How to Control LiftMaster & Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door Openers in SmartThings

Recently I purchased a Chamberlain B1381T Smart Garage Door Opener. This is a belt drive opener that is equipped with battery backup. I am extremely pleased with this purchase. The Chamberlain belt drive is much quieter compared to my former screw drive opener.

When I purchased this opener I was fully aware that the Chamberlain and LiftMaster garage door openers were intended to be controlled via the MyQ app and were therefore not supported by SmartThings. However, I was hopeful that I might be able to get it to work with SmartThings.

After a little research, I stumbled across a video which demonstrated how to automate a garage opener by wiring a smart relay directly to the circuit board within the garage door remote. So I decided to test this method by wiring my GoControl Z-Wave Relay (used to automate my garage door opener) to my Chamberlain garage door remote control circuit board. It worked like a charm! I now have the ability to control my Chamberlain Opener within the SmartThings app.

Now I am satisfied with keeping my GoControl Relay to automate my garage door. I’ve used this particular relay for five years and it has proven to be very reliable. But because this particular GoControl Relay is now out of production, I decided to source a garage door relay which I could recommend to any one who might want to replicate this setup. So I purchased and began testing the Zooz ZEN16 Multi Relay. I have found this relay to be as capable and reliable as my GoControl Relay.

Hardware Needed for this Automation:

If you want to automate your LiftMaster or Chamberlain MyQ controlled garage door opener within SmartThings you’ll need to purchase a Zooz ZEN16 Z-wave MultiRelay and then pair the relay with your Aeotec or SmartThings hub. You will also need to solder two wires to the circuit board of one of your Chamberlain or LiftMaster garage door remotes. (Don't worry, this is easy to do and I provide instructions and illustrations below).

You will also need to purchase a Garage Door Tilt Sensor. The tilt sensor is essential for automations as it will permit you to see the open/close status of your garage door within the SmartThings app. I recommended Ecolink Garage Door Tilt Sensor listed below this article. This is the sensor that I have been using for over five years. It has outstanding battery life and it works very reliably.

Integrating Zooz Devices with SmartThings

NOTE: For full access to the following premium content, including links and step-by-step instructions to access the custom Zooz Edge Driver drivers, consider purchasing our “SmartThings Edge Driver Package” here. By enrolling in the Zooz Driver Channel, you can ensure compatibility between Zooz devices and SmartThings or Aeotec hubs. Our 30+ premium articles provide detailed guides and resources for a wide range of popular SmartThings-compatible devices, including Third Reality, Aqara, Xiaomi, Tuya, Ring, Zooz, Philips Hue, SmartWings, Zemismart, Dome, Aeotec, Inovelli, Shelly, and more. Additionally, premium content includes links to the SmartThings Edge Beta channel and TAustin’s Virtual Edge Driver channel, ensuring you have access to the latest integrations and custom drivers for your smart home setup.

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