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Counter and Timer Modification for LiftMaster Operators - DDM Garage Doors Blog

Posted September 8th, 2020 at 4:10 pm by Dan Musick

In order to test the cycle life of different spring systems, we designed a Counter and Timer Modification for LiftMaster Operators. This modification allows the operator to close immediately after opening and to open immediately after closing. As a result, we can run the operator nonstop for days at a time so that a 10,000 cycle test can be completed in just a few days.

Parts Needed to Develop a Counter & Timer Modification for LiftMaster Operators

The first component is the counter, which registers the number of times the garage door opens and closes. See our post on counter wiring for more information on how to install an operator counter.

An image of a Garage Door Cycle Electric Impulse Counter.
This 24 Volt Counter identifies spring cycle life.

We also had to order a special timer. LiftMaster Operators have built-in timers that can be set to close the door at a prescribed time after opening. However, in order to open the door just after closing, we needed a special timer to trigger the open cycle.

A view of a garage door timer relay with relay socket.
This timer allows the door to open automatically after closing. It plugs into a separate socket for connecting the wires.

For our application, we needed to adjust the time frame to the nearest second. For other applications, we provide another timer that has multiple increments of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, etc. seconds.

An image of a Universal Garage Door and Gate Timer.
This timer is easy to set, but the timing is in larger increments.

Earlier, LiftMaster, PowerMaster, and Link operators used 24 volts to power the secondary circuit that included the limits and the open, close, and stop switches. Because of the lower voltage in the new operators, the counter needs to access the 24 volts coming from the secondary of the transformer. To do this, we use a special conversion kit to power the timer and counter.

A view of the components that are included with the conversion kit that provides power to activate the counter.
The components in this conversion kit provide power to activate the counter.

Equipped with our operator counter and timer, we are now able to test the cycle life of different garage door spring systems.

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