Integrating aftermarket smart garage door controllers or dry contact relays with modern garage door openers can sometimes present compatibility challenges. Particularly, LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman openers equipped with Security+ 2.0 and a yellow “learn” button require a specific approach for seamless integration. This guide explains how to effectively connect dry contact devices to these openers, ensuring your smart home system works flawlessly with your garage door.
Understanding LiftMaster Security+ 2.0 and the “Yellow Learn Button”
Many standard garage door openers respond to simple, momentary button presses, making them easily compatible with various smart controllers. However, LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman models featuring Security+ 2.0 technology utilize a more complex, proprietary communication protocol. This system, often identified by a yellow “learn” button on the opener unit, enhances security but complicates direct wiring for external control. While direct button control is not straightforward with Security+ 2.0, it’s still entirely possible to achieve external operation by employing a clever workaround using a native remote or adapter.
One effective method involves utilizing a LiftMaster 883LM wired wall controller as an intermediary adapter. This approach allows you to bridge the gap between your dry contact relay or smart controller and the Security+ 2.0 system.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Dry Contact Integration
Here’s how to connect your dry contact relay or smart garage door controller to a LiftMaster Security+ 2.0 opener with a yellow “learn” button, using an adapter based on the LiftMaster 883LM wired wall controller:
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Prepare the Adapter Connections: Identify the wires on your adapter. Typically, you’ll have two pairs of wires: one pair (red and white) for connecting to the garage door opener itself, and another pair (bronze colored “speaker” wires) for the dry contact relay.
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Connect to the Garage Door Opener: Carefully connect the red and white wires from the adapter to the corresponding terminals on your LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Craftsman garage door opener. Crucially, ensure that any existing wall button wires remain connected to the opener as well. For a secure and reliable connection, twisting the adapter wires together with the existing wires is recommended. Once connected, a steady yellow light on the adapter (usually near the main button) should illuminate, indicating it’s receiving power.
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Test Adapter Functionality: Before proceeding, test the button on the adapter itself. Press the button and confirm that it successfully operates the garage door. Also, verify that your existing wall button continues to function correctly.
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Wire in the Dry Contact Relay: Take the remaining two “speaker” wires from the adapter and connect them to the normally open contacts on your dry contact relay. Note that the polarity of this connection is not important, simplifying the wiring process.
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Final Testing with Smart Controller: Now, use your smart garage door controller’s app or command interface to trigger the dry contact relay. Test if this successfully activates the garage door opener through the adapter setup.
Compatibility Considerations for Security+ 2.0 Adapters
While this adapter solution is broadly compatible, it’s important to note a few exceptions and specific model considerations:
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LiftMaster Elite Series 8500: Interestingly, the wired wall control connection on the LiftMaster Elite Series 8500 is not Security+ 2.0 enabled. This means you do not need an adapter for wired connections with this specific model. You can connect your dry contact relay directly to the opener’s terminals. However, if you intend to use a wireless dry contact connection with the 8500, an adapter is still required.
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LiftMaster Elite Series 8500W: In contrast to the 8500, the LiftMaster Elite Series 8500W is fully Security+ 2.0 compatible. Therefore, the adapter described in this guide is required for both wired and wireless dry contact relay connections with the 8500W model.
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Genie Series 3 GDOs: Garage door openers from the Genie Series 3 utilize a different serial communication protocol that is distinct from Security+ 2.0. The adapter discussed here is not compatible with Genie openers. For Genie Series 3 models, you will need to use their specific native adapter designed for dry contact control.
For Control4 Integrators: A Streamlined Solution
Professionals using Control4 home automation systems might find the Garadget for Control4 a more integrated and cost-effective solution. Garadget offers seamless integration of existing garage door openers into Control4 systems, potentially eliminating the need for complex setups involving relays and sensors.
By understanding the nuances of LiftMaster Security+ 2.0 and utilizing the correct adapter approach, integrating your smart home system with even the most modern garage door openers becomes a straightforward process. This ensures convenient and reliable control of your garage door through your chosen smart home platform.
