Is there a device on the market (something simple I hope) that can be preset to close a typical garage door in, say, two hours? For example, if my garage door is open, I'd like it to close automatically after two hours.
The door has all the safety features so it won't close if something is in the way.
Did searching for "garage door closer" not turn these up for you?
If you're interesting in building something, I've put some plans at homeauto.usandthem.com. It uses a PIC, and can be built for ~$20.
It's got a delay range of 5-68 minutes (but this can be changed in the PIC code.
I've not posted the PIC code yet, but can get you a copy. Contact me thru the email address on the site.
Are either of these X10 aware? Can I control them from my Smarthome x10 controller? I looked at the Smarthome link but didn't see anything about x10.
Your original query didn't mention that you were looking for X10 control only "automatic" operation which these do. I don't know which Smarthome controller you have or how sophisticated it is, but if it can start timers you could attach a sensor to the door and a Powerflash Module and then use a Universal Module to close the button contacts to close the door. Example:
IF: G-1 ON is received from Powerflash by controller (door is open) THEN: Delay 2 Hours Nested IF: G-1 is ON Nested THEN: Turn G-2 ON (to trigger Universal Module to send momentary contact closure)
However, this little event would need further tweaking to avoid unexpected operation (like cancelling the countdown if G-1 OFF is received from closing the door. With the items I cited you don't need to bother with X10 control at all.
wrote:
X10 is not a good idea for garage doors. The reason being, is that someone can plug into an outside outlet, try all the codes, and get into your garage. what's suggested in a "x10 tips" manual I got someplace years ago, is that if you do use x10, you use two or more different modules, with one plugged into the other, so to open/close the garage door, it would be a sequence like:
f2 on m7 on m7 off f2 off
(m7 plugged into f2)
m7 on by itself wouldn't do anything, but it's the one that really controls the GD button.
I've tried different things, including hardwire back to the controller, and even 1-wire back to a PC, but to be honest, I moved to a stand alone solution.
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