Garage Door Openers to Avoid?

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1

I need to purchase a new GDO. I'm familiar with Lutron, RATGDO, Konnected, etc. integrations.

I know the manufacturers are integrating new technology (most of it I likely don't need or want).

Are there garage door openers that I should avoid?

Thanks!

2

I would look for ones that don't offer connectivity (ie basic models) maybe even the store/house brands.

Most likely they would use simple momentary push buttons for the wired remotes. With this style you can then use almost any third party smart automation device. The smart devices usually parallel the button and simulate a button press to activate the GDO
Here's a basic genie brand from HD. You'll notice in the picture it uses a doorbell style button for the wall button. That's the key.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Genie-1-2-HP-Durable-Chain-Drive-Garage-Door-Opener-1035-SV/304932617

For automation/control:
In the zigbee world you could use something like one of these 2 items. The difference is the second option includes a wired sensor to report back to HE the position of the door.

https://www.amazon.com/MHCOZY-Adjustable-Selflock-Momentary-SmartThings/dp/B08X218VMR/

https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Control-Monitoring-Setting-Function/dp/B0CSZ248D7/

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3

I just had overhead door GDOs installed two years ago. Told them I just wanted, as mentioned above, a simple push button mounted on the wall. I got two belt driven Overhead Door Odyssey 1000s. They are really quiet. I connected Zen16 multi-relays and a tilt sensor and they work really well with HE.

I was kind of locked in to getting overhead door GDOs. The company that installed them, Overhead door of Macon, had been out the year before and put in two GDOs on my Mom and Dad's out buildings. Dad had pull up doors but they had to be opened manually. Dad had been diagnosed with Colon Cancer and he knew Mom would not be able to open the doors and he only had a few more months left, so he wanted remotes added. Overhead door came out and installed them and then didn't charge them. I couldn't believe they did that. So if I have any garage door issues I call them and they can charge whatever they want.

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4

There are two major manufacturers of GDOs and both have 2 brands each, one for 'Pro'/Distributor sales, and one for DIY/Retail. Those are Liftmaster/Chamberlain and Overhead Door/Genie. Generally speaking, the basic architecture of either manufacturer's openers is the same across all lines, just the features vary among models at different price points.

Always verify for yourself, but AFAIK, most/all Overhead Door/Genie openers can take a dry contact, while most/all Liftmaster/Chamberlain cannot take a dry contact, even for wired wall controls. That may not mean you're out of luck for integration, though. As you noted, there are modules available to interface an OEM's digital integration features with common HA protocols. In addition, there are even more hacks available, depending on how creative you want to be. (Using a digital wall control as a dry contact, embedding a remote, etc.)

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