USAut Ranger I Operating instructions

Heavy Duty Battery Powered Solar or AC Charged
Ranger®I
Single Swing Gate Operator
Ranger®II
Dual Swing Gate Operator
Installation/Owners Manual

B
1. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
2. Study the entire Safety Section paying particularly close attention to the entrapment zones
and be aware of these areas not only during use but also during any adjustments to the unit.
3. Do not attempt to enter the gate area while the gate is moving. Wait until the gate comes to
a complete stop.
4. Never let children operate or play with gate controls or any other activation device. Keep
remote control away from children.
5. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY IN THE AREA OF THE GATE.
6. Do not allow anyone to ride on the gate.
7. Always keep people and objects away from the gate.
8. NO ONE SHOULD CROSS THE PATH OF A MOVING GATE.
9. Operate the gate only when it is fully visible, free of persons or obstructions, and properly
adjusted.
10. Do not attempt to “beat the gate” while the gate is opening or closing. This is extremely
dangerous.
11. Test gate operator monthly. The gate must stop and reverse directions upon contacting a rigid
object or when the secondary entrapment device is activated.
12. After all adjustments have been made to the sensitivity (current sense) circuit, secondary
entrapment devices and all other external devices installed, the safety devices must be
checked again. Failure to adjust and retest the gate operator can increase the risk of injury
or death.
13. Verify that the emergency release (manual release) pin can be easily removed.
14. KEEP GATES PROPERLY MAINTAINED. Tighten all bolts and grease hinges and pivot points.
15. THE ENTRANCE IS TO BE USED BY VEHICLES ONLY. Pedestrians must use a separate
entrance.
16. All safety features required by UL 325 are incorporated in the capabilities of all USAutomatic
control boards and should be utilized, including but not limited to, safety edges, photo electric
eyes, reverse sensing.
17. Test the current sense feature and all safety devices regularly to insure correct operation.
18. All control stations should be located at least 6 feet from any moving part of the gate
or operator.
19. Do not ever install any control device where a user will be tempted to reach through the gate
or fence to activate a gate.
20. Do not attempt to completely seal the control box. Battery needs some air ow.
21. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!!
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH

1
RANGER Series AUTOMATIC GATE OPERATORS
The Ranger Gate Operator is intended to be installed on vehicular Class I, II, III or IV gates as dened
by the current UL 325 standard (the standard that regulates gate operator safety).
A monitored external entrapment device is required for UL compliant installation per UL325.
All USAutomatic control boards can identify the following external entrapment devices:
1. Contact edge 10K resistor presence
2. Photo Eye N/C contact switching
Maximum gate load not to exceed 400 pounds and 13 feet in length.
Solar Friendly
The Ranger system design and the accessories recommended are all Solar Friendly meaning that
they require the least amount of energy possible to perform the job they were designed to do. The
solar option allows you to install the gate operator in remote areas or in applications where you prefer
to be solar charged. Solar charging provides additional isolation from lightning that might damage the
unit via the AC power needed for the transformer.
BATTERY REQUIRED FOR OPERATION (Battery not included)
Recommended battery type:
Battery 12-volt, Group U-1; sealed (maintenance free); 30 amp hour minimum.
Using a smaller amp hour battery may cause damage to the charging system.
The wiring harness has two 1/4” ring terminals to connect to battery posts.
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.
The battery is charged using the 120V AC Powered Transformer (PN #520004) OR the Solar Panel
kit (PN 520025). 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 the solar charging section of this manual. Accessories that are added to your gate operator must
be solar friendly accessories and they will be identied as such.
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL CAREFULLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
© USAutomatic, LTD, 2017 rev. A
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any means without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
USAutomatic Part # 720210

2
Understanding Current UL325 & ASTM F2200-14 Requirements
Effective January 12, 2016 a vehicular gate operator or vehicular barrier (arm) operator shall have
provisions for, or be supplied with, at least two independent entrapment protection means as specied
in current UL325 standard Table 31.1. At installation, both entrapment protection devices must be
installed and operational before gate operation is allowed.
USAutomatic control boards utilize Type A (Inherent entrapment protection system) as the rst
entrapment protection means identied. This is designed into the control boards for all USAutomatic
operators. The second entrapment identied must be a monitored Type B1 or Type B2 device that is
UL325 compliant and monitored.
Type B1 - Non-contact sensor (photoelectric sensor or the equivalent). Identied as Normally Closed
N/C contact switching.
Type B2 - Contact sensor (edge device or the equivalent). Identied as 10K resistor installed for
presence monitoring.
The entrapment zones illustration denes the most common entrapment areas. It is the
responsibility of the installer to identify these entrapment areas and install the UL325
compliant monitored entrapment device or devices to protect each area identied.
When installing a USAutomatic control board (part # 500510) in a system manufactured
before Jan. 12, 2016 that is not being upgraded to meet the current UL325 standard the
Pre 2016 jumper must be installed into J5 terminal block for proper operation.
USAutomatic recommends upgrading all systems to current UL325 standards
UL325 identifies four different classes of gate operators.
These classes are:
RESIDENTIAL VEHICULAR GATE OPERATOR – CLASS I
A vehicular gate operator (or system intended for use in garages or parking areas associated with a
residence of one-to four single families.
COMMERCIAL/GENERAL ACCESS VEHICULAR GATE OPERATOR – CLASS II
A vehicular gate operator (or system)intended for use in a commercial location or building such as
a multi-family housing unit (ve or more single family units), hotel, garages, retail store, or other
buildings accessible by or servicing the general public.
INDUSTRIAL/LIMITED ACCESS VEHICULAR GATE OPERATOR – CLASS III
A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended for use in an industrial location or building such as a
factory or loading dock area or other locations not accessible by or intended to service the general
public.
RESTRICTED ACCESS VEHICULAR GATE OPERATOR – CLASS IV
A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended for use in a guarded industrial location or building
such as an airport security area or other restricted access locations not servicing the general public,
in which unauthorized access is prevented via supervision by security personnel.
Ranger gate operators are intended for use on Class I, II, III, & IV vehicular gates.

3
The illustrations below are a guide to help identify entrapment areas for swing gate installations that
must be protected. Other entrapment areas may exist and must be identied by the installer and
protected by the appropriate entrapment protection device for the situation.
ENTRAPMENT ZONES
Zone A - Leading edge of gate where it meets a 2nd gate,
stop post or passes a column or post corner. -
recommended monitored entrapment protection
type is B2 contact sensor or equivalent.
Zone B - Gate opens toward an immoveable object with
less than 16 inches of clearance - recommended
monitored entrapment protection type B1 photo eye
or equivalent. If space is less than 16”, entrapment
protection in this area is required.
(ASTM F2200: 7.1.1.1 and 7.1.1.2)
Zone C - If distance from center of hinge rotation point to
corner of column, post or immovable object is
greater than 4 inches, recommended monitored
entrapment protection type is B2 contact sensor or
equivalent.
Zone D - If the bottom edge of a swing gate is greater than 6
inches (152 mm) above the ground at any point in
its arc of travel, one or more contact sensors shall
be located on the bottom edge.
< 4”
< 6”

4
INTRODUCTION
Ranger Series Automatic Gate Operator ............................................................................. 1
Understanding Current UL325 Requirements...................................................................... 2
Entrapment Zones................................................................................................................ 3
Safety Installation Information ............................................................................................ 5
Ranger Parts Inventory ................................................................................................... 6-7
General Tool Requirements ................................................................................................ 8
PREPARATION AND OVERVIEW
Gate Qualications/Applications ......................................................................................... 9
Proper Gate Design .......................................................................................................... 10
INSTALLATION STEPS
1. Mounting Site Review .................................................................................................11
2. Determine Opening Method (pull to open or push to open) ....................................... 12
3. Determine Horizontal Mounting Location ................................................................... 13
4. Determine Best Method for Actuator Mounting Brackets - Pull to Open .................... 14
Determine Best Method for Actuator Mounting Brackets - Push to Open .................. 15
Determine Best Method for Actuator Mounting Brackets - Columns .......................... 16
5. Mount Support Bracket .............................................................................................. 17
6. Installing Actuator Mounting Tube - Pull to Open ....................................................... 18
Installing Actuator Mounting Tube - Push to Open ..................................................... 19
7. Installing Linear Actuator to Actuator Mounting Bracket ............................................. 20
8. Install Gate Bracket to Linear Actuator ....................................................................... 21
9. Install Gate Bracket to Gate ........................................................................................ 21
10. Install Ranger Control Box .......................................................................................... 22
11. Install Linear Actuator Cable ....................................................................................... 23
Splicing Linear Actuator Cable Cable and Dual Gate Cable ....................................... 23
12. Installing Monitored Entrapment Protection Devices .................................................. 24
Monitored Photo Eye Installation ................................................................................ 24
Monitored Contact Edge Installation ........................................................................... 25
13. Install Battery .............................................................................................................. 25
14. Install Smart Charger / Charge Controller Power Source (AC or Solar) .................... 26
15. Connect Power Source to Smart Charger / Charge Controller .................................. 27
16. Charge Controller Operation Check .......................................................................... 28
17. Ranger Control Board Information ......................................................................... 29-31
18. Control Board Dipswitch Setting Verication ............................................................... 32
19. Gate Delay Feature .................................................................................................... 32
20. Connect Linear Actuator Cable to Control Board ....................................................... 33
21. Operating Gate For The First Time.............................................................................. 33
22. Making Final Adjustments .......................................................................................... 34
23. Sensitivity Adjustments and Entrapment Alarm ........................................................... 34
24. Verifying Monitored Entrapment Protection Devices Operation................................... 36
25. Programming Transmitter and Receiver .................................................................... 37
26. Install Safety Signs .................................................................................................... 38
27. Emergency Manual Release ...................................................................................... 38
PERIODIC SERVICE......................................................................................................39
ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................... 40-47
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................... 48-59
APPENDIX
A. Ranger Solar Charged System ................................................................................... 60
B. Extending Charge Device Location ............................................................................. 61
C. Charge Controller ................................................................................................... 62-63
D. Installing Ranger Control Board part # 500510 in Pre Jan. 12, 2016 operators.......... 64
WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................65
TABLE OF CONTENTS

5
INSTALLATION
Install the gate operator when:
• Operator is appropriate for the construction of the gate and usage class is correct for the
installation.
• All exposed pinch points are eliminated or guarded.
• The gate is a vehicular gate. Pedestrians must be supplied with a separate access opening.
• The gate is installed in a location where enough space is supplied between adjacent structures and
the gate that when opening or closing the chance of entrapment is reduced.
• The gate does not swing into public access areas.
• The gate is properly installed and swings freely in both directions. Do not over adjust the sensitivity
adjustment to compensate for an improper gate installation.
• All controls are located at least six feet away from the gate to eliminate the chance of the person
operating the gate from coming in contact with the moving gate. Do not install external buttons,
which can be used to operate the gate within the reach of children.
• Safety Signs are installed, one on each side of the gate and visible in the gate area.
• All hard wired sensors used for monitored entrapment protection devices and their wiring are
installed in a manner which protects them from mechanical damage.
• All wireless sensors used for monitored entrapment protection devices are located so that the signal
from the transmitter to the receiver is not interfered with by adjacent structures. All exposed wiring
must also be protected from mechanical damage.
MONITORED ENTRAPMENT DEVICES
USAutomatic designs all control boards with monitored entrapment device inputs.
USAutomatic recommends that UL325 listed monitored protection devices be installed with
all installations.
SAFETY INSTALLATION INFORMATION

6
All Operators include:
Cabinet with
Control Board
and the
following parts:
Part # 600140 Cabinet
Part # 600145 Cover
Part # 500500 Control Board
Part # 520006 Charge Controller
Part # 030200 Radio Receiver
w/Harness
Part # 530015 Secondary
Entrapment
Siren
Part # 630040 Charge Control
Harness
Ranger Actuator
Part # 510310
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
Dual Gate Actuator
Extension Cable 35’
Part # 630036
Ranger II ONLY
2 Button Transmitter
Part # 030210
2 per
AC Charging Transformer
Part # 520004
with Ranger AC Models
Solar Charging Kit
Part # 520025
with Ranger Solar Models
External Reset Button
Part # 630060
1 per
Safety Signs
Part # 601020
2 per
Optional Accessories & LCR Items:
See accessories section for complete list
and descriptions
4 Button Transmitter - Part # 030212
Push to Operate Button - Part # 030215
Wireless Keypad - Plastic - Part # 050500
Wireless Keypad - Metal - Part # 050550
Garage Door Receiver - Part # 030214
12/24 Receiver - Part # 030207
Electric Gate Lock - Part # 070510
7 Day Timer - Part # 550015
Exit Sensor - #070305
Photo Eye - #550010 & #550011
Metal Photo Eye - #550014
PARTS INVENTORY

7
BRACKETS
Support Bracket
Part # 610425
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
Mounting Tube
Part # 610420
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
Gate Bracket
Part # 610105
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
Manual Release Pin
Part # 610534
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
Manual Release Pin Clip
Part # 610535
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
Nylon Washers
Part # 610528
Ranger I - 2 per
Ranger II - 4 per
Bronze Bushing
Part # 610530
Ranger I - 2 per
Ranger II - 4 per
⅜” Bolt
Part # 610512
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
⅜” SAE Flat Washers
Part #610516
Ranger I - 2 per
Ranger II - 4 per
⅜” Lock Nuts
Part # 610518
Ranger I - 1 per
Ranger II - 2 per
Threaded Cable Strain Relief Conn.
Part # 630022
1 per
#12 Self Tapping Hex Screw
Part # 610532
4 per
HARDWARE INVENTORY

8
• SAE Standard wrenches & sockets • Welder
• Nut driver • Drill and bits
• Level and tape measure • Drill adapter for socket attachment
• Pliers • Hack saw
• Wire Cutters/Strippers
Welding is the recommended method of securing the linear actuator mounts to the gate and hinge
post. Bolt on brackets 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:
A. 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.
B. Do not attempt to hold control box and drill mounting holes with components installed. This
could damage the components.
C. Always disconnect the battery power from the control board using the quick connect harness
prior to wiring any devices to the control board.
GENERAL TOOL REQUIREMENTS

9
GATE QUALIFICATIONS/APPLICATIONS
This gate operator is rated for vehicular class I, II, III, or IV swing gates up to 13 feet in length and
up to 400 pounds in weight, as dened by UL-325. If your gate exceeds either one of these limits,
please consult a qualied technician or the factory for application questions and advice.
(Example: Convert one 20’ gate into two 10’ gates and use a dual gate operator.)
Note: The total gate opening cannot exceed 110 degrees.
The Ranger Gate Operator is recommended for Gates that meet the following descriptions:
Ornamental Iron
13 feet max length
Max weight 400 lbs.
Ranch Gate
16 feet max length
Max weight 300 lbs.
Farm Gate
20 feet max length
Max weight 250 lbs.
Chain Link Gate
14 feet max length
Max weight 350 lbs.
PREPARATION AND OVERVIEW

10
PROPER GATE DESIGN
IMPORTANT- A GATE OPERATOR CANNOT OVERCOME A POORLY DESIGNED GATE.
Since the gate is a major component of the system,
great care and concern must be given to the gate
design. USAutomatic, LTD is not responsible for
any damage to a gate on 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
operated manually.
• 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.
• 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?
• Are the hinges suited for an automatic gate operator?
We recommend bearing type hinges to reduce
friction drag.
• 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.
All Gates must have smooth bottom edges, no
protrusions should exist. If gate hardware or sensors
protrude, they must have smooth surfaces free of any
sharp cutting edges that do not exceed ½ inch beyond
the base of the gate. (ASTM F2200: 4.8)
Gate MUST be level
Gate should not require a
wheel for support.
Gate should not be unlevel
due to weak frame.
Gate should not be unlevel
due to unlevel post.
Post
MUST be
plumb

11
1Mounting Site Review
Review the following items prior to installation and predetermine the solution to any
problems which may exist:
1. Does sufcient space exist for mounting and future servicing of the operator and control box?
2. Which direction will the gate swing?
a. Will the gate operator pull the gate open to the inside (Pull to Open)?
b. Will the gate operator push the gate open to the outside (Push to Open)?
(See Determine Opening Method Section)
3. Where and how will the actuator mounting brackets be secured to the hinge post and
to the gate? (See Determine Actuator Mounting Brackets Sections)
4. How will the gate bracket be secured to the gate and will additional reinforcement be required?
(See Mount Support Bracket Section)
5. Where will the control box be mounted to support the weight of the battery and other
components and can it be located within 8 feet to prevent splicing of the linear actuator cable?
(See Install Ranger Control Box Section)
6. For AC Charged System - How far away is the 120 VAC receptacle for the transformer?
Transformer is supplied with 12 feet of cable. If extension is needed use power source cable
Extension Kit part #630038. See Power Source Cable Extension chart for identifying the wire
size needed for the distance required. Transformer must be installed indoors or in a raintight
enclosure. Transformer should not be exposed to moisture.
7. For Solar Charged System - Where will the solar panel mount so that optimum sunlight is
received? Solar panel is provided with 15 feet of cable, If extension is needed use power source
cable Extension Kit part #630038 or 75’ Solar Extension part #520016. See Power Source
Cable Extension chart for identifying the wire size needed for the distance required. Solar panel
typically needs to be facing a South or Southwest direction.
8. How will accessory control wiring, if any, be brought to the control box? Knock outs are provided
in control box bottom for conduit.
9. Have all safety concerns been addressed? Study the Safety Section and Entrapment Zones for
more information.
10. Identify entrapment areas. Determine the appropriate UL325 compliant monitored entrapment
device/devices that will be used to protect all entrapment areas.
11. Is there enough space beneath the linear actuator for the cable so that damage to the cable
does not occur? Actuator must not be installed with cable on the top side of the actuator. Cable
must exit actuator on the bottom side to prevent water from entering housing. (See Horizontal
Mounting Location Section)

12
Determine Opening Method
(pull to open or push to open)
Pull to Open Installation
This installation method is the most common where the gate swings into the property and the
operator pulls the gate open.
Push to Open Installation
This installation method is commonly used where the drive slopes upward into the property and the
operator pushes the gate open. The gate swings outward away from the property.
2
RETRACTED (Gate Open)
RETRACTED (Gate Closed)
EXTENDED (Gate Closed)
EXTENDED (Gate Open)

13
Determine Horizontal Mounting Location
Now that the type of installation (pull to open or push to open) has been determined, the vertical
height position of the support bracket and actuator mounting tube must be determined. Refer to these
examples to determine the mounting location of the gate bracket on the gate, which is needed to
determine the location of the actuator mounting tube.
The actuator delivers force on the gate when operating. Aligning the actuator mounts with a horizontal
gate frame member is the best choice. (as shown here)
Installation of a horizontal brace may be necessary to prevent damage to vertical gate pickets.
Avoid mounting actuator on bottom rail of gate. Unit will be more likely to be damaged by ooding and
will be difcult to service and adjust.
Add crossmember to reinforce
Horizontal Brace
Horizontal Brace
Add crossmember to elevate location
3

14
Determine Best Method for Actuator Mounting Brackets - PULL TO OPEN
Study the examples below and determine the best method for your gate. The examples below are
for left hand installations. Reverse for right hand installations.
Square Post
Round Post
Wood or Aluminum Post
Drill through mounted.
Drill through post and
bracket. Use carriage
bolts with back plate.
(not included)
4a
Actuator support bracket mounted
horizontally on hinge post
Actuator support bracket mounted
vertically on hinge post
Actuator support
bracket mounted
vertically on
hinge post
Actuator support bracket mounted
vertically opposite hinge
3D Example
On wood post
Actuator support bracket mounted
horizontally on fence rail

15
Determine Best Method for Actuator Mounting Brackets - PUSH TO OPEN
Study the examples below and determine the best method for your gate. The examples below are for
left hand installations. Reverse for right hand installations.
Square Post
Round Post
Wood or Aluminum Post
4b
Drill through mounted.
Drill through post and bracket.
Use carriage bolts with back plate.
(not included)
Actuator support bracket mounted
horizontally on hinge post
Actuator support bracket mounted
vertically on hinge post
3D Example

16
Determine Best Method for Actuator Mounting Brackets - COLUMNS
Dimensions shown are for 90° - 95° opening.
New Construction Existing Columns
Entrapment Area
Avoid designing a system that places the hinge center rotation
point more than 4 inches from the corner of the column. This
will create an entrapment point between the gate and the
column when the gate is moving in the open direction.
Set hinge post
in corner
Set hinge post
behind column
center of hinge
center of hinge
5”
5”
7.5”
7.5”
4c
< 4”

17
Mount Support Bracket
Now that you have determined the method and the vertical mounting location of the Actuator Support
Bracket, mount the support bracket in alignment with predetermined horizontal frame member as per
the following examples.
Bracket must be level in all directions.
DO NOT mount support
bracket in a manner that
obstructs gate movement
or creates a pinch point.
5

18
Cut Line Center of
Hinge
Center of Hinge
Cut Line
Install Actuator Mounting Tube - PULL TO OPEN
Cut Actuator Mount Tube to proper length. Weld to support bracket.
(See table below for desired dimensions.)
The actuator mounting tube will need to be cut so that the ⅜” hole location matches the dimensions
for a pull to open system.
Before welding in place, ensure the actuator mounting tube is level in all directions and the ⅜” pivot
hole location on actuator mounting tube is at proper point per the dimension chart for the type of
installation being performed.
PULL TO OPEN - Actuator Hinge Mounting Tube Installation Dimensions
Gate opening in degrees Dimension A Dimension B
90 degree opening 5” 7½”
100 degree opening 7” 7”
110 degree opening 8” 5½”
6a
5”
Dim A
5”
Dim A
7.5”
Dim B
7.5”
Dim B
* Dimensions shown are
for 90° - 95° opening.