Ghost Controls Heavy-Duty Automatic Gate Opener Kit for Swing Gates with Long-Range Gate Opener Remote - Model TSS1

Beyond Great Service. I bought my ghost gate system several years ago. Installation was a breeze, just followed the instruction. Since day one the Ghost System worked flawlessly. Last weekend the actuator stopped working. Call ghost technical support and Brian helped me through the process of debugging. Determined the gear broke AND to my surprise, Brian is sending out a new arm under warranty. I am sooo impressed that ghost stood behind there product.. Thank you

Great opener! Have used mighty mule for years. My last one conked out after one year. Bought a new one and it wouldn't stay open. Called for help, finally talked to someone and after going through the obvious I was told I needed to get a multimeter and he would have me troubleshoot the circuit board! NOPE! Back to the store it went. Ordered the Ghost. Easy install and works like a charm.

Search for this iznuV0DaAvU on YouTube. It is a 5 min review of my installation (mid-install). Gives timing video and some additional details. The attached video is from my video surveillance system and does not show the installation. I've never had a gate opener (or gate, for that matter) - so take that for what it's worth. My primary reason for selecting Ghost Controls over the much more popular Mighty Mule was due to the reviews. While much of them are subjective, there were a number of reviews under the MM product indicating they'd switched to GC. There were comments about the GC being faster to open/close as well - though that I cannot verify. I installed my 16' single swing gate (tractor supply 70lb. variety) to an 8' x 4"x4"x 1/8" thick square tube. I didn't want to use wood since I've seen how they can flex and warp over time. I cemented the post about 3' into the ground, and welded the through-bolt hing pins into place. This provides for a rock-solid gate operation that doesn't sag or flex. The opener takes about 20 seconds to open fully from the moment the remote is pushed. I have it opening about 100° - which is at the max opening limit. This provides the widest clearance for the angle of my driveway. The instructions will have you mount the controls and battery within 4 feet of the opener. That puts it at ON the fence and certainly within arm's reach of anyone outside the fence. I opted to move the control and battery box to the opposite side of the drive. To do this, I needed an extended cable coming from the motor. GC did not recommend splicing to the existing wire, and instead shipped me an opener with a 32' cable (this is the standard length of the 2nd operator of a two-gate system. With that, I was able to run the cable under the dive, and about 10' in from the latch-side of the gate. Well beyond the reach of anyone outside. The manual will also tell you to mount the controller/battery box at least 3' off the ground to prevent them from getting excessively wet and dirty. I poured a small slab (12" x 18") with a 20" post. While it's much closer to the ground, I am using a fake rock/bolder cover to conceal the slab. That should keep it clean and dry, and out-of-sight. With the antenna being closer to the ground, I cannot activate the gate from my house (500' down the driveway), but it still works from far enough on approach that it will be completely open by the time I drive to it (at normal speed). I also opted to install the driveway sensor - though I purchased the Mighty Mule (100') version since it was considerably less expensive, and GC verified that it would work - and it does. Now when UPS or FedEx leaves my drive, the gate begins to open as they approach. It's perfect. On an aside, my home is completely automated (Vera). As such, I wanted to control the gate using the home automation system. This would allow me to have the gate open during the day, and close at sunset. Or I could open it remotely (via phone app) if someone I didn't trust needed to get in (without giving them a gate code). It also allows me to forgo the need to use the auto-close feature on the stock controller - which is quite limited in how it works. But, for my HA system to work properly, it needs to know the state of the door - whether it is open or closed. GC told me there is no point on their control board that would provide gate position status (for example open contacts when gate is open, or closed, when gate is closed). And that is true. However, the motor/operator module DOES have an integrated mechanical limit switch at the end of the screw jack. While I haven't tied into it yet, it is my intention to use that switch as way to signal my HA system that the gate is open/closed.

I have owned several Mighty Mule openers before this one. I purchased this Ghost Controls unit after being dissatisfied with the speed, range and longevity of the Mule. This unit is well made and much simpler than the old Mule units. It's actuator is faster, quieter and seems better, more heavily built than the old openers. I recently took a lightning strike to my control box and blew out my control board. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark at Ghost Controls. As I had already assumed the warranty does not cover lightning strikes, but Mark is sending me a replacement without charge. This is how great companies used to treat their customers. It is a shame that that is not the norm anymore, but Mark and Ghost Controls have raised the back up, way up. Thanks for the great product and customer/tech support. I have just ordered a Ghost Controls Coop Opener and look forward to my ducks having the same automatic conveniences that we enjoy with our gate.

Ok, so this is my experience with this product so far. I am basing the information below on text messages I have saved, emails from GHOST, Amazon receipts, cell phone records, and my hand written notes documenting conversations. Best of luck with your experience. • 3/24/2024 - Ordered the GHOST Model TSS1, (2) Ghost Wireless keypads, and (2) Ghost control remotes from the GHOST STORE on Amazon for a total of $743.92. Items were delivered the week of April 1, 2024. • Installed on 4/22/2024 (weather- and work-related issues prevented me from installing sooner). - Gate opener worked as it should. • 5/1/2024 - Ordered (2) additional GHOST remotes from the GHOST STORE on Amazon for a total on $72.52. Items were delivered May 7, 2024. • 5/3/2024 - Gate opener began having issues. - Gate would not close all the way (it stopped at the same point approximately 1/3 of the way closed). - The alarm started beeping, and gate would not function at all. - It was disconnected from the battery. • Weather- and work-related issues prevented me from working on the gate until 5/7/2024. - I completely disconnected the system and re-installed it. - I replaced the 12-volt deep cycle marine battery with a new battery at a cost of $122.06 (old one was still good per the auto parts store, but I replaced it anyway). - I re-programmed all remotes and keypads. - I re-set the limit settings and closing settings on the gate. - I re-placed fuses (all were still good but per the manual, a 7-beep code indicates a bad fuse). - The alarm started beeping after activating the remote once and the gate would not function. - It was disconnected from the battery. • Weather- and work-related issues prevented me from working on the gate until 5/20/2024. - Once again, I completely disconnected the wires and re-installed the system. - I took the new battery to the auto parts store and had it tested. Battery was good. - I re-programmed all remotes and keypads. - I replaced all the fuses again. - Gate still would not function. - It was disconnected from the battery. • On 5/24/2024 I began calling GHOST to get some assistance with this issue. Notably, the location of this gate opener on my property is in an area where cell phone reception is not available. As I spoke with the rep at GHOST, I would make notes and drive to the opener and try different trouble shooting methods suggested. - 6 phone calls and 4 text messages later here are the steps I tried to get the opener working:  - I had to pull apart the arm, cut out a diode, and put the arm back together.  - Tested arm wires on direct battery power.  - Re-connected the circuit board and tried to get the gate working.  - Jog open the gate completely.  - Verify the hardware was lined up.  - Jog closed the gate completely.  - Try opening with a remote. - The gate would not function. It was disconnected from the battery. - I left messages for the tech per his request (ext. 221), but I did not receive a call back. • On 5/31/2024 I called GHOST 3 times and left messages with the tech (ext. 221) as per his instructions and received no callback. • On 6/6/2024 I called GHOST and spoke with a new tech (ext. 202). As I spoke with the rep at GHOST, I would make notes and drive to the opener and try different trouble shooting methods suggested. - 4 phone calls and 7 text messages later here are the steps I tried to get the opener working:  - I powered off the system and re-activated it.  - I used a paperclip to bypass the remote sensor to ensure the gate arm was functioning.  - I was asked to text a copy of the purchase receipt from Amazon and a photo of the control box circuit board to a number. - The gate would not function. It was disconnected from the battery. - The tech was supposed to call when he received the texts but did not. I called and left messages but did not receive a callback. • On 6/14/2024 I called GHOST and spoke with a new tech (ext. 107). A new control circuit board was mailed to me through the US Postal Service. It arrived on 6/21/2024. • On 6/23/2024 I have installed the new circuit board. - I completely disconnected the wires and re-installed the system. - I re-programmed all remotes and keypads. - I checked all the fuses. - Gate still will not function. It just beeps and wont open. - It has been disconnected from the battery. • On 6/27/2024 I received a voice mail from a supervisor (presumably in response to this review). She offered assistance to resolve the issues and requested a call back. • On 7/5/2024 I was able to return the call to the supervisor and left a message. She was out of town but I received a call from another person (ext. 205) who reviewed the notes and offered to help. Unfortunately, everything being asked had already been done. Interestingly, this rep indicated that because I had cut the diode as instructed on 5/24/2024, it was indicative that they MAY NOT HONOR ANY WARRANTY FOR THE PRODUCT. The rep indicated that my original message to the supervisor would be delivered and I would hear back next week on further directions. I guess I will make more calls to GHOST and fingers crossed. My hope is that I can get this opener to function properly before GHOST claims is is past the warranty date. I have over $900 invested in this thing and wish I would have bought something else at this point.

Came in on time & everything worked as it should for this type of operator

This review is for the TSS1 Single Automatic Gate Opener. For the impatient among us, here’s the bottom line first: Pluses: Good control arm, I like the design Decent quality hardware Easy to program control panel Good instructions Easy to add other stuff (locks, vehicle sensors, manual close/open buttons) Minuses: A bit onerous to install, it took me almost a full day. In all honesty, that’s just nature of the beast. Control panel wouldn’t synch to the remotes installed in my older cars. $22 if you need to purchase “Push to Open” brackets; I think they’re overpriced. Bottom Line: I like it. My neighbor (a retired electrical engineer) and I were both suitably impressed with this gate opener. It’s a good unit for the money and I’d buy one again. Installation specific’s for my application: I bought this unit to replace a gate opener that had finally worn out. My gate is set 25 feet back from the street and opens out, towards the street. The old opener was a “Push Open” model which was mounted on the driveway side of the opened gate. I removed all of those old brackets essentially making this a fresh install in the “Push to Close” configuration. I did this because it puts the control arm on the outside of my gate which leaves me with a slightly wider driveway. It’s also worth noting that I made sure my hinges were plumb and the gate moved smoothly. I had to replace/upgrade my hinges but that’s another story. Make sure you know if your gate will be configured as a push to open or push to close. The push to close brackets are included with this unit. They soak you $22 for their set of push to open brackets. These brackets are two simple pieces of flat iron with three holes drilled in each one, I believe they are over priced. The installation instructions were some of the best I’ve seen and with one minor exception which I’ll cover later, clearly written. The process is this; you mount the half circle base assembly on the fence post with the hinges. This base has four holes which allows you to bolt it to (through or around) the post. The placement of this base is critical. I initially had it centered on my three inch (square) post however, when the gate was opened all the way (it opens about 95 degrees from closed) it struck the side of the bracket and prevented the gate from opening all the way. I re-mounted the bracket so the gate side of the bracket was flush with the post. Next you attach the two flat pieces that span between the control arm and the half round piece. There are adjustment holes around the circumference of the half round bracket that allow you position the hinge side of the control arm where you need it. You need 4 1/2” of clearance between the hole where the control arm attaches and the face of the fully opened gate. When I adjusted the arms to the first hole that gave me >4 1/2” clearance I found that the housing of the control arm struck the half circle bracket before the gate was fully closed. I was able to fix this by adjusting and welding the arms half way between the holes which gave me the clearance I needed at both ends. Note to Ghost Controls: You might want to leave a bit more flat area on this end of the control arm so people don’t run into the interference issue. Next, with the gate fully opened you measure 35” from the holes on the arms you just set to the surface of the gate where you will be mounting the second control arm bracket. This is my one beef with the instructions; they specify 35” on the set-up diagram and never mention it again. This is a very important dimension because the gate has to be positioned exactly where you want "fully opened " to be before you permanently affix this bracket as you can’t adjust the open position electronically. I clamped that bracket where I thought it belonged (35” to the center) and moved on to the controller box. I mounted and wired up the controller box, it was very straight forward. Once everything was up and running, I followed the excellent instructions to set the gate closed position. I cycled the gate a few times and fine tuned the location of the second bracket until the opened gate was exactly where I wanted it. Then I welded it down, it could have been just as easily bolted. Lastly, since my control arm is now outside the gate (when it’s closed) I wanted an option to prevent it’s theft. Ghost Controls sells a clevis pin with a padlock for $33 however, I bought a 1/2” trailer hitch lock (which I like better) for $30. The hitch lock is the perfect size for the bushing in controller arm but a bit too small for the brackets. I drilled the brackets out to fit the new locking pin. Edited for spelling/clarity. If anything changes, I’ll update this review.

Easy gate install and videos on youtube helped reassure what I was doing. Had an issue (my fault) where I thought the main board wasn't the correct one. Called Ghost customer service and spoke with Brandi who confirmed the set up and what we needed. She was set to send out the part needed and had the return box included with shipment for the part I thought was the wrong one. After double checking, realized my mistake and we had the correct part. But good to know that the they (Ghost customer service) were easy to reach (both times I called in for this issue) and ready to take care of any issues. Brandi at Ghost was great to deal with and was even able to text info between calls for better communication to confirm stuff. For reference we have a single gate(programmed onsite for push to open), two keypads, 4 remotes, zombie lock, the batteries with box, and set up for A/C (not solar).

really easy installation and set up, working great so far, got it on a tubular 16 foot gate

Bought July 2021...charge controller on board failed Nov 2021. Contacted Tech Support and ran all their tests and proved the charge controller was not working. Sent videos. Load tested. Everything they ask for and all they do is keep responding that it should be fine. Honestly, the Tech support appears to be outsourced to someone who is reading from a script and has no actual clue as to how anything works. Just like a previous reviewer stated, their board was faulty right out of the box and it took over three weeks for him to convince Ghost to send out a replacement. Their customer service is horrible. It seems like their full intent is to completely enrage the customer so that they not only never buy another product again, but they go out of their way to tell everybody they can what an awful company Ghost Controls is. Well they succeeded.