Set Tunnel Controller to Auto Gate

A Gate signal is a vital component of washing a car with an ICS controller. If a tunnel controller is unable to get a signal from the Gate sensor (typically a Photo eye), it will not know the vehicle length for the wash and will not activate anything else in the tunnel.

If you are experiencing an issue where the conveyor, roller, and entrance lights activate but nothing else in the tunnel turns on, there is a setting called AutoGate that can be enabled temporarily to test if the cause is the Gate sensor or not. If this issue is caused by the sensor, turning on this setting can allow a site to operate until the root cause of the incident can be determined.

In order to enable this setting, you will need to be able to access your controller's settings. This may be on the controller itself or through a computer that is connected to the controller by serial or ethernet cable.

Tunnel Master JR. (TMJ) 

1. From the Faceplate of the TMJ, press the Menu button, then 3 for Wash Configuration, then 4 for Wash Settings.
2. Use the F2 button to scroll through the settings until locating the AutoGate setting. Set this to Y by using the number 0 on the faceplate keypad.
3. In order for this setting to start washing the vehicle at the correct time, you will need to use the F1 button to scroll to AutoGateDelay. Set the auto gate delay to the number of inches from where the rollers pop on top of the track to the Gate sensor.

Tunnel Master wbc (WBC)

1. Log into the Controller and navigate to Configuration > Tunnel Settings > Gate.
2. Find the Setting named Auto-Gate and set it to ON. You will need to click on the available white space to the side of the gate settings in order for the setting change to be finalized.
   In order for this setting to start washing the vehicle at the correct time, you will need to set the AutoGateDelay to the number of inches from where the rollers pop on top of the track to the Gate sensor.
   Note: All equipment that is set to the front or rear half/bumper of the car will now wash the front or rear half/bumper of a maximum length vehicle.

Considerations

You will likely have to adjust the AutoGate Delay setting for optimal performance.

• If the first piece of equipment starts before the car reaches it, increase the setting.
• If the first piece of equipment starts after the car reaches it, decrease the setting.

After this has been changed, every vehicle that is washed will be washed as if it was the maximum car length that is set in the Tunnel Controller. This is NOT a permanent fix, and should be changed back after the Gate sensor has been repaired or replaced.

Perform a test wash with a Ghost Car before washing actual vehicles.
If you change the system to AutoGate but the issue is still present, the photo eyes may not be the cause of this issue; due to this, other variables should be considered and investigated. Please refer to available documentation or contact ICS Support for assistance.

Please contact ICS Technical Support if any assistance is needed:

800-246-3469