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Figure 7. Gate Automation Equipment at SPDC Company Lateral Headgate <br />SPDC may adjust the gate by multiple means. A new target value may be entered at the <br />District office using a PC linked to the base radio unit. SPDC also has a mobile <br />radio /control unit marketed by CDI as the "Ditch Rider Unit ". Following on- screen <br />prompts and providing inputs using the six button keypad, the ditch rider can check <br />current conditions and /or enter a new target value from his pickup. While on -site, a new <br />target may be input following on- screen prompts and using keypad inputs on the field <br />CDI unit at the gate site. On -site toggle switches also allow changing control from auto <br />to manual. In manual an on- off -on toggle is labeled for raise - off -lower positions. Finally, <br />should there be a power or motor failure, by removing a safety guard over the gate wheel <br />and disconnecting the roller chain, the site may be reverted to hand operation in minutes. <br />One of the more interesting problems encountered with this site was during <br />thunderstorms. When a storm would come up the gate would automatically close with no <br />warning. After many hours of troubleshooting we found a problem with the code in the <br />logic controller that allowed static electricity from the storm to operate the gate. With <br />some code revisions we have not had any problems in two years. The gate has been <br />reliable with no other problems. <br />In 2010, a new motorized overshot gate was installed in a previously stop -log controlled <br />bay at a spill structure just upstream the SPDC main flume. SPDC plans to automate the <br />overshot gate to maintain a target canal bay water level. Figure 8 is a photo of the <br />overshot gate in the SPDC spill structure. <br />10 <br />