New - Garage door openers

[SotoB]

Hey all,

I'm going to begin work on my new garage soon and i'm looking forward to it. I just wanted to find out if anyone had any information on which garage door opener i could make use of that works well for them. I know there are several models out there that i can retrofit, but i just want to here it from a person, not an ad. If you have any other advice before i begin this project please feel free to let me know.

 

[cad70]

Got a photo of your current setup, or where you plan on installing it so space and size can be considered?

 

[Rewind97]

Interested in this too. I'd like one that has smart phone capabilities to let you open/close or know when it is opened.

 

[Kevin54]

Interested in this too. I'd like one that has smart phone capabilities to let you open/close or know when it is opened.

Chamberlain Liftmaster. There is a thread about this already somewhere. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Marcm157]

I just installed a Liftmaster 8500 I bought from another GJ Member. Couldn't be happier! Awesome opener and yes it can be controlled from my phone...

 

[99LeCouch]

Any higher-end Chamberlain/Liftmaster (same company owns both) should have it. If you already have their openers, apparently all you need are updated wall controls and an Internet gateway.

New wall control: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8BFG0O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Gateway: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7CDSQ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Kit with both: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C1CF1S6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'd suggest perusing reviews on Amazon to see what works with what. There's some awfully helpful information in those reviews.

 

[upndown]

All depends on the look you want. A side mount 8500 for a cleaner look, great for installing a lift or overhead crane.

The old tried and tested ceiling mount opener, been around forever.

With Chamberlain products, Liftmaster and Craftsman, all have iPhone capabilities. And the price differences really aren't deal breakers. Good luck.

 

[kkenney]

ZAP opener

 

[SotoB]

I'll make sure to take a picture once i get back home today and upload it. Thanks for the replies so far though, it's going to help me narrow my focus. I'm looking to make the move towards increased home automation. there are downsides to it (a few security concerns) but they seem to be super convenient. I wanted to start with the garage door opener and work to integrate it with another home automation system.

 

[Redwolf947]

I have a Liftmaster 8500. Works great. I don't have the gateway yet but can be installed anytime. I paid $295 before taxes.

 

[bdbecker]

Add another vote for Chamberlain/Liftmaster. I installed a 1/2 HP belt drive Chamberlain a few months ago and couldn't be happier with it. It has the smart phone feature, but I haven't gotten around to trying it out yet. It also has motion sensing lights that have proven to be very handy, as well as an auto-close timer that will shut the door if it doesn't sense any movement after a period of time. Just some added peace of mind...

A testament as to how quiet it is... our dogs used to freak out when they heard the old opener fire up because it meant my wife was home. Now, she can open the door, drive in, shut the door, and they usually don't figure out she's home until she shuts the car door.

 

[4free]

Ryobi GD200 - $248 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5642040#post5642040
Just got this yesterday from Home Depot - will upload some pics to the post.

 

[SotoB]

Seems like Chamberlain/Liftmaster take the cake for these. I've been reading into them and I'm really happy with what I've been finding so far. Should be a fun project once I begin, i'll make sure to add pictures to the post and let anyone who is interested know how compatible these are with smart phones.

 

[tdkkart]

I have 4 of the Liftmaster 3800(old model of the 8500), they're all 6 years old and not a single issue with any of them.

 

[4free]

Ryobi GD200 - $248 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5642040#post5642040
Just got this yesterday from Home Depot - will upload some pics to the post.

So I installed the Ryobi. It seems like a good, solid unit, but I really don't have a direct knowledge of the Chamberlain/Liftmaster or Alladin units. I really like the way the battery backup is set up. It would be a no-brainer if you have or are considering Ryobi cordless tools. I have Makitas, but some of their tools, like the cordless jigsaw, are outrageous ($250 tool only!!!) so I was looking to get Ryobi's jigsaw, but didn't want to get another set of batteries/chargers or kits with more drill drivers. Now I can get just the tool and a couple of batteries and use the opener as the charger.

The app is pretty cool as well, but I can't compare it to Chamberlain either.

 

[Whiskeymike]

+1 on Liftmaster 8500. Quiet, strong, works great. Internet add-ons work excellent via smart phone, including the ones that work with other brands of openers ( I have both). Also excellent customer service. I was having an issue with a pad, I described it via email to their customer support on the website. Got an email back an hour later asking for my address and they shipped me a new panel.

I've been thinking about changing out the two I have that are not liftmasters even though there is nothing wrong with the old ones I have.