Detect open garage door

gringler · January 25, 2009, 04:56:37 PM

Hi All,

Quick question : what would be the simplest method to detect that my garage door is open ?
I would like to have AHP send me an email alerting me that the door is open...

Thoughts ?

Jsnlong · January 25, 2009, 06:03:37 PM

Simple is to get a DS10A and then make sure you have the on alert and smart macro plug in for AHP.

The DS10a is a door and window sensor.
http://www.x10.com/security/ds10a_s.html

Don't buy on for $19 cause they have all kinda of deals to get more then on at a better price like this 6 for $19.... good old X10

HA Dave · January 25, 2009, 06:59:49 PM

Quote from: gringler on January 25, 2009, 04:56:37 PM
Quick question : what would be the simplest method to detect that my garage door is open ? I would like to have AHP send me an email alerting me that the door is open...

I use Powerflash module (PF284) in conjunction with a wide-gap magnetic switch for my garage door open reminder. Thanks to the wide-gap switch and the strong non-RF signal of the powerflash... this setup can be very easy to work with.

I use my setup to power a small decorative lamp as well as a (BVC) computer voice announcement that can be seen here in my YouTube Video.

gringler · January 25, 2009, 07:44:47 PM

Thanks Jsnlong & Dave_X10_L for your input !

The wide magnetic switch Dave mentions looks "indestructible", and designed for heavy traffic.

The DS10A however, seems to be very small....
Assuming most garage doors + rail systems are very similar, where and how would you place the DS10A sensors to detect if the garage door is open or closed ?

Thoughts ?

HA Dave · January 25, 2009, 08:39:41 PM

Quote from: gringler on January 25, 2009, 07:44:47 PM
The DS10A however, seems to be very small.... Assuming most garage doors + rail systems are very similar, where and how would you place the DS10A sensors to detect if the garage door is open or closed ?

The DS10A reed-switch has a nice working gap. Although I put my reed switch at the top of the door... the track-part would work nice too.

Don N · January 25, 2009, 09:47:27 PM

Here's a slightly different approach ... although quite similar to Dave_x10_L solution. I used the magnetic switches from the DS10A Door and Window sensor and wired them to a PowerFlash module. The switch is located on the side of the door. The switches have been in place on both garage doors for about two years with no problems. A light is turned on in our Foyer when the door is left open after dark. The light also serves as an entry light when we get home late at night ... hmmm that's generally before 10:00 pm. ::)

HA Dave · January 26, 2009, 02:53:57 AM

Quote from: Don N on January 25, 2009, 09:47:27 PM
... I used the magnetic switches from the DS10A Door and Window sensor and wired them to a PowerFlash module.

I have thought of replacing my "stainless steel 2 inch gap OVER-KILL magnetic reed switch" with one from a DS10A. Then I could recycle the stainless steel one to the gate outside.

SimonG · August 27, 2009, 06:32:02 AM

Dave's link to the sensor at Automated Outlet is broken so here is a link to all their garage door sensors...

http://www.automatedoutlet.com/Home/Garage-Door-Sensors

HA Dave · August 27, 2009, 09:04:15 AM

Quote from: SimonG on August 27, 2009, 06:32:02 AM
Dave's link to the sensor at Automated Outlet is broken so here is a link to all their garage door sensors...
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/Home/Garage-Door-Sensors

Thanks SimonG!
Mean while I've been using the extra DS10A magnetic [reed] switch with no problems. I really this method of detection, it's very reliable.

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Detect open garage door