Replacement Merlin remote with generic?

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timmmay

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#113652 23-Jan-2013 12:27

Two of my Merlin garage door remotes have failed, one has a failed button, one just doesn't seem to transmit any more. Replacements are about $80, but I'm a bit reluctant to get one just because the range isn't great and the whole system's getting a bit old and I wouldn't be surprised if it needs complete replacement sooner or later. I may be able to take it apart and make one good one, but then again I may completely ruin both.

Does anyone know if you can get generic versions? I've had a look around without any luck.

The other option is getting a remote kit upgrade to the latest technology, or replacing the whole unit. I'd be interested in peoples experience with Merlin and other brand garage door openers. I have a single large tilt door to my double garage.

Given I have one in already would I need to get someone in to install an upgraded system, or is it a DIY type thing? I'm reasonably handy, but I'm not a builder or anything.

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#749489 23-Jan-2013 12:40

That remote has 2 buttons. Have you tried swapping the door motor to the other button? The momentary contact switches under the buttons can be replaced if that is what has failed.

Gordy7

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#749495 23-Jan-2013 12:44

Guess you have checked the obvious:
Changed remote battery.
Car remote lock receiver system interfering with garage door opener.
Other RF devices blocking the opener receiver.
Borrowed another remote (enabling code access) for test.
Repowered opener and remote.

Cheers

Gordy

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timmmay

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#749499 23-Jan-2013 12:46

Switching to the other button is a great idea, I'll poke around the opener and see if I can work out how to do that easily, thanks.

I have one fully working remote in my car, it's just the one in the house that's not working properly, so that rules out most things. I've tried a new battery too.

jonherries

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#749501 23-Jan-2013 12:50

Ha ha. I am looking at exactly the same thing for the same reason, plus to open the garge door from the outside without the car is a real hassle, and the choice is either a keypad or the keyring remote.

Mitre10 have the kit for $181, but I know Bunnings stock Merlin, just not sure on price as they weren't in stock when I was there. Worth noting that if their price is worse you get 15% off.

http://www.mitre10mega.co.nz/shop/automotive_garage/garage_doors_openers/merlin_remote_control_upgrade_kit_208073/

The batteries in the current device are not common either, mine went flat over about a month.

Jon

timmmay

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#749517 23-Jan-2013 13:03

$180 sounds quite expensive just to replace the radio part, given you can get a whole new opener unit for $350 or so. There are plenty of kits for $30 or so on ebay, I'll sit down and have a look through them some time. I'll see if I can use the other button on the remote first, given I have three remotes already.

langers1972

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#749548 23-Jan-2013 13:57

Just waiting for an app to do it, those replacement remotes are such a rip off when you actually look at the (lack of) technology involved.

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benmurphy66

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#749557 23-Jan-2013 14:06

We recently moved into a house with one of these remotes doors. When I got the house alarm installed they wired the 3rd & 4th button on our alarm remotes to open the garage doors. Is so darn useful. An opener is always handy

jonherries

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#749561 23-Jan-2013 14:14

benmurphy66: We recently moved into a house with one of these remotes doors. When I got the house alarm installed they wired the 3rd & 4th button on our alarm remotes to open the garage doors. Is so darn useful. An opener is always handy

Really, we have an alarm, what brand is it? That might be a good option, we are currently really bad at using the alarm as it only has a keypad in the house, and putting the car in the garage sets it off...

Jon

RunningMan

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#749652 23-Jan-2013 15:45

timmmay: Switching to the other button is a great idea, I'll poke around the opener and see if I can work out how to do that easily, thanks.

I have one fully working remote in my car, it's just the one in the house that's not working properly, so that rules out most things. I've tried a new battery too.

Depending on the model, sometimes this is done at the opener end, not the remote. You reprogram the motor unit to respond to the button pressed.

In the past when I've contacted Chamberlain (who I think bought out the Merlin brand) they were very helpful with parts and advice when speaking to the service guys.

timmmay

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#749687 23-Jan-2013 16:31

I can't find any controls that would let me do it, and no useful manual anywhere on the web. I've emailed Chamberlain, fingers crossed they reply.

chevrolux

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#749741 23-Jan-2013 17:46

Raspberry Pi + someone who is a clever programmer =D

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timmmay

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#749755 23-Jan-2013 18:12

That's overkill. A simple ebay remote would do it, and it seems you just need to bridge the P/B (push button) terminals to cycle the door.

richms

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#749885 23-Jan-2013 22:10

Simple ebay remotes will not be rolling code, and if its like the cheap wireless lightswitch I got with a non rolling code it often gets a false trigger on one of the channels.

There are only 10^3 combinations of code in them, so chances of someone else having the same code is quite high.

Richard rich.ms

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#749896 23-Jan-2013 22:25

richms: Simple ebay remotes will not be rolling code, and if its like the cheap wireless lightswitch I got with a non rolling code it often gets a false trigger on one of the channels.

There are only 10^3 combinations of code in them, so chances of someone else having the same code is quite high.

The blue Merlin remotes as referred in by the OP are not rolling code - they rely on manual dipswitches.

My garage door uses the same - I prefer it as when I forget my keys sometimes I can go next door and manually reprogram my neighbours remote to let me in.

Bung

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#749927 23-Jan-2013 23:19

The conversation has moved on to add on controllers that connect to the push button input on the motor.

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