US Automatic Ranger 500 S Operating instructions

1
INTRODUCTION
This operator is intended to be installed on vehicular Class I, II, III or IV gates as defined by UL 325.
Maximum gate load not to exceed 400 pounds and 13 feet in length.
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL CAREFULLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
The Ranger control board was designed with a current sense safety feature and we strongly recommend other
safety devices such as photo eyes to make each particular installation as safe as possible and reduce the risk of
personal injury and/or property damage.
Please read carefully and understand the Safety Section of this manual.
BATTERY REQUIRED FOR OPERATION (Battery not included)
Recommended battery type
Battery 12-volt, Group U-1; sealed (maintenance free); 33 amp hour minimum.
The Plug N Go harness has two 1/4” ring terminals to connect to bolt type battery post.
CAUTION: Do not install wet cell battery into control box; this type of battery usually
has removable caps used for service and will vent into control box.
© USAutomatic, LTD, 2008 rev. N/C
All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced by any means
without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
USAutomatic Part Number 720104
Cautions - Very Important
¾Do not attempt to enter the gate area while the gate is moving. Wait until the gate comes
to a complete stop.
¾Operate the gate only when it is fully visible, free of persons or obstructions, and
properly adjusted.
¾Do not allow children to play in the area of the gate. Do not allow anyone to ride on the
gate.
¾Do not allow children to play with the remote control or any other activation device.
¾Do not attempt to "beat the gate" while the gate is opening or closing. This is extremely
dangerous.
¾Test the current sense feature and all safety devices regularly to insure correct operation.
¾Study the entire Safety Section (page 23-24), paying particularly close attention to the
Entrapment zones on page 24 and be aware of these areas not only during use but also
during any adjustments to the unit.
¾The USAutomatic battery charger is designed to operate with a +12 vdc battery, sealed
maintenance free type Group U-1 battery recommended. 33 amp hour minimum.
¾All control stations should be located at least 6 feet from any moving part of the gate or
operator.
¾Do not ever install any control device where a user will be tempted to reach through the
gate or fence to activate a gate.
¾Do not attempt to completely seal the control box.

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Table of Contents Page
Introduction and Recommended Battery Type ...................................................................... 1
Table of Contents............................................................................................................. 2
Importance of a Properly Designed Gate / General Requirements ........................................... 3
Parts Included.................................................................................................................. 4
Gate Qualifications / Applications...................................................................................... 5
Ranger Gate Opener General Information and Special Features.............................................. 5
Ranger Gate Opener Information Solar Charged................................................................... 5
Understanding AC Charged System / Solar Charged System................................................... 5
Gate Cycles per Day AC charged / Solar Charged / Solar Region Map .................................... 6
Mounting Site Review / Ranger Installed Photo ................................................................... 6
Installing Actuator Support Bracket / Installing Actuator Bracket .......................................... 7
Installing Actuator to Actuator Bracket............................................................................... 7
Installing Gate Bracket to Actuator .................................................................................... 8
Attaching for Push to Open Installation .............................................................................. 8
Installing Gate Bracket to Gate (Pull to Open) and (Push to Open)......................................... 8
Preparing Ranger Control Box for Installation ..................................................................... 8
Installing Ranger Control Box ........................................................................................... 9
Splicing for Ranger 500 S Linear Actuator Cable if Needed .................................................. 9
Ranger Quick Connect Harness Initial Installation ............................................................... 9
Ranger Battery Installation................................................................................................10
Determining Charger Location (AC or Solar) / Solar Panel Installation...................................10
Optimizing Solar Panel Location........................................................................................11
Transformer Installation / Connecting Charge device to Charge Controller..............................11
Charge Controller Operation Check ....................................................................................11
Charge Controller / Transformer Manufacturer Information...................................................12
Linear Actuator Cable Connection......................................................................................13
Ranger Quick Connect Harness Final Installation.................................................................13
Understanding Sensitivity Adjustments and Entrapment Alarm ..............................................14
Adjusting Gate 1 and Gate 2 Sensitivity..............................................................................14
Understanding Close and Open Limit Adjustments ...............................................................14
Operating Gate for the First Time / Making Final Adjustments ..............................................14
Installing Safety Signs......................................................................................................15
Adjusting Close Limit Utilizing Nudge Technique................................................................15
Ranger Control Board / J2 Terminal / Control Switches Function...........................................15
Ranger 500 D Gate 2 Kit Installation..................................................................................16
Installing Gate 2 Linear Actuator and Junction Box........................................................... 16-17
Connecting Gate 2 Actuator to Control Board ......................................................................17
Operating Gate 2 for the First Time and Final Adjustments ...................................................17
Programming Transmitter and Receiver...............................................................................18
Programming Wireless Keypad........................................................................................ 19-20
Optional accessory information, Garage receiver, Push to operate button, 7 day timer ..............21
Optional accessory information, Photo Eye Installation / Wiring............................................22
Safety Section .............................................................................................................. 23-24
Periodic Service...............................................................................................................24
Troubleshooting Guide................................................................................................... 25-27
Accessory Wiring Information ...........................................................................................28
Warranty Statement..........................................................................................................29

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IMPORTANCE OF A PROPERLY DESIGNED GATE.
USAutomatic, LTD is not responsible for any damage to a gate in which the gate operator is installed. A
poorly installed or misadjusted gate could be damaged. It is the responsibility of the installer to verify proper
gate installation prior to operator installation.
As a general rule a gate which is to be automatically operated must be stronger and smoother than one which
will be manually operated. Since the gate is a major component of the system, great care and concern must be
given to the gate design.
NOTE: A GATE OPERATOR CANNOT OVERCOME A POORLY DESIGNED GATE.
A. Does the gate swing smoothly without binds or excessive resistance? Swing gates should swing level and
plumb to prevent the operator from having to lift the gate open or closed. Swing gates should not require
a wheel to support them. Wheels create drag, which will cause operator problems. A wheel is generally a
sign of a weak hinge system or a weak gate frame.
B. Is the gate frame of substantial strength without excessive weight? Will the frame withstand normal wind
load conditions without sway or vibration? Will the gate close correctly without being hand-guided or
lifted to close?
C. Are the hinges suited for an automatic gate operator? We recommend bearing type hinges to reduce
friction drag.
D. Will a reinforcement brace be required to attach the linear actuator to the gate or does a suitable cross
member exist in the gate design?
If any of these problems exist, they must be corrected to achieve a reliable automatic gate system.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Tools required for most installations:
Wrenches & Socket – 9/16
Drill
Level and tape measure
Drill adapter for socket attachment
Pliers
Hack saw
Welding is the recommended method of securing the linear actuator mounts to the gate and hinge post. Bolt on
brackets are optional, but may require frequent service to keep tight. They must be very securely attached (i.e.
carriage bolts with lock nuts and washers). Lag type bolts are not recommended. Loose or unstable linear
actuator mounts will result in improper operation.
IMPORTANT CAUTIONS:
1. Do not perform any welding with the actuator cable plugged into the control board or the battery
connected. Serious damage to the control board and/or battery may occur if attempted.
2. Use control box as a template to determine mounting screw locations and then attach screws and slide on
control box. Do not attempt to hold control box and drill mounting holes this could damage the preinstalled
components.
3. Always disconnect the battery power from the control board using the Quick connect harness prior to
wiring any devices to the control board.

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Bronze Bushing
Part # 610530
2 per
PARTS INCLUDED Ranger 500 S part number 020510
3/8 x 2 ½” shoulder bolt
Part # 610512
1 per
3/8 x 16 serrated hex nut
Part # 610518
1 per
Gate Bracket
Part # 610110
1 per
Nylon washer
Part # 610528
2 per
Manual release clip
Part # 610535
1 per
Manual release pin
Part # 610534
1 per
Quick Connect harness
Part # 630040
1 per
Linear Actuator
Part # 510300
1 per
Entrapment Siren
Part # 530015
1 per
Safety Sign
Part # 601027
2 per
Transformer
Part # 520008
1 per
Transmitter
Part # 030210
2 per
½” Cable gland
Part # 620022
1 per
3/8 SAE flat washer
Part # 610516
2 per
Charge Controller Part # 520007
Ranger Actuator
Bracket Pro
Part # 610420
Ranger Actuator
Support Bracket Pro
Part # 610425
LCR Receiver Part # 030200
#12 Self tap hex screw
Part # 610532
4 per
Ranger Charge cable Extension
Part #
Ranger External Reset Cable
Part # 630060 Ranger Control Box Assy
Part # 020570
Control Board Part # 500500

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GATE QUALIFICATIONS/APPLICATIONS
The Ranger gate operator is designed and rated for vehicular class I, II, III or IV swing gates up to 13 feet in
length. Recommended for Gates that meet the following descriptions:
The Ranger gate operator is designed and supplied with weld on mounting brackets to fit most types of gate
installations. If desired, optional bolt on brackets are available (part # 620151) for hinge post from 2 3/8” to
6” round or square.
Ranger Gate Operator General Information and Special Features
The Ranger gate operator is powered by a 12 VDC battery (not included). This battery is charged by the
supplied transformer which requires AC power (120 VAC) to be either at the gate area or within 1000 feet of
the gate area. If the AC power is more than 10 feet from the gate operator control box then additional
extension cable is required (see page 10 for Ranger charge cable extension kit information).
If preferred with the optional Ranger Solar Panel kit, you may use a solar panel to charge the battery.
Typically only one panel will be required. The Ranger gate operator is capable of a high number of cycles
per day. For information on what you can expect from a solar charged system see page 6. Accessories that
are added to your gate operator must be solar friendly accessories and they will be identified as such.
Visit www.usautomatic.com for more information and design assistance.
The Ranger gate operator features Quick connect wiring harness that eliminates the need for any complicated
wiring. The only wiring required consists of two wires from the harness that must be connected to the battery
positive (red wire) and negative terminals (black wire). All components have been pre-installed so that
installation can typically be completed in less than one hour.
The Ranger control board features high quality components and industry leading ideas such as auto resetting
fuses for motor protection. The old auto type fuse that blows and must be replaced has been designed out of
this control board to avoid the unnecessary expense of buying fuses. Patent pending on board limit
adjustments are a first in the industry and make limit adjustments easy if needed.
The standard LCR transmitter and receiver package offer the customer many advantages. The solar friendly
receiver design, two output channels, excellent operational range and the ability to store up to 42 individual
transmitter dip switch settings make this product superior. The wireless keypad design allows for 2 to 5 digit
access codes and memory is retained, if battery is removed. USAutomatic strongly recommends this package
to reduce the possibility of premature battery drain that may be caused by other receiver packages.
Garage door compatibility is possible using “Garage Door Receiver” (part # 030214). It is easily installed by
connecting 2 wires.
Understanding AC Charged System
The Ranger gate operator comes with a low voltage transformer which plugs into the charge controller and
can easily provide 575 cycles of operation a day without decreasing the battery charge. In the event AC power
goes out the operator will operate for weeks on the battery (if cycles per day are below 20) before needing
service. Again, accessories connected to the operator are critical. Always use Solar Friendly accessories to
help avoid premature battery failure in cases of power outages.
Understanding Solar Charged System
The Ranger gate operator is designed to provide enough cycles a day for most installations without needing
more than one solar panel. Care must be taken to ensure the solar panel has full sun throughout the day; partial
sun will give partial results. If no sun is present then a solar system is not practical no matter how many
panels might be installed. Solar Panel must be kept clean and in full sunlight.
The design of the system must pay particular attention to any accessories that might be added, use
only Solar Friendly accessories to help avoid premature battery failure. For a complete list of
accessories please visit www.usautomatic.com.

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Figure 1
Region 3
Hours of Solar Radiation 5
Region 2
Hours of Solar Radiation 3
Region 1
Hours of Solar Radiation 1.5
GATE CYCLES PER DAY AC CHARGED SYSTEM (TRANSFORMER INCLUDED)
AC charged systems should not exceed 575 cycles per day.
GATE CYCLES PER DAY SOLAR CHARGED SYSTEM (OPTIONAL SOLAR KIT)
Solar charged systems should not exceed the cycles listed in the chart below. These numbers are based on a
single 6 watt solar panel installation. If additional panels are installed additional cycles will be available.
Model Type REGION 1 REGION 2 REGION 3
Ranger 500 S single gate 10 cycles per day 40 cycles per day 60 cycles per day
Ranger 500 D dual gate 5 cycles per day 20 cycles per day 40 cycles per day
Region 1 covers the area of the country receiving the least amount of solar radiation. On average the amount
of charge time is 1.5 hours in region 1, 3 hours in region 2 and 5 hours in region 3.
These are conservative numbers and the Ranger gate operator should have no problem performing as stated in
the chart above. See Region Map (figure 1) to determine cycles that can be expected. These numbers are
based on a basic system with the standard 6 watt solar panel and adding solar friendly accessories will not
have any great affect on the numbers stated. Using other accessories can cause premature battery failure. Look
for the solar friendly logo when considering accessories for your gate opener.
MOUNTING SITE REVIEW
Review the items below prior to installation and predetermine the solution to any problems which may exist.
A. Does sufficient space exist for mounting and future servicing of the operator and control box?
B. Which direction will the gate swing?
Will the gate operator pull the gate open to the inside (Pull to Open)?
Will the gate operator push the gate open to the outside (Push to Open)?
C. Where will the actuator bracket and gate bracket be secured at the hinge post and to the gate?
D. Where will the control box be mounted to support the weight of the battery and can it be located within
8 feet to prevent splicing of the actuator cable?
E. How far away is the 110 VAC receptacles for the transformer? Transformer is supplied with 12 feet of
cable, if extension is needed use Charge Cable Extension pig tails included. See page 10 for charge
extension information and recommended wire size chart for extension distance needed.
F. Where will the solar panel mount if solar charged so that optimum sunlight is received? Solar panel in
most cases needs to face a south west direction. Solar panel comes with 15’ of cable if extension is
needed use Charge Cable Extension pig tails included. See page 10 for charge extension information
and recommended wire size chart for extension distance needed.
G. How will accessory control wiring, if any, be brought to the control box? Knock outs are provided in
control box bottom for conduit.
H. Have all safety concerns been addressed? (See Safety Section Page 23-24)

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Ranger actuator support bracket and actuator
bracket are standard and require welding to install
Figure 2A
4”
7”
Direction of gate
movement when opening
Shown in Closed position
Installing Actuator Support Bracket & Actuator Bracket (Pull To Open)
*Bolt on brackets shown optional
The picture in figure 2 is a Pull to Open installation. When
determining the location of the actuator pivot point all
measurements should be made from the center of the hinge.
The dimensions for a typical 90 degree opening are 5” behind the
hinge center and 7” toward the inside of the property.
Measurements are from hinge center, there are many types of hinges available.
Make measurements from the hinge center.
Installing Actuator Support Bracket & Actuator Bracket (Push To Open)
*Bolt on brackets shown optional
The picture in figure 2A is a Push to Open installation. When determining
the location of the actuator pivot point all measurements should
be made from the center of the hinge.
The dimensions for a typical 90 degree opening are 4” behind the
hinge center and 7” toward the driveway from hinge center. This
type of installation places the bracket out slightly toward the
drive.
Installing Linear Actuator to Actuator Bracket
See figure 3 (Bolt on brackets shown are optional)
1. Install nylon washers and bronze bushings into rear of linear actuator.
2. Install into actuator bracket
3. Secure in place using 3/8 x 2 ½” shoulder bolt and two 3/8 SAE washers.
4. Use 3/8 serrated hex nut to secure, tighten firmly. Do not over tighten.
Important:Actuator should swing freely, Do not over tighten.
Figure 3
Actuator pivot point
5”
7”
Actuator pivot point
Gate shown in the full open position
Figure 2

8
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Cable Glan
d
Installing Gate Bracket to Linear Actuator
See figure 4
Install manual release pin, gate bracket and manual release clip
to linear actuator extension rod end.
Installing Gate Bracket to Gate (Pull to Open Only)
Important: The linear actuator was shipped from the factory set to the fully retracted position. To determine
where the gate bracket will be installed follow the steps below:
The linear actuator should be connected to the actuator bracket at this point.
1. Swing gate to the fully open position.
2. Now open gate another couple of inches (the gate will never open
more than this position). The gate can be adjusted later to open a
little less if needed.
3. Swing linear actuator around (should swing freely) in a level
position to meet the fully open gate. This is where the gate bracket
should be installed on the gate.
4. There are 2 - ¼” holes in the bracket. They can be used to screw the
bracket to the gate before welding if desired (see figure 5 & 6).
5. The gate should now be installed in the fully open position. Verify
that linear actuator is level and all pieces have been installed
correctly.
Installing Gate Bracket to Gate (Push to Open Only)
Procedure is identical to the steps for Pull to Open except the gate will
be in the fully closed position.
Preparing Ranger Control Box for Installation
The control box has two holes in the bottom of the box providing
access to the wire compartment. The large hole is for the actuator
cable and the smaller hole is for the charge device cable.
Install the provided cable gland into the small hole as shown in
figure 7.
Figure 4