The garage door opener is part and parcel of your day-to-day activities with the purpose of ensuring smooth and secure access to the house or office. Nevertheless, experiences such as signal interference or security threats can leave one with no choice but to modify the operating frequency. For homeowners searching for garage door repair in West Palm Beach, FL, these issues often prompt attention.
In the case where the neighbor’s remote controls your own due to a mistake, or in case you have misplaced a remote and suspect intrusions, a change in the frequency is necessary. Here’s the step-by-step process in changing the frequency of the garage door opener and keeping the property secure with the opener running in perfect condition.
Identifying Opener Frequencies
Modern garage door openers operate on specific radio frequencies to communicate between the remote control and the main unit. Early models used a fixed code system set by small internal switches, which made them vulnerable to signal interception. An unauthorized person with a similar remote could potentially gain access simply by being within range.
To counteract this, the manufacturers implemented the idea of rolling code technology. What this does is create a new, encrypted access code every time the remote is used. The opener only accepts the next code in the sequence that the system produces, so it’s almost impossible for a person to replicate the signal. Knowing if your system’s codes are fixed codes or rolling codes is the first part in controlling its usage and security – essential knowledge for anyone interested in learning how to change the frequency of a garage door opener.
How to Change the Garage Door Frequency
Before you begin, make sure to take proper safety precautions. Unplug the garage door opener unit from the power source to prevent accidental operation while you are working. Also, have a sturdy ladder available to safely access the motor unit.
For Older, Fixed-Code Models
In an older opener with a code that can’t be changed, search for a set of tiny switches, commonly referred to as DIP switches, located in the remote control and in the main motor unit. You can identify them as numbered switches which can be reset up and down. When it comes to the garage door opener, change frequency by assigning a new, random configuration for the switches.
Important: The switch pattern in the remote must be the same as the pattern in the opener unit. After reprogramming the new code in the two devices, connect the opener and run some checks with the remote.
For Modern, Rolling-Code Models
New garage doors with rolling code technology no longer have DIP switches. On these doors, you are instead presented with a “Learn” button, which can be located at the back or at the motor unit’s side. You press and then release the button. A small LED light should then begin flashing, indicating the unit is in the learning state and available for matching with a new remote.
Within around 30 seconds, press and hold the button on your remote. The opener unit’s LED should become steady, if it’s flashing, or you should hear a click. This verifies the remote’s been properly reprogrammed for the new frequency.
To clear all the codes from the opener’s memory – a process we highly recommend if a remote does get lost or stolen – press and hold the “Learn” button for some six seconds or until the lighted portion of the indicator goes dark. When the memory’s been cleared, each of your current remotes must be reprogrammed.
Securing Your Garage Door
Reprogramming your garage door opener’s frequency regularly is a low-cost and high-impact method of upping the security at your property. It reduces the possibility of signal interference and discourages people from tampering, which provides added reassurance. If you’re a homeowner or a property manager at a commercial building, spending a couple of minutes reprogramming your opener can go a long way in keeping your access system secure and reliable, If you need help changing the frequency of the garage door opener or with any other garage door issues, be sure to call Top Service Garage Door Repair today!