A smart garage door controller
Have you ever left your home and wondered if you left the garage open? Me too. Even if you have a security camera, which can show if it’s open or closed, shutting the door is another story unless you have one of the newer Wi-Fi garage door openers.
An easy solution to control a non-Wi-Fi enabled garage door is to add the Nexx NXG-200 smart garage controller, which connects to existing Wi-Fi.
Before you order, check the Nexx website for compatibility with your existing opener. You must know the manufacturer and model. If that information isn’t available, they show you how to quickly test to determine if the opener is compatible with Nexx Garage, using a small wire, pliers or paper clip (my option).
If it’s not compatible, don’t worry; there is an adapter available ($24.99) to make it work.
Once you have the controller, installation only takes a few minutes. First, download the Nexx Home app (iOS and Android) and creating a free account.
Follow the step-by-step instructions, which shows images of the parts to connect. The main power supply of the controller gets plugged into the AC power the garage controller is in and then connected with the included wire, to the same terminals on the garage controller, which you tested for the compatibility.
The power supply is kept in place with tape, Velcro or cable ties. Plugging in the wire to those two terminals, which takes a second, is the only wiring required and there’s no hub or monthly subscriptions.
After it’s powered up and the proper lights are glowing, use the Nexx Home app to configure the setup to your Wi-Fi. The last step is the sensor pairing. After it’s paired, the sensor is attached to your garage door.
The Nexx NXG-200 (https://getnexx.com $79.99) works with voice assistants Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Siri and SmartThings.