Skip to content
A garage door opener will not function properly if one of its parts does not work. You should always have a working garage door receiver and remote. These two work hand in hand in providing easy access to your property and other parts of the door opener.
Choosing the garage door receiver mostly depends on the type of overhead door installed and its compatibility. So, before getting a new receiver, learn and understand what it is all about!
What Is a Garage Door Receiver?
A garage door receiver is an important part of an automatic door opener alongside the gate clicker. These two must function in accordance with each other for the garage door to open and close properly.
The garage door receiver, also referred to as the radio receiver, is connected to the gate opener. It can be internal or external, with some openers having both internal and external receiver options.
Most automatic garage door openers today have built-in internal receivers into their logic board. The logic board serves as the motherboard of the door opener, where all data are processed together
Meanwhile, the external receiver serves as a backup when the internal receiver is not working. This outside receiver is plugged into the power outlet to connect to the door opener. But because it is an external receiver and not part of the original system, it should first learn how the door opener works.
An external receiver has a learn button that you can conveniently press to link with garage door opener remotes or keypads. Some receivers may also work with a universal remote if they are compatible with each other.
After the external receiver and access credential have been installed and programmed, you can now operate the door opener.
How Does a Garage Door Receiver Function?
The garage door receiver aids in the opening and closing mechanism of a door opener. It typically works using a wireless remote control but can also be operated with a wireless keypad or other access credentials linked to the gate opener.
The remote, or any access credential, transmits a signal, such as a radio frequency, to the receiver. The receiver receives the data sent and transmits it to the control board, where the information is verified. After it passes through the verification process, the door opener will open or close.
Current garage door openers have a rolling code system. The system provides better and more advanced security since the codes and frequencies change every time the door opens and closes. Thus, it prevents replay attacks by changing into one of more than 100 billion unique and possible codes.
Older garage door openers are not as protected as newer versions are because they primarily function using a single radio frequency. Even those with DIP switches often rely on a single code unit that can easily breach security.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Receiver
A garage door receiver may just be a tiny piece, but it plays a major role in access control systems. So, how can you choose the right garage door receiver?
Application
Where will you install the receiver? Is it for commercial or residential garage doors?
Residential garage door receivers have less complicated mechanisms than commercial ones. On the other hand, commercial receivers tend to be heavy duty given the amount of data they have to receive and transmit.
Number of Remotes It Can Operate
Receivers are not made equal. Some receivers only work on one gate opener, while others remotely send signals to various systems.
The LiftMaster Universal Receiver, for example, allows security control for several entry points with just one remote control. It means that this receiver receives and transmits information to gate openers in charge of multiple gates and doors within the establishment.
This particular receiver has three channels with various remote control capacities. Channel 1 can hold up to 50 remotes, while Channels 2 and 3 boast 20 remotes each. So saying, the receiver can also receive data from many remotes. This is a good choice for gated communities or buildings where several tenants live.
Unique Features
The number of channels a receiver offers is one of its unique features. It also gives you an idea of how many systems you can operate using a single receiver and garage door remote control.
Some receivers are also weather-resistant, which is a must-have feature if you want to set the receiver outside the garage.
Frequency Compatibility
The receiver and remote transmitter must have the same frequency to function compatibly. If a remote and receiver have different frequencies, they won’t match, and you cannot open and close the door.
Most garage door openers range from 300 to 390 Mhz. But some receivers, like the Viking FA-XR2C, have a higher frequency of more than 400 Mhz.
Range Distance
The range determines how far you can open and close the door from the receiver. Some receivers allow remote operation, especially when the access credentials are phone apps.
If you want to operate the garage door with just a press of a button from afar, then go for a receiver that can handle long distance interaction with the remote signal. Interference may occur at this point, but there are several ways to fix radio frequency issues.
Troubleshooting Garage Door Receivers
The most common problem of door receivers is the reduced distance for the remote transmitter to operate the door. Sometimes, the transmitter won’t work at all, making the garage inaccessible.
For the above issue, try replacing the remote control batteries first. The battery may be dying out, which explains the reduced capacity to function properly. If this does not fix the problem, you may replace the entire logic board where the receiver is located.
In some severe problems, garage door repair requires extensive steps, such as replacing the entire door opener.
Garage Door Receiver
The garage door opener system has become vital to the modern garage. It allows you to conveniently access your garage with just a click of a button.
Garage doors with an older opener or remote may need an upgrade. Otherwise, you are putting your home’s security at risk.
If you need help updating your garage or gate opener, feel free to contact us at All Security Equipment. We have a wide range of products for you to choose from for garage door services and other residential and business security needs.
Feel free to contact our customer service so that we can assist you better!
