• It can be installed on a gate leaf with a maximum weight of 600kg.
• It can be used up to 12 times per hour.
• It can be used up to 40 times per day.

The 600kg gate weight is a quite high limit if we assume that the average weight of sliding gates is usually 60-70kg/m. However, if the gate weight is unknown, it is good to ask the manufacturer. From our experience, the above mechanism covers most cases of sliding gates.

The 12 uses per hour cover even a small apartment building, as the gate can operate every 5 minutes during peak hours. The motor has thermal protection. This means that if the usage is exceeded and it overheats, the movement is interrupted until the normal temperature returns. It is logical that short gates, in a cold environment, can perform more movements than long gates in a hot environment. If the motor stops due to overheating, the gate must be operated manually.

The uses per day can cover, for example, 10 cars that will use it 4 times per day. These uses (compared to the uses per hour) are the optimal operation for the mechanism to last for many years without problems.

Sliding garage door with mechanism - Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finally, in cases where the remote controls' range is not desired, an external antenna can be installed to amplify the signal.

VDS Simply SL600 sliding automation base

The mechanism comes with a base specially designed for proper and sturdy support. The sub-base should preferably be concrete to ensure that the mechanism is properly supported. The diagram below shows the detailed dimensions of the VDS Simply SL600 mechanism base. The base has two holes which are positioned on the left as you look at the gate 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 the wiring. (The best solution is a reinforced concrete sub-base with pre-installed conduit for the wiring)
• Attach the square nuts to the bottom of the base.
• Install the base in its place with metal expansion anchors (also known as "knock-in" anchors).

Position of the VDS Simply SL600 sliding automation base

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

To find the correct position of the base, we follow this procedure:

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

• We compromise with the fact that the gate leaf will not open completely (but will open only to the point where it reaches a distance C from the base). We choose this solution if the free opening is sufficient and what remains continues to cover our needs.
• We increase the length of the gate by extending the gate leaf. It can be extended in length across its entire height or only at the point where it comes into contact with the rack.
  
  

Mechanism Installation (height-wise) - 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 good cooperation. Often, the gate's design determines where the rack will be placed so that there are support points for the rack on the gate. Below are detailed diagrams 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 (motor support base height)
H2=72mm (top of base to top of gear)
H3=15mm (top of gear to rack spacer axis)
H1+H2+H3=H1+H4+H5=105mm (bottom of base to rack spacer axis)
H4=67mm (top side of base to bottom of rack)
H5=20mm (bottom of rack to rack spacer axis)
H6=10mm (spacer axis to top of rack)
H1+H4=85mm (bottom of base to bottom of rack)
Ho= height of raised foundation (the base can be placed on a raised point for positioning reasons. In this case, the motor is protected, e.g., in case of flood.

Based on the above dimensions, a pre-check is performed before the mechanism is installed. There are two cases:

• If a rack already exists, we check if its 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 existing rack, we check if there are available mounting points on the gate for the desired rack installation height. Otherwise, we will have to place the entire structure higher by configuring the sub-base where the mechanism's base will be installed.

Plastic rack

The plastic rack is delivered in pieces 34cm long. It is plastic externally with a metal core for greater durability. The cross-section of the rack is 12x30mm, the diametral pitch is 4 (module 4) and it has 2 supports and 2 sets of screws with rectangular nuts per piece. It can be installed on gate leaves with a maximum weight of 800kg.

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

On the contrary, if the clearance is large, the cooperation between the gear and the rack will not be correct, and jerks and stresses will be created in the motor. Therefore, special care is required to create this clearance.

VDS SL600 Sliding Mechanism Metal Gear

The metal gear reliably transmits movement from the mechanism to the garage door via the rack. It features protection to prevent accidents and the trapping 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 is integrated into the mechanism. It is a control panel that combines simplicity of use with all necessary functions and has been tested over time. It combines perfectly with the VDS SL600 mechanism.

Technical characteristics:

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

The above control panel has been tested by thousands of users and has proven to be extremely reliable. In addition, it has features such as adjusting the mechanism's force, soft start and stop, which make it one of the best choices on the market right now.

ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote controls at 433.92 MHz.

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

Sliding mechanism installation procedure - Summary

The steps for installing a sliding garage door mechanism are summarized as follows:

• Check that the door operates smoothly manually.
• Check for existing wiring or install it.
• After checks, install the motor base. A stable foundation is required. Usually, a reinforced concrete base is the suitable solution.
• Mount the motor on the base.
• Install the rack.
• Install accessories (if any).
• Check for proper operation of the system 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 override for VDS SL600 sliding mechanism

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

Packaging of the VDS Simply SL600 (Kit-Economy) P mechanism kit

The VDS Simply SL600 (Kit-Economy) P kit is delivered in two packages. One contains the mechanism, remote controls, photocells, and any additional accessories that may have been ordered separately from the kit.

The second package contains only the plastic rack due to its weight.

The kit 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 set is delivered with detailed instructions in Greek. These have been processed by us to be easy to follow even by people who are not directly familiar 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 buttons. Detailed instructions for the Autotech S-5060T control panel, which is integrated into the mechanism, are also included.