If you’ve ever lost your garage door opener, you know how frustrating it can be. You may not be able to get your car out of the garage, and you may have to park on the street.
Fortunately, there is such a thing as a universal garage door opener. With this type of opener, you don’t have to worry about losing your opener or being unable to get into your garage.
The opener itself is usually straightforward. It has a radio transmitter and receiver and a power source. The transmitter sends a signal to the receiver on the garage door.
When you press the button on the opener, the transmitter sends a signal to the receiver, activating the motor that opens or closes the door.
Do They Work On All Garage Door Openers?
Despite its name, not all garage door openers are compatible with universal openers. To work, the opener must have a receiver that is compatible with the transmitter on the universal opener. If your opener does not have a compatible receiver, you will not be able to use a universal opener.
Also, there are different kinds of codes that the opener transmits.
Rolling Code
The most common type of code is called a “rolling code.” This type of opener uses a random code that changes every time you press the button. The opener has a memory chip that stores the codes, and the transmitter sends a different code each time. This makes it nearly impossible for someone to steal and use your code to open your door.
Fixed Code
Some older garage door openers use a “fixed code.” This means the code does not change, so someone can figure out your code and use it to open your door.
If you have an older opener, upgrading to a rolling code system is crucial for added security.
Why They Don’t Work On All Garage Door Openers
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to use a universal remote to open your garage door, only to find that it doesn’t work. But why is this? Why don’t universal remotes work on all garage door openers?
It turns out that there are a few reasons. One is that each garage door opener has its own unique code, and not all universal remotes are programmed to support all codes.
Another reason is that some garage door openers use different frequencies than others, and universal remotes may not be compatible with all frequencies.
Finally, some newer garage door openers use rolling codes that change with each use, making them impossible to duplicate with a universal remote.
So if you’re having trouble using a universal remote with your garage door opener, now you know why.
Advantages Of Universal Garage Door Openers
There are several advantages to using a universal garage door opener.
Convenient
A universal garage door opener is a small handheld device that opens and closes your garage door from outside the garage. It’s convenient getting in and out of your garage without getting up and down from your car every time.
Affordable
Universal garage door openers are affordable, making them an excellent option for budget-minded homeowners. You can find basic models for as little as $20 and more sophisticated models with additional features for less than $100.
Compatible with most garage doors
Most garage door opener models today are compatible with garage door opener remotes. So, if you’re considering upgrading your garage door opener, you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues.
Secure
Universal garage door openers that use rolling codes are also more secure. This is because the code changes each time you press the button on the remote.
This makes it much more difficult for someone to guess your code and makes it nearly impossible for someone to open your door and break into your garage.
Disadvantages Of Universal Garage Door Openers
Also, with advantages, there must also come with a few disadvantages.
Battery life
One downside to using a wireless garage door opener is that the batteries can die unexpectedly. This can be a major inconvenience if you’re in a hurry to get to work or an appointment.
Always keep a spare set of batteries on hand to avoid this issue.
Security
Another potential downside to using a universal garage door opener is that when you lose it, other people can operate all the garage door openers the universal garage door opener is programmed to.
Other people can also hack it. If someone knows your code, they can gain access to your home. To avoid this, choose a model with rolling codes and change the code often.
How To Connect Universal Garage Door Opener
Now that you have a universal garage door opener, let’s learn how to connect it to the garage door opener.
1) Find And Press The Learn Button On The Garage Door Opener
You must find the “learn” button on your garage door opener. It’s usually a small button that’s either red or purple. Once you’ve found the learn button, press and hold it until the light on the unit blinks.
2) Connecting The Universal Garage Door Opener To The Garage Door Opener
Now, take your universal garage door opener and press the button. The universal garage door opener will emit a signal picked up by the receiver on the garage door opener. Once it picks up the signal, the garage door opener will activate and either open or close the door.
You may need to press the button on the universal garage door opener multiple times to get it to work. If so, keep trying until it does.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully connected your universal garage door opener to your garage door opener.
Final Thoughts
A universal garage door opener transmits a signal to the receiver located at the garage door. It is a small, handheld device used to open and close your garage door from outside the garage.
Now that you know the pros and cons of using a universal garage door opener, you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Remember that while a universal garage door opener is convenient and affordable, it may not be as secure as other models. If security concerns you, choose a model with rolling codes.
