Anyone installed different controller for Liftmaster 8500

[Hollywood D]

I'm getting ready to buy an opener for my new build. Would really like to have the 8500 but I've read too many reviews about the wall controllers failing and the door opening. My shop will primarily be a wood shop with all my saws and tools in it. Having the door randomly open when I'm gone isn't an option and not worth it to me. I looked for different controllers that could be installed instead of the fancy controller that comes with it. Liftmaster sells some more basic controllers but I don't know if they would have the same issues or not. According to this chart, there's a handful of them that would also work with the 8500. Specifically the 883LM controller which his just a simple button. I don't need wifi and all that.

https://www.liftmaster.com/catalogr...ocuments/375utaccessorycompatibilitychart.pdf

Has anyone wired up a different controller and had success?

 

[jdm5]

Source for these reported failures? Have had 2x 8500’s for 4-5 years, no issues.

 

[Hollywood D]

The reviews on the liftmaster website. It’s been discussed on here too. I don’t think it has effected every owner, but it’s a known issue.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I just put my liftmaster in last week. Before I had it, I ran new thermostat wire in the wall through the attic over to lift master. Thought was I would need multiple conductors. That was a waste. I only needed 2 conductor bell wire. Once I had it installed at openers, i was wiring up the controller. I even touched the red and white wires together on accident and they closed the door. I bet Ou could just put in an old doorbell button and it would work. You figure, the light connects wirelessly, all the time to close features are just that , timers. And the learn button is probably wireless as well.


Ha - forgot that I found this chart when buying a new keypad. Take a look at the 883LM!!
https://www.liftmaster.com/catalogr...ocuments/375utaccessorycompatibilitychart.pdf

 

[biggziff]

The reviews on the liftmaster website. It’s been discussed on here too. I don’t think it has effected every owner, but it’s a known issue.

Read some more. Liftmaster claims that since may or june 17 the issue has been resolved.

 

[coleman10]

Old thread, but wanted to post that Liftmaster has an updated control panel for the 8500 that fixes the issue. They are offering it for free with free shipping. You just go to their website, fill out a form, and you’re sent a code via email to order it.

Found this thread because I was looking to add a simple doorbell button right under the opener. Came the same conclusion of just running bell wire straight up and making the same connections as the existing control. Haven’t done it yet, but it’s on my list. I’m sure that will work fine.

 

[biggziff]

Old thread, but wanted to post that Liftmaster has an updated control panel for the 8500 that fixes the issue. They are offering it for free with free shipping. You just go to their website, fill out a form, and you’re sent a code via email to order it.

Many of us have gotten the newer controller (years ago), but they've been out of stock for so long now I doubt they're ever coming back.

 

[coleman10]

Many of us have gotten the newer controller (years ago), but they've been out of stock for so long now I doubt they're ever coming back.

Interesting. Well, at least I’d be on the list. They’re offering the free replacement through 2023, so they must believe they’re going to have them at some point. Thankfully, I’ve never had a problem with my 888LM installed in 2016, but I wanted the new switch just in case. Of course, now that I’m posting about it, it’ll probably start failing tomorrow.

 

[biggziff]

Interesting. Well, at least I’d be on the list. They’re offering the free replacement through 2023, so they must believe they’re going to have them at some point. Thankfully, I’ve never had a problem with my 888LM installed in 2016, but I wanted the new switch just in case. Of course, now that I’m posting about it, it’ll probably start failing tomorrow.

So far, my 2 older controllers are fine, but I have some spares ready just in case.

 

[coleman10]

So far, my 2 older controllers are fine, but I have some spares ready just in case.

I wonder if mine starts failing of I can replace it with just as simpler panel. I don’t use or need any of the fancy **** on there - the motion sensor, the timer, and I don’t use the light that came with it. The only thing I use other than open/close is the setting to shut out the remotes. There must be a simpler panel that would work with the 8500 with just those two functions.

 

[830singleshot]

If this is a workshop where you are not constantly opening the door for a vehicle, why not considered a jackshaft chain lift? Absolutely dependable, cheap, more secure than a remote control operator.

 

[allinon72]

The 8500 controller is no different than any other when it comes to operation - the button is just closing a set of contacts. So you can put whatever you want on.