Help me find what I need! Wireless 12V remote control device

[viper]

I will explain the project.  I have a steel cable across my driveway to keep people out.  It is not really a "high security" measure, but just to provide an aid that I don't want visitors.  Right now I have to get out of a vehicle to put the cable down every time.  It's not ideal. 

What I was thinking about was using a 12V windshield wiper gear motor because I can get them free, attach a pulley, and remotely operate the motor to raise/lower the cable. 

I was going to ignore things like full auto operation, limit switches, etc.  Just something basic. 

In many cases, I am about 500ft from the cable, someone is at my drive, and I need to let them in.  I was going to get one of those wireless 12V winch relay devices but I am certain they won't have much range.  They state about 100ft and that is China, so figure 30ft. 

Curious if you guys might have spotted a better solution?  I would think I would need a real antenna if I am to reach 500ft?  Or is that not even practical?  Even with the short range devices, it would at least allow me to lower the cable while in my vehicle which is helpful but rather hit my goal.  Not looking for an expensive solution. 

I figure if I can find a wireless remote and receiver that operates a small relay, I can use that to toggle a bigger relay to drive my loads.  12VDC is ideal as this will be battery operated. 

[SeanB]

Wireless garage door remotes, with a receiver with external antenna are what you want. There are plenty, though I would recommend a code hopping system, and also put in some limit switches, at least to allow the motor not to be burnt out in case of an error that keeps the relay outputs on. 4 button Keeloq transmitter, and matching receiver with 4 outputs will work, leaving you with 2 spare outputs to use for things like turning on a light there, 12V LED working well with a battery and solar panel to charge it, and possibly turn on a wireless camera that provides video back to you, using a separate on delay module to power the camera and transmitter, as the remote receiver typically can only have one output at a time with momentary action.

[soldar]

They sell "long range remote control" on Amazon and elsewhere and I would try that first.  Even if it doesn't cover 100% of your needs if it covers, say, 95% it would be the simplest and cheapest thing to do.

A steel cable hanging like that is a lawsuit waiting to happen unless you make sure it is very clearly visible. IMHO A chain painted brightly and possibly with pennants is less likely to cause problems.

Regarding the mechanical actuation the best way to avoid end of range problems is to have a circular motion so that if the motion does not stop it just starts reversing, just like windshield wipers do. That way you do not need to worry about burning motors.