As the primary UK retailer and distributor for Remootio 3, Charged Services has tested a wide range of smart gate opener systems on the market. After extensive hands-on experience with competing products, we've concluded that Remootio is the only truly responsive and adaptable option that meets the demands of UK homeowners and installers alike.
The early limitations
We'll be upfront — Remootio wasn't always perfect. In its earlier iterations, the system fell short compared to some competitors in one key area: latching relays. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, a latching relay is a component that allows you to schedule gate openings and hold a gate in the open position for a defined period. These are features particularly valued in the UK market, where homeowners often want their gates to remain open during school pick-up times, deliveries, or when expecting guests.
This was a genuine limitation, and we raised it directly with the Remootio development team. What happened next is a large part of why we now back them so strongly.
How traditional intercom relay systems work
To understand why this mattered, it helps to know how a traditional intercom and gate system is wired. Most conventional intercom setups use three relays:
- Relay 1: Open — Sends the signal to open the gate.
- Relay 2: Close — Sends the signal to close the gate.
- Relay 3: Timer control — Holds the gate open for a set duration, allowing vehicles or people to pass through before the gate automatically closes.
This three-relay configuration allows installers to set up timed open durations, keeping gates accessible during entry without requiring the user to manually trigger the close command. It's a straightforward and well-established approach, and it's what most gate engineers in the UK are accustomed to working with.
Remootio, by contrast, uses only two relays connected to simple open and close terminals. Without that third relay, there was no native way to hold the gate open for a specified time — a feature that many UK customers consider essential.
The software solution
Rather than adding physical hardware, Remootio addressed this limitation through a software update. The updated app now allows users to sustain the Open command for a user-defined duration, effectively replicating the function of a third relay entirely through the app interface.
This means you can:
- Set your gate to hold open for 30 seconds, 2 minutes, or any custom duration
- Schedule recurring open periods — for example, every weekday between 8:00 and 8:30 for the school run
- Modify schedules remotely from anywhere in the world through the secure Remootio app
- Grant temporary access to visitors, delivery drivers, or contractors without sharing physical fobs or codes
The elimination of that third relay also simplifies the wiring during installation, reducing both installation time and the number of potential failure points in the system.
Why Remootio stands apart
What truly sets Remootio apart from the competition is their willingness to evolve based on real-world user feedback. The latching relay issue wasn't just acknowledged — it was resolved through a meaningful software update that improved the product for every existing user, not just new buyers.
In our experience, no other smart gate opener manufacturer responds to installer and user feedback with the speed and substance that Remootio does. That's why they're the only brand we recommend and stock.
Key advantages at a glance
- Encrypted smartphone access — No cloneable fobs or codes. Access is managed entirely through the app with end-to-end encryption.
- Continuous improvement — Regular firmware and app updates add features and improve reliability over time.
- Intuitive app interface — Simple enough for any homeowner to use, powerful enough for professional installers to configure advanced schedules and access rules.
- Two-relay simplicity — Cleaner wiring, fewer components, and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Global remote access — Control your gate from anywhere with an internet connection.
As the UK's leading Remootio distributor, we carry the full Remootio 3 range in our online store and provide full installation and support services. If you're looking to upgrade your existing gate system with smart control, or you're planning a new installation, get in touch to discuss how Remootio 3 can work for your property.