Product Manual
MM260 Installation Instructions xi
1. Determine Charging Option for Battery: Transformer OR Solar
NEVER USE TRANSFORMER AND SOLAR PANEL(S) AT
THE SAME TIME. It will damage the control board.
IMPORTANT:
• The Mighty Mule gate opener is designed and intended for use with a 12 Volt automotive or marine type battery.
The battery must be placed inside a weatherproof case and located within 6 feet of the opener arm. The 8 foot
harness supplied connects the battery to the opener arm.
• The transformer is designed for indoor use. If the transformer can be plugged only into an outside electrical
outlet, a weatherproof cover/housing (available at local electrical supply stores) must be used.
• If your gate is more than 1000 ft. from an AC power source, you will need to use at least 5 watts solar charging
power to charge the battery [FM121]. Refer to the Solar Panel and Gate Activity chart below.
• All low voltage wire used with the Mighty Mule gate opener must be 16 gauge dual conductor, stranded, direct
burial wire [RB509]. Do not run more than 1000 ft. of wire.
The table and map illustrate
the maximum number of gate
cycles to expect per day in a
particular area when using
from 5 to 30 watts of solar
charging power prior to the
battery depleting to a state
where the unit will not function. The gures shown are
for winter (minimum sunlight). Accessories connected
to your system will draw additional power from the
battery.
Deep cycle marine battery is recommended for solar
and/or high trafc applications.
Before You Begin
POWERING OPTIONS
SOLAR PANEL AND GATE ACTIVITY CHART
Single Gate Winter Ratings Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
12 v single gate (5 watts) solar charger 4 8 13
12 v single gate (10 watts) solar charger 8 16 26
12 v single gate (15 watts) solar charger 11 20 30
12 v single gate (20 watts) solar charger 14 28 38
12 v single gate (25 watts) solar charger 17 36 46
12 v single gate (30 watts) solar charger 20 44 54