Craftsman is introducing two new AssureLink-equipped garage door openers. Supported by the AssureLink Gateway network, the new garage door openers offer on-the-go access from any smartphone or PC with internet connection.
Why would you want something like this? Craftsman mentioned a number of useful situations – peace of mind for times when you forget if you closed the garage door or not, those times when a package arrives and nobody is around to take it inside, or if one’s kids or guests arrive and nobody is yet home to greet them.
Craftsman AssureLink Belt-Drive Garage Door Opener
Craftsman AssureLink Chain-Drive Garage Door Opener
Connecting one of the new garage door openers to the network involves 1) connecting the AssureLink Gateway to an internet router, 2) going online to register and activate the product, and 3) downloading the AssureLink iPhone or Android smartphone app. The garage door opener controls can also be accessed via Craftsman’s mobile website or the regular desktop website.
After the first year, which is free, a recurring activation fee of $20 a year applies.
Features:
- Soft-start/stop DC motor and chain drive for quiet, durable, operation
- Premium motion detecting wall control with timer-to close feature (program garage door opener to automatically close after one, five, or 10 minutes
- Keyless exterior entry pad
- Three-function remote controls (two)
- 200-watt, twin-panel lighting
- Automatic sleep mode, which conserves energy while the door is not operating
AssureLink™ DC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener with DieHard® Battery Back-up adds the following:
- DieHard® Battery Backup, which operates the garage door for up to 20 cycles after the power goes out
- Belt drive (steel reinforced), for the ultimate in quiet, durable, operation
- Upgraded wall control that adds LCD screen with time, temp, and garage door opener diagnostic functioning
Specifications
- Drive type: Chain (#30437) or Belt (#3043)
- Motor type: DC motor
- Voltage: 120-volt
- Certifications: UL (Underwriters Laboratories and FCC Federal
- Communications Commission) product certifications
- Motor warranty: Limited 10 year
- Carton dimensions (inches): 10.0W x 27.25L x 13.1H
- Shipping weight: 34.8 lbs. (#30437) and 37.8 lbs. (#3043)
MSRP is $290 for the chain-drive unit, $330 for the belt-drive with battery back-up.
Awesome. I’m excited for more smart home integration besides just lighting control.
It does look to be a nice implementation. Built-in WiFi might have been a little better, but potentially more difficult and costly to design into the opener.
I wonder who will be the first to hack these garage door openers to be used with an Arduino providing similar functionality and smartphone-connectivity.
I was thinking the first hack would be to write a web interface to use on the local network instead of going through the pay-per-year site. Provided the AssureLink gateway is a simple interface.
Hmm, it looks like it may be this device. Craftsman and Liftmaster are pretty much the same right? That could be ripe for an arduino/xbee hack. http://liftmaster.msipressroom.com/ekit/press/InternetGateway_FINAL.pdf
Wow, nice sleuthing! Details about the Liftmaster and MyQ Gateway still seem to scarce, but I haven’t seen mention of any subscription fee. It does look like there will be additional products debuting in 2012, which will definitely be interesting to see.