Merlin garage door opener

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Merlin garage door opener - testing query

edge

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#208687 22-Feb-2017 14:17

I have an old (installed 1989) Merlin 2500N garage door opener. The remotes (they look like this) only work if I operate them right by the aerial (basically touching). I have run a 10m extension aerial wire that hangs outside so the door can be operated from outside!! However, I would like to fix this. I don't really want to spend even $35 on a new one (TradeMe) only to find it doesn't work. My question is - is there any way of testing what the issue is. (i.e. is it something to so with the receiver in the opener unit?). I should note that it is not a battery issue. Thanks.

"It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into."
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timmmay

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#1724488 22-Feb-2017 14:26

I had an old one, bit newer than that. Everything just wears out. I just replaced the whole thing myself with the help of a friend, it was pretty easy.

edge

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#1724493 22-Feb-2017 14:38

That's my next option - we put the original one in, so no problem there. Just thought I would try for the cheaper fix before splashing out :-)

"It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into."
— most commonly attributed to Jonathan Swift, author/theologian

Disrespective

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#1724496 22-Feb-2017 15:05

This might sound basic, but you've checked the battery in the remote? It could also be that the remotes aerial has some corrosion on it which limits it's effective length, and as such, the range. I'd be popping the case open and checking the circuit board, battery housing etc. If all looks good then it's hard to say.

One old trick i've used with my car remote is to press it against my head when I trigger it. I can easily get 10 more meters out of the remote...

mattwnz

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#1724526 22-Feb-2017 15:55

I would say the remote is the most likely component that is failing. Some companies will let you buy it and return it if it doesn't work.

richms

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#1724530 22-Feb-2017 16:03

Damage to the oscillator in the remote will put them off frequency, and the recievers are so wide band that they can be miles off and still trigger it when close enough.

Or the tuning of the reciever is off, same result.

You could use a SDR on a PC and check if the remote is on the right frequency, if it is and is strong then you know its the reciever thats out of whack.

Richard rich.ms

Kickinbac

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#1724531 22-Feb-2017 16:07

I can't tell you how to test it but have been through this a couple of times and can tell how I fixed it.

My sister in law's merlin opener wouldn't work and she spent $70 on a replacement remote and found that it still didn't work and found it was an issue with the receiver. She was quoted about $300 to repair it.

I offered to fix it for her as had done the same to my openers at home. I got a relay controller from Jaycar to replace the receiver and remotes. It's fairly simple to install as it wires to the terminals for the wired switch.

The product is a Jaycar relay controller 2-way garage module. Cat No. LR8855. $59.90. It only comes with one remote but you can buy extra remotes (Cat No. LR8856) for $19.90 each. You will also need a 12v power supply, I used an old plug pack from a dead printer I had lying around but you can get them from Jaycar for about $15. So all up about $95 to fix plus your time. This is also assuming you have the skills and time to do it.

The module I used at home was a 4-channel kit Cat NO. LR8814 for $119.00.

richms

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#1724536 22-Feb-2017 16:14

Kickinbac:

The product is a Jaycar relay controller 2-way garage module. Cat No. LR8855. $59.90. It only comes with one remote but you can buy extra remotes (Cat No. LR8856) for $19.90 each. You will also need a 12v power supply, I used an old plug pack from a dead printer I had lying around but you can get them from Jaycar for about $15. So all up about $95 to fix plus your time. This is also assuming you have the skills and time to do it.

The module I used at home was a 4-channel kit Cat NO. LR8814 for $119.00.

Ouch! Is it at least a rolling code one for that price? I know that there are some fixed code ones at jaycar too.

If security is not a concern, and it clearly isnt since the orig remote is still in use then there are keyfob 433MHz remote modules all over aliexpress for under $10. Fixed codes, each remote has a code burned in when made so you just press a button on the reciever then the remote and it learns it.

Richard rich.ms

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edge

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#1724557 22-Feb-2017 16:44

richms:

Kickinbac:

The product is a Jaycar relay controller 2-way garage module. Cat No. LR8855. $59.90. It only comes with one remote but you can buy extra remotes (Cat No. LR8856) for $19.90 each. You will also need a 12v power supply, I used an old plug pack from a dead printer I had lying around but you can get them from Jaycar for about $15. So all up about $95 to fix plus your time. This is also assuming you have the skills and time to do it.

The module I used at home was a 4-channel kit Cat NO. LR8814 for $119.00.

Ouch! Is it at least a rolling code one for that price? I know that there are some fixed code ones at jaycar too.

If security is not a concern, and it clearly isnt since the orig remote is still in use then there are keyfob 433MHz remote modules all over aliexpress for under $10. Fixed codes, each remote has a code burned in when made so you just press a button on the reciever then the remote and it learns it.

The suggestion of the SDR might be a bit beyond my area of knowledge!!! I had seen one of those relay options for $175 - so the Jaycar suggestion is at least a bit cheaper!! I can access a new door opener at cost price so it may be that this is going to be my most sensible option - I'm sure (Murphy says so) as soon as I fix one thing, another will go wrong, based on the age of the opener!!

Thanks for all the suggestions :-)

"It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into."
— most commonly attributed to Jonathan Swift, author/theologian

richms

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#1724559 22-Feb-2017 16:46

This. Under $10 delivered. Needs 12v tho, so you would need to find an old wallwart to power it.

Richard rich.ms

edge

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#1724573 22-Feb-2017 17:06

richms:

This. Under $10 delivered. Needs 12v tho, so you would need to find an old wallwart to power it.

Cool, thanks! Will get one of those and see how it goes - at that price, with two remotes, nothing to lose!

"It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into."
— most commonly attributed to Jonathan Swift, author/theologian

Kickinbac

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#1724621 22-Feb-2017 17:42

edge:

richms:

This. Under $10 delivered. Needs 12v tho, so you would need to find an old wallwart to power it.

Cool, thanks! Will get one of those and see how it goes - at that price, with two remotes, nothing to lose!

That is cheap and probably a good option. Shame it can take so long to get stuff through Aliexpress. My sister in law wanted fixed ASAP so Jaycar was the quickest option. I've been waiting for 5 weeks for plugs to come from an Aliexpress purchase, not so 'express'.