Entrance Gate Change for Clubhouse and Pool Area
October 12, 2025
At the July 3rd RHA meeting, the Board Chairman proposed we change from a standard key gate lock to an electric gate latch system that uses RFID keycards and key fobs. The rationale behind the proposal was that after three or four years with a rekeyed gate lock, there were so many keys available that physical security of the pool and clubhouse was no longer very good. The Board voted to give the electric gate latch system a try.
The system has been installed and works as designed. It will become operational in early 2026, with each member receiving their RFID keycard at the annual meeting or later in the year when the pool opens. Total cost was $1,365: hardware including 350 keycards and 50 key fobs $575, installation labor $750, and a three-year warranty $40. The cost quoted for rekeying the gate, clubhouse & bathroom doors was $945 and for a magnetic keycard system $4,295.
A card scanner is mounted on the brick wall left of the entrance gate. When an authorized keycard is scanned, you’ll hear a mechanical click and be able to open the gate just by pulling the handle. It stays unlocked for about 3 seconds. When you leave, you open the gate the same way as you do now: by rotating the handle. We have left all the mechanical gate lock parts in place and at the first of the year we will rekey the gate lock – for use only in case of emergency. Your existing gate keys will continue to work with the clubhouse and bathroom doors.
Each keycard and key fob have identification numbers that when scanned, are programed into the system control panel. The tracking system assigns a property address to the card ID number. No names are used. When someone leaves Ramsgate, the card’s ID number is removed from the authorization list.
If your family needs more than one RFID keycard, or if you would prefer to use an RFID key fob, you can purchase either one for $5. We want to limit the number of keycards or key fobs to a maximum of two per residence.
With this system we will be able to track when and how often each keycard or kay fob is scanned through the year; and, if someone leaves Ramsgate without returning their cards or fobs, the numbers are deactivated. They could also be deactivated if the annual assessments are unpaid.
Contractors who need access to the clubhouse and pool area will be provided with a keycard or key fob and the name of their company will be assigned to the RFID. Entrance data for them will also be recorded.
The control panel has a backup 12-volt power supply capable of operating the card scanner and gate latch in case of a power failure. The system is programmed with “Access Control” software which runs on a Windows 11 computer. Please report any malfunctions to p.cunningham.ramsgate@gmail.com or text 423-595-4632.
