I try to get my hands on anything that can make my life easier and safer, got a smart lock, security cameras, motion detectors, even put in a doorbell camera. My next step, for now, it to install a garage door opener, and I'm wondering if any of you guys have suggestions. Money isn't an issue, looking for an opener that can lift a 650-pound door basically. I've been eyeing some models, but I'm not set on anything yet.

Roller or panel type door will help your enquiry?

15 hours ago, JarredLangdon said:

for an opener that can lift a 650-pound door

That is a very heavy door - what is it made of????

Do you mean smart garage door opener on top of your remote control garage door opener?

 

If so, I can recommend gogogate (iSmartgate). Really good, never had an issue, always works and very very convenient. This in combination of wyze cam in garage, I can find out anytime if my garage is left open or closed.

 

And if you are seeking an actual garage door opener than please ignore me like my kids do.

On 24/07/2020 at 6:49 PM, :) Go Away (: said:

If so, I can recommend gogogate (iSmartgate)

I can also give this a big thumbs up  (iSmartgate Lite). This sits on top of my GDS 1200 door opener, and also an Merlin RF connected to external input which interfaces with the car's Homelink feature (automatic opening / closing of garage door via proximity).

@Marc is the 'Homelink' feature Tesla specific? The proximity opening interests me greatly

I believe other manufacturers including MB and BMW have Homelink built into some models - but it may be a rare option in ANZ.

You can buy kits to retrofit Homelink, but not sure if they feature proximity sensing however.

Pounds?

 

Your door is made of 'Sterling'?

https://www.ata-aust.com.au/garage-door-openers

If you don't mind (or in fact like) getting your hands dirty, https://opengarage.io is an option, and it's relatively cheap. The software is open sourced, and there are ways to control it through other automation systems. It basically attaches to your existing garage door opener and acts like a switch to open or close it.

 

I setup a module that's available for homebridge so that I can ask Siri to open and close the garage door as needed, as well turning on the Hue lights in there, plus getting push notifications every time it's opened or closed.

On 28/07/2020 at 2:07 PM, Jone5y said:

@Marc is the 'Homelink' feature Tesla specific? The proximity opening interests me greatly

Well! with the iSmartgate lite and IFTTT app you can setup a geo-location which works in the same manner as homelink. i.e. if my iphone arrives close to this location perform this action (Open the garage door) and same when leaving.

 

 

On 26/07/2020 at 7:33 AM, Marc said:

I can also give this a big thumbs up  (iSmartgate Lite). This sits on top of my GDS 1200 door opener, and also an Merlin RF connected to external input which interfaces with the car's Homelink feature (automatic opening / closing of garage door via proximity).

 

Interesting. Is it possible to use the Merlin Remote as well as iSmartgate? (I don't want to be 100% reliant on an app | WiFi etc. and especially so as our son doesn't have a phone).

Yes it should be. I retrofitted the Merlin remote on top of the existing opener (which also has its own remotes), via the sensor inputs. That way you end up with OE remotes, Merlin Remotes, AND the iSmartgate control options.

On 08/12/2020 at 7:43 AM, Guest said:

Yes it should be. I retrofitted the Merlin remote on top of the existing opener (which also has its own remotes), via the sensor inputs. That way you end up with OE remotes, Merlin Remotes, AND the iSmartgate control options.

I have a 25 year old roller door. Just fitted a Meross Smart Garage Door Opener . Now can open the roller door remotely via I Phone app from anywhere if needed..

 

https://amzn.to/3WqxQRl

This cheap Amazon one does the trick for me.

 

Edited October 16, 2025Oct 16 by powerav

Fitted the Smart opener this morning. Works a charm.

Couple of little tips that may help someone else doing this job. 
I found it easier to pair the device on the kitchen bench before fitting.

Just plug it in and follow the instructions. 
Depending on your door opener there are a coupe of ways to run the wire with the magnet sensor on it. If you wish any help with this and connecting the two wires to the door opener itself just shoot me a message and I can send you my phone number. Hey I am no expert but the way I did it may help someone else with installation.

 

kind regards 

John.

For those of us young enough to remember the show Dick Tracy and how he used to talk to his watch, there is something very satisfying when I talk into my watch and say “Siri open garage “ and it does. The world of automation what next.

Edited October 27, 2025Oct 27 by Almaz

4 hours ago, Almaz said:

For those of us young enough to remember the show Dick Tracy and how he used to talk to his watch, there is something very satisfying when I talk into my watch and say “Siri open garage “ and it does. The world of automation right next.

Even better, I run mine through Tuya so when I arrive within 100 meters of home the door opens for me.

How many cars can you have on a system like this?

I only worry about things opening and closing with a car not clear of the doors if someone else is coming home.

is this an issue?

Most have a sensor now that if it detects resistance, it opens again. I think it might even be law.
You can also hook up a laser/infrared sensor that detects something in the way.

15 hours ago, Almaz said:

For those of us young enough to remember the show Dick Tracy and how he used to talk to his watch, there is something very satisfying when I talk into my watch and say “Siri open garage “ and it does. The world of automation what next.

 

Yep, didn't want youngest kid to have house keys yet. But he can open and close the garage from his Apple Watch.

18 hours ago, StereoNET said:

Yep, didn't want youngest kid to have house keys yet. But he can open and close the garage from his Apple Watch.

This has been the best feature for me, kids who are 14 and 16 can let themselves in with their phones

19 hours ago, joz said:

How many cars can you have on a system like this?

I only worry about things opening and closing with a car not clear of the doors if someone else is coming home.

is this an issue?

It's not based or activated with your car its on your phone, so when your phone is 100M away it will open.