Garage Door Solutions -- so many options.

Other Devices & Integrations Door Locks & Sensors
#1

Looking for suggestions for my garage door situation.

I have two oldish Chamberlains – one from 2005 and one that looks older than that; house was built in 2002.

The battery backup for the 2005 one just died (well, it was constantly beeping so I disconnected it) and it’s close to $70 to replace the batteries. No thanks.

So I’d like to integrate these with Vera some how.

I’ve read these two threads on a hopefully pending MyQ Plugin:
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?action=post;topic=9398.60;last_msg=174110
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,24715.0.html

I’ve also been waiting and waiting for the Lowes Iris ZWave garage door solution but I’m not optimistic…

I like the idea of the MyQ if it can get working. I have two Nest thermostats so I’m familiar with the walled-garden OEM service and the reverse-engineering the plugin developer has to go through to get it to work absent an official API. I’m also aware of the risk of the OEM service either shutting down entirely or cutting off API access.

I’ve read the specs on the Fortrezz option and read various threads on the Mimolite (one saying not to use the standard controller; another thread indicating you may only be able to have one Fortrezz garage door in the Vera system etc).

I’ve seen videos where somebody’s built a system that is soldered to a garage door remote. I’ve seen others where folks wire the Fortrezz direct to the GDO motor.

And yes, I do have ZWave locks. Though honestly I don’t have much ZWave in the house – I got rid of my single Jasco light switch a few months ago.

Oh, and I already have a camera in the garage.

What do people recommend for a GDO solution?

Right now I’m leaning towards the MyQ route…

Just curious on others’ thoughts.

#2

I’m attempting to make a plugin for the MyQ Gateway: http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,24715.msg174089.html#msg174089

it’s really early on, give it a try though expect alpha level features

#3

[quote=“Ramias, post:1, topic:181004”]Looking for suggestions for my garage door situation.

I have two oldish Chamberlains – one from 2005 and one that looks older than that; house was built in 2002.

The battery backup for the 2005 one just died (well, it was constantly beeping so I disconnected it) and it’s close to $70 to replace the batteries. No thanks.

So I’d like to integrate these with Vera some how.

I’ve read these two threads on a hopefully pending MyQ Plugin:
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?action=post;topic=9398.60;last_msg=174110
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,24715.0.html

I’ve also been waiting and waiting for the Lowes Iris ZWave garage door solution but I’m not optimistic…

I like the idea of the MyQ if it can get working. I have two Nest thermostats so I’m familiar with the walled-garden OEM service and the reverse-engineering the plugin developer has to go through to get it to work absent an official API. I’m also aware of the risk of the OEM service either shutting down entirely or cutting off API access.

I’ve read the specs on the Fortrezz option and read various threads on the Mimolite (one saying not to use the standard controller; another thread indicating you may only be able to have one Fortrezz garage door in the Vera system etc).

I’ve seen videos where somebody’s built a system that is soldered to a garage door remote. I’ve seen others where folks wire the Fortrezz direct to the GDO motor.

And yes, I do have ZWave locks. Though honestly I don’t have much ZWave in the house – I got rid of my single Jasco light switch a few months ago.

Oh, and I already have a camera in the garage.

What do people recommend for a GDO solution?

Right now I’m leaning towards the MyQ route…

Just curious on others’ thoughts.[/quote]

battery backup aside, garage door openers last a VERY long time, so I like to get every year out of them.

If you like to spend less and get just as much, you may want to add Mimo or any good zwave relay. it is well documented and done over and over here on the forum. You will need a door sensor too.

You already have Vera, so I can’t see a real need to go and spend for a complete replacement, unless yours are really old.

But, if you like cool and have extra money… MyQ is nice. Just give macrho a few weeks to finish his plugin if you want total vera connectivity.

#4

If you’re looking at MyQ you probably didn’t do much with vera. Maybe look at how good and easy the smartphone apps have become. Many pages here on how to both sense the GD status and close it with vera by phone or switch.

#5

No I have done a ton with Vera.

It is just a cost thing. I think the cheapest Zwave solution with sensor is around $90. Add in the battery I still need and I am up to $150 for one door or $240 for two. (Yes, this assumes I will replace the battery),

Pro: does not depend on a thirst party web service.

Or I just replace door number one (kit with everything $228 at Home Depot) and end up with a brand new system on one door. And getting this means to enable the other door I just need a new $30 wall switch.

$258…

So the new door (that comes with the battery) is only $18 more.

Pro: newer/quieter etc
3rd party site can function independent of Vera

Con: work and time for DIY install.
3rd party site can break the access to Vera.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

#6

If you like to learn something new you can also check out arduino and build your own garage door controller unit for less than 30$

Thread about a garage door controller and more → http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,22334.0.html

Here you can find all you need to get going → http://www.mysensors.org/

#7

Why don’t you choose use the simple door magnetic sensor? Using the magnetic door sensor is not only the reliable way, but also cheapest way to secure your garage door.
[url=http://www.hkvstar.com/item/metal-magnetic-contact-mc-61l.html]http://www.hkvstar.com/item/metal-magnetic-contact-mc-61l.html[/url]

Additionally, you can also use the z-wave based outdoor PIR motion sensor for this application. Offering perimeter protection is the benefits of utilizing of PIR motion sensor. Typically, you need to choose the outdoor version which implemented with dual detection technologies for avoiding false alarms.

#8

Sidebar question on these MyQ doors. I saw that both Liftmaster and Chamberlain use the technology. Can you use a Liftmaster MyQ controller with a Chamberlain door/opener?

#9

Pretty sure.

They are the same company. Chamberlain is sold DIY and LiftMaster via dealers/installers. Chancers are the Liftmaster controller comes off the same line as a chamberlain one.

#10

Pretty sure.

They are the same company. Chamberlain is sold DIY and LiftMaster via dealers/installers. Chancers are the Liftmaster controller comes off the same line as a chamberlain one.[/quote]

Thanks, I was unaware that they were one in the same. I saw a MyQ controller on Amazon for a lot cheaper but it was for the brand I didn’t buy. I got a great deal on two openers several months back for the home we just bought. Haven’t had time to get them installed yet but already looking on the best way to integrate with z-wave. I’m looking forward to someone making a plugin successfully.