Liftmaster 8500 VS 3900

[Redwolf947]

OK, I need some advice. I want to install a jack-shaft garage door opener to open up the middle ceiling area of my garage. I've read here and dug around on the net about this but want to ask the collective here what they think..

I'm torn between these two units (8500 and 3900). I currently have a Chamberlain Security+ chain drive unit.

As I see it the 3900 has the security+, with this I should be able reuse the remotes, wall control and any transmitters I have. Also my 2012 mustang Car2U car visor buttons should work with this. I would however, have to buy the accessories i.e. Power Lock and Remote Light. The price for the 3900 would be more for the unit and the accessories then the 8500.

On the other hand the 8500 comes with everything. Tho I've read the Car2U visor buttons in my car won't work with the Security+2 (my Q) requiring an extra transmitter for the car and a possibly new wireless keypad. With this system tho I could add the Internet gateway and have more control in that respect.

I'm looking for any advice, information, suggestions, thoughts, comments, experiences?

 

[themiller]

8500 is 4600 more than 3900. I'd go with the 8500.

 

[jpcjguy]

8500 is 4600 more than 3900. I'd go with the 8500.

hahaha! awesome!

 

[bry@n]

I have the 8500, two in fact.

My 2012 jeep grand Cherokee homelink system worked with it and my 14 mustang works with it. I didn't check anything. I just programmed them and they work. I'd say the 8500 is the way to go.

 

[Redwolf947]

8500 is 4600 more than 3900. I'd go with the 8500.

Nice contribution.. I don't know what I was thinking..

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

My 2011 Flex doesn't work with our 8500s. I thought that I read that there was a module they sold that would 'convert' the signals for the old signal to the new signal.

Edit: This is the repeater that I was talking about. I couldn't find enough information to figure out if it'd actually do what I want or not. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071EYS1U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pattenp]

You seem to know the ins and outs of each so it's just a matter of choice. Personally I'd go with the newer model because of the internet connectivity. The only thing with the repeater is you lose the security of the +2 because you now have a device that gets around the new security by allowing older wireless controls to open/close the door.

 

[Redwolf947]

My 2011 Flex doesn't work with our 8500s. I thought that I read that there was a module they sold that would 'convert' the signals for the old signal to the new signal.

Edit: This is the repeater that I was talking about. I couldn't find enough information to figure out if it'd actually do what I want or not. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071EYS1U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thank you for the link and looking into it, I had read about those but like pattenp said "The only thing with the repeater is you lose the security of the +2 because you now have a device that gets around the new security by allowing older wireless controls to open/close the door."

As a side note ShadowRuleZ have you tried to reset your 2011 Flex visor controls? if its car2u 3 buttons with 3 leds you can't reprogram any one button if it was used before.. its in the owners manual think its hold the outer 2 buttons for x seconds..

 

[Redwolf947]

I have the 8500, two in fact.

My 2012 jeep grand Cherokee homelink system worked with it and my 14 mustang works with it. I didn't check anything. I just programmed them and they work. I'd say the 8500 is the way to go.

Thank you for that.. Good to know.. does the 2014 mustang have Car2U? 3 buttons on visor with 3 leds?

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

Thank you for the link and looking into it, I had read about those but like pattenp said "The only thing with the repeater is you lose the security of the +2 because you now have a device that gets around the new security by allowing older wireless controls to open/close the door."

As a side note ShadowRuleZ have you tried to reset your 2011 Flex visor controls? if its car2u 3 buttons with 3 leds you can't reprogram any one button if it was used before.. its in the owners manual think its hold the outer 2 buttons for x seconds..

I think my flex is homelink. I did reset all of the buttons before I tried to program it.

 

[Redwolf947]

I think my flex is homelink. I did reset all of the buttons before I tried to program it.

Ahh ok just trying to help

 

[Theruse]

I'd go with the 8500 since it has the MyQTel link. I have two 8500's and the Internet link really works well. If you have ever forgotten if you closed the door, you can check with your app. As well, i can check what time my two kids come in at night. I had to use the repeater since I have two cars prior to 2007. Call Liftmaster and they will send you the repeater for free. You only pay a small charge for shipping. BTW, their customer service is very helpful

 

[Trey T]

3900 is not meant for residential garage as there's no lock or laser beam safety switch.

3900 is basically the 3800 w/o all the accessories. I bought the 3800 instead of the 8500

 

[Redwolf947]

Well I bought the 8500. Thank you to all that made helpful contributions to this thread.