iPhone controlled garage door opener

[wingpilot08]

I have been using a regular garage door opener on my Wing, but recently it hasn't been functioning the way I wanted it to work. So I started looking at IoT (Internet of Things) that would allow me to open the garage door with an app on my phone. There are number of devices that can be purchased to add to the garage door opener, which normally range for $75 and up. Being fiscally retentive (cheap?), I decided to see what I could do on my own with parts purchased online. I found one in particular that caught my eye:

http://makezine.com/projects/particle-c ... or-opener/

By following the directions and using just slightly different items, I should have this working shortly. The processor board I purchased was a Wemos d1 mini Pro. This is a Wifi enabled board based on ESP-8266EX https://www.wemos.cc/product/d1-mini-pro.html. On the Iphone the app being used is Blynk, which allow you to very easily build the app to your needs.

All total I will spend about $12 and have a Wifi enabled secure garage door opener that will also alert me if the garage door is open or closed.

attached is a short video of the test of the board...just turning on a LED. Waiting for other parts to arrive to complete

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[wingpilot08]

So I have finalized the project and am just waiting on a magnetic NC switch to attach to the garage door. The magnetic switch will provide a signal to the processor board I'm using that will then indicate on my cellphone app (Blynk) a virtual LED that will be RED if the garage door is open or GREEN when closed. Really happy with the project!!

[wingpilot08]

So I have finalized the project and am just waiting on a magnetic NC switch to attach to the garage door. The magnetic switch will provide a signal to the processor board I'm using that will then indicate on my cellphone app (Blynk) a virtual LED that will be RED if the garage door is open or GREEN when closed. Really happy with the project!!

Everything is working like it is supposed to!! Just patting myself on the back!

[thrasherg]

well done.. Now you need to get some PCB's assembled and start selling a kit for us less electrically inclined sorts!!

Gary

[wingpilot08]

well done.. Now you need to get some PCB's assembled and start selling a kit for us less electrically inclined sorts!!
Gary

Gary,
Really not too much to it. Don't need to have a PCB, since it is already a PCB and relay. It's the programming that needs to be completed and setting up the app on your smartphone (IPhone or Android). The app needed is Blynk and I can provide the programming of the Wemos. Basically just a WeMos D1 Mini Pro board, a 5V 2 Channel Relay Module, small usb power connector and a breadboard. You would need to know how to upload the program to the board. If you're really interested, let me know.

Steve

BTW..have a good riding buddy that lives in Midlothian, TX!

[Mugget]

Nice work! Kinda surprised there aren't more comments on this!

I really need to take a closer look at the Makezine article, this would solve a lot of problems. We moved into a house with two garage doors, but two different door openers hence two remotes... not a fan of bulky keyrings! Might need to pick your brain when I get a bit further down the line on this one.

[MikeB]

...There are number of devices that can be purchased to add to the garage door opener, which normally range for $75 and up.

Yes, this original post is over 5 years old but If someone wants a Smart Phone controlled device, I can understand the problem but if all you need is a garage door remote control, there are a plethora of devices available for under $20. And one device can control up to 5 doors in most cases.

By the way, using a Smartphone to control anything while on your motorcycle is not the easiest device to manipulate.

[Rambozo]

There are also so many home automation products that can take care of things like this. I use Home Assistant and it handles opening the door as I approach and closing it as I leave. It can either track my phone or a small chip installed on the bike.

[wingpilot08]

Yes...there are SO many ways to accomplish what I had done, but none of them cost less than what had spent. It was a project I attempted to do as a DIY'er and it worked for me just fine. If you find a way that you like, then good for you.