotech S-5060T control panel which is integrated into the mechanism.