How does a gate operator detect end-of-travel without a photo eye?

• A. Through mechanical limit switches or encoder-based position sensing.
• B. Using a photo eye only.
• C. By measuring ambient temperature.
• D. With a manual switch by the operator.

Answer: (D)

End-of-travel is determined by knowing the gate’s exact position. The typical methods are mechanical limit switches that trigger when the gate reaches a full open or full closed stop, or encoder-based position sensing that tracks movement and signals when the target position is reached. A photo eye is used for safety to detect obstructions, not to confirm end-of-travel. Temperature measurements don’t reflect position, and a manual switch by the operator doesn’t automatically detect travel limits—it just starts, stops, or overrides movement. So end-of-travel detection relies on mechanical limit switches or encoder-based position sensing.