Forum Discussion

FIRE_UP's avatar
FIRE_UP
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015

Who knows the most about garage/gate openers?

Gents,
Maybe this is not really related to RVs in ways but, I figure it's close. We just installed a new set of gate openers (twin swinging gates) at our daughters home in CA and the kit, a "Mighty Mule" set of openers, only came with one remote. What a bunch of cheap skates. What's weird is, Mighty Mule sends TWO remotes with a single gate opener but, it only sends ONE with a kit that contains two openers for two gates, figure that one out????

Anyway, here's my thought(s). The remote is an "FM135 318MHz) remote and, in the store is about $35.00 each. What a rip off. But, on line in Amazon etc. it hovers around $20.00 and free shipping.

Well, here's my question. Since technology is allowing you to open your garage door, control the environment in your home, turn off the water at your home, turn lights on and off at your home, check security camera footage and control the cameras at your home, ALL FROM YOUR PHONE, JUST ABOUT FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, then is there anything, any APP, that can be installed in a Smart Phone or any other late model type of phone like that, that will be able to open or close those new gate openers, knowing that frequency?

I realize that, maybe this might be questionable due to the potential for break-ins and stuff like that but, I was just wondering. This question is for folks that are really into things like radio frequencies, those remote key fobs, Smart Phones and what they are capable of, and goofing around with stuff like that.

Scott
  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    Your phone or computer can control a device, via the internet, that can open or close the door, monitor the garage, etc, all from a remote location, which is kinda cool and useful. But if all you want is another opener, it's cheaper to just buy another opener.
  • az99's avatar
    az99
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2015
    The Mighty Mules are quite an antiquated design. It is a one switch deal. The 1st closure of the switch opens it. The next closes it. If the switch is closed again before the unit hits the limit switches it will stop in mid travel.

    I used the old X10 stuff 15 years ago to open the gate remotely from the house.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 24, 2015
    here is indeed but you also need the hardware to support it.

    The gate is opened and closed by a simnple switch closure.. Depending on the gate there may be 1,2 or 3 switches (Open, Close and Stop) or there may be only one.

    All you need is a remote device that can generate a switch closure.. Some Smart phones support I/R remot control app.. Or you can remote any kind of computer device.. But it can be easily done.

    Not all that cost effective though.

    They also make universal remotes in both single and double models.. I used to have one for the gates when I worked.
  • FIRE_UP's avatar
    FIRE_UP
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2015
    Man, you guys are great. I'm no tech-no geek so, I'm sending on any info that many of you have posted to my son-in-law and he's much more adapt at what needs to be done, to make a smart phone, open and close a gate or, set of gates. I surely thank all of you for contributing to this issue.
    Scott
  • byronlj's avatar
    byronlj
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    I bought a liftmaster jakshaft garage door opener with "MY Q" technology. It only came with one remote but that is because it can be operated by your smart phone or computer also. It will also turn on lights in the house with the right accessories. Liftmaster also makes gate openers with the same technology.
    Dave
  • LittleBill's avatar
    LittleBill
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    FIRE UP wrote:
    garry1p wrote:
    Simple answer NO phone works on a different frequency they control all those other devices through the internet and wi-fi.

    Bite the $20 bullet and buy one.


    I thank you for taking the time to answer. It's not the $20 price for one, although for such a small, non-technical piece of equipment, in my opinion it should be around $8 or $10 at the most but, it is what it is and, I'll just get one. My thoughts were such that, like stated, I figured with all the "Apps" out there and, the TV ads stating you can do all this WAZOOO stuff with just a push of a button on a phone, I surely figured that one (App) would be available to operate gates and garage doors. Thanks again.
    Scott


    they most certainly can. and there are 100 ways to do it.

    but stock? no they don't have a transmitter in that frequency
  • FIRE_UP's avatar
    FIRE_UP
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    garry1p wrote:
    Simple answer NO phone works on a different frequency they control all those other devices through the internet and wi-fi.

    Bite the $20 bullet and buy one.


    I thank you for taking the time to answer. It's not the $20 price for one, although for such a small, non-technical piece of equipment, in my opinion it should be around $8 or $10 at the most but, it is what it is and, I'll just get one. My thoughts were such that, like stated, I figured with all the "Apps" out there and, the TV ads stating you can do all this WAZOOO stuff with just a push of a button on a phone, I surely figured that one (App) would be available to operate gates and garage doors. Thanks again.
    Scott
  • garry1p's avatar
    garry1p
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    Simple answer NO phone works on a different frequency they control all those other devices through the internet and wi-fi.

    Bite the $20 bullet and buy one.

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