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Did you know that the year your opener was built affects what radio frequency your remote uses? There are also 3 different kinds of built in codes that help keep your door secure; as time progresses so do these technologies no matter what brand.
We'll start with frequencies; manufacturers need to change these from time to time to cut down interference with associations like airports and military bases. Hence your older remote will not work on a newer opener. This usually isn't a problem because when you buy a new opener you'll get the new remotes. However, it can affect you if you use one remote for both a door and a gate. If these openers are two different models with two different frequencies, then you may need two different remotes. If you have a HomeLink® system in your car you should be able to program the gate remote directly into your car by contacting your HOA. This will save you from purchasing an extra remote. Of course universal remotes are always available, but require manual programming with your gate's receiver.
Now let's talk about security. If your opener is an older model, say 20 years or so, you may have "dip-switches". These are a series of 9-12 switches that match a specific code to your remote and to your opener. A
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Just a sample of the remotes we offer... |
down side of these switches is the low number of possible combinations; meaning your code could be cracked with another remote that would work on your existing opener. A security step-up from that is programmable code technology. This allows your opener to "learn" your remote without someone being able to copy your dip-switch pattern. An advancement on the learn method are remotes with "rolling-code" technology. For this, your opener puts out a new security code signal each time you use your remote. Making it nearly impossible for someone to "catch" your code. It's the same way you can unlock your car with a keychain remote without unlocking the other cars around you.
If you're coming into one of our showrooms to pick up new remotes it is most helpful to know what color your learn button is, or if possible, bring a remote you currently use with you. If we are partnered with your community we can most always program the gate side of your remote right away.
What's Next?
LiftMaster is now introducing technology that lets you access your garage over the Internet through your smartphone or computer. This is the ultimate security feature as you can view the status of your garage (open or closed) and control your opener even if you're not home! This new technology is equipped with visual and audible warnings when the door is about to close. New styles of remotes in this family will also grab codes from 3 different frequencies making the combination of possibly security codes almost endless.
Of course you can always lock your door at night using the wall control button which disables all remotes. If you have an older opener and are worried about security give us a call to see what upgrade works for you.
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