What is the most crucial part of an Arduino garage door? Undoubtedly, the sensor will get the most votes for sure. It opens and closes the door while ensuring protection for you, your pet, and your valuable belongings. But malfunctioning of the Arduino garage door sensor can pose safety hazards.
Obstructed signal transmission, uncleaned sensor, misalignment sensor eye, damaged wiring of the photo eye, etc., are common problems. Happily, fixing these errors is a small deal. You can solve the issue yourself. However, calling a professional mechanic is important if you are unconfident.
Here is a list of Arduino garage door opener sensor problems and fixation methods.
Why is My Arduino Garage Door Sensor Malfunctioning?
Generally, garage door sensors’ lifespan is 10 years. However, they can malfunction anytime and due to multiple reasons.
Find the below points mentioning the reasons for the Arduino garage door sensor not working problem.
1. Blocked Signal Transmission
All garage door openers feature 2 sensors, and Arduino is also no exception. These are positioned a few centimeters above the ground.
One sensor LED is red-colored, known as the sender’s eye. The other one is a green-colored LED known as the receiving eye.
Your Arduino garage door will stop working if the sensor eyes are blocked or obstructed. Even a thin piece of paper can obstruct the sensor.
For this reason, a swipe of the sensor eye using a soft and clean cloth regularly.
If the problem still exists after cleaning the sensor eyes, the problem might be with the metal brackets. Check the position of the metal brackets. Transmission may be obstructed if they are along with the sensor’s level.
The sensors deliver electromagnetic signals, and metal can absorb such signals. For this reason, the signal can be blocked by the metal brackets.
In this case, adjust the position of the sensors. Install the sensors higher than the metal brackets.
2. Uncleaned Sensors
Dust and dirt can accumulate in the sensors if you always keep the Arduino garage door open. Also, moisture can block the sensor’s signal if you live in a rainy area. Moreover, spiderwebs may gather in the sensor if you fail to clean the sensors periodically.
Fortunately, troubleshooting the uncleaned sensor is extremely straightforward. Keep the garage door sensor clean with a soft cloth. It will prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, water, moisture, etc.
3. Misaligned Sensor Eye
The Arduino garage door sensor will fail to send and receive signals if misaligned. Spotting this error is also easy.
Begin with checking the sensors’ position. Are they pointed or slanted outwards/inwards? Also, they probably misaligned due to an accidental hit.
Then, check the green LED light. In normal vision, you may find that they are aligned but if you notice a flickering green LED, be sure the alignment of the sensors has a problem.
Follow the below points for misaligned sensor eye,
- Locate the wing nut available next to the LED light. Loosen it.
- Keep on turning the eye slowly until the green LED stops flickering
- Fasten the wingnut
Wiggling the sensor is another solution to the error. You will see a stable green LED when the sensors are perfectly aligned. While doing so, be careful not to damage the metal brackets.
4. Defective Wiring of the Photo Eye
Photo eye wiring provides the required amount of electricity to perform its function. In the case of a defective wire, the sensors will stop working.
Look for the below signs,
- Rusted cords
- Loose connections
- Bite marks
- Pierced, pinched, or cracked wire insulation
If you find any signs mentioned earlier, consider replacing the wiring. The below video will help you complete the wiring replacement process efficiently.
5. Sunlight
Does your garage door opener sensor show inefficient performance at specific times of the day? The reason is the sunlight. If sunlight enters your garage, the Arduino garage opener sensor may stop performing.
Signal transmission can also be blocked by sunlight. Your garage door sensor may consider sunlight an obstruction and mayn’t close.
According to experts, switching the sensor’s sides would be best. For instance, if the receiver eye is on the right side, remove it and install it on the left side.
Check whether this trick works. If not, then consider installing sun shields over the sensors. This way, the sensors won’t malfunction because of sunlight.
6. Faulty Photo Eye
As mentioned earlier, the photo eye sends the signal to your Arduino garage door; the sensor may stop working due to a faulty one.
You will have to check the issue to confirm if the problem is really with the photo eye.
Consider looking at the amber light of the sending eye. If you notice a flashing light rather than a solid, be sure the sensor has an issue.
Replacing the part is the only solution to this problem.
7. Regular Wear & Tear
Like all other electrical devices, Arduino garage door sensors get damaged over time. Most users use them 5 – 7 times a day. That is why they deliver efficient performance for up to 10 years.
If your garage door sensors’ lifespan reaches their end time and stops performing, replacement is the best solution.
FAQ
What are the common causes of Arduino garage door sensor problems?
A garage door sensor of Arduino malfunctions due to the below common causes,
* Obstruction in the pathway of the sensor
* An issue with the power supply of the sensor
* Not illuminated LED lights
* The sensors need cleaning to remove dust and dirt build-up
* Sensors are poorly aligned
How do I know if my garage door sensor is good?
In order to know if your garage door sensor is bad, do the following.
* Grab a cupboard or other everyday objects
* Put it in the pathway of the sensors
* Then press the remote control to close the garage door
* Is your garage door reversing? For a positive answer, ensure the garage door has no problem.
What type of sensor is usually used in an Arduino garage door?
The Arduino garage door features infrared sensors like all other standard openers. These sensors are installed on both sides of the door, roughly 6 t. above from the ground. After pressing the remote control, it sends an infrared signal to the sensors and performs accordingly.
Is the garage door sensor light always on?
You may see an illuminated garage door sensor Led only if the light feature is activated. The LED will turn on automatically, and you will never have to enter a dark garage. Now, you may experience a flashing or blinking LED light if there are problems with the photo eye sensors.
Final Words
An Arduino garage door sensor may not work for several reasons. Some of the common culprits are regular wear and tear, blocked sensor, faulty electrical wiring, etc.
Whenever you see any issue with the sensors, consider troubleshooting by following the above methods. However, if you are unconfident, call a professional mechanic to solve any issue.
