Gargage Door Opener Hardwire -- Thanks Itzkirb

[Boca996]

ITZKIRB has really outlined an easy DIY garage door opener button. I hated having the clicker on my visor or in my armrest. I must say his instructions are great and it really works...NO MORE CLICKER! Just a nice standard button in my rear center console.

Thanks Kirby! :beer:

[996scott]

Do you just tuck the board under the ashtry or what do you do with it? And do you need any special kind of wire? Thanks in advance. I think I just found my next project. Scott

[Boca996]

Scott,

When you remove the section that houses the ashtray and connected buttons, the rear area is very open. I wrapped the circuit board and wires (but not the battery area) with friction tape (Lowes in the electrical section) to eliminate any potential unwanted noise. I basically just tucked it back in that area. It really works great!

One other thing to keep in mind. The circuit board has a button connected to it that is basically what is pushed to open the door (fyi...the solder connection is to the other side of the board to this button). You need to have this button covered with a piece of plastic to prevent battery drain or unwanted door opening and closing in the event the circuit board button gets pressed against the wall or floor of the inside of the rear console.

Regarding the wire. I used 16 guage wire with 14 to 16 guage connectors which are indicated in Kirby's pictures in his DIY.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[996scott]

Thanks for the info. I was going to order the opener from Shark World (I think that is the name), but they want something like $230.00. This should basically be the exact same thing for less than $50.00. Thanks again. Scott

[Boca996]

Scott,

I'm unfamiliar with Sharkworld, but the parts cost me about $30 for the switch and $10 for misc connectors and wire, assuming you already have the opener.

[Itzkirb]

Yes, the switch is the most expensive part, since it's a Porsche Item.

The wiring and plugs you can get at any Radio Shack for under $20 I believe. The only reason I used 16gauge wire was I had some laying around. I'm sure you could use any guage cause if you look at factory wires they are pretty skinny.

[firewired]

If you put it by the ash tray, how hard would it be (for those of technically impaired) to run off the power of the ash tray light so we never need to replace batteries?

[Itzkirb]

It shouldn't be that difficult, all dependant on your opener. I would imagine you'd just need to connect two more wires. One positive and one negative.

I see 2 issues...

1. The power from the light or where ever you connect it to your car has too much voltage and fry's your opener.

2. If you're connecting it to the light it would have to be on for the garage door opener to work/get power. I would connect it to something that has constant power like the lighter socket.

Those are the only issues I can think of. The batteries of the opener should last a long time, I just find it easier and safer to change the battery.

[firewired]

Itzkirb,

If that were the case, why couldn't you just power the home link remote with power off the nearby window switch?

[Itzkirb]

You could use the window switch, but (I think) it only has power when the car is on and when you turn off the car the windows only has power for a few minutes or until a door is opened.

The Lighter socket has constant power all the time.