The Evolution of Garage Door Controls

Since their invention in the mid-twenties, automatic garage doors and their control systems have constantly been changing. As technology continues to change rapidly, the systems used to operate our automatic garage doors also undergo change. In recent years, the technology behind opening garage doors has undergone some drastic changes. 

The Earliest Garage Door Control System

The earliest automatic garage door opener was invented in 1926 by C.G. Johnson. However, it wasn’t an instant success and didn’t become popular until after World War II. The early models could be opened via a key pad located on a post outside of the garage or via a switch inside of the garage. 

The Move to Electricity 

The early garage door opener invented by C.G. Johnson was a step forward technologically but due to the fact that it wasn’t wireless, it had limitations. Wireless remotes were invented in 1931. As it turns out, two sets of US inventors developed wireless garage door openers at the same time. They didn’t know each other and their designs were different.

Both the remotes were actually built into cars themselves, with one system using a white noise frequency to unlock the door, and the other using a more advanced code-pulse system. The white noise system generated white noise at the right frequency to unlock the door, while the code-pulse system was more advanced, even being able to stop itself if something was under the garage door.

There were problems with the openers though, because as suburban areas became more densely populated people’s garages were in range of each other’s remote controls. The system used in the controllers meant that if your opener was listening for the same frequency as your neighbours, both doors would open or close at the same time. The systems have since been much improved upon.

Our Modern Control Systems 

Here are our four most popular garage door remote controls:

• Handheld transmitters – These remote controls will allow you to open your garage door at the touch of a button. It’s as simple as pressing a button to open the doors and then again to close it. Handheld transmitters can also be programmed to control other things such as exterior lights.
  
• Digital keypads – Digital keypads rely on a PIN which you will need to enter to gain access to your garage door. The codes can be altered, making them perfect for work environments when staff changeovers may be common.
  
• Transponder switches – Transponder switches open the garage door by being waved in front of a reader which will be attached to your garage’s exterior. They are particularly suitable for situations where multiple people need quick access throughout the day.
  
• Fingerprint scanners – These remote controls are perfect for those of you who feel security is your biggest concern. Unless someone can create a copy of your fingerprint, there is no way they will be able to open your garage door.
  

Interested in upgrading to an automatic garage door? We can help, call us on 01603 787069 or email us on sales@autodoorsandgates.co.uk. 

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