Help, I've come unhinged!  Well, a person could get unhinged trying to determine which type of hinges their garage door takes. I have seen plastic hinges, and specialty 'pinchless' hinges in different styles, but the most common hinges are steel specialty strap hinges or butt hinges.

garage door interior
butt hinge

The butt hinges are sometimes used on the interior of the door between panels. They look like a basic door hinge, but are designed for garage doors. The shape and spacing of the holes fit standardized hole positions

The strap hinges may be used on the interior, but only number 1 hinges are used for that purpose, because the offset is not used, since there are no rollers in the interior of the door.

typical number 1 hinge used on interior of door

  Call garagedoorsupplyco.com at 888-346-3173 for assistance in selecting the right hinges for your door. NOTE that the hinges are part of the door, and independent of the  garage door operator (if equipped). If you are unsure of what type of hinge you need because they look nothing like the ones on GDSCO's website, contact the door manufacturer or authorized dealer for more information. GDSCO stocks the most common types, so you can measure the hinge holes, the width and length of your hinges, and compare to theirs to see if they are close. If so, they are probably the right ones. Call them to be sure. They may have you take a picture of your hinge and send in for verification.

What is the difference between "retail" models and "professional" models of garage door operators?

Often, the 'packaging' of the retail model motor unit looks different from the professional model, while the internal parts are essentially the same, and the remote control technology is the same. Where the major difference lies is in the rail system.

The rail systems offered generally include chain, belt, or screw drive. This is so whether you have a professional or a retail model of operator. The professional line however, comes with a one-piece rail, that may be 10-12 feet long, or longer, depending on the height of your garage door. This would be extremely unwieldy for the homeowner purchasing at a big box store to carry home and install.

sample three-piece rail for Genie screw drive system

In order to make it convenient for retail buyers, the rail system is divided into three or more sections, which are then put into a compact package which may be conveniently and less expensively shipped, or placed into a trunk for transport home from the store.

The retail rail sections are connected at the installation site, and become sufficiently rigid to support the drive mechanism (belt, chain, or screw) and support the door as it is being pulled up or down. Therefore, any or all parts for the rail system will be different for retail than from a professional model, but once installed and in operation, you will not notice any difference.

If you are local to the Utah Wasatch front, my friends at Professional Garage Door Service can install the professional grade of a major brand garage door operator for a most reasonable cost. Call them at (801) 804-5835 or visit them at http://utahgaragedoors.com/ for a competitive quote

Hung Door:
well, aren't all doors 'hung' on a hinge or rollers or something? When it comes to garage doors, a hung door means it is hung up and won't operate. The signs of a hung door are 1) the cable on one side or both sides of the door is off the drum and hanging loose; 2) the garage door may be sitting cock-eyed, with one side lower than the other. the rollers on one or both sides may have slipped out of the track or out of the hinge.

It is very tempting to just try to put the wire back on the drum, and straighten the door, but I advise against it. A hung door is one of the most dangerous conditions for a garage door system. People have lost body parts when trying to correct a hung door without the proper knowledge. It is dangerous for even the repairman who knows what he is doing, so fixing a hung door is often more expensive than some other repairs because of the risk factor.

Some of the causes of hung doors is accidentally backing into the door and bending a panel or two; or having some object under the door on one side or the other but not far enough in to break the safety sensor beam (if your door is equipped with them, as is required since 1993). Other causes might be loose screws on the track brackets, allowing the track to move apart, a broken spring or door cable might also cause it. In northern Utah, call 801-804-5835 for Professional Garage Door Service or check them out at utahgaragedoors.com .

I wish I had a picture of a hung door, but thankfully, they are not a common occurrence. I think you can visualize what it looks like though. Just don't wish for one when you blow out your birthday candles.

Garage Door Springs Part II:

So, now you have been introduced to your friend, the torsion spring. I say "your friend" because when it comes to opening your garage door, the torsion spring does most of the heavy lifting for you. It saves your back, and your garage door opener. The spring lets the door down easy as well, rather than allowing it to crash to the floor.

Let's say your torsion spring breaks, leaving you locked inside. The natural inclination of most independent, handy homeowners is to fix the broken spring themselves. Dollar and cents-wise this sounds like a sound decision.

There are some additional considerations than just dollars and cents, however. Safety is the first concern you should have. Replacing torsion springs can be fairly dangerous. The springs, when wound are under tremendous pressure. If they are released without being controlled, they can cause damage to your garage, and anyone in the way could be seriously injured by a tool, the door, or just things coming apart. The proper tools are required for installing and winding garage door torsion springs. If the spring is suddenly released, while being wound. the winding bars could potentially be thrown with considerable force, or if a body part is in the way, could smash it hard enough to break bones.

Second consideration is knowledge. A trained technician can determine which spring(s) to install, out of a wide variety of possibilities, to provide the best balance for the door, AND the longest possible life. The choice is based on spring size and the number of turns the spring must be wound to get the correct IPPT or "inch-pounds per turn"rating for your door. In order to determine that, the technician needs to know the weight of the door, the height and width of the door, the radius of the bend in the track, the drum size and other considerations. Information needed is also the inside diameter of the old spring, the total relaxed (unwound) length of the spring and the wire size within 1/16". Also, you will need to accurately measure both springs on a double wide door, since they often are slightly different in order to get the best IPPT. They are made in left and right twist, because on double-wide doors they sit on either side of the center point, and therefore turn in opposite directions.

Remember, a well balanced garage door will lift easily by hand, and when released at about 4 feet above the floor will stay at that position. The garage door should not drop or lift by itself in any position. Usually, the door will slowly go down by itself after being pulled down (manually) but should not drop with enough force to crush your foot or potentially damage to door or floor. The garage door, when lifted manually, should move up with the same force as going down so it won't slam into the door stop or the gdo itself. Qualified technicians know how to choose and install the proper springs, with the proper tension for the longest spring life and safest operation. Keep in mind that if you feel lucky and want to repair,install or adjust them yourselves without sufficient training, you are accepting the full risk on yourself.

If you live along or near the Wasatch Front area of Utah, my friends at Professional Garage Door Service  -- utahgaragedoors.com --can quickly get your garage door springs replaced with high quality, long-lasting oil-tempered springs. They can be reached at 801-804-5835. They are very competitively priced, and guarantee their work.

Garage Door Springs:
WHOA, you just went to open your garage door so you could go to work, or take the kids to school and BAM! a loud noise, and suddenly your garage door won't open. You try a few times, it goes up a few inches or a foot or so and stops. Quickly you jump out to pull the red cord, but when you do the door falls back to the floor, and you can hardly budge it, to make it go up. Now you (or just your car) are trapped inside the garage. What happened? What can you do?

typical garage door torsion spring
with winding cones at ends

What just happened is that a torsion spring broke. You have not even noticed it/them up there on a rod above the garage door, quietly doing their job for years. It (or they if you have a double wide door) have been coiling and uncoiling each time the door goes up and down balancing the considerable weight of the door. Being made of steel alloy, springs (and all things metal, plastic, or organic) fatigue over time, become brittle and then fail. Most torsion springs are made of high quality oil-tempered spring steel (at least those sold by my friends at garagedoorsupplyco.com... --they can be reached at 888-346-3173) and can last for thousands of cycles before failing. You don't want to replace them before they fail of course, because there is no way of measuring how many cycles are left in them. What you do want to do is have a number handy of a reliable, honest, garage door repair company who can come rescue you within a reasonable time and replace your broken spring to free you from your diliemma.

Remember, if this has not happened to you yet, and your door has mechanical springs to help lift it, IT WILL! Don't panic. It is a normal part of life like measles and chickenpox.

Liftmaster MyQ Part II:

If you have a Liftmaster machine with a 85XX model number, these machines have wi-fi built in, so you don't need the separate and optional 828LM Internet Gateway to use the MyQ remote location services. If you have a machine that receives remote signals on one of  these 310, 315, 390, 433.30, 433.92, and 434.54 Mhz frequencies, AND your machine has safety sensors, you can use the combination 821LM, which has a wi-fi hub and and the internet gateway.

829LM MyQ gdo monitor

With MyQ you can also monitor the status of up to four garage doors from anywhere inside your home with the 829LM MyQ monitor.

888LM / 828LM
MyQ Upgrade Bundle

A few weeks ago, I mentioned the MyQ light control, so I won't do it again.

There is also, for those with Liftmaster (et al) machines made after 1998 having a red or purple learn button another combination system, the 888LM / 828LM MyQ Bundle that brings the older machines up to the great new technology.

821LM Universal Garage door
 MyQ smart phone controller for
all GDOs with safety sensors

For information on these products, call the experts at www.gargedoorsupplyco.com at phone number (888)346-3173

For all my followers out there in the ether: What would you like to learn about, regarding garage doors, operators, remotes, parts, etc? What questions do YOU have that you would like answered???? email me at rexbean48@gmail.com (since I don't know the easy way to contact me on my blog. If you know how to directly send comments to me, by all means, go for it!!! I am willing (if not able) to learn new tricks.

Liftmaster has some great optional security features as well.

A few weeks ago, I talked about the Liftmaster light control that can be operated using your garage door remote control (if you have an extra button). Liftmaster also has the MyQ system that has even better features than the Garage Butler and Genie systems I have just described.

For one thing, the Liftmaster MyQ systemcan be integrated with the "Nest" electronic home controls which have a variety of features that I am not going to talk about. Look it up. BUT as part of this integration, you can mount a camera in your garage and view it on your smart phone. One advantage is if you are closing your garage door remotely, you can watch to be sure nothing is in the way of the door closing. Also, you can monitor the garage for security. Way cool, especially if you are a 'techie'.

888LM MyQ
Wall Console
w/ photoeye

Some of the MyQ wall consoles have a photoeye (such as the 888LM), so if you walk into the garage, it automatically turns on the garage door light. That way you aren't feeling your way in the dark to find a light switch. Of course the wall consoles have a separate button to turn on (only) the garage door operator light, and to lock the garage door operator so no remote devices will operate. Good for vacation or extra security at night, if you think someone unauthorized may be able to open your garage door. This feature also disables your outside wireless keypad.

888LM Internet Gateway
for MyQ

If your machine has a (new) yellow learn button, you can program your new remote control from the wall console, instead of having to climb up to the machine to do it. Just flip up the big button, and push the learn button underneath the open/close button.

For information on these products, call the experts at www.gargedoorsupplyco.com at phone number (888)346-3173

Another neat security accessory just announced by Genie:

the Aladdin Connect works on any brand of garage door opener with 1) safety sensors (post-1993), and 2) a wall button (or wall console) used to operate the door.

This particular accessory works like the Garage Butler, with some notable differences. First, it gives the opportunity to monitor and control your garage door operator using any IOS or Android compatible smart phone, tablet, or computer from anywhere you may be, with a free app from Genie. it should work on any garage door opener with safety sensors, --except a Liftmaster variety with the (new) yellow learn button, because it conflicts with a similar capability built in to these Liftmaster models.--

Aladdin Connect allows you to control up to three garage doors with the app. It comes with one set of sensors (for one door), and you can buy additional ones for the number of doors you want to control (max three). You receive notifications every time the garage door is operated, whether it was opened electrically or manually. You can monitor the times of day the garage door has been accessed (opened or closed) in the Genie app. You can open the garage door and close it remotely, so you do not need to give a neighbor or technician your remote or your keypad's PIN. Needless to say, this security system costs more than the Garage Butler, and provides a higher level of security and convenience.

Call 888-519-2391 or visit genie-remotes.net for more information or to order this system.

Neat accessories that provide extended security to your garage:

Genie and Liftmaster are battling to come into the 21st century with some pretty nifty accessories. Also, there is a somewhat simpler and less expensive entry into garage door opener security that I will discuss in the next few blogs.

Garage Butler
Automatic garage door closer
Security system

First, there is the economical solution. It is called the Garage Butler. The Garage Butler works with ANY garage door opener that has an open/close button and safety sensors, meaning it is not brand specific. This system consists of a wall station that mounts near your garage exit door. You can use it to open and close your door via a button on the Butler. That way, it can replace the single button or wall console at the back door. It connects using the existing wiring for the wall console if you prefer. The kit includes a two-piece proximity switch that mounts one part on the garage door and another part adjacent to it on the door frame. That way the Butler can determine if the door is closed.

Proximity switches detect switch closure without direct contact, but simply being close to each contact. Kind of like dancing: close counts.

The Butler has six timer settings so it will close an open garage door after a pre-set interval that YOU determine, anywhere from 3 minutes to 60 minutes. It works by sensing that the door is not in a closed position and automatically operating the door to close after the set time interval. You can also over-ride the automatic closing feature if you are accessing the garage door for an extended period, and then reactivate it when you are done.

It has a couple of safety features so if it gets dark in the garage, the closing feature will reactivate itself if you forget to. It will also beep for 30 seconds every time before it closes the door to alert you it is acting automatically. Pretty handy device. Especially for those who, like me, are somewhat forgetful. Saves you from turning around a few blocks or miles away and going back just to verify that your door is securely shut.

For further information or to order at a special sale price right now, call 888-346-3173, or visit www.garagedoorsupplyco.com to see and order.

Genie Intellicode Remotes:

Besides the DIPswitch alternatives, Genie has a few different remotes that program to the newer (post-1995) Intellicode (rolling code) technology. Actually, these alternative newer remotes are easier to program than the master remote, because they are only designed for Intellicode. There are several different styles to match a person's needs. A classy visor mount, a convenient keychain remote, and a tiny little thing about the size of your thumb.   www.genie-remotes.net is the place to go to learn more. Visit or call them at 888-519-2391

Genie G1T-BX w/visor clip

Most of Genie's current remotes, as well as those of many other so-called mainstream gdo manufacturers are three button. I think they figure that 90% of people with garages have three or fewer garage doors to operate, so they reduce inventory and production line complication by producing one remote instead of three different ones. It is more efficient for them.

The one exception in Genie's current line-up is the G1T-BX. It is the thumb-size remote with one button. I hesitate to recommend it to anyone with a machine older than about 7-8 years because some older Intellicode machines seem to have a range problem with it. That means you have to be practically under the gdo before it will operate the door. That may not be the case for you, but that is what some people I have talked to have said. Therefore, caveat emptor.

Genie GITR-3
"Bowtie" Remote

The visor remote is the GITR-3, which is called the "bowtie" remote because of its shape and mounting orientation. It is a sharp looking remote, sturdy and functional. I recommend this remote to anyone with a single door that is older than year 2000, or up to three doors if your gdo's are newer than 2000. This is because the Intellicode technology from 1995 to 1999 has been improved, and not backward compatible. Genie has encoded button number 1 (the right hand button) with the older technology as well, so it can still be used on one garage door opener made from 1995 to today. The other two buttons can program gdo's made from year 2000 to today. Since I imagine that >75% of homes have a single garage door, this should not be a major impediment. IF you have two or more Genie Intellicode garage door openers that were made between 1995 and 1999, you can still use the Genie Master remote (GM3T-BX).

Genie G3T-BX
Keychain remote w/visor clip

The last remote I will talk about here is the G3T-BX. It replaces the variety of keychain-size Intellicode remotes that Genie has now discontinued making. It also has three buttons, and all will program to any Genie Intellicode gdo. Lots of folk like these for their motorcycles or golf carts, or just to slip in a pocket to take walking or jogging.

Something for anyone.

Other Genie Remote Controls of Note:

Genie has come along with technology as well as the next guy (meaning other garage door operator manufacturers), so they graduated from the DIPswitch technology to the "smart" button technology in the mid-90's. I have discussed the Genie Master remote earlier in my blog, but there are other remotes for Genie operators that deserve discussion as well.

Genie Master Remote
GM3T-BX

Today, I am going to talk about some Genie alternate (or alternative) DIPswitch remotes to consider. First off, the Genie Master Remote is the only Genie brand remote that can be programmed to older Genie DIPswitch machines. Note that Genie gdo's older than the late 1980's use various frequencies that are not supported any longer, and are not available. Only the 390 Mhz (and 315 Mhz) frequencies are currently supported by Genie.

As an alternative, the Stinger model 390GED21V remote will program to Genie 12 DIPswitch machines ONLY. It will not work with the older Genie 9 DIPswitch machines, nor the Genie  9 DIPSwitch gate operators. On the plus side, it is inexpensive, easy to program and it has one button to open one door. It is also very reliable. The Firefly 390GED21V is the same remote in a keychain-size, which may be more convenient in some applications.

Stinger 390GED21V
Genie-compatible
Visor remote

Firefly 390GED21V
Genie-compatible keychain remote

The other alternative is the Liftmaster 375UT remote. It will program to many different brands of operators including all the Genie DIPswitch operators that receive on 390 Mhz, but is a bit trickier to program, as I described earlier on a previous blog.

For any of these alternatives, you can shop at genie-remotes.net or call 888-519-2391 for assistance

Liftmaster 375UT
Universal remote

Waiting for Sommer....

No, that is not a mis-spelling. Sommer is a relatively unknown but intriguing and innovative garage door opener (gdo) manufacturer. I think I have alluded to them before, but here are some of the highlights:

There is only one moving part on the operator, therefore vitrually nothing to wear out, and carries a lifetime warranty. The motor itself moves back and forth on the rail. It is attached to the door arm directly to raise and lower the door. That means that there is virtually nothing to wear out or go bad. It still has all the other common features of gdo's: a motor-less head with lights that come on when the gdo is operated, a rail for the motor to ride in, safety sensors and remote. The remote is quite space-age looking as well. Looks like something out of Star Trek.

Sommer motor
(only moving part)

Sommer Garage Door Opener
available in 3/4 h.p. and 1 h.p.

 
The price is reasonable, as well, from what I have seen, for a gdo that will likely last a lifetime, as it has a lifetime warranty. Sure, its not "mainstream", but that does not mean it isn't quality machinery. Some of that good old German engineering.... like Harley-Davidson... and the starship Enterprise (okay, that's a stretch, but not by much).

Sommer 2- and 4-button
remote controls with
sliding button cover*

Sommer wireless keypad

 
Dealers may be a bit thin, but garagedoorsupplyco.com can deliver them anywhere in the country in short order. They should be easy to install and simple to maintain. You can contact them at 888-346-3173

* "Kirk to bridge. Prepare to beam me down"

Genie Screw Drive Garage Door Opener Maintenance Tips:

Garage door openers and garage doors for that matter need to be properly maintained to keep giving excellent service year after year. I find that most people don't really pay that much attention to their garage doors or openers as long as they just keep choogling along... --and I was one of those until I started learning about garage door openers. Not that I don't believe in maintaining things. I know that mechanical devices need maintenance. Garage doors and openers don't have a maintenance reminder like the little sticker they put on your windshield when you get your car oil changed, so it's easy to let it slip right out of mind.
Genie screw drives need a little bit of  lube on the screw itself. Genie recommends ONLY Lubriplate "Aerolube" brand of lithium-based lubricant on the screw itself. The approved method of lubricating the screw is as follows:

1. About once a year, apply a single bead of Aerolube to the screw as it is at rest (not moving) all the way from the motor to the door header.

2. Operate the door normally. The carriage assembly will spread the lubricant more or less evenly as it travels back and forth during normal operations

In this manner, a small tube of Aerolube should last for at least 3 applications. It is good to very low temperatures, so it is fine for those bitter Wisconsin winters, and does not run (drip) in the heat, either. Call 888-519-2391 or visit genie-remotes.net for help in finding the right stuff.

Genie pre-2011 screw drive
carriage assembly

General thoughts on screw drive three-piece rail systems:

Some screw drive systems use a three piece rail, which is more compact, and easier to sell (and carry out) at the big box stores. That means there is a joint where the rail sections are connected. Probably the time where this is important, is when you have a screw drive machine. This is because the screw is also in three pieces. Where the screw sections connect is a joint of some kind. On Genie machines, and I suppose, on any other three-piece rail system, wherever there is a connection, it creates a gap in the screw threads of an inch or so. Genie machines have what is called a clip and collar connection. The collar slides onto the joint in one direction so the scarfed ends can be slipped together. The collar is then slid back the other way to lock the joint together and then the clip is snapped over the bare shaft to keep the collar from sliding back and releasing the joint. Makes a clever connection that holds up under some pretty good stresses. Unfortunately, this connections also means there is no screw threads in that area for the carriage assembly rack to ride in.

Chamberlain replaceable
screw drive rack

The rack is made long enough to bridge that gap with no noticable disruption so long as the teeth on the rack that engage the threads on the screw shaft are complete and relatively unworn. Normal wear and tear, and the occasional jerk or shudder caused by any number of things, may create a failure mode. This could include lack of lubrication on the screw or door rollers, the door hitting some unexpected object during its travels, the torsion springs being broken or not wound properly to balance the door, etc. The teeth on the rack may wear to the point they not longer grab the screw securely. The teeth may shear off due to excessive wear or impact. Any of these things may preclude the rack being able to ride over the 'gap' created by the rail connection. The result is the door hangs up at that point, usually while raising it. Many people think that the cause is a broken screw or bad motor, or some other part failure. If you call 888-346-3173, the helpful folks at garagedoorsupplyco.com will help you determine the root cause so you fix the problem right the first time.

Genie late model
carriage assembly

Fortunately, the fix is a simple and inexpensive one. Replacing the carriage assembly, or the rack (on Chamberlain openers) will get you back in business for pocket change (compared to the cost of replacing the other, more expensive parts that have just been protected by that sacrificial part).

Sometimes those dratted engineers do some good work, don't they!

Personal Gripe Moment: Incidentally, my pet peeve is engineers who go directly from high school to college and graduate with a shiny new engineering degree without any actual work experience at all. These 4 year wonders have no clue whatever about how things go together, and what it's like to repair an over-engineered but under-designed piece of equipment. IMHO, every aspiring engineer-to-be should be required to do hands-on work in their career field before they are allowed to graduate.

Marantec is somewhat of an enigma in the garage door opener world. Marantec is a German designed machine, which if you admire BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes (and VW and Audi), as I do means alot. If so, you will understand that, with typical German engineering prowess, they are innovative, well-built machines, designed for a lifetime of service.

Marantec M3-2312
two button remote control

That being said... They sometimes can be a real pain to work on... not unlike German engineered cars. Programming a new remote is one area that is quite different from other brands. With all other brands I am familiar with, if you have a DIPswitch controlled machine, you can program an unlimited number of remotes, because the code is the same for all machines. You set the remote DIPswitches the same as the gdo's switches (or 'code' settings), and the gdo only 'sees' one remote: they are literally all the same.

With the new, more secure technology, there is a limited memory capacity in the operator (the gdo), of ~7 remote devices (including a wireless keypad). This is because each remote device has a unique identity that must be memorized by the gdo in order for it to authorize granting control of the machine (does that make sense to you?) to that device. That is why the remote device (id) must be programmed into the gdo.

Marantec new-to-new*
programming cable

Marantec's remote control technology allows only one remote device in memory, but it does not use DIPswitches. It uses a relatively complex and unusual programming sequence to memorize the identity of ONE remote control. All subsequent remote devices must be cloned to that first remote.

Additional remote controls are cloned using a short three wire programming cable that plugs into the side of each remote (new remotes come with instructions on which way to connect this cable.

Older Marantec wireless keypads were also programmed using a programming cable. The design has changed, however. Newer wireless keypads are programmed through close proximity to a programmed remote control.

You can find Marantec programming instructions at http://www.garagedoorsupplyco.com/marantec-remotes.html  . If you need help with ordering new remotes, new operators, or other consumables for Marantec, call 888-346-3173 .




* "New-to-new" refers to the version of remote and also means the transmitting frequency is different between the two remotes.  --next blog will discuss the differences.

Marantec Part II: don't ask me how I published part 2 before part 1. Blogs are a new and curious phenomenon to me.

Over the years, Marantec has changed the frequency of its receivers a few times, as have most other gdo manufacturers, in order to avoid radio frequency interference from competing services. Marantec apparently used/uses 40 Mhz in Europe. In America, 40 Mhz is used by either military or aircraft, and so is quite subject to interference in certain areas. Marantec changed its receiver frequency to 390 Mhz to avoid that interference, along with several other major gdo manufacturers, and then to 315 Mhz as did both Genie and Liftmaster. What this means for the user, is that if you have any of the earlier frequency machines, and need a new remote, you will be obligated to use a frequency conversion kit (which is actually an external receiver) to make your machine respond to the currently available 315 Mhz frequency.

Marantec M3-2432
433 Mhz remote control

Marantec M3-2312
315 Mhz remote control

         

IMPORTANT NOTE: Marantec also makes a rare, but not endangered, remote in 433 Mhz. This frequency is commonly needed in the vicinity of large US military bases, because the military uses many different frequencies, but 433Mhz is relatively safe from interference. The biggest problem is that the remotes for 433 Mhz look exactly like the remotes for 315 Mhz. The best part is that Marantec may be the only gdo manufacturer that marks the transmitting frequency on the remote body along with the model number. This makes it relatively easy to determine which frequency system you have. Also note that, although the photos are slightly different sizes, the actual remotes are identical except for the innards, and the nomenclature (label information). If in doubt about which frequency your Marantec operates on, call the experts at garagedoorsupplyco.com by phone at: 888-346-3173. They are happy to assist.

Wayne Dalton machines made by Chamberlain Group:
Liftmaster made machines at one time that were branded with the Wayne Dalton name probably sometime between 1990 and 1997, because some are programmed with DIPswitches or a white, gray, or (old) yellow learn button and some with a green learn button. IF your machine has a part number beginning with "41A..." on the panel where the antenna wire comes from, then your WD was made by Liftmaster, and so one of the Liftmaster remotes can be programmed to your WD operator.

WD branded Liftmaster operator
with DIPswitch programming

(in place of the DIPswitch
location shown to the left)

   

The above illustrated programming methods show programming locations on machines that would use the 61LM remote.

Liftmaster 61LM

Liftmaster 375UT 

Later models of Liftmaster built (but WD branded) machines had a GREEN learn button. The remote that will program that operator is an 81LM. The problem is that Liftmaster no longer makes the 81LM (or the 82LM, or 83LM, depending on how many gdo's you have). The Liftmaster replacement for the 8XLM series (where X is the number of buttons) is the 893 MAX remote which will program to GREEN learn button machines. If you have any questions about which remote to order for your Liftmaster-made WD machine, call 888-346-3173 or visit www.garagedoorsupplyco.com

Liftmaster 893 MAX

Wayne Dalton Garage Door Openers:
Wayne Dalton is no longer in the garage door operator business. That means they no longer make or sell new garage door operators, nor any parts for existing operators, nor do they make or sell any remote control devices for existing machines. (Wayne Dalton still does make garage doors, so no worries there.)
Wayne Dalton put their name on a couple of garage door operators (gdo) that were actually made by someone else. In my first blog post I explained about the Wayne Dalton gdo that was actually made by Challenger, so refer to that post for details.

Then Wayne Dalton put their name on some Chamberlain/Liftmaster gdo's for awhile.

Wayne Dalton (WD) then made their own brand of gdo until a few years ago, when they got completely out of the gdo business. First they made a system with several different models that operated on 303 Mhz, Then, probably because of potential radio frequency interference issues at that frequency, they changed over to 372 Mhz, for the last few years they made gdo's.  You may notice I don't have specific dates for any of this. I could probably research and maybe come with some, but since Wayne Dalton is no longer in the gdo business, they also do not provide any information nor support, so they got as far away from the gdo business as they could. If you call WD and ask about any aspect of gdo's, you will not get muchin the way of help, and certainly NO product.

All is not totally lost, however. Another gdo company saw an opportunity to fill a gap, and bought the rights to produce WD remote devices, and WD safety sensors only. I won't name them because I think they do not associate themselves openly with an ex-competitor. The products they do build and sell are very good quality, so no worry there. The only problem sellers have is getting enough product from them to satisfy demand. That usually means customers have to search to find someone who sells WD remotes, and then often endure a fairly long wait time to receive the product. It is what it is. If you have a WD machine, and need remotes, call the good folks at Garage Door Supply Company at 888-346-3173, or visit them at www.garagedoorsupplyco.com for assistance in ordering.

Liftmaster 387LM Universal ("Magic") Wireless Keypad:
I'm finally getting around to talking more about this keypad. This keypad is the answer to many older garage door opener owners prayers, such as when there is no wireless keypad still in production for your machine. However, it will program to many of today's current machines as well, it is just a bit trickier to program than the keypad designed specifically for your particular brand and model of gdo. Also, it has a slide-up lid, which is different than most. This may be important if you have a location where a flip lid may be subject to abuse. If you have any questions regarding whether this keypad will program to your brand and model of gdo, call my friends at garagedoorsupplyco.com at 888-346-3173

As I mentioned in my December 10th "magic remote" post, the 387LM will program to a variety of different manufacturers because it simulates several different technologies with four unique programming sequences, and transmits on 300/310/315/318/372/390 Mhz simultaneously.

You must choose the programming technology (or programming "type" per instructions to match your receiver technology.

Type 1 is for receivers with three position (or trinary) DIPswitches. That means there is an ON an OFF and a middle or neutral position. Genie 9 DIPSwitch gate operators have trinary switches, but the 9 DIPswitch garage door operators only have the 2-position switches, so would use Type 2 instructions. Allstar uses both binary and trinary switches in otherwise identical-looking remotes, so you must be careful which one you have.

Type 2 is for two position (binary) DIPswitches. This includes Genie 9 and 12 position gdo's. Note that for all the DIPswitch remotes, do not look for any DIPswitches inside the 387LM keypad

Type 3 is for older Liftmaster receivers with gray, white or (old) yellow Learn buttons

Type 4 is used for all other receivers and brands using a Learn button --and which receive signals on one of the frequencies noted above. NOTE: the list of brands which can be programmed to this keypad was on my blog from December 10, 2015 titled: "Liftmaster "magic" remote devices"

Ciao

Liftmaster Gear and Sprocket Installation tips:
Whether or not the gear and sprocket sets come with instructions, here are some tips I highly recommend for installation:
First: Have the garage door in the down position, with the trolley assembly connected to the chain/belt. Unplug the power to the machine powerhead. Then loosen the nut on the chain or belt inner slide, so you can lift the chain or the belt off the sprocket, and have it ready for re-installation. This step ensures that the limit switches will not have to be adjusted too much after installing the new part.

Second: remove about 4 screws from the motor case and remove it. You may have to remove other parts, like possibly lens covers to be able to do this, it just depends on your machine. Once the case is removed, you can reach up inside the machine and remove the ~3-4 screws holding the gear and sprocket top cap on. At that point you can just push the gear set up and out of the machine.

Third: Take the gear and sprocket assembly out of the bag, with any associated bushings  you should replace.

chain drive gear set, showing
the optional and not recommended
wormgear to the right

--CAUTION: My recommendation: unless the wormgear on your machine is visibly damaged, leave the new, included wormgear (shown at middle right in the photo)  in the package. It is very difficult to re-align this gear to properly engage the nylon drive gear if it has been removed. If it is not re-aligned perfectly, it will bind up within a few inches while raising or lowering the door, and then must be disassembled to try-try again.--     if you have any questions about whether or not you NEED to change the worm gear, call www.liftmaster-store.com at 1-888-880-8821.

Fourth: take the tube of included lubricant and spread the lube liberally in the teeth of the new nylon drive gear. --NOTE: lubricating the new drive gear is critical to ensuring a long life to that assembly--  Drop the new, lubricated gearset down into the opening, and get it properly aligned with the worm gear and limit switch. Re-install the screws into the cover, tighten equally. Plug the machine in again.

Fifth: Operate the door and adjust the limit switches as needed so the door opens fully, and closes just to the ground. You are done!!