Coming home after a tiring day makes you want to just run inside the house and slump onto the sofa. Accessible entry brought about by a garage door opener receiver and remotes help you get inside conveniently without the need for more physical burnout.
Thanks to gate operators, there is now a way to automate home access with the help of an opener remote. But how do these little controllers work, and how can you maximize their potential for controlling doors?
How Do Automatic Garage Doors Function?
There are several types of garage door operators intended for the type of door that you have. However, regardless of the door operator, all garage doors can be automated and controlled with a remote control.
A garage door opener receiver and remote rely on radio frequency. The receiver and the garage door remote work together to either open or close the door at a press of a button.
Garage door openers have built-in receivers that accept the signal transmitted by the remote control. The remote, which acts as the transmitter, creates a radio wave on a compatible frequency. As soon as the wave gets accepted by the gate opener, it opens or closes the door.
Understanding Frequency, Range and Connectivity
Remote control mechanisms and how they connect with certain devices are somewhat complicated. But, it helps to know these three factors that affect how it functions.
Frequency
Garage door remotes operate at a specific frequency compatible with the door opener. Typically, the frequency is either 315MHz or 390MHz.
The garage door opener remote and the receiver should be on the same frequency for them to connect and function properly.
Troubleshooting Frequency Problems
Other appliances within range may transmit the same frequency. This can pose a big problem and render your remote ineffective. To solve this, locate the source of interference and turn the electronic device off or move it to another location away from the receiver.
Dip switches also help with frequency interference. A dip switch is used when setting a different radio frequency for each receiver and transmitter set. Using this allows multiple pairs of receivers and transmitters to function well without any electrical interference from other devices.
Resetting the code may also help solve issues related to frequency. Since the opener often exchanges new codes with the garage door opener remote, manually setting the code can restore a lost connection between the opener and the remote.
To reset, simply locate the LEARN button on the remote control. Follow the instructions in the manual for the door opener model that you have.
When frequency issues become too frequent, which mostly happens in older garage door openers, replacing it with a new system solves the problem. Older model radio receivers really don’t compare to the newer versions that have received major upgrades.
For example, new garage door openers feature multiple frequency settings, so homeowners can toggle with different frequencies until they find the right one without any interference from other devices.
Range
When purchasing a compatible remote for your garage door opener, always factor in the range. The range determines the functional distance you can use the remote.
Typically, remote controls work at a distance of about 50 feet. Some remotes, however, allow you to open the garage door as far as 100 feet away.
The choice of range you choose really depends on your personal preferences. Some want a shorter distance to ensure the security of their homes, while others prefer opening the garage door at a further distance so there is no wait at all to get inside.
Connectivity
Modern advancements in technology have paved the way for remotes to have more features than they used to. Nowadays, installing a smart garage opener can prove beneficial as you can connect it through Wi-Fi.
Traditional remote controls don’t usually use this smart connectivity. However, Wi-Fi remotes can. Though these remotes still use radio frequency, they are more complex compared to standard remotes.
A Wi-Fi remote control transmits signals using a Wi-Fi network. This type of connectivity is mostly used in Home Assistant.
Home Assistant controls different devices and services in one central control hub. This system maximizes the automation benefits of smart technology.
Benefits of Remote Control Operation
Garage door openers operate in many ways. Some require entering a PIN into a keypad, and some have wireless keypads, while some others have other keyless entry options.
Using a remote control, however, is the most convenient of them all for the following reasons:
Convenient Access to Garage
Accessing the garage door doesn’t need to be difficult. You don’t have to get out of your car to press a keycode for it to open if you have a remote control-operated door.
Extremely Efficient
Remote controls come in different types. You don’t have to use a specific remote control to operate a specific garage door opener brand. A universal remote control that has the same frequency as the door opener will work just fine.
Also, you don’t need multiple remotes to operate each access point in your house. Some remotes can operate several gates and doors all at once. You won’t have to worry about remembering different codes or carrying several keys or access credentials since one remote can control all entrances.
Enhanced Security of the Home
Automating gates and doors enhances security. Some may still be cautious about possible hacking, but with recent updates in technology, most features of garage door opener receivers and remotes have been amplified to provide a better sense of security.
Mobility-Friendly
Remote controls make the lives of people with mobility issues easier. If someone in the home has mobility issues, a simple press of a button solves the problem of having to physically get out and open the door.
Garage Door Parts and Remotes for Any Applications
Access control systems have been a major player in recent years when it comes to home and commercial security. Gates and doors can be automated for better and trouble-free operation.
Check out several models of garage door opener receivers and remotes specific to your needs in our inventory. All Security Equipment also has special offers for other security and access equipment you might need.
Reach out to our customer service for any questions related to our products, order process and delivery information.
