Your garage door motor works fine, but it’s missing features that make life easier and safer. Things like smartphone control, automatic alerts, and backup power during Brisbane storms aren’t built into older models.
We’re Doors Direct, a Brisbane-based garage door company that’s been upgrading motors since 2008. We know exactly which add-ons work with your existing Merlin opener without replacing the entire unit.
In this guide, you’ll learn about myQ smartphone control, battery backup for power outages, and IR safety beams that protect your family and pets. Ready to see what your current motor can do? Let’s get into it.
What Does the MyQ App Actually Do for Your Garage Door?
The myQ connectivity kit turns your standard garage door opener into a smart device you can control from your phone. You download the myQ app, connect it to your opener through the myQ gateway, and suddenly you’ve got remote access to your garage door from anywhere.
Checking Your Door From Anywhere
Open or close your garage door remotely through the myQ app when you’re at work or on holiday. The app shows you the door status in real time, so you know if someone left it open after school pickup.
And that’s where things get interesting. You can monitor your garage from your phone while you’re at the shops in Forest Lake or sitting at your desk. The myQ app sends you the current status instantly, which means no more wondering if you remembered to close the door.
Setting Up Access for Family and Tradespeople
The myQ app lets you invite up to five users who can control the garage door opener through their own smartphones (we’ve all been there with forgetful teens). You can set schedules that automatically close the door at night if your family forgets, or give guests temporary access that expires after a certain date.
This feature works well for delivery drivers or cleaners who need access without you handing over your remote. Your loved ones get the convenience they need while you keep control over who enters your home.
Getting Alerts When You Forget to Close It
Your phone buzzes with notifications if the door stays open longer than you want. The myQ app keeps track of your garage door opener and alerts you the moment something changes, so you’re never left wondering about the status.
You can also connect the system to Google Assistant or Alexa for voice commands. This comes in handy when your hands are full with groceries and you need to close the garage door without touching your phone or remote.
But smartphone control only helps when you’ve got power, which brings us to the next upgrade worth considering.
Battery Backup Systems That Keep Working During Outages
Brisbane storms roll through here and there throughout summer, and the power cuts can leave you stuck outside your garage. You can’t get inside during heavy rain (and yes, Brisbane weather doesn’t ask for permission before knocking out the power), or you can’t close the door to protect what’s stored in your garage.
Believe it or not, battery backup units attach to compatible Merlin motors and automatically kick in when the power drops. The unit gives you 20-30 door cycles during an outage, which is enough to get in and out multiple times until the power comes back on. One cycle means opening or closing the door once, so you’re covered for typical Brisbane storm outages that last a few hours.
The battery recharges itself when power returns, so you don’t need to replace it after every storm. These backup systems work with sectional doors and some roller door motors, though the compatibility depends on your specific Merlin opener model. The automatic switch happens instantly, so your garage door opener keeps working without you doing anything.
Which Garage Door Opener Upgrade Works with IR Beams?
IR beams add an invisible safety barrier across your garage door opening that stops the door if anything breaks the beam while closing. Let’s be honest here, this upgrade is especially important if you have kids or pets who play near the garage.
The compatibility gets specific with IR beam upgrades:
- Commander Elite MS105MYQ: Full support
- Commander Extreme MS125MYQ: Full support
- SilentDrive Elite MR855MYQ: Limited compatibility
- Essential range models: No support
The Australian safety standards AS/NZS 60335.2.95 require IR beams for smart-controlled garage door openers with myQ connectivity. You need them for safety compliance, not as an optional extra.
The beams mount on each side of your garage door opening and align to create the safety barrier. Once installed, the system prevents the door from closing on pets, kids, or objects in the doorway, giving you peace of mind.
Comparing Upgrade Options for Roller Doors and Sectional Doors
Not every upgrade works with every door type, so knowing your door style helps you choose the right additions. The motor housing design affects which features you can add to your garage door opener. Some motors have space for battery backup units, while others don’t. Here’s what works with roller doors:
Roller Doors with SilentDrive Motors:
- Accept myQ connectivity kits for smartphone control
- Limited battery backup options due to compact housing
- IR beam compatibility varies by motor model
- Works well for basic remote access upgrades
Now let’s look at what sectional doors can handle:
Sectional Doors with Commander Series Motors:
- Full myQ compatibility across all Commander models
- Complete battery backup support with easy installation
- Accept IR safety beams without modifications
- Handle all three upgrade types at once
The outcome is clear. Sectional doors with Commander series motors give you the most flexibility for upgrades. You can add myQ connectivity, battery backup, and IR beams all at once without compatibility issues. Roller doors work fine if you only want smartphone control, but you’ll hit limitations with battery backup and safety features.
How We Install Garage Door Opener Upgrades in Brisbane
Now that you know which upgrades work with your door type, here’s how the installation process actually works.
Ryan visits your property first to check if your current motor model supports the upgrades you want before we order any parts. This saves you time and money because you’re not buying equipment that won’t fit your garage door opener. The compatibility check covers your Merlin motor, the available space for mounting battery backup units, and whether your door has the right sensors for IR beams.
We handle the complete installation and test everything before leaving to make sure the myQ app connects properly or the battery backup activates correctly. We’ll walk you through setting up the myQ app on your phone and show you how to add family members or create temporary access codes. Most customers in Geebung and Nundah pick this up without breaking a sweat.
Seriously, isn’t this convenient? You get smartphone control, backup power, and safety features added to your existing garage door without replacing the entire motor or door.
Ready to Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener?
Adding smart features to your existing garage door opener costs less than replacing the whole system and gives you the convenience Brisbane families expect. You don’t need a brand new motor to get myQ smartphone control, battery backup for storm season, or IR safety beams.
Doors Direct handles the compatibility check, installation, and setup for myQ connectivity kits, battery backup units, and safety IR beams across Brisbane’s northside.
Call us on 3161 5963 or email info@doorsdirect.com.au to discuss which upgrades suit your current motor and door type. We offer competitive prices and free quotes for all garage door services.
