VDS SL1000 Sliding Gate Motor

Set for sliding garage door with VDS SL1000 mechanism, for doors up to 1000 kg. Includes: base and mounting materials, limit switch activation plates, release keys, installation instructions in Greek, etc.

Available in its basic version without control panel, without remote control. Depending on your needs, you can add 1 to 5 remote controls with a control panel, 3 to 6 meters of rack, and wired or reflector photocells.

General information about the VDS SL1000 mechanism:

  • For a maximum leaf weight of 1000kg
  • Non-reversible, permanently lubricated mechanism
  • Up to 30 open/close cycles per hour (at 20°C)
  • Up to 60 open/close cycles per day.
  • Single-phase motor (230 VAC)
  • Mechanism dimensions: 247x197x267 mm (LxWxH)
  • Leaf movement speed: 10 m/min
  • Motor absorbed power: 330 W
  • Motor thermal protection: 140 °C
  • Features a key-operated door for manual release
  • Protection rating: IP44
  • Gear type is Z16/module 4
  • Metal rack m4
  • Motor country of origin: Italy
  • Warranty: 2 years

To order this product, call us at 210.555.0632 orbuy it online from our e-shop.

 

Criteria for installing the VDS SL1000 mechanism on your door

The VDS SL1000 mechanism is reliable and has been tested in the Greek market for years. It has capabilities that cover most sliding gate applications. In detail:
  • Can be installed on a leaf with a maximum weight of 1000kg.
  • Can be used up to 30 times per hour.
  • Can be used up to 60 times per day.

A door weight of 1000kg is a fairly high limit, assuming that the average weight of sliding gates is usually 60-70kg/m. However, if the door's weight is unknown, it's best to ask the manufacturer. In our experience, the above mechanism covers most sliding gate applications.

The 30 uses per hour cover most apartment building scenarios, as the door can operate every 2 minutes during peak hours. The motor has thermal protection. This means that if it's overused and overheats, movement stops until the normal temperature is restored. Logically, short doors in a cold environment can perform more cycles than long doors in a hot environment. If the motor stops due to overheating, the door must be operated manually.

The uses per day can cover, for example, 15 cars that will use it 4 times per day. These uses (compared to the uses per hour) represent optimal operation for the mechanism to last many years without problems.

 

 Sliding garage door with mechanism - Features

characteristics of a sliding gate with mechanism

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


The rail, on which the wheels move, is securely fixed to the ground. The rail must be straight, without bulges or deformations.


The door leaf is held upright by rollers. The 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 prevent the door from deviating from its path, 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 door's travel, i.e., its final position for both opening and closing.

 


To automate a door 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 door's travel so that it always has contact with the door. It has a gear that transmits movement from the mechanism to the door via the rack.


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


Also, for even greater safety, a safety beacon could be installed to provide 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 remote controls' range is not desired, an external antenna can be installed to boost the signal.

 

Base for VDS SL1000 sliding automation

The mechanism comes with a specially designed base for proper and robust support. The base should preferably be made of concrete to ensure the mechanism is properly supported. The base has two holes which are placed to the left as you look at the door from the side where the rack (and the mechanism) is located.

 

VDS SL600 mechanism base

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 a conduit for the wiring).
  • Attach the square nuts to the bottom of the base.
  • Install the base in position with metal expansion anchors (also known as "knock-in anchors").

Position of the VDS SL1000 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 precise point where the base should be placed is defined, 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 the rack are installed)

 

sliding opening direction

 

 

SL1000 mechanism installation distances

 

 sliding mechanism base installation instructions

  

 

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

  1. Push the door 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 door leaf.
  2. Push the door leaf, by hand, 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 two options:
    • Accept that the door leaf will not open completely (but will open up to the point where it reaches a distance C from the base). This solution is chosen if the clear opening is sufficient and what remains continues to meet our needs.
    • Lengthen the door, extending the door leaf. It can be lengthened 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 overall installation process. What matters is the height in relation to the rack for their good 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 diagrams for the installation height of the mechanism in cases where the rack has been installed with the teeth facing downwards. (This is the recommended and most common solution)

 

sliding mechanism installation height

sliding garage door motor height

sliding automation installation

 metal rack and spacers

 

H1= 18mm (motor mounting base height)
H2=84mm (top of base to top of gear)
H3=15mm (top of gear to axis of rack spacer)
H1+H2+H3=H1+H4+H5=117mm (bottom of base to axis of rack spacer)
H4=79mm (top side of base to bottom of rack)
H5=20mm (bottom of rack to axis of rack spacer)
H6=10mm (spacer axis to top of rack)
H1+H4=97mm (bottom of base to bottom of rack)
Ho= height of elevated foundation (the base can be placed on an elevated spot for positioning 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 installing the mechanism. There are two cases:

  • If a rack already exists, we check if its current height is suitable in relation to the dimensions of the mechanism and the height at which its gear is positioned. If the dimensions do not match, we either need to raise the mechanism's base (if the rack is high) or relocate the rack (uninstall and reinstall).
  • If a rack does not already exist, we check if there are available mounting points for it on the door at the desired rack installation height. Otherwise, we will need to install the entire structure higher, modifying the sub-base where the mechanism's base will be placed.

 

Metal rack

The metal rack is supplied in one-meter pieces. It is galvanized for greater durability in outdoor 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.

metal rack for sliding garage door

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

gap between gear and rack

If this gap is not present, the mechanism is forced to carry the door along its entire path instead of simply pushing it. This will cause wear and tear, and sooner or later, operational problems will arise. It is installed by welding it to the door.

Conversely, if the gap is large, the cooperation between the gear and the rack will not be correct, leading to jolts and stress on the motor. Therefore, special attention is required to create this gap.

Metal gear of VDS SL1000 sliding mechanism

SL1000 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 gate mechanisms

 

sliding mechanism control panel

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 time-tested. It pairs perfectly with the VDS SL1000 mechanism.

Technical characteristics:

  • It has a socket for the mechanism's limit switches.
  • We can adjust the mechanism's force.
  • There is an option for soft start and stop to reduce wear on the mechanism and the garage door.
  • It accepts safety photocells which stop movement if an obstacle is detected during door closing and initiate reverse movement (opening).
  • There is an available setting for automatic door closing with user-selectable closing start time. Photocell use is essential for automatic closing.
  • 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 lamp without a flasher or a 230VAC lighting lamp.
  • It has a built-in 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. Additionally, 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.

The ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote controls have an excellent design and are user-friendly and simple, both in their use and programming. They have been tested by thousands of users and show no problems. They can receive up to four commands from different mechanisms, making them convenient for users who have more than one automation in their daily use.

ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote control at 433.92 MHz

 

Sliding mechanism installation process - Summary

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

  • Check that the door operates smoothly manually.
  • Check for existing wiring or install it.
  • After checks, the motor base is installed. A stable sub-base is required. Usually, a reinforced concrete base is the appropriate solution.
  • Installation of the motor on the base.
  • Installation of the rack.
  • Installation of accessories (if any).
  • Check the proper functioning of the setup and explain all details to users for safe use.

The above are just 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 SL1000 sliding mechanism

manual operation of VDS SL600 sliding mechanism

The manual operation procedure for the VDS SL1000 mechanism is simple and easy for all users. With the key, open the release cover and push it to the fully open position. The garage door now operates manually. By reversing the process (closing and locking the cover), you re-engage the mechanism.

Packaging of the VDS SL1000 sliding garage door motor

The VDS SL1000 sliding garage door motor is delivered in two packages if it also includes a rack.

One contains the mechanism, the remote control, the photocells, and any accessories that may have been ordered separately from the set.

The second package contains only the metal 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 configured.

 

Installation instructions for the sliding garage door kit

The set comes with detailed instructions in Greek. They have been edited by us to be easy to follow even by people not directly related to the field.

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