My driveway gate opener is a commercial mechanism. All the control options mentioned are available to control the gate operation. After considering all those options, I chose to use simple push-button switches on each side of the gate. They are mounted on posts so the driver can press the button.
The control has a minimum of two minutes between gate open an gate close. The system has operated flawlessly for nearly 10 years.
Paul
I can't seem to find a photo eye for arduino. even amazon comes up with nothing.
bigred1212:
ebay search for "laser break beam sensor"
When I searched I look for one specifically for Arduino and I couldn't seem to find anyting that would work exactly the way I want. Mainly being outdoors and not able to be affixed perfectly in line without possibility of small movements. I did find a photoelectric sensor that uses a reflector, it connects a relay so it should work with Arduino
Don't know what your budget is but industrial sensors work.
There are other manufacturers. All sorts of outputs are available with DC outputs quite common (24V/36V). They're spendy compared to hobby/DIY stuff but generally you mount them, wire'em up, align them and they just work.
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. - Ben Franklin.