Question:
Is there any place that sells something that could be tied into the
safety beam of my garage door opener to trigger a remote chime to
indicate someone/something has entered my garage when the door is
open?
It appears that the wires from the sensors to the door control carry
around 10.85 volts dc until the beam is broken when the voltage jumps
to around 12v. Would maybe the X10 Powerflash recognize the ~ 1v
difference and trigger an X10 receiver?
Answer:
I saw that one and similar products but I'd really prefer an electric
eye type detector. I don't want the chime going off while I move
around in the garage - only when something enters the garage. And
since the door opener's safety beam is already in place it seems
logical to use it.
If it is a Liftmaster/Chamberlain garage door opener check out their
options on their website or one of their main dealers. They have some
oddball stuff. Even some built in stuff that might suit your purpose
automation and auxilary light control. For instance when you trip the beam
on mine the light on the lift motor turns on. I would suggest you search
the interent armed with the model / part number of your opener.
Also, as some suggested the safety beam may be too low. Its no big deal to
raise it slightly. Those I have seen mounted only a few inches above the
floor could be misssed even accidentally. Raising it to a foot or may 18
inches should be no big trick and reduce the likelyhood somebody would
accidentaly miss passing through it.
