Opening the gates with car window closed

[coffeebean]

I have no problem using the gate card to open the gates with my car window closed. We have a sedan and when I approach the gate, I pull close enough to the gate "reader" and I'm in perfect line with it. We have a sedan which allows my card to be in direct line with the card reader.

Now for my question....... we are considering purchasing an SUV which sits higher than a sedan. Do any of you have an SUV and are able to use the gate card to open the gates and keep your window closed?

I have a feeling, sitting higher in the SUV will not make it possible to open the gate with the window closed. Am I correct about this?

[birdiebill]

We have a Toyota RAV 4 and are able to open the gates that we use without opening the car window. Like you we pull up close to the sensor, slowly move the gate card at the lower edge of the inside of the window and the gate opens.

[dewilson58]

:ohdear:





Jus duct tape it to your door 38 inches off the ground.






.

[Goldwingnut]

The HID MaxiProx reader that is used has a 12-14 inch read range with the standard prox card and is designed to read cards through window glass. It cannot read through metal. I've been using these cards for 20+ years and never had problems reading through the windows of a car, SUV, pick-up, or mini-van. As previous respondents have said, just pull up close to the reader and hold the card against the window (don't need to move it around). I normally just coast by the reader with the card in the window and the gate opens easily every time.

Some gates don't work as well as others depending on the mounting of the reader, if there's any metal within 12" it disrupts the read range and lessens it.

Yes long range cards are available (battery powered) but they are expensive ($21/each dealer cost) and have a limited battery life. An upgrade in a system this size would be very expensive! Upgrading to other technology (barcode, active RFID, or others) would be even more expensive, and the transition process would be nightmarish here in TV. No you can't use the SunPass technology, the E6 readers used are about $7k each and have to be tuned to each location and lane.

I spent the last 20 years in the construction industry specializing on high end security systems and have worked extensively with, engineered, and installed all of the above systems and equipment until retiring last year. What we have works well and should be sustainable for the next decade or so.

[Goldwingnut]

:ohdear:
Jus duct tape it to your door 38 inches off the ground.
.

Nice try, Mr. Helpful! Attaching it to the door would reduce the effective range of the card because of the metal in the door. Now maybe duct taping it to the end of your rear view mirror...

[dewilson58]

Nice try, Mr. Helpful! Attaching it to the door would reduce the effective range of the card because of the metal in the door. Now maybe duct taping it to the end of your rear view mirror...




Sheldon, tape it on the outside of your car.............no metal effect.




.

[ureout]

Sheldon, tape it on the outside of your car.............no metal effect.




.


sheldon... lmao

[Chatbrat]

Just use the manned visitor gate-no problem--usually has a smaller line-too

[anothersteve]

"We should just get rid of the gates altogether".....
in 4..........3.........2..........1

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

Steve

[retiredguy123]

Sheldon, tape it on the outside of your car.............no metal effect.




.
I tried holding the card against the door and driving very close to the sensor. It didn't work. Had to move the card away from the door.

[dewilson58]

I tried holding the card against the door and driving very close to the sensor. It didn't work. Had to move the card away from the door.




:1rotfl:

[ckcapaul]

I just hold it on the window and have no problem, remember get close, but DON'T get so close as to have an accident. :-)

[NotGolfer]

We've had an Escape and now have a Buick Encore. Most times we can do the key-card with the window closed. No issues. There are one or two gates that for some reason we need to open the window.

[deano_hoosier]

Will the card reader work if showing the card through the vinyl side curtain of a golf cart??

[memason]

Just use the Villages App on your phone to open the gates

[Arctic Fox]

Will the card reader work if showing the card through the vinyl side curtain of a golf cart??

Yes, but you still have to be quite close to the reader

I was tempted to tape my card to the framework of the cart but
(1) it might get stolen and
(2) if it didn't activate a gate I would have to peel it off and "go manual"

[Altavia]

I can't get it to work through the window of a Honda Passport with soundproof glass.

Taping it under the sideview mirror does work.

Earlier in the week, I was behind a woman n a SUV trying to smack the red button with a hair brush :1rotfl:

[Altavia]

"We should just get rid of the gates altogether".....
in 4..........3.........2..........1

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

Steve

A potential cost reduction could be to phase out the cards and readers. Traffic control could be maintained by automating opening of the gate the same as the exit gates. Start with the new areas and see how it goes.

[CWGUY]

[QUOTE=dewilson58;1696042]Sheldon, tape it on the outside of your car.............no metal effect.






BAZINGA

[BCEagle78]

I drive a Honda Pilot and it works fine for me.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I have a car with roll down windows.

[Two Bills]

When it's raining real hard, I reverse through gates, and get the wife to open her window and work the card.:shrug:

[JoMar]

Neighbor has Ford Explorer and has no issues with gates with windows up.

[Nucky]

OK, I tried it because of this Thread. It worked with the window up. I choose to put the window down because I don't want to scuff the tires on The Bentley Or The Jag! Pardon Me! Do You Have any Grey Poupon? Grey Poupon - Original Commercial - YouTube (https://youtu.be/uwOCOm9Z0YE) :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: :mademyday:

[CFrance]

Just use the manned visitor gate-no problem--usually has a smaller line-too
Don't have a manned visitor gate where we are.

[BobnBev]

This is more exciting than a dog poop thread.:popcorn::MOJE_whot:

[ckcapaul]

This is more exciting than a dog poop thread.:popcorn::MOJE_whot:

But the Christmas tree lighting VIP area has 5 times more pages:1rotfl:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I just open the window. For those complaining about getting wet when it's raining, how do you get in and out of your car when it's raining? And - it's rain. What's the big deal?

[Ooper]

Many of the gates sensors are at different heights. I drive a van which works fine at my gate but many other gates are too low so I have to open the window to reach down. Depends on which gate you go in and what your window height is. One size does not fit all!

[Marathon Man]

But the Christmas tree lighting VIP area has 5 times more pages:1rotfl:

Yes it does. Well, at least everyine has forgotten the tax raise ... oops.

[coffeebean]

I just open the window. For those complaining about getting wet when it's raining, how do you get in and out of your car when it's raining? And - it's rain. What's the big deal?

First, I would like to thank all of you who have responded about my concern. Glad to hear there should be no problem opening the gates with the window closed.

My car door has electrical equipment such as power windows and door locks. The less these devices are exposed to rain water, the better off they are......I truly believe. There have been times when I hold off getting out of the car and wait for the deluge of rain to subside. I can't do that with cars behind me waiting to get through the gates. The rain can be intense here in the summer.

[Kerry Azz]

:ohdear:





Jus duct tape it to your door 38 inches off the ground.






.
That’s a great idea! Why not gorilla glue it.

[coffeebean]

Many of the gates sensors are at different heights. I drive a van which works fine at my gate but many other gates are too low so I have to open the window to reach down. Depends on which gate you go in and what your window height is. One size does not fit all!

Well, that makes a lot of sense. The gate at Morse Blvd and 441 is one of those gates that I open the car window. Seems I can't get close enough and it is always busy and I don't want to hold up traffic to even try opening the gate with the window closed.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

When it's raining I go to the MANNED gate. He or she opens it for me .

[Altavia]

When it's raining I go to the MANNED gate. He or she opens it for me .

Most gates don't have that option.

So even more justification to make entry gates work the same as exit gates eliminating costs of the cards, readers and manned gates.

Phase it in starting with the new areas.

[graciegirl]

Most gates don't have that option.

So even more justification to make entry gates work the same as exit gates eliminating costs of the cards, readers and manned gates.

Phase it in starting with the new areas.

No.

Not a good idea. I was new once here, too.

Robbie. I just read back on your posts. What a nice person you are and smart too. I am so glad you joined us here in The Villages.

The reason for the pause at the gates is for the safety of the golf cart drivers. You would have figured that out and I was impatient with my answer above.

Again I say....proud to call YOU a villager!!

[Altavia]

No.

Not a good idea. I was new once here, too.

OK, nevermind.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

First, I would like to thank all of you who have responded about my concern. Glad to hear there should be no problem opening the gates with the window closed.

My car door has electrical equipment such as power windows and door locks. The less these devices are exposed to rain water, the better off they are......I truly believe. There have been times when I hold off getting out of the car and wait for the deluge of rain to subside. I can't do that with cars behind me waiting to get through the gates. The rain can be intense here in the summer.

My car has all that too. Most cars come with power windows, power door locks, power side-mirror controls, etc. etc. I haven't ever heard of anyone with any power-powered vehicle bringing their vehicle in for trouble and be given the diagnosis "broken on account of rain." Ever.

I really don't think it's an issue. The worst thing that will happen, is it will get around 2 teaspoons of water dumped on the equipment, and the water will fall because of gravity down and out of the car through the holes in the bottom of the door that exist precisely for that purpose.

[graciegirl]

My car has all that too. Most cars come with power windows, power door locks, power side-mirror controls, etc. etc. I haven't ever heard of anyone with any power-powered vehicle bringing their vehicle in for trouble and be given the diagnosis "broken on account of rain." Ever.

I really don't think it's an issue. The worst thing that will happen, is it will get around 2 teaspoons of water dumped on the equipment, and the water will fall because of gravity down and out of the car through the holes in the bottom of the door that exist precisely for that purpose.

I have to agree. About a month ago, I waited in the car with the windows rolled down while my husband went into Lowes for a "few minutes". He took the only key fob and it began to rain and both sides got drenched before he returned. I mean DRENCHED. We have a late model Pacifica that does everything but do the dishes. No harm came to it.

DRENCHED. Steering wheel, front panel...A big old rain, blowing rain.

[angiesteck@optonline.net]

Does anyone know where to get a new gate card...lost mine

[retiredguy123]

Does anyone know where to get a new gate card...lost mine
District Admin Office, 984 Old Mill Run, 352-751-3939. It is on the second floor across the street from Panera Bread and next to Starbucks near the LSL square. I think you need to bring all of your cards because they are paired with the same code, and they need to deactivate the lost card. They charge about 15 dollars per card.

[CWGUY]

District Admin Office, 984 Old Mill Run, 352-751-3939. It is on the second floor across the street from Panera Bread and next to Starbucks near the LSL square. I think you need to bring all of your cards because they are paired with the same code, and they need to deactivate the lost card. They charge about 15 dollars per card.

Yep! If you still have one bring it with you. :ho: In the breeze way next Starbucks go thru the double doors and take the elevator to second floor. As you get off there is an info. desk.

[Altavia]

No.

Not a good idea. I was new once here, too.

Robbie. I just read back on your posts. What a nice person you are and smart too. I am so glad you joined us here in The Villages.

The reason for the pause at the gates is for the safety of the golf cart drivers. You would have figured that out and I was impatient with my answer above.

Again I say....proud to call YOU a villager!!

Thanks, understood and it is clear the gates are one of the "charms" of The Villages not to be challenged.

Plus, I found a solution that works for me ;-)

[bob47]

Many of the gates sensors are at different heights. I drive a van which works fine at my gate but many other gates are too low so I have to open the window to reach down. Depends on which gate you go in and what your window height is. One size does not fit all!

Absolutely true. The center of the sensor at our entrance gate is 54 inches above the road. Other nearby readers are 51", 47", and 46" above the road. It's not clear how taping the gate card to the door 37" above the ground as suggested elsewhere in this thread would work on all gates.

The other dimension that varies is setback from the curb. Of the four readers mentioned here, the front surface of some looks to be set back from the curb only about an inch, if at all, while some are set back up to about 8 inches. It would seem to have made more sense if they had all been installed "X" inches above the road, +/- a very little bit, and set back from the curb "Y" inches, +/- a very little bit.

As to the entrance gates opening automatically, I can't imagine how it would be any more dangerous for golf carts passing behind the gate if every vehicle stopped in front of the gate for a short time delay, 2 or 3 seconds, before the gate went up automatically. There are already times when the gates are left open intentionally. Before a hurricane in case of a power outage. The visitor gate when the attendant is using the restroom. And unintentionally when they get knocked off.

[mills3186]

Depends entirely on the card reader, some are more sensitive and will work with window up, some won't. We routinely drive from Fenney through DeSoto, McClure or Marsh Bend, one works, another doesn't.

[JoMar]

Depends entirely on the card reader, some are more sensitive and will work with window up, some won't. We routinely drive from Fenney through DeSoto, McClure or Marsh Bend, one works, another doesn't.

Probably relative to your distance from the reader....we made that run on Monday and they all worked through the window. We were taking guests on a tour and they were asking how the gates worked that weren't manned......slow and close worked every time

[coffeebean]

I have to agree. About a month ago, I waited in the car with the windows rolled down while my husband went into Lowes for a "few minutes". He took the only key fob and it began to rain and both sides got drenched before he returned. I mean DRENCHED. We have a late model Pacifica that does everything but do the dishes. No harm came to it.

DRENCHED. Steering wheel, front panel...A big old rain, blowing rain.

Thank you for this bit of information. Very good to know!

[lobster610]

I would not want the gates removed. I'm fearful of too many car/golfcart accidents without them.

[ROCKETMAN]

Mine only works at the gate by sea breeze

[OhioViper]

Could someone please let know where and how to get the longer range battery operated cards? Our current cards have never worked from inside the car, and I hate curbed wheels. Thank you in advance for your help.

[Bogie Shooter]

Could someone please let know where and how to get the longer range battery operated cards? Our current cards have never worked from inside the car, and I hate curbed wheels. Thank you in advance for your help.

:what:

[Aces4]

Could someone please let know where and how to get the longer range battery operated cards? Our current cards have never worked from inside the car, and I hate curbed wheels. Thank you in advance for your help.

You could put curb feelers on your vehicle.:duck:

[Goldwingnut]

Could someone please let know where and how to get the longer range battery operated cards? Our current cards have never worked from inside the car, and I hate curbed wheels. Thank you in advance for your help.

They are not available for The Villages gates. Wholesale cost is about $22 from the manufacturer and it is not economical to use them in a community of this size.

People complain about a $1 fee for a hand cart at the executive golf courses, how would they react to being told $50 each for an active prox card (and by the way, you have to buy them 2 at a time), and by the way, you will be responsible for changing the battery every year. There would be rioting in the streets...

[ckcapaul]

They are not available for The Villages gates. Wholesale cost is about $22 from the manufacturer and it is not economical to use them in a community of this size.

People complain about a $1 fee for a hand cart at the executive golf courses, how would they react to being told $50 each for an active prox card (and by the way, you have to buy them 2 at a time), and by the way, you will be responsible for changing the battery every year. There would be rioting in the streets...

:bigbow:

[mikemalloy]

Recently traded my Volvo xc70 for a Lincoln MCK SUV. Had no trouble using card through the window with the Volvo but the MKC is higher and now can't line up card with electric eye from inside.

[CWGUY]

:ohdear: No electric eye. :oops: It's a card reader.

:confused: How have we been doing this for years? :icon_bored:

[Altavia]

Recently traded my Volvo xc70 for a Lincoln MCK SUV. Had no trouble using card through the window with the Volvo but the MKC is higher and now can't line up card with electric eye from inside.

The soundproof glass may also attenuate the signal.

I Gorilla taped a card under the left side mirror of my SUV, so far so good...

[Bogie Shooter]

The soundproof glass may also attenuate the signal.

I Gorilla taped a card under the left side mirror of my SUV, so far so good...

Do you remove the card when shopping at the mall?

[philnpat]

Will the card reader work if showing the card through the vinyl side curtain of a golf cart??

Won't work...too close to the zipper! :1rotfl:

[EdFNJ]

Could someone please let know where and how to get the longer range battery operated cards? Our current cards have never worked from inside the car, and I hate curbed wheels. Thank you in advance for your help. Underneath the bandstand in any square go down 2 levels. You should find them there.


















JUST KIDDING! :1rotfl: When I was a freshman in high school they used to always tell us there was a pool under the gym.

[CWGUY]

Underneath the bandstand in any square go down 2 levels. You should find them there.
















JUST KIDDING! :1rotfl: When I was a freshman in high school they used to always tell us there was a pool under the gym.

:ohdear: I knew you were kidding..... 2 levels under each square is were the underground golfcart parking garage is. :gc:

[CWGUY]

Underneath the bandstand in any square go down 2 levels. You should find them there.
















JUST KIDDING! :1rotfl: When I was a freshman in high school they used to always tell us there was a pool under the gym.

:ohdear: I knew you were kidding..... 2 levels under each square is were the underground golfcart parking garage is. :gc:

[EdFNJ]

:ohdear: I knew you were kidding..... 2 levels under each square is were the underground golfcart parking garage is. :gc:


Been down there many times. For $20/year it's a great deal. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[jenistaf]

Thanks to all knowledgeable commentators for confirming we can, in fact, use the cards thru the window. BUT - I wanted to reply to those who started this thread, so worried about opening a window in the rain.
If you were returning to TV from anywhere on a rainy day, you were already out in the rain in order to get from the restaurant/church/shop/bar to your car. You got a lot wetter doing that than rolling down your window. :)

[Northerner52]

How about gates with no card reader?


I tried holding the card against the door and driving very close to the sensor. It didn't work. Had to move the card away from the door.

[mulligan]

They all have readers.

[leftyf]

I am surprised that the smartphones don't have an app yet.

[anothersteve]

They all have readers.

Not the Shay gate
Steve

[CWGUY]

Not the Shay gate
Steve

:1rotfl: Wrong.... all the gates have a reader. There is NO gate at Shay. :clap2:

[anothersteve]

I stand corrected
Stevve

[CWGUY]

I stand corrected
Stevve

:beer3:

[rochellepfaff]

I have SUV and have no trouble opening most gates without opening my window. The height of the car doesn't matter, if you get the card next to the pad.

[swooner]

Sheldon, tape it on the outside of your car.............no metal effect.




.

Sounds like a good way to secure your gate card against theft. Just leave it right out in the open.

[coffeebean]

Thanks to all knowledgeable commentators for confirming we can, in fact, use the cards thru the window. BUT - I wanted to reply to those who started this thread, so worried about opening a window in the rain.
If you were returning to TV from anywhere on a rainy day, you were already out in the rain in order to get from the restaurant/church/shop/bar to your car. You got a lot wetter doing that than rolling down your window. :)

I'm the original poster. We picked up our new SUV yesterday and I'm very happy to report I am able to open the gate with the driver window closed.

It's about not allowing the hot air into the vehicle when driving in this Florida heat. It is about not letting in the cold air when driving in the cold weather. Let me be honest, it is also about not getting me and the inside of my vehicle wet when it is raining.