ChuteTronix

ChuteTronix opens and closes a roping chute’s gates on command, so the chute can be worked from where the handler is standing rather than from the latch. The controller drives air valves and the gates move under air, replacing the pull rope with a control the operator carries — and it reports what the gates are actually doing rather than leaving it to be guessed.

It is designed, built and supported by RA Controls LLC in Santa Fe, Texas. The circuit boards, the firmware on them and the app that talks to them are all our own work.

What it does

• Two independent gates. Each gate takes open and close commands separately, so a chute with a head gate and a side delivery is handled by one controller.
• Live position feedback. Each gate reports its own state back to the app and updates as it changes, rather than only confirming that a command was sent.
• Works without a network. The app connects directly to the controller over Bluetooth when it is in range, so the chute still works in an arena with no Wi-Fi and no signal.
• Remote operation and status when connected. Joined to Wi-Fi, the controller reports status and accepts commands from away, so you can check the state of the equipment without walking out to it.
• Voice control through Amazon Alexa. Link a Rodeo Automation account to the Alexa skill and the gates can be operated by voice.

Setting it up

1. Create a Rodeo Automation account.
2. Install the mobile app and connect to the controller over Bluetooth.
3. Hand the controller your Wi-Fi details from the app, if you want remote access.
4. Link the controller to your account so status and alerts reach you.

Alerts

A connected controller can tell you when something is wrong — a control system that has stopped responding, or a fault that needs attention. Account holders choose how those reach them, including by text message if they opt in. See text message notifications for what we send and how to stop it.

Seeing it work

Footage of the equipment in use is on our YouTube channel.