Another IOLinc/Garage Door/ISY on/off reed switch question

[kmhpaladin]

I apologize in advance if this has been answered previously, but I've been searching for the last hour plus and haven't seen a definitive answer.

 

I just purchased a new Insteon Garage Door kit with the IOLinc and reed switch. I quickly got it set up on my garage door, but "Garage Door-Sensor" reads "On" when the door is closed and "Off" when the door is open.

 

I experimented with switching the "motor wire" between the "NC" and "NO" contacts on the IOLinc, but this appeared only to affect the garage door opener button on the wall. Taking a step back, I didn't see how that would affect how the IOLinc treats the sensor, because the reed sensor is connected to the "Sense" and "Ground" contacts.

 

After further searching, it appears that Smarthome at some point stopped sending the kit with a reed switch that can be selected between "Normally Open" and "Normally Closed" operation. This would seem to suggest why some historical posts indicate that it's possible to switch the sensor operation to get the desired result. Also, historical posts refer to colored wires that I think point to this 'switchable' nature, but the current kit only comes with white wires.

 

I know the "Trigger Reverse" option could conceivably switch the signal from the IOLinc, but it appears every day at 3am this would get 'un-reversed' and lead to its own set of problems.

 

I did set up a Scene with the Sensor and a Keypadlinc button (non-toggle on) as controller, and the Relay as a responder. It functions as desired except the light is on when the door is closed. I would like the button to be lit only when the door is open.

 

At this point I'm at a bit of a loss how to proceed. Is it possible to purchase an "NO/NC" reed switch and replace the Smarthome reed switch to get the desired output? Am I missing something fundamental here? Thanks for any thoughts.

Edited March 13, 2016 by kmhpaladin

[Teken]

That's correct just purchase the correct reed switch from eBay and move forward.

 

 

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The highest calling in life is to serve ones country faithfully - Teach others what can be. Do what is right and not what is popular.

[jerlands]

The Seco-Larm SM-226L-3Q is a very popular choice and includes both NO and NC contacts.

 

 

Jon...

[Brian H]

The original garage door kit from Smarthome did have the NC/NO magnetic switch in it. That they later changed to a lower cost one.

Here is what use to be in the kit.

http://www.smarthome.com/seco-larm-sm-226l-3-magnetic-garage-door-contact-switch.html

 

As pointed out. Other vendors may also have such switches.

Edited March 13, 2016 by Brian H

[kmhpaladin]

thank you all for your responses, at least I'm not going crazy! It's a bit frustrating that Smarthome is including a cheaper reed switch that doesn't seem to suit the "Garage" functionality that most people would desire. It would seem like it would be better to buy a standard IOLinc, an NO/NC reed switch separately, and supply your own wire and probably save a few bucks in the process.

 

I did find this simple NO/NC switch on Amazon for half the price of the Seco-Larm switch. Should be able to cut off the existing switch, keep the wiring I've already run, and go from there.

 

Thanks again folks!

[jerlands]

One consideration... you might look into wide gap vs standard gap for garage doors?

 

 

Jon...

[stusviews]

The linked to magnetic contact switch needs to be fairly close, less than 1/2" for reliability.

[kmhpaladin]

Just wanted to follow up on this and thank the people who responded. I bought the 'Philmore' reed switch from Amazon and installed the switch side in "Normally Open" mode, leaving the Smarthome magnet on the garage door. There's about a half inch of gap between the two and it functions properly now. Thanks!