Garage Doors

[chris_j_hunter]

Just to note, having been delving into the manual, that Hörmann garage door operators would be easy to bring into the Idratek compass, at least the ones with Supramatic E units (as ours) - take the back plate off, and there's a block with 24V, OV and open, close, toggle, disable, lamp, relay (programmable for function), and two sensor screw terminals, all easy to access & with most offering (IIUC) volt-free options - so good for connection to Idratek digital & relay modules ...

pages 30-31 49 & 51 refer :

http://www.hormann.co.uk/fileadmin/hormann.co.uk/Dokumentationen/Fitting_Operating_Instruction/Garage_Door_Operators//SupraMatic_E_P_Garage_Door_Operator_9_menu.pdf

seems likely other operators might also offer this ...

[stachoo]

We're using Normstahl. It works pretty fine, but the command and control options are quite limited - there is just one input for opening and closing that works as a toggle, so there is no way to be sure which way a half open gate will go. In standard, there is no external output indicating and the gate is fully opened or closed. I have installed two magnetic proximity sensors - same as the ones used for doors & windows to get this information.

[chris_j_hunter]

yep, the Hörmann operator has more options, but still doesn't offer a way of assessing where the door actually is, so adding reed switches is something we'll likely do, too - in a few weeks time, if things go to plan, so thanks for the thought !

we might also add a rolling-code board & remote, to substitute the toggle input, to improve security ...

having Cortex augment the in-built possibilities, in addition, could be quite useful - eg: it could up security levels by disabling the doors at night & during days away and/or enabling them only when needed/expected, switch lights inside & out sympathetically, call attention to malfunctions (doors stopped part-way, etc), provide extra control points (a QBI might provide up / down / stop / alarm, say), and ... hmm, there must be more !

[Geps]

To be fair if we're talking about designing a system from the ground up then I'd scrap the reed switches. I'd fit a microswitch at the bottom of the door and then use a hall effect sensor inside the housing. This can then count the rotations of the motor and you'll be able to get a position within 5cm accuracy or even less depending on motor design.

The microswitch can be used to reset and calibrate the system so you'll always have a reasonably accurate reading. Cortex could then query the controller and announce jams/forced openings etc.

[chris_j_hunter]

'wonder if microswitches in the typical garage environment might be less reliable that reed switches ?

[Geps]

I was thinking of using it inside the frame.

For reed switches though, what happens when you fit the reed switches, and I come along with my large magnet and prise open you're garage door and Cortex is none the wiser?

[chris_j_hunter]

then I guess we're back to having Cortex do some smart sensor fusion, to put two & two together !

[chris_j_hunter]

'wonder if this sensor might also play a part :

http://www.oomlout.co.uk/infra-red-distance-sensor-w-cable-p-229.html

(in other situations, too) ??