I just ran a push button switch from my remote to the fairing. Left the battery in the remote & I'm done. Just seems easier to me!

 

This is starting to make sense. If when running the GDO in its stock configuration (off 12v battery) it only pulls power from the battery when the switch is pushed, then that would preserve battery life in that it is only used when needed. When wired as I have it, if the switch is only triggered from the bikes battery (engine not running) when in the garage or from idle when returning to enter the garage, all should be good.

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

Re my suggestion to use the momentary contact switch to provide 12v to trigger the the remote (that has been rigged to have the opener contact closed) the 12v should not be a problem running through the momentary switch as it is such a low amperage draw.
I think I will mess around with my opener to see if I can get dialed in using this idea. I may not use a odo reset switch, rather see what type of water-proof mini-switch I can find at a marine supply or on-line.
I suggest running 12v through the momentary switch through a voltage regulator set to the battery voltage of the opener battery (2aa's, 2 aa's 9v cube?) then to the opener contacts

 

I've been using the same 12v genie gdo for over 3 years powered by my headlight hi/lo switch. Never had a problem

btw, this mod has been discussed many times in the dyi sticky

 

I know Im resurrecting an older thread but I just want to be clear here. Doesn't our bikes have a regulator system on the wiring harness that keeps all of the accessories (speedo, etc) at an even 12v? or does this fluctuate? Just wondering if its necessary to have a voltage reg on a Garage door opener that was only engineered to operate on a 12v DC battery.

I have seen many threads on wiring in a Garage opener but this is the only thread so far that questions the technical proper way to wire it. Im not a firm believer in "it will work but with restrictions (maybe only at idle)". Id rather build it properly so its idiot proof. Or perhaps Garage openers circuitry are spec'd to handle +14v?

Id love to go the hard wire route but not if hard wiring it into place can potentially cause me problems and burn the opener out. id but the voltage reg on Ebay but dont know how Id hide it. Plus the posting is gone and dont know which one to get.... maybe one of these? What amp output on the regulator? the silver one is smaller. Ill include 3 links. Im not an electrician so please tell me if this looks wrong.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement-...item43dd576093

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-DC-Volta...3D200687900674

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-display-...item541ccad502
Great replies gang! Glad someone started this.

 

I thought this thread title looked familiar...

I have been running the genie GDO wired to the orange wire for + and a common ground. I use an odometer reset switch to open the door and this has worked flawlessly since I posted this in 2012.

 

Here's a 2 component circuit that will supply 12 volts with enough current for your GDO.


In 14 VDC o----{ R1 }----l-------o Out 12 VDC
.................................. _l_+
................................... /\ Zener
.................................... l
.................................... l
................................. //// Ground


R1- 100 ohm resistor, Radio Shack part # 271-1108
Zener- 12 Volt Zener Diode, Radio Shack #276-0563 (1N4742A)

 

Trying to read your symbols. So if im reading your diagram right, Its Bikes 14VDC to 100 ohm resistor to Zener Diode to Garage door opener +pos then garage door opener common to common ground? Not sure what the _|_+ is.

Looks like the zener diode has a power dissipation of 1watt max. wouldn't I need a zener that dissipates 2w? or does the resistor keep the voltage at an even 12v? This looks like a pretty easy and cheap $4 setup! I just wish I was a better DIY electrician.

Thanks again!
Rich

 

Hi Rich, I'll try this diagram again, The Zener is rated at 1 watt continuously when regulating to 12 volts. The 100 ohm resistor limits the current so you cannot source anything near that. Your garage door opener 'might' briefly consume 10 milliamps of current when transmitting, or about 0.12 of a watt.

........................100 ohm Resistor
+14 volts in o-----{][][][}------x------o +12 volts out to GDO
............................................|
....Ground //// -----{][][]||}----l
....................................\
...........................Black band (+) end of Zener connects to Resistor and GDO

 

Okay, Thanks for the diagram!! I'm still trying to wrap my head around this so dont laugh to hard if this is all wrong. I made a drawing (See "Attached Thumbnails") but I don't think it looks right after I made it. take a look. Can you have a ground between the bikes positive and GDO?

Also- found a +12v fixed regulator 7812... would this work? or this adjustable regulator LM2941ct- but the current output is 1.0 amp.
http://comingsoon.radioshack.com/rad...l#.VXRym0b0dSk
I know I could just put a battery on the GDO and be done with it but Im like a dog with a bone with this one. Thanks a ton for your help.

Oh... BTW, found this to be good reading on the subject.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...te-Car-voltage

AND, my original question still stands... isnt the voltage already regulated on the entire wiring harness including where I would be tapping in to connect a garage door opener?