Opening overhead garage door from the yard with no remote ?

[gregtwojeeps]

When I am out in the front yard and wanting to get in my one car garage (no man door) I need a way to open it, maybe like a secured key switch in the door's exterior jamb ? .. Right now when my Jeep is sitting in the drive, I have to open it and push my remote button that hangs on the sun visor.... to get in the garage.

My door has a Chamberlain opener on it and it is controlled with our car remote button's or by a indoor push button. The indoor button is a lighted push button that has the "lock" and "light" functions on it. ...

Thinking I could just " parallel " a momentary contact key switch wire on to the push button door opener's N.O. contacts, I removed the lens on it and found out ....that it has no wire terminals on the button's back plate... to hook any keyed switch wires to. There is just soldered "tracer" PCB connections to a micro switch on the plate that opens the door when pressed. So , hmmmm... How do I get to where I want to go from here ?

 

[AndyCBR]

When I am out in the front yard and wanting to get in my one car garage (no man door) I need a way to open it, maybe like a secured key switch in the door's exterior jamb ? .. Right now when my Jeep is sitting in the drive, I have to open it and push my remote button that hangs on the sun visor.... to get in the garage.

My door has a Chamberlain opener on it and it is controlled with our car remote button's or by a indoor push button. The indoor button is a lighted push button that has the "lock" and "light" functions on it. ...

Thinking I could just " parallel " a momentary contact key switch wire on to the push button door opener's N.O. contacts, I removed the lens on it and found out ....that it has no wire terminals on the button's back plate... to hook any keyed switch wires to. There is just soldered "tracer" PCB connections to a micro switch on the plate that opens the door when pressed. So , hmmmm... How do I get to where I want to go from here ?

I have a wireless keypad remote mounted on the outside door jamb on mine. They are very cheap and available at most home centers and amazon for $20-30. No wiring and one 9v battery lasts several years. Works nice as an emergency entrance also if you get locked out.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 for wireless keypad bolted to upright trim of garage door. Put in on side that will have LEAST amount of direct sunlight at peak temps. The blazing sun is hard on exterior of keypad and shortens life of battery.

 

[kramarj]

A keyless entry is going to be your easiest route, so long as your opener can accept it. I say that because depending on the age of it, parts may be obsolete for it. As long as it has safety eyes(made after sometime in 93), you should be able to get one. I believe anything before that is going to be obsolete. LiftMaster (made by chamberlain) now offers a line of controls that can be programed to any Chamberlain/LiftMaster product made that has safety eyes. The LiftMaster number for it is 877Max, not sure what the Chamberlain number is.

Your other option would be a keyed switch mounted on the exterior of the building. They were popular before keyless entries were around. I am not sure how popular they are now, but I am sure somebody still makes them. For this you will have to run a wire from the rear of the opener to the switch. You will hook it up just like you would a push button on the wall.

Or you could just wire up a push button to the exterior of the building, but there is no security by doing that.

Those are about your only options.

 

[PureLeaf]

Another option if you keep your phone on you all the time is a bluetooth module like http://btmate.com

I bought the solder yourself version, did it in about 15 minutes. Its pretty awesome. Set up all the phones I wanted on it. it logs every time the door is activated, allows me to remove or add people from the list at any time as the 'master controller'. Lets me shut it off in vacation mode if needed. I'm very happy with it.

The downside of it would be the need for a phone to be on you. Also your phone must be bluetooth 4.0 capable (so newer phones).

 

[gregtwojeeps]

With these being universal remotes, will I have to "code" it to my opener ? If I go on Amazon will the specs on the remote state it is meant for outdoor use ? Thanks

 

[gregtwojeeps]

A keyless entry is going to be your easiest route, so long as your opener can accept it. I say that because depending on the age of it, parts may be obsolete for it. As long as it has safety eyes(made after sometime in 93), you should be able to get one. I believe anything before that is going to be obsolete. LiftMaster (made by chamberlain) now offers a line of controls that can be programed to any Chamberlain/LiftMaster product made that has safety eyes. The LiftMaster number for it is 877Max, not sure what the Chamberlain number is.

Your other option would be a keyed switch mounted on the exterior of the building. They were popular before keyless entries were around. I am not sure how popular they are now, but I am sure somebody still makes them. For this you will have to run a wire from the rear of the opener to the switch. You will hook it up just like you would a push button on the wall.

Or you could just wire up a push button to the exterior of the building, but there is no security by doing that.

Those are about your only options.

It does have safety beam infra red switches on the tracks. I like the key switches ( I have two laying around now) as I always have my keys in my pocket. So I need to look for a set of terminals on the back of my opener that will say N.O. or what ?

 

[AndyCBR]

With these being universal remotes, will I have to "code" it to my opener ? If I go on Amazon will the specs on the remote state it is meant for outdoor use ? Thanks

What color is the programming button on the back of the chamberlain opener? (green/purple/etc.) That will determine the age and frequency range of the opener.

Chamberlain changed frequencies around late 2000s and I have one opener that came with the house (green button) from 1999 and a newer one from 2005 that has a purple button and they take different remotes.

ETA: This one should work if opener is newer than 1993. I have 2 of these. The sliding cover protects it from weather and it programs just like any other remote with the learn button on the back of the opener.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014XOS64/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kramarj]

So I need to look for a set of terminals on the back of my opener that will say N.O. or what ?

Yes, there should be either three or four, depending on what opener you have. The will be on the rear of the unit. There will either be three screws, or four little squares with holes in them that the wires will go into, not sure what the technical term for them is.

If it has three screws on the back, you will attach one wire to the one on the left and on one to the middle. If it has the four little squares, one wire will go to the red square and the other will go to the white square directly to the right of it.

I can post pics to better explain it tomorrow if that would help.

 

[Thumper68]

If you have vinyl siding you can do what one of my clients did and put a regular push button under the siding, you have to know exactly where to push to open the door

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Here is pics of the Chamberlain Opener. I have two indoor push buttons now hooked up by the door installer years ago I assume. One at the garage door, one by the kitchen door.

 

[AndyCBR]

Here is pics of the Chamberlain Opener. I have two indoor push buttons now hooked up by the door installer years ago I assume. One at the garage door, one by the kitchen door.

The opener I posted above should work. Works fine on mine with a purple learn button.

HD/Lowes/Menards/etc will have something like it also.

 

[kramarj]

Here is pics of the Chamberlain Opener. I have two indoor push buttons now hooked up by the door installer years ago I assume. One at the garage door, one by the kitchen door.

Ok, so to wire up the keyed switch, one wire will go to the first screw(red 1 above it) and the other to the center screw(white 2 above it).

Simple as that.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

If you have vinyl siding you can do what one of my clients did and put a regular push button under the siding, you have to know exactly where to push to open the door

Just brick, with metal clad door jambs about 8 in. wide. I would like to put either a battery remote or one of the vendor machine round key momentary contact switches, I have in the door jamb.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Ok, so to wire up the keyed switch, one wire will go to the first screw(red 1 above it) and the other to the center screw(white 2 above it).

Simple as that.

So is my momentary contact action the correct switch ? The key returns to center "off" when released.

 

[kramarj]

So is my momentary action the correct switch ? Th ekey returns to center "off" when released.

Should be, when you put the key in and turn it, it will create a connection between the two wires- opening/closing the door, then when you release it, the connection will be lost.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Should be, when you put the key in and turn it, it will create a connection between the two wires- opening/closing the door, then when you release it, the connection will be lost.

Very good, I'll work on it tomorrow. Thanks All

 

[SALIV8]

Im not a fan of keyed switches with wires. a thief would be able to pull the switch and just jumper the wires, right?

Why not a wireless code pad opener. not as easy to break in.

 

[koditten]

Another option if you keep your phone on you all the time is a bluetooth module like http://btmate.com

I bought the solder yourself version, did it in about 15 minutes. Its pretty awesome. Set up all the phones I wanted on it. it logs every time the door is activated, allows me to remove or add people from the list at any time as the 'master controller'. Lets me shut it off in vacation mode if needed. I'm very happy with it.

The downside of it would be the need for a phone to be on you. Also your phone must be bluetooth 4.0 capable (so newer phones).

I got this system too. Love it. With 4 overhead door openers and several vehicles and toys it works awesome. My phone is always with me, so not an issue having phone with you.

 

[Cazz]

I have a wireless keypad on my single.

Since I also don't have a man door, I put in an emergency pull cable to raise the door if the opener fails or the power goes out. They are cheap and easy to put in.

Link

 

[Garageguy65]

Greg..

At appears your garage door opener was made in 2011. You can use the wireless keypad.

Also if you have a smartphone these items work great. I have them installed on my opener.
http://www.gatehousesupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=828LM-888LM&click=2&gclid=CNzWmZT4kcUCFUOVfgod3JQAQw

You can find them on ebay cheap also. Simple hookup. Remove the opener switch, 2 wire hookup.

internet gateway, register on chamberlin.com. Input the serial number of the internet gateway device and you are up and running..


Nice thing about the lm888 and the lm828.. You can set the opener to automatically shut after 1,5, or 15 minutes being open if you wish.

With the internet gateway hookup you can open your garage door from anywhere your smartphone works, also check the status if it is open or shut.

The app that comes with the lm 828 and 888 will send a alert to the smartphone of your door opening and closing... No subscription fees... It is a slick setup.

 

[upndown]

I too would caution against key switches! Depending on type and how it's mounted, those can be popped off and entry gained within seconds.

 

[Pardigital]

I installed a magnetic reed switch on my garage door some time back- hidden behind the door trim. If you don't normally carry a magnet with you (who does?), you could always just glue it on to the back side of a small rock and leave it laying by the garage door. When you want in, pick up the rock and wave it at the hidden switch. Rare earth magnets work best for this as they're small and powerful.

Info on Reed Switches

eBay Reed Switch

 

[Kevin54]

I didn't read through all of the replies, but DO NOT put in a key on the jamb. The reason I say that is that is how I used to get into my parents house when I had to. Unscrew the faceplate and jump the wires.

For something like $30 give or take, you can get a programmable wireless remote that mounts to the house or jamb.

If you are adamant about putting in a keyed switch, put in one-way screws.

 

[wrench409]

I installed a magnetic reed switch on my garage door some time back- hidden behind the door trim. If you don't normally carry a magnet with you (who does?), you could always just glue it on to the back side of a small rock and leave it laying by the garage door. When you want in, pick up the rock and wave it at the hidden switch. Rare earth magnets work best for this as they're small and powerful.

Info on Reed Switches

eBay Reed Switch

Keep the magnet stuck somewhere else in the yard out of sight - nail, post, etc. where it won't be easily spotted....

Mine is stuck to a concrete nail in the brickwork behind a bush.

After several vehicles have been burgled overnight and they got in through the garage, I took my garage remote out of my truck. And since I use a dumb phone Android apps are no good to me.

 

[kbs2244]

An alterative to all the current high tech gear is a trick I learned in the 1970's
A friend wanted to be able to open his door without the need for a key.
He pounded two 8 penny finishing nails about a half inch apart into a high spot in the door trim work, leaving about 1/16 of an inch protruding.
You would have to know what to look for to see them.
On the inside he wired the doorbell switch to the protruding end of the nails.
As long as he had a dime or more in his pocket to short across the two nails he had a key.

 

[upndown]

Yup, till one day he's standing there with a dime in one hand, his thumb up his *** with the other because his connections had corroted.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Good point on the key switch being vulnerable to tampering guys. I am a dumb phone user, so it looks like I'll be using the wireless security pad. Thanks

 

[Doug B]

When I am out in the front yard and wanting to get in my one car garage (no man door) I need a way to open it, maybe like a secured key switch in the door's exterior jamb ? .. Right now when my Jeep is sitting in the drive, I have to open it and push my remote button that hangs on the sun visor.... to get in the garage.

My door has a Chamberlain opener on it and it is controlled with our car remote button's or by a indoor push button. The indoor button is a lighted push button that has the "lock" and "light" functions on it. ...

Thinking I could just " parallel " a momentary contact key switch wire on to the push button door opener's N.O. contacts, I removed the lens on it and found out ....that it has no wire terminals on the button's back plate... to hook any keyed switch wires to. There is just soldered "tracer" PCB connections to a micro switch on the plate that opens the door when pressed. So , hmmmm... How do I get to where I want to go from here ?

I read all the responses in this thread....keypad,smart phone,key switch...all cool replies,and I know you will get things sorted out, but your first post brings up some questions for me.

Why no man door? the walk in/drive in ratio for me is like 15 to 1.I would go nuts if I had to open the garage door every time I needed to go in or out.

Do you currently park in the garage? Is the push button near the door so you can just reach inside and shut the door?How do you get the car out?Do you carry the visor remote with you?

None of this really matters to the discussion at hand,but I just get curious

 

[404]

The key switch is a very good idea. Anyone who turns it on in any way sets of an alarm. The reed switch and magnet combined with a button that looks like a knot hole would be very Nancy Drew..

 

[404]

If you have vinyl siding you can do what one of my clients did and put a regular push button under the siding, you have to know exactly where to push to open the door

That is genius.

 

[dfiler2]

Lots of clever ideas here.

I really like the nail trick and a couple of aluminum or stainless steel nails would solve the corrosion problem.

The vinyl siding idea is also a good one if you have vinyl on your garage.

The reed switch idea is also good and I might use that one at our cabin, you could use a solenoid to lock the door.

My wife hung a star beside the garage door on the alley side and in the middle of the star I mounted a round doorbell button, it comes in handy once in a while when you're in the back and not in your car.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I read all the responses in this thread....keypad,smart phone,key switch...all cool replies,and I know you will get things sorted out, but your first post brings up some questions for me.

Why no man door? the walk in/drive in ratio for me is like 15 to 1.I would go nuts if I had to open the garage door every time I needed to go in or out.

Do you currently park in the garage? Is the push button near the door so you can just reach inside and shut the door?How do you get the car out?Do you carry the visor remote with you?

None of this really matters to the discussion at hand,but I just get curious

I've entertained a walk in door for this very reason, but its another entry point that a focused burglar will exploit. I also like the walk in door as it saves cycle on the garage door spring, which is a pain to replace.

Good thread.. good (and numerous) alternatives. I currently use a wireless remote with a key code for mine...

Dennis

 

[rslaback]

Key fob garage door opener remotes are also available. That learn button is purple right? Also keep in mind that Liftmaster and Chamberlain have interchangeable remotes and accessories based on learn button color. These run about $23 shipped on Amazon and eBay.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Update:

While enacting the K.I.S.S. mode I just put a small two wire push button behind the metal cladding that is over my garage door's brick molding. It would work fine sometimes and then it would not. So, I finally gave up on my haphazard button idea and bought a,"turn for momentary contact key switch" from Amazon with the vending machine cylindrical type key, that is in the pic below and I love it. .. I always have my switch key in my pocket, on my car key ring that I always carry. ..

What follows is what I did for my outside garage door control, if anyone is thinking about putting a key switch in their garage door jamb outside and what follows looks interesting at all to them as a option...

I went to some extra work to make it secure though, but I had the time . I cut a hole in the drywall inside my garage for a "pop in" old work two gang electrical box right by the door track, to be used as a hand hole to get to the switch anchoring bolts and wires..that could always be removed in the future to change out the switch whenever it wears out.. (I bought a spare switch too, just in case they stop making this model ...as they are cheap) ...

I bought a white, metal single gang blank plate and drilled the hole in the center of it with a step drill bit for the key switch. Then I put the plate on the exterior door jamb and marked all my needed holes while aligning the plate with my two gang box hole that I made inside the garage wall. ...

After I drilled the 3 holes, I then ran my two 1/4 - 20 in. threaded Phillip head bolts through the metal switch plate, then through the 2- 2x 8 door stud jambs along with the 2- 18 ga. conductor switch wires. I used a total of four bolts and two 1/4"-20 couplings to get the right length bolts I needed....

I reached through the two gang box hole that I had made in the garage wall by the door track and put washers and nuts on the bolts that were sticking through from the switch plate. I then installed the two gang switch "pop in" box and put a blank plate on the box ( could be used for any future exterior door light wiring and such if needed) .

I then drilled out the"X" cuts in the two phillip head bolts that are holding the switch /plate on the door jamb and then clear epoxied the almost smooth... "used" to be Phillip's screw driver slot holes...

If someone wants to take a hatchet and cut the switch plate off and get to the switch wires to open my garage door opener, then they are total badazzes anyway and there is nothing I could have done to the switch to prevent tampering with it anyway. ...

My neighbor has left his $1000 roto -tiller sitting out in his backyard for a month now, that can seen from everyone driving by and it is still there this morning. So I think maybe my exterior soda machine garage door opener switch will be good for now at least.

 

[upndown]

Greg, just curious, do you have a thru the door emergency disconnect? If not all this external hoopla ain't gonna mean **** if your opener malfunctions or you loose power. You're not getting in! Just saying.

 

[woodzy]

I've seen an idea where you put two nails in the outside through some wood trim. You connect each nail tip to the terminals at the opener. If you want to open it, you just take you keys or some piece of metal and short the two nail heads together and the door opens. How many people would expect to look at two nails heads to activate the door opener.

Simple and stealthy.

 

[lakeroadster]

.............

An alterative to all the current high tech gear is a trick I learned in the 1970's
A friend wanted to be able to open his door without the need for a key.
He pounded two 8 penny finishing nails about a half inch apart into a high spot in the door trim work, leaving about 1/16 of an inch protruding.
You would have to know what to look for to see them.
On the inside he wired the doorbell switch to the protruding end of the nails.
As long as he had a dime or more in his pocket to short across the two nails he had a key.

I've seen an idea where you put two nails in the outside through some wood trim. You connect each nail tip to the terminals at the opener. If you want to open it, you just take you keys or some piece of metal and short the two nail heads together and the door opens. How many people would expect to look at two nails heads to activate the door opener.

Simple and stealthy.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Greg, just curious, do you have a thru the door emergency disconnect? If not all this external hoopla ain't gonna mean **** if your opener malfunctions or you loose power. You're not getting in! Just saying.

No, I don't have any ... as really no need to. The reason I put this key switch in was that I work outside in the yards a lot and my attached garage does not have a man door. So when I need to get in my garage to get the lawn mower, rope, any tool...I would have to go in the house (muddy feet sometimes) and open the overhead garage door from the inside. Or, hopefully my wife's car would be parked outside on the drive then I would get in it to hit its remote. My key switch I have now, works great for me.

 

[remedialmofo]

I have a round push button wired up at the front entrance of my garage door. The round push button is mounted to my door track facing the wall. The only way to push it is from outside through a 1/8" hole in the brick mortor next to the door trim using a 8" long skinny metal rod that I leave laying in the mulch around the corner. My neighbors can watch me and still not figure out how I'm getting in! When I come out I just ditch the "key" when I'm out of sight around the corner Yes I could have done something similar on the side of garage that's already out of sight but vines grow pretty fast over on that wall.

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