Popular Post jsharr ★ Posted January 6, 2020 Popular Post Share #1 Posted January 6, 2020 that would allow me to open and close the garage door with my phone? Well, it would drop off line mysteriously and I could not figure out why. I assumed it was a problem with wifi signal, so I bought a wifi booster and hooked it up and went out in the garage and BOOM, my phone could connect to the wifi remote. Left the garage and all the sudden, the remoted was offline. Walked back out in the garage and all the lights on the remote were one, so I hit the light switch to check wires and the remote came on. Seems I pulled a Clark W Griswold and plugged the remote into a switched outlet.... Grabbed a grounded adapter, plugged it into the extension cord that runs to the garage door opener, plugged the opener and the remote into the adapter and just like that, my problem was solved. I can now sit at my desk and work and tell you my garage door is closed and that is was last closed this morning at 8:22 AM. 2 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted January 6, 2020 Share #2 Posted January 6, 2020 I want one of these. My Craftsman garage door opener is probably 20 years old, and really loud. Damn thing will probably last another 20 years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted January 6, 2020 Share #3 Posted January 6, 2020 10 minutes ago, jsharr said: Seems I pulled a Clark W Griswold and plugged the remote into a switched outlet.... Uh-huh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted January 6, 2020 Share #4 Posted January 6, 2020 What can you tell us about your refrigerator light once the door is closed. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 6, 2020 Author Share #5 Posted January 6, 2020 12 minutes ago, Square Wheels said: I want one of these. My Craftsman garage door opener is probably 20 years old, and really loud. Damn thing will probably last another 20 years. It was very easy to set up and install. Make sure you do not plug it into a switched outlet. It is a bit slow, as it flashes and has an audible alert before opening or closing, since theoretically somone could be in the garage when you close it remotely... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted January 6, 2020 Share #6 Posted January 6, 2020 1 minute ago, jsharr said: It was very easy to set up and install. Make sure you do not plug it into a switched outlet. It is a bit slow, as it flashes and has an audible alert before opening or closing, since theoretically somone could be in the garage when you close it remotely... Sometimes we leave the house and wonder if we remembered to close the door, this would be cool. My wifes car does it automatically. As you approach the house, the door opens, no buttons to press. Same when she leaves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted January 6, 2020 Share #7 Posted January 6, 2020 I got one last summer. I am really happy with it I really like the feature that it sends me an alert if the door is left open for more than ten minutes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 6, 2020 Author Share #8 Posted January 6, 2020 Just now, Zephyr said: I got one last summer. I am really happy with it I think I will be too now that I have corrected my stupidity. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted January 6, 2020 Share #9 Posted January 6, 2020 Does this work with an existing opener or is it the whole opener? Our 20 year old noisy as hell Sears one still works great from the switch but won;t work remotely anymore. Just stopped a few months ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 6, 2020 Author Share #10 Posted January 6, 2020 Just now, RalphWaldoMooseworth said: Does this work with an existing opener or is it the whole opener. Our 20 year old noisy as hell Sears one still works great from the switch but won;t work remotely anymore. Just stopped a few months ago. It should work with any garage door opener that has a two wire button on the wall I think. It can even replace your wall button, but I chose to mount mine on the roof right by the opener. You connect it to power (preferabbly non switched, configure it for your home internet, then mount it in the garage and run wire to the same two terminals your push button connects to. Will control up to three openers if you have a fancy garage with mulitple doors. IT comes with a sensor that tells the command center if the door is open or closed that mounts on the top panel of the garage door. I imagine this is just a simple reed switch that opens and closed based on if it is horizontal or vertical.https://store.geniecompany.com/products/copy-of-aladdin-connect?variant=16020585185395¤cy=USD&cmp_id=1671229670&adg_id=64421377363&kwd=&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgraX4obw5gIVivhkCh1jcAyLEAQYBCABEgIdWfD_BwE 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted January 6, 2020 Share #11 Posted January 6, 2020 31 minutes ago, jsharr said: It should work with any garage door opener that has a two wire button on the wall I think. It can even replace your wall button, but I chose to mount mine on the roof right by the opener. You connect it to power (preferabbly non switched, configure it for your home internet, then mount it in the garage and run wire to the same two terminals your push button connects to. Will control up to three openers if you have a fancy garage with mulitple doors. IT comes with a sensor that tells the command center if the door is open or closed that mounts on the top panel of the garage door. I imagine this is just a simple reed switch that opens and closed based on if it is horizontal or vertical.https://store.geniecompany.com/products/copy-of-aladdin-connect?variant=16020585185395¤cy=USD&cmp_id=1671229670&adg_id=64421377363&kwd=&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgraX4obw5gIVivhkCh1jcAyLEAQYBCABEgIdWfD_BwE Hmm,. this is a quandary now! I have a new opener in a box that is waiting for the failure of one of the two ancient existing ones, but it would be a heck of a lot easier to install this thing, I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrAzY Posted January 6, 2020 Share #12 Posted January 6, 2020 did you get the MyQ? I have that one and swear to god it hates me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Share #13 Posted January 7, 2020 24 minutes ago, KrAzY said: did you get the MyQ? I have that one and swear to god it hates me. So that is snot an endorsement? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrAzY Posted January 7, 2020 Share #14 Posted January 7, 2020 15 minutes ago, RalphWaldoMooseworth said: So that is snot an endorsement? It works awesome when it works... my garage has a short in it somewhere and the damn door will open when no one is around. It’s nice to know when it opens and I’m not home so I can close it again... we just had the WiFi router replaced so I’m hoping it fixes the “offline” status I would get all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Further Posted January 7, 2020 Share #15 Posted January 7, 2020 5 hours ago, jsharr said: Seems I pulled a Clark W Griswold and plugged the remote into a switched outlet.... An "electrician" at work wired an exit sign / emergency light into a heater. The lights came on & off according to room temp... 1 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Share #16 Posted January 7, 2020 52 minutes ago, Further said: An "electrician" at work wired an exit sign / emergency light into a heater. The lights came on & off according to room temp... I loved that root beer commercial where the janitor is dancing in the basement and pulling on a big ass lever and the city lights are going on and off. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Administrator Posted January 7, 2020 Share #17 Posted January 7, 2020 5 hours ago, Square Wheels said: I want one of these. My Craftsman garage door opener is probably 20 years old, and really loud. Damn thing will probably last another 20 years. I had a loud garage door so I got a new opener. It was still freaking loud. Two years latter, my springs went bad and I had those replaced and my garage door realigned. It is nearly silent now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted January 7, 2020 Share #18 Posted January 7, 2020 14 minutes ago, Forum Administrator said: I had a loud garage door so I got a new opener. It was still freaking loud. Two years latter, my springs went bad and I had those replaced and my garage door realigned. It is nearly silent now. I replaced the springs a couple of years ago, didn't help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikeguy Posted January 7, 2020 Share #19 Posted January 7, 2020 Now you just need to hope no one hacks your wi-fi and opens your garage door. https://abc7chicago.com/technology/home-hackers-digital-invaders-a-threat-to-your-house/515520/ At least you will know the door is open… I don’t trust the internet of things, the lack of security, the collection of personal data, etc… but that’s another thread. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizeye Posted January 7, 2020 Share #20 Posted January 7, 2020 While I have a loud 20 y/o Craftsman, it wasn't the unit or even the well lubed chain that was the problem. Had a new spring put in but that wasn't the problem. Technician noted where hinges were cracked (and wanted way too much for $5 hinge replacement. As a maintenance issue check your hinges for cracks but that wasn't the noise problem either - but good to replace during the solution. What resolved mine were new "quiet" non-metal rollers that fit through the hinges. Far cheaper on Amazon where they sell complete set, vs individual at Lowes/HD although hinges about the same everywhere. Very easy DIY job but one MAJOR Precaution - NEVER remove the botton hinge (#1) as is the anchor point for the spring loaded cable, but all other hinges remove one at a time, insert new roller, reattach that hinge, repeat. For hinge #1, required bending out the track where roller will de-track, replace and bend track back into shape.. Silicon spray rollers and track. Made a HUGE difference. Several YouTube videos for guidance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Author Share #21 Posted January 7, 2020 3 hours ago, KrAzY said: did you get the MyQ? I have that one and swear to god it hates me. Genie Aladdin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Author Share #22 Posted January 7, 2020 1 hour ago, Bikeguy said: Now you just need to hope no one hacks your wi-fi and opens your garage door. https://abc7chicago.com/technology/home-hackers-digital-invaders-a-threat-to-your-house/515520/ At least you will know the door is open… I don’t trust the internet of things, the lack of security, the collection of personal data, etc… but that’s another thread. This does concern me. I live on a corner on a busy street for our hood and lots and lots of people know us. If my garage is open and people are taking my stuff I hope to get a call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Author Share #23 Posted January 7, 2020 12 minutes ago, Tizeye said: While I have a loud 20 y/o Craftsman, it wasn't the unit or even the well lubed chain that was the problem. Had a new spring put in but that wasn't the problem. Technician noted where hinges were cracked (and wanted way too much for $5 hinge replacement. As a maintenance issue check your hinges for cracks but that wasn't the noise problem either - but good to replace during the solution. What resolved mine were new "quiet" non-metal rollers that fit through the hinges. Far cheaper on Amazon where they sell complete set, vs individual at Lowes/HD although hinges about the same everywhere. Very easy DIY job but one MAJOR Precaution - NEVER remove the botton hinge (#1) as is the anchor point for the spring loaded cable, but all other hinges remove one at a time, insert new roller, reattach that hinge, repeat. For hinge #1, required bending out the track where roller will de-track, replace and bend track back into shape.. Silicon spray rollers and track. Made a HUGE difference. Several YouTube videos for guidance. I keep my hinges and rollers well lubed. Door is pretty quiet but could be quieter. Belt drive on opener is making noise that concerns me the most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizeye Posted January 7, 2020 Share #24 Posted January 7, 2020 7 hours ago, jsharr said: I keep my hinges and rollers well lubed. Door is pretty quiet but could be quieter. Belt drive on opener is making noise that concerns me the most. Belts are a lot quieter than chains. In addition to lubing rollers and hinges, also lube the roller track and the belt travel area. Use a good silicon based spray, not water based like WD40. Also, before applying the first time, and annually, take a solvent soaked rag (old sock with holes, etc) and clean the track and belt. Hard to clean rollers other than surface, but at $19 per set, eventually replace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Far Posted January 7, 2020 Share #25 Posted January 7, 2020 Quote Seems I pulled a Clark W Griswold and plugged the remote into a switched outlet.... While LOL worthy, I can't ever remember one of my garages having a switched outlet (other than the ones I put in for workbenches, etc) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted January 7, 2020 Share #26 Posted January 7, 2020 2 hours ago, 2Far said: While LOL worthy, I can't ever remember one of my garages having a switched outlet (other than the ones I put in for workbenches, etc) FIL put his garage door openers on switched outlets so when they traveled he could just switch them off and feel a bit more secure. I'm not sure it was but he felt better about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Author Share #27 Posted January 7, 2020 2 hours ago, 2Far said: While LOL worthy, I can't ever remember one of my garages having a switched outlet (other than the ones I put in for workbenches, etc) So to make this even better, here is why I have a switched outlet in my garage ceiling. When we bought the house, it had one of those ceramic light bulb holders in the center of the garage that would hold one light bulb. I took that down and add installed a 4 gang outlet in that box and then installed florescent shop lights that plug into the outlets so I can turn them on and off with the switches at either end of the garage. When we installed the opener controller, I simply plugged it into one of the outlets... Yep, I am that guy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Far Posted January 7, 2020 Share #28 Posted January 7, 2020 1 hour ago, Kzoo said: FIL put his garage door openers on switched outlets so when they traveled he could just switch them off and feel a bit more secure. I'm not sure it was but he felt better about it. My current wall-mounted button (and the last two, I think) had a switch on the bottom to turn off the system. But, I do recall seeing some switches that just looked like door bell ringers mounted to the wall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kzoo Posted January 7, 2020 Share #29 Posted January 7, 2020 2 hours ago, 2Far said: My current wall-mounted button (and the last two, I think) had a switch on the bottom to turn off the system. But, I do recall seeing some switches that just looked like door bell ringers mounted to the wall. Mine have switches. His were like the door bell ringers. He had his switch inside in their mud-room. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Author Share #30 Posted January 7, 2020 2 hours ago, 2Far said: My current wall-mounted button (and the last two, I think) had a switch on the bottom to turn off the system. But, I do recall seeing some switches that just looked like door bell ringers mounted to the wall. Just now, Kzoo said: Mine have switches. His were like the door bell ringers. He had his switch inside in their mud-room. My current opener has a multi function button that will open or close, turn the light on or off and can lock the door from being opened remotely. Prior to that I had the door bell type switch. I would have lost that functionality of the wall switch if I would have replaced it with the Genie Alladin which has three buttons to control three doors but does not control the lights or have the lock feature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted January 7, 2020 Share #31 Posted January 7, 2020 On 1/6/2020 at 11:30 AM, jsharr said: that would allow me to open and close the garage door with my phone? Well, it would drop off line mysteriously and I could not figure out why. I assumed it was a problem with wifi signal, so I bought a wifi booster and hooked it up and went out in the garage and BOOM, my phone could connect to the wifi remote. Left the garage and all the sudden, the remoted was offline. Walked back out in the garage and all the lights on the remote were one, so I hit the light switch to check wires and the remote came on. Seems I pulled a Clark W Griswold and plugged the remote into a switched outlet.... Grabbed a grounded adapter, plugged it into the extension cord that runs to the garage door opener, plugged the opener and the remote into the adapter and just like that, my problem was solved. I can now sit at my desk and work and tell you my garage door is closed and that is was last closed this morning at 8:22 AM. Big deal. I can read my garage humidity remotely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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