---
name: garage-control
description: Smart garage door control — MyQ API shutdown context, ratgdo/OpenGarage local hardware alternatives, ESPHome/MQTT/HTTP integration, and Hermes-powered automation.
---

# Garage Control

Smart garage door open/close/status with local hardware — no cloud dependency.

## Background: MyQ API Is Dead

Chamberlain (MyQ) shut down third-party API access in November 2023. Home Assistant removed their official MyQ integration in the 2023.12 release. There is **no software workaround** — the cloud API is intentionally blocked.

**Do not** suggest MyQ API integrations, Home Assistant MyQ add-ons, or cloud-based MyQ workarounds. They do not work.

## Solution: ratgdo (Local Hardware)

[ratgdo](https://paulwieland.github.io/ratgdo/) is a $20-30 ESP32 board that wires directly to the garage door opener's serial port. It gives full local control with no cloud dependency.

### What it provides

| Protocol | Use |
|----------|-----|
| **ESPHome** | Simple HTTP REST API — `curl http://<ip>/cover/garage_door/open` |
| **MQTT** | Publish/subscribe for status and commands |
| **Apple HomeKit** | Native Siri/Home app control (via `homekit-ratgdo` firmware) |

### Compatibility

Which ratgdo board depends on the opener's learn button color:
- **Yellow learn button** (Security+ 2.0, post-2011): ratgdo v2.5+
- **Purple learn button** (older Security+): ratgdo v2.0+
- **Red/orange learn button** (pre-Security+): basic relay board or ratgdo v2.0

### Installation

The board connects to 3 terminals on the opener: GND, data (serial), and optionally obstruction sensor. Powered by the opener itself (no wall wart needed). Takes ~10 minutes.

### Hermes Integration

Once ratgdo is on the local network with ESPHome:

```bash
# Open garage
curl http://192.168.50.XXX/cover/garage_door/open

# Close garage
curl http://192.168.50.XXX/cover/garage_door/close

# Get status
curl http://192.168.50.XXX/cover/garage_door
```

Hermes can do all of these from the server via terminal, cron jobs (auto-close at night), or Telegram commands.

## Alternative: OpenGarage

[OpenGarage](https://opengarage.io/) is a similar ESP8266-based device with an ultrasonic distance sensor (detects if car is present). HTTP API, ~$50 pre-built.

## Pitfalls

- **Do NOT suggest MyQ API, cloud, or Home Assistant MyQ integration.** All are dead ends since November 2023. Lead with ratgdo.
- **ratgdo firmware choice matters.** ESPHome firmware exposes HTTP API; HomeKit firmware exposes Apple Home; MQTT firmware is for advanced automation hubs. Default to ESPHome unless the user has Home Assistant or wants Apple Home.
- **Wire order on the opener terminals matters.** GND first, then data. Reversing can damage the board.