"RADIO CONTROLS"
They've been called every name known to THE DOOR MAN. The clicker, sun visor button, beeper thing and car control, etc. Actually, they're called transmitters. They're called transmitters because they transmit a radio signal to the receiver in the power head. The receiver is on circuit board. Some of the newest models, like the GENIE Pro-max, have an independent radio board, to maximize security.
All transmitters have a battery inside it. You should replace the battery once a year to protect it from acid damage. Most transmitters will have a 9-volt battery, and some will have a smaller one. Some batteries can discharge faster in the summer. If your transmitter has an LED light it will be brightest with a new battery. As the light gets dimmer your signal is getting weaker. If you can barley see the LED light, change the battery.
You may have heard stories about garage doors that mysteriously open when planes fly over. It's true. Older units can pick up stray signals, just like cordless phones that pick up other phones. Transmitters work in the 300-390mhz range. Each manufacturer uses a different frequency so some transmitters can't be coded to each other. The technology of today's transmitters is a digital signal, with billions of revolving codes that never repeat. With today's openers your garage door and opener have never been safer.
If you have an older unit and you want to change the code, you first need to open the transmitter. Most older style transmitters will have a blue, red or black rocker panel. Then there is an identical rocker panel on the power head. Some are visible from the outside; some are in the unit. Look for the antenna wire and follow it up. You can set the dip switches into any random pattern, just make sure the transmitter and the one on the opener are the same.
If any transmitter is ever stolen or lost you should change the codes. During the summer keep the transmitter out of direct sunlight. If it gets to hot in your car the plastic case can warp. New ones are about $25.
If you want the security of digital revolving codes, you can buy a new external receiver with transmitters or buy a new opener. A new receiver w/ trans. can cost $80-100 or more and openers are $250-300. THE DOOR MAN recommends the whole new unit. Most new units have all the latest technology and some are quieter.
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