SEE ALL OF OUR GATE OPENERS
This opener is no longer available
Apollo 1500 Swing Gate Opener
The Apollo 1500 swing gate opener is a 12-volt automatic gate operator designed to provide dependable electric operation for residential, farm, ranch, and light commercial swing gates. The direct-drive system connects to the gate and provides powered opening and closing without requiring an underground hydraulic system or a traditional mechanical gate operator. The Apollo 1500 is designed for single swing gates up to 16 feet long and 600 pounds, making it a practical choice for driveway gates, ranch entrances, private roads, and other vehicular access points.
Designed around a low-voltage 12VDC power system, the Apollo 1500 can operate from a battery that is charged by either AC power or solar energy. Solar charging makes the operator particularly useful for remote gate entrances where running electrical wiring or trenching from a building to the gate would be difficult or expensive. The system can also be connected to a conventional battery charger when AC power is available.
Automatic Gate Opener for Farm, Ranch and Residential Gates
The Apollo 1500 provides powered access for swing gates that would otherwise need to be opened and closed manually. With the push of a remote control or through a compatible access control system, the gate operator moves the gate through its opening and closing cycle while the operator remains safely inside a vehicle or at a remote location.
This makes an automatic swing gate opener especially useful for long driveways, farm and ranch entrances, private roads, residential properties, and light commercial locations where a gate may be opened and closed many times throughout the day. The system can also be configured for either push-to-open or pull-to-open applications, providing flexibility when determining where the actuator is mounted in relation to the gate.
Designed for Swing Gates Up to 16 Feet
The Apollo 1500 is designed for swing gates up to 16 feet in length and 600 pounds. Selecting an operator based on both gate length and weight is important because gate construction, wind exposure, hinges, slope, and frequency of use can all affect the actual operating requirements.
For compatible gates within the recommended size and weight range, the 1500 provides a direct-drive operating system with a 14- to 16-second opening time for a 90-degree swing. The actuator uses a linear drive mechanism with self-lubricating gears and externally adjustable limit switches.
Solar or AC Charging Options
One of the advantages of a 12VDC gate operator is the ability to use battery power at locations where conventional electrical service is not readily available. The battery can be maintained with a solar charging system or an AC battery charger, allowing the gate operator to be installed at remote entrances without necessarily running electrical power all the way to the gate.
Solar charging capacity should be selected according to the expected number of daily gate cycles and the geographic location of the installation. The manufacturer's installation documentation provides solar panel recommendations based on daily usage, and additional equipment or accessories can affect the total number of cycles available between charging periods. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Direct-Drive Swing Gate Operation
The direct-drive actuator attaches directly to the swing gate and converts the motor's mechanical movement into controlled gate movement. This design eliminates the need for a separate chain-drive mechanism between the operator and gate.
The actuator is a rust-resistant linear design with an ACME screw drive and self-lubricating gears. Externally adjustable limit switches allow the installer to set the travel limits for the gate without having to access the inside of the actuator. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Weather-Resistant Control Box
The Apollo 1500 includes a weather-resistant control box designed for outdoor gate operator installations. The control box measures approximately 18 inches wide by 18 inches high by 8 inches deep and uses a NEMA 3R weather-resistant enclosure. The powder-coated finish provides additional protection for the control equipment in outdoor environments. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
The control system provides connections for compatible gate accessories such as radio receivers, keypads, photo eyes, and other access-control equipment. This allows the operator to be incorporated into a more complete automatic gate system rather than functioning only as a basic remote-controlled opener.
Automatic Gate Access and Convenience
An automatic gate opener provides more than convenience. For properties with long driveways or remote entrances, being able to open the gate without leaving a vehicle can make daily access considerably easier. This is particularly useful during bad weather, after dark, or when entering a property while towing a trailer or carrying equipment.
For farms and ranches, an automatic gate operator can also simplify regular vehicle traffic through an entrance. Owners, employees, service providers, and authorized visitors can use compatible access-control equipment to operate the gate without manually moving a heavy swing gate.
Features and Benefits
- Designed for swing gates up to 16 feet long
- Supports gates up to 600 pounds
- 12VDC low-voltage operation
- Battery-powered with solar or AC charging options
- Direct-drive actuator attaches directly to the gate
- Push-to-open or pull-to-open installation
- Approximately 14 to 16 seconds to open 90 degrees
- Weather-resistant NEMA 3R control box
- Externally adjustable actuator limit switches
- Rust-resistant linear actuator
- Self-lubricating gears
- Connections for compatible access-control accessories
- Suitable for residential, farm, ranch, and light commercial applications
12V Low-Voltage Gate Operator
The 12VDC electrical design is well suited to gate installations where low-voltage battery operation is preferred. The operator has a very low standby current of approximately 10 mA, while the battery provides the stored energy necessary to operate the gate when an opening or closing command is received. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Battery operation also provides an advantage during power interruptions. The installation manual notes that a properly sized battery can provide continued gate operation during an AC power outage, while solar charging can eliminate the need for a conventional electrical connection at remote entrances. Actual available cycles depend on battery capacity, charging method, solar conditions, and the number of accessories connected to the system. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Gate Opener for Remote and Rural Entrances
For ranches, farms, acreage properties, and rural homes, the distance between the main building and the entrance gate can make conventional electrical installation impractical. A solar-compatible 12V gate opener provides an alternative by allowing the operator and battery system to be installed at the gate while using solar energy to maintain the battery.
This makes the Apollo 1500 particularly well suited to remote driveway gates, ranch entrances, private roads, agricultural properties, and other locations where dependable automatic access is needed but electrical service may not be conveniently located at the gate.
Gate Opener Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Apollo 1500 |
| Gate Type | Swing gate |
| Maximum Gate Length | 16 feet |
| Maximum Gate Weight | 600 lbs. |
| Operating Voltage | 12VDC |
| Standby Current | 10 mA |
| 90-Degree Opening Time | 14 to 16 seconds |
| Gate Operation | Push-to-open or pull-to-open |
| Power Options | Battery, solar charging, or AC charging |
| Control Box | 18" W x 18" H x 8" D |
| Control Box Rating | NEMA 3R weather-resistant |
| Actuator | Rust-resistant linear actuator |
| Actuator Length | 42" retracted to 66" extended |
| Actuator Cable | 8 feet |
| Application | Residential, farm, ranch, and light commercial |
Safety and Installation Requirements
The Apollo 1500 is a powerful automatic gate operator intended for vehicular traffic only. It is not designed for pedestrian traffic. A separate walk-through gate should be provided for pedestrians, and the automatic gate installation should include appropriate safety devices such as photo eyes, loop detectors, or equivalent protection as required for the installation. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Professional installation is recommended. Proper gate construction, hinges, mounting locations, safety equipment, electrical connections, and operator adjustment are all important to safe and reliable operation. The manufacturer's installation documentation specifically advises that this is not a do-it-yourself installation and recommends using a qualified gate installation professional. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Automatic Swing Gate Opener for Driveways and Ranch Entrances
The Apollo 1500 combines low-voltage battery operation, solar charging capability, a direct-drive actuator, and a weather-resistant control system in an automatic swing gate operator designed for gates up to 16 feet and 600 pounds. Its ability to operate from solar power makes it especially useful for remote entrances where conventional electrical service is difficult to install.
For residential driveways, farms, ranches, acreage properties, and light commercial locations, an automatic swing gate opener can provide convenient vehicle access while eliminating the need to manually open and close the gate. With push-to-open and pull-to-open installation options and compatibility with a range of access-control and safety accessories, the Apollo 1500 provides a flexible solution for powered swing gate access.