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Power Outages in Plano, TX

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We have all felt the pains of experiencing the harsh inconveniences that non-automatic garage doors give us. Especially in bad weather, wishing that all we would need is a simple click of a button to open up our garage door. On the other hand, automatic garage doors will likely never go back to a manually opening door. It makes us appreciate the conveniences that an automatic garage door offers, when on the flip-side when we may lose power, it’s highly important to understand some simple tips on how to open a garage door manually in case you need to get out for work or some other emergency.

emergency release

Going into manual mode

Essentially, all garage door openers have what’s called a bypass switch for certain situations such as power outages, or even if a remote opener dies. On almost every door there will be a long rope that hangs that has a red handle on the end. This is called the emergency release cord. This manual release cord disengages the trolley from the attachment point to the rail. Pulling this will now put the garage into manual mode so if the door is up, it might come crashing down. For safety precautions, always disengage to trigger the handle when the door is closed.

Staying in manual mode

The emergency release cord controls the spring attachment in the trolley. If the opener motor is malfunctioning or the power will be out for a long period of time, then you may have to stay in manual mode. Then you want to continually open the garage door in the manual state, it’s always important to pull the red rope down and towards the back of the garage so you can avoid it getting caught in the tracks.

Going back to automatic mode

You will likely want to take full advantage of the conveniences of an automatic door after the power restores in your home. To re-engage the trolley attachment, pull down on the cord towards the garage opening to keep the lever from engaging. This time you will have to pull up on the door until it snaps into place and you’re back in the automatic mode.

Taking precautions

If you find that there may be damage to a cable or the door opens unevenly, make sure to contact us here at Plano Overhead Garage Door to have one of our Garage Door Experts out to your area in no time. Springs and other garage features can be dangerous to work with and doing a DIY project could result in irreversible damage. Our Technicians have the tools and experience at their disposal to repair your garage door opener safely and efficiently.

 

 

By Nick McGregor, General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Liftmaster 825LM: Remote Control Light in Plano, TX

825LM

What does the Remote Light Control do?

Liftmaster has come up with a way convenient way for you to control the lights in your home. It can be programmed with a remote control, MyQ Internet Gateway Accessory or a garage door opener. It is able to work with up to 8 security+ 2.0 remote controls or up to 8 MyQ enabled garage door openers or internet gateway accessories.

Modes of Operation

There are 3 different modes of operation that you can use with this device.

  1. Remote Control Operation- This allows you to activate the light control from your remote control.
  2. Garage door operation- This allows you to synchronize the light control with your garage door opener light bulbs. For example: The garage door light bulbs are set to automatically turn off after 4 ½ mins, so the light control will also turn off after 4 ½ mins.
  3. MyQ gateway operation- This allows you to activate your light control from a web browser or your smart phone. This does require the MyQ Internet Gateway accessory.

825LM Remote Light Control LiftMaster side view

Installation

This is device is not hard to install yourself. There are 4 easy steps to follow in order to install

  1. First plug your lamp into the light control and then plug it into an electrical outlet (the LED on the control will flash. Just make sure that your lamp is switched on).
  2. Then if the lamp is not on, just press and release the power button on the control to turn it on.
  3. Then you simply press and release the learn button on the light control. The LED on the light control will light up.
  4. Depending on which device you use this is the next step

-if you are using a remote control, you press the button on the remote control

-Or you can press the learn button on the garage door opener

-If you are using the MyQ technology you need to go to “manage devices” then “learn device” to program the MyQ Internet Gateway accessory.

It also comes with a 1 year warranty on the device so if something happens within that first year of having the device Liftmaster will replace it for you.

How do I get one?

We sell the 825LM Remote Light Control in our showroom located in Plano. They are $40 dollars plus tax and you can install yourself. Or if you have a technician already scheduled to come out, they will be more than happy to give you one as well and might also be able to help you install if you are having problems. So just come see us today to get your 825LM Remote Light Control!

 

By Nick McGregor, General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

888 LM Smart Wall Control Panel in Plano, TX

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What is the 888LM?

The 888LM Smart Wall Control Panel is a device that we install to older openers that aren’t able to connect with the new MyQ technology without having to replace your opener. The MyQ technology allows you to use your smart phone to operate your opener with just a click of a button. The 888LM control panel is capable with security+ garage door openers manufactured between 1998 to the present.

Compatible Accessories

The security+ 2.0 accessories are:

  1. Model 891LM 1-Button remote control
  2. Model 893LM 3-Button remote control
  3. Model 890MAX 3-Button mini MAX remote control
  4. Model 893MAX 3-Button MAX remote control
  5. Model 895MAX 3-Button Premium MAX remote control
  6. Model 877LM Wireless Keyless Entry
  7. Model 877LM MAX Keyless Entry

MyQ Accessories

  1. Model 823LM Remote Light Switch
  2. Model 825LM Remote Light Control
  3. Model 828LM Liftmaster Internet Gateway
  4. Model 829LM Garage Door Gate Monitor

888lm 2

How hard is it to set up?

There are only 7 steps to install the 888LM

  1. First you need to turn off all power to the garage door opener
  2. You have to remove the existing wall control from the wall
  3. Then you need to label the wires on the existing door control-label the wire connected to the RED terminal-label the wire connected to the WHITE terminal. Disconnect the wires from existing door control.
  4. Next you need to connect the wires to the new MyQ control panel. When doing this make sure that the polarity is correct, matching Red wire to the R terminal and White wire to the W terminal.
  5. Then mount the MyQ Control Panel to the wall
  6. Now reconnect the power. There is a yellow command LED and a red learn LED that will blink quickly for up to 5 minutes as the control panel is recharging. Once the yellow command LED is glowing steady that means that the control panel is operational.
  7. In order to test the control panel, push the push bar to activate the garage door opener. And that’s it you are ready to start programming all your devices to the wall console.

Ready to Go!!

Now that you have installed your 888LM MyQ Control Panel, You are able to program all of your remotes, keypads, and MyQ enabled accessories. We do sell these control panels at our store located in Plano.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself we can always send someone out to help you figure out how it all works. Feel free to give us a call at (972) 422-1695!

 

By Nick McGregor, General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

 

 

Plano, TX, Maintenance Tips

LiftMaster 8550 Installed – Plano, TX – Plano Overhead Garage Door

When you start thinking about how long your garage door opener should last, you may be wondering because your opener may have started “acting up” or parts on the operator started failing. Based on responses from many manufactures, trade associations, and product researchers the average life expectancy of a garage door operator is roughly 10 years.

How well does you opener really work?

There are a lot of factors that determine how well an opener works; such as the quality of the operator, how the opener was ultimately maintained, how often the garage door opener is used, etc. The most important factor though in determining how long an opener might last is how well the garage door actually works.  This can depend on brand, model, and other factors.

Extending or shortening the life span on your opener

You can expect to shorten the life of your opener faster than anything else if it is poorly maintained. The springs on the garage door are engineered to do most of the lifting of the door not the actual garage door operator. The garage door opener basically is used to put the door in motion so if the springs are not doing their job then the operator is going to be doing more than it was designed to do. And with a poorly balanced door the garage opener is going to wear out much faster and parts in the opener are going to need to be replaced much sooner.

Tips to maintain

There are two great tips to help you keep your door in shape and to help extend the life of your operator. First, a properly balanced door will reduce a lot of the strain on the opener. So make sure that the door is properly balanced at all times. Second, lubrication of all moving parts on the garage door will make the door work smoother, so make sure to lube the door! Lubricate hinges, rollers, springs and pulleys (if your door had pulleys) using 3-in-One Garage Door Lubricant.  Just as a reminder; if you DO NOT feel comfortable or you are unable to do service to your garage door then call your local service company, Plano Overhead Garage Door, and have them do the preventative maintenance for you.

Maintenance! Maintenance! Maintenance!

An annual maintenance should be done to extend the life of the operator and garage door. By showing a little attention to the door and opener you’ll not only get a few more years out of them but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your garage door and opener are operating at peak efficiency.

By Nick McGregor, General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Backup Batteries in Plano, TX

BatteryBackup

The Battery Back-up, is a well-known product that provides homeowners with reliable garage door operation during severe weather, thunderstorms and blackouts.

Security

Our customers in the Plano, Texas area who use a garage door opener for easy, safe and secure access to their garage and home have already found that access to their cars, as well as getting in and out of their garages, are compromised by a powerless garage door opener when there is a power failure. Not only does this cause convenience and transportation issues, it also poses a security threat to families and homeowners who depend on the garage door as the primary entrance and exit from their home.

Reliability

Plano Overhead Garage Doors Battery Back-up provides reliable garage door operation in the event of electricity outages. It is compatible with the new generation of garage door openers, which combine reliability, speed and power, all with amazing quiet operation. This accessory enables an opener to operate the door at 3.5 inches per second, and, in the event of an extended loss of electricity, the unit will run up to 50 cycles in a 24-hour period after initial power outage.   It also reaches full charge within 48 hours and has front facing LEDs that indicate the charge status.

battery backup

How it works

The battery itself is located inside the unit that mounts to your ceiling.   The battery comes standard with most residential garage door openers.  Once power is lost to the home, the Battery Backup system automatically begins functioning.  Dedicated to full access and safety, the Battery Backup system on the LiftMaster garage door opener operates so all remote controls and garage door opener safety systems work normally.  Also, to notify the homeowner that the garage door opener is operating under battery power, a series of recognizable, audible sounds signal when the door is opening or closing.  As an added safety feature, a flashing LED light alerts the homeowner when the battery is charging, in use, or when the batteries need to be replaced. The battery, which has a life of roughly three-to-five years under normal use, is warranted for one year from the date of purchase to the original owner.

Rest easy!

Severe weather events are not an uncommon occurrence here in North Texas! With the help from us here at Plano Overhead Garage door, you can rest easy knowing that with electricity or not, you will always be able to open your garage door!  A battery backup can be easily installed or replaced by either a highly experienced Plano Overhead technician or the homeowner.

 

By Nick McGregor, General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

 

Liftmaster 8587 Heavy Duty Chain Drive Opener

liftmaster 8587

When it comes to garage door openers, sometimes using a regular opener such as the Liftmaster 8550 ¾ hp belt drive opener, doesn’t always work. If you have a heavier door or it is made out of cedar wood, it is necessary for you to get the Liftmaster 8587 ¾ hp heavy duty chain drive opener.

Maximum power for the heaviest doors

This opener is not only reliable and durable but it is also very powerful. It is designed specifically for your needs, the ¾ HP motor with chain drive is built to provide maximum power to lift the heaviest of doors including carriage house and solid wood doors. The I-beam rail system and reinforced chassis with chain drive provides maximum support.  The Motor Vibration Isolation System, or MVIS, provides super quiet and smooth operation year after year. It is also an energy efficient operation that consumes up to 75% less power in standby mode. So if this sounds like an option you have been looking for here is some more information about the opener.

Connectivity

This heavy duty chain drive opener not only is good for its power, it also is able to use the smart technology just like the Liftmaster 8550 opener that we normally recommend. The MyQ technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, table or computer. Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. It is also a mobile app that is a free download requiring no annual activation fee.

Security

There are several different security features with this opener, such as:

  1. Security+ 2.0 safeguards your household-with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you.
  2. PosiLock locks down your door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening.
  3. Timer-to-close remembers to close your garage door when you forget- automatically closes the door after a pre-programmed number of minutes.
  4. Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ technology or timer-to-close.
  5. Motion detector activates the garage door opener lights as soon as you walk in so no more fumbling in the dark.
  6. The protector system has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.

Elite-Series-8587-¾-HP-Heavy-Duty-Belt-Drive

How can you get one?

If you feel that the Liftmaster 8587 opener is the opener that you need and you want for one of our technicians to come out and install, just give our office a call at 972-422-1695. This opener also comes with a lifetime warranty on motor and 5 year warranty on all other parts. Not to mention we put a one year labor warranty on it when we come out and install. So please just feel free to call us if you have further questions, or want to schedule for someone to come out and install the Liftmaster 8587 ¾ HP Chain Drive opener today!

 

By Nick McGregor, General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

Quick tips for Setting Up Internet Gateway Device

We here at Plano Overhead understand that when it comes to installing and connecting devices sometimes can get very stressful and frustrating. That’s why we are here to help you out when it comes to providing you with the utmost information and will help you get the most from your products when using a smartphone, tablet, or computer to monitor and control your garage door opener, gate opener, light controls, or other MyQ enabled products.


 Connecting to the device

myQ

  • To start, look to the “ MyQ Quick Start Guide” for instructions for the connection of your Chamberlin Internet Gateway to the Internet. A computer or tablet is a MUST HAVE for the step; a smartphone or mobile device will not work to create an account and connect to the Internet Gateway.
  • You then must have a valid email address to create your account. After entering and submitting your information, you will then receive a confirmation email.
  • When the  Internet Gateway powers up, the GREEN LED and BLUE LED will blink for times indicating a correct power connection and reset of the Gateway. After power up, the LEDs will indicate the status of the  Internet Gateway.
  • If the GREEN LED is off after connecting the Internet Gateway to your router, check the Ethernet cable connection to your router. It must be in the LAN port, (normally numbered 1-4). If the GREEN LED is still off, try another port on your router. Then if you still cannot get a solid GREEN LED, you then will need to contact Liftmaster for help.  They have an entire team dedicated to helping you with the device.

 Registering

Once you have set up your account, you must add the Chamberlain Internet Gateway to the account. It is easy to do from a computer; this can also be done from an internet empowered smartphone or tablet.

  • To add the Chamberlain internet Gateway to your account, the GREEN LED on the Gateway must be on unremittingly. If the GREEN LED is off, try connecting and created again. The Internet Gateway MUST HAVE an internet connection for the website or phone to find it.
  • You will need the SERIAL NUMBER from the bottom label of the Gateway. If this is the second Gateway to be added, you then will only need to go to “Manage Places>Add New Place”.
  • Now you will need to personally name your device.
  • At this point now you are able to add things like the garage door opener, gate opener, lights. Or other accessories from the “Manage Places” page. To assemble that, click on “Manage Places>Add New Device” and follow steps.

 Alerts

myQ options

The alert feature allows MyQ users to receive an electric notification when certain events occur. You’ll be sure to be aware when your garage door opens and closes at all times! An alert can be enables, edited, or disabled with any internet enabled computer or smartphone. Multiple alerts can be enabled for any of your garage doors, gate operators, or light controls. You may even have alerts be sent to your email for your personal record.


Smart Phone App

smartphone-liftmaster

Now that the hard part is finished, you can move onto the fun part! Downloading your smartphone app can be the most useful thing when it comes to Garage Door Openers! After installation, all you need to do is input your account email and password and you could be in Hawaii on vacation and be able to open your garage door for your neighbor to let your dog out or water the plants!


 

 

By Nick McGregor, General Manager of Plano Overhead Garage Door

972-422-1695

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