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I have a lovely Genie garage door opener (I couldn't find a model number but it looks like this) that I've been wanting to upgrade for a while. I'd like to open it with an RF transmitter attached to a Raspberry Pi, as I'm uncomfortable wiring the Pi directly into the opener as some tutorials suggest.

I have been using a Genie GT90-1 remote to open the garage for years, and it seems as though it should be simple to use LIRC with an RF transceiver on the right frequency. This is where I've run into trouble, because while the opener and remote appear to operate on the 390 MHz frequency (reference one and two) I am having trouble finding any sort of 390 MHz transmitter/receiver that will connect properly to the Pi, most devices operating at 390 MHz appear to be Genie replacement remotes.

Is there any way I can make this project work, or is it DOA? The main obstacle seems to be finding a transmitter and receiver. Can I use something of lower/higher frequency, or some other alternative?

Thanks

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  • The next problem is knowing WHAT to transmit on 390 MHz. Genies intellicode was invented specifically to make it rather difficult to open a different door. Just transmitting at 390 MHz is half the battle--the other is you must know what data to send. – Tyson Nov 18 '17 at 3:56
  • @Tyson as I understand it I can use lirc to record the signal from the remote and then retransmit that. – brndn2k Nov 18 '17 at 3:57
  • Lirc works with infrared remotes. Garage door remotes are RF since they must work from outside. Non-compatible technologies. – Tyson Nov 18 '17 at 4:03
  • @Tyson but if I tell it it's an infrared bulb it won't know the difference. It's just for capturing and replaying the timings – brndn2k Nov 18 '17 at 4:07
  • Good luck, have fun. – Tyson Nov 18 '17 at 4:10
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You're making this more difficult than it needs to be. Use a relay connected to the R pi. If you want it wireless, then have the relay switch the button on the remote. If you want it wired, connect the relay directly to the garage door opener to its terminals to open/close it.

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  • I would like to avoid hardwiring it, as I said in my post. I would also like my remote to remain separate. However, I understand the complexity of this project and will probably end up buying a second remote to do as you suggest – brndn2k Nov 18 '17 at 4:01
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A second remote is probably the best wireless option, different makes an models of garage door remotes will have varying levels of difficulty interfacing with the buttons. It is almost guaranteed that soldering will be involved. If you are placing the Pi anywhere near the vicinity of the garage door I would wire a relay directly across the existing button. If your PI is not going to be in the garage and assuming you have WiFi in the garage you could consider an ESP8266 with a relay controlled over WiFi with your Pi you could even use this setup to install a sensor to tell you if your door is open or closed.

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