Smart Gate & Garage Doors
Every time I came home, I had to get near the gate and the garage door to open them with the remote controller, and then wait 20-30 seconds for them to open.
Time wasted!
Not to mention the times I would forget the remote entirely.
Introduction
There are many ways to automate gates and garage doors.
My first approach was to use smart relays that i wired with the original engines of the garage doors, it worked but it was not the best solution for me.
- Wi-Fi: Poor signal strength in the garage area
- Wasted smart relays: One for the gate and two for the garage doors
- Complex setup: Need to wire the original engines
The Approach
Use a simple remote controller triggered by a single Smart Switch Module
- Tuya Cloud
- Wi-Fi Based
Since my server isn't always online, I rely on the Tuya cloud. It's available 24/7, requires no subscription, and doesn't add to my energy bill.
I haven't set up a Zigbee network yet due to a lack of compatible devices and the simplicity of plug-and-play Wi-Fi.
Tools Used
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How It Works
One channel of the Smart Switch Module is wired across the contacts of a button on the Garage Door Remote.
It operates as a normally-open circuit: when the switch turns on, it closes the circuit and triggers the opener, simulating a button press.
I installed the setup between my router and the garage, and it has been performing flawlessly ever since.
I chose Tuya for its compatibility with Home Assistant, Apple Car-Play, Apple Watch and Apple Shortcuts.
Why this approach
Tuya Wi-Fi devices don't require a dedicated hub or server running 24/7, making everything simpler.
Tuya has its own app with Apple CarPlay support; being able to open the gate and garage directly from my car's display is awesome.
The Tuya app is also available on Apple Watch, which I use every day.
I've set up automations to automatically open the garage and then the gate when I'm leaving—and vice versa when I return. It feels like having a personal assistant handling everything for you.