Working With Legacy Gate Systems: Yes, Your 20-Year-Old Controller Can Be Automated

"My gate controller is from 2005. Do I need to replace everything to get modern features like remote access and automated entry?"

We hear this question constantly. The answer: No, you probably don't need to replace anything.

If Your Gate Opens, We Can Automate It

Here's the good news: if your gate currently opens—even if it's old, clunky, and held together with prayers—it can likely be integrated with modern automation technology.

We've successfully integrated gates from manufacturers like:

• PTI (Pacific Technology Inc.)
• DoorKing
• LiftMaster
• Viking Access Systems
• Linear / GTO
• Various other manufacturers, including many discontinued brands

Most were manufactured between 1995 and 2010. All of them work fine once properly integrated.

How It Works: The Cellular Control Module

The integration uses a cellular-based control module that connects to your existing gate controller. Think of it as a smart adapter that gives your old gate new capabilities.

Why Cellular? Three Big Advantages:

1. No WiFi Required

Many gates are located far from your office or in areas with no reliable WiFi. Cellular modules have their own connection—they work anywhere you have cell service (which is nearly everywhere in 2026).

2. No CAT5 Cable to Run

Running ethernet cable from your office to a gate 500 feet away is expensive and often impossible. Cellular modules eliminate this completely.

3. More Reliable

WiFi goes down. Cables get cut. Cellular networks are redundant and highly reliable. Your gates keep working even if your office internet is out.

What You Get After Integration

Once your legacy gate is connected to a modern control system:

• Remote control: Open/close gates from your phone anywhere in the world
• Automated access: QR codes, text-to-open, mobile app, PIN codes all work with your old gate
• Access logs: See exactly who entered when and from which gate
• Scheduled control: Gates can lock/unlock automatically on schedules
• Integration: Your gate control becomes part of your full property management platform

Your 20-year-old gate controller suddenly has the same capabilities as gates installed last month.

The Installation Process

Step 1: A technician evaluates your gate (usually via photos/video call).

Step 2: The cellular control module is shipped to you.

Step 3: Installation takes 1-2 hours. Module connects to existing gate wiring.

Step 4: Module is configured and tested remotely.

Step 5: You're live. Gate is now controllable via software.

Your facility stays operational throughout. No downtime. No disruption to current customers.

What If Your Gate Controller is REALLY Old?

We've integrated gates from the mid-90s. As long as the gate has relay contacts (nearly all do), it can be integrated.

In rare cases where a gate controller is truly beyond integration (corroded, damaged, or proprietary system with no access points), you might need a replacement. But this is the exception, not the rule.

95% of gates we evaluate can be integrated with existing hardware.

The Cost Question

Integrating an existing gate costs a fraction of what you'd pay to replace the entire gate system ($5,000-15,000+).

Plus, you get modern capabilities immediately without the disruption and downtime of a full gate replacement.

The ROI is typically under 6 months from labor savings alone (no more manually opening gates or dealing with access issues).

Multiple Gates? No Problem

If you have entry and exit gates, or multiple access points, each one gets its own cellular module. They all connect to the same central platform.

From your dashboard, you can control all gates, see which ones are used most, track access by gate, and troubleshoot issues remotely.

The Bottom Line

Your old gate controller isn't holding you back from automation. Modern integration technology works with gates from decades ago.

Don't let "my gates are too old" be the excuse that keeps you from modern access control, remote management, and automated operations.

If your gate opens today, it can be automated tomorrow.