Locally Hosted Smart Security+ 2.0 Garage Door w/ the ratgdo Project

After 15 years, my garage door motor died, and when the new one was installed my existing Go Control relay system didn’t work any longer. This is a problem many others have experienced when upgrading their garage doors. The reason for this is that modern garage doors lock down their systems with something called Security+ 2.0. This stops conventional relays systems from working and therefore relegates most existing systems to the dustbin.
Thankfully, there is an open-source project that solves this problem called ”ratgdo”. It provides support for Security+ 2.0 garage door motors, allowing them to be controlled over WiFi using MQTT from systems such as HomeAssistant or using conventional contact relays.
When I stumbled upon the project I knew I had to create this video to share what ratgdo is and all the great features it has to offer. To dive deeper into the project beyond my knowledge, I got chance to speak with the author of the project Paul Wieland. Paul was gracious enough to spend a while talking on all aspects of his project. We discuss how the project started, how it works besides the scenes, and what’s next for ratgdo in the future.
ratgdo Project: github.com/PaulWieland/ratgdo
ESP Home ratgdo Fork: github.com/ESPHome-RATGDO/esp...
Mounting Box: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
USB Power Cable: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...

[@jermanoid]

MyQ just sold a whole lot of ratgdos by posturing to close up their "api" and trying to lock people into using the MyQ doodoo cloud. The ratgdo and Paul Wieland's name is bouncing all over the place in the home assistant universe right now. haha.

[@gdoggy1678]

Yup, just ordered mine due to the API lockdown.

[@thadrumr]

Same here I just ordered two of these for my openers due to the MyQ API crap. I will keep MyQ for sharing access to my home but the RatGDO will be nice for automation using Home Assistant.

[@phuz_]

All this tech and still a lousy internet connection. LOL Thanks for sharing this Paul. I came here to hear your info on the Sec+2.0 and rolling codes over the wire, which is ridiculous. Many of us are having issues with your MQTT firmware implementation(s) where it just stops controlling.

[@mikeneal12]

Wonderful interview with Paul. Thank you for this! I loved hearing how he reverse engineered the wall button's controller and protocol. Very cool. 👏

[@rogerstechtalk]

Glad you enjoyed the interview!

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

Beaver in the wild! Beautiful! Thanks Paul!

[@Pabla98]

I just ordered one to test out before order 7 more for other installs. Looks fairly straight forward, would love to see a wiring guide in another video will also help a lot of others. Time to ditch MyQ and their greedy habits.

[@d96634]

def need a wiring guide. that would be great

[@Hiwinders]

I just got my first one and it works really well with home assistant. I'm ordering more for my other garage doors 🙂

[@Chad_at_Big_CAT_Networking]

Really enjoyed seeing him interviewed and hearing his story on how he got the project where it is today. I ordered 2 a year ago and liked them, but I nerd out on these kind of things and run home assistant. Without it being as easy as a dedicated app or homekit I don't think I could recommend these to non-technical friends and family. Another huge help would be if you could use one board for multiple doors. If you really want to get the word out I think it would be awesome if he could get a few boards sent to Linus for his garage door situation that I don't think he ever solved.

[@rogerstechtalk]

Yeah, I agree while it's pretty easy to setup, it's still more for tinkers.

[@JoeCole1]

Thanks for sharing this! I impulse bought ratgdo and have it flashed with the ESPHome version. I only have stranded 18 gauge wires though, so I'm waiting on some better wiring to actually install! Your video helped kick my butt into gear.

[@rogerstechtalk]

Glad to hear! Yeah, better to use solid 22 gauge wire for the connection. I went over to my local hardware store to buy some. Let us know when you get everything setup!

[@ghettogodfather649]

Love this concept. I bought two of these and got them going pretty quickly. Just placed an order for two more to help my neighbor out. Working on a zwave relay solution too.

[@rogerstechtalk]

Awesome, glad to hear! Yeah, you can connect a zwave relay to the dry contacts on the ratgdo and trigger the garage door that way if you wanted. I also prefer my smart devices to be on zwave vs. wifi, but for ratgdo I don't have any issues with it being on WiFi.

[@FeistyAcorn]

The Home Assistant MyQ integration isn't working again... I just ordered two of these. Really excited to have local control of my garage doors. Thanks Paul for coming up with a solution!

[@rogerstechtalk]

Great to hear! They are awesome, you won't be disappointed.

[@neil12011]

Using one of these to interface with my Control4 system. Works great so far!

[@dudley810]

Now another person knows assembler other than Steve Gibson. Great Story.

[@codycodes]

Chamberlain just referred me here 🎉 awesome video, can't wait to automate with ratgdo!

[@rogerstechtalk]

It's the best!

[@SilentRush420]

Just ordered one on backorder! Let's hope it comes soon!

[@rogerstechtalk]

Nice!

[@Diamonddrake]

Like many I was a myQ just ordered a ratgdo waiting for the backorder. Thanks Paul for being so dedicated to supporting all garage door openers. Is the schematic closed source? I can't seem to find it.

[@stevedowns8601]

Thanks Roger. This is super helpful given MyQ no longer works with Home assistant. - Steve Downs (a former Citrite :) ).

[@rogerstechtalk]

Been awhile Steve! Glad you enjoyed the video and hope you get setup with ratgdo soon.

[@hiz99]

Did you connect anything to the right side of the board (the optional side on the schematics on ratgdo documentation)? or only the 3 main wires?

[@daviddonnelly8406]

Great video. I have installed ratgdo without any issues on my Home Assistant. However, the garage door will not open or close. All existing remotes work. Verified all wiring. Obstruction sensor in ratgdo reports when obstructed and when clear. But garage door will not respond from Home Assistant. Any suggestions on troubleshooting?

[@johnkates5127]

Will this work with a lift master gate opener?

[@tmeredyk]

great video. bought one of these a few months ago, works great. anyway you can get a BOM for this project or a schematic from the author? i feel like the board is quite big for what it is and i would like to spin up my own custom one

[@rogerstechtalk]

Glad to hear!! I would reach out to Paul (the author) directly and ask.

[@twennywonn]

Just installed 2 of these and they are freaking awesome. Is there anything MyQ can do to block this? Like can they send a firmware update?

[@daviddonnelly8406]

How do you select the security option (1+, 2, etc). I am configuring using mqtt, but no security options show during the setup/configuration. Suggestions?

[@daviddonnelly8406]

I think it has been resolved and for community information: Long story - very short. Reflashed ratgdo for mqtt. All went very well. On the ratgdo web page, at the bottom, there is a Control Protocol selection. I totally missed this (MY BAD - BIG TIME). I saw and focused on the firmware update at the top of the page. (tunnel vision) However, I selected Security +1, and then updated the firmware to V2.1. The system was updated and rebooted. However, the garage door would not respond. So - reflashed, firmware reinstall complete, selected Security +1, DID NOT update the firmware to V2.1 and ratgdo works. So, for me anyway, the firmware update is titled: ratgdo_esp8266_v2.1.bin. And the update description would seem to indicate I need to update as I am using Home Assistant. But I now believe the update label means the firmware update is for esphome….not mqtt. So, as of right now, ratgdo works as advertised.

[@BruhMan_5]

Do you know if there are any plans to get this to work with other encrypted GDOs like the Ryobi one and their pos wifi.

[@rogerstechtalk]

I don't. I would reach out to the author to see if he has any info.

[@DraganMoraca]

Hello, Amazing information, last few weeks my My-Q garage door Home assistant integration is down. How many garage doors I can connect to one atgdo shield with ESP8266 D1 Clone BACKORDER? Thank you

[@rogerstechtalk]

I'm not sure, but i'd ask on the official github page: github.com/PaulWieland

[@Rob_65]

We all know, and accept, that modern alarm systems have tamper-proof sensors so burglars have a harder job in trying to disable the alarm system and enter my building. We also buy expensive cylinder locks that are tamper proof and pay extra money for those locks to have a certain "security" logo on it. Yet, Paul finds it strange that the simple 2-wire button on wired garage door remotes is replaced by a more secure one. Opening the garage door using a 2-wire switch seems a next level of allowing burglars to enter my house 😲

[@Rob_65]

Unfortunately after about 15 minutes I had to stop listening to Paul's very interesting explanations. The audio quality of that video call is bad enough to distract me from listening to the content of his story. If there is any way to improve this and share it again, I really love to listen to this. P.s: It's amazing how we can watch a 4k movie with surround sound that looks and sounds perfect. Yet, a simple video call always seems to have problems.

[@MattKlimmer]

Is the esphome fork a better way to go?

[@rogerstechtalk]

It's what I use. I just think it's easier for integration with Home Assistant for automations since it exposes more entities directly without manually creating them from MQTT messages.

[@redstormsju777]

Is the device getting power from a usb plug? If so, what voltage? Can it be done with a wire connected to the door motor?

[@KhayamGondal]

USB can be powered with 5v or the vcc pin on board with 3.3v. don't use the opener power that's either 12v or 24v

[@redstormsju777]

@@KhayamGondal thank you. I saw on Reddit that someone saying their unit isn’t getting enough power from a 5v power brick. Do you use this? If so, what power brick do you use?

[@jameshazell8263]

I'm looking to buy a couple of these but the links appear to be down, also need it in australia is this possible?

[@rogerstechtalk]

Oh gosh, you’re right, the links are down. I’ll reach out to the author and see what’s going on.

[@jameshazell8263]

@@rogerstechtalk Thanks so much. I'm located in Australia, I'll buy 3 of them if he can ship them here, I'll pay for shipping of course

[@rogerstechtalk]

The order links have been fixed! I would double check though if your garage door will actually work with ratgdo by posting on the github page. The author isn't aware of any compatible garage doors outside the US and Canada, so will be good to get some additional feedback before you purchase the device.

[@kchiem]

That does "ratgdo" stand for? I gather the "gdo" part is for "garage door opener", but what about the "rat" part?

[@robot_madness3164]

probably Remote Access Tool or something like that

[@sungiant2000]

/************************************ * Rage * Against * The * Garage * Door * Opener * * Copyright (C) 2022 Paul Wieland * * GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE ************************************/

[@rev2203]

The Verge has an article where Paul confirmed Rage Against The Garage Door Opener

[@lamb237]

Hi, thank for your video. Which size of the AIRTAK mounting box will fit the ratgdo ?

[@rogerstechtalk]

Glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the link to the box I used: AIRTAK Mini Grey Watertight... www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2RHX8B3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share It’s 5.9×3.9×2.8

[@MemeScreen]

Wonder if he is still working on HomeKit or Matter support.

[@rogerstechtalk]

Good question! Should ask on Github.

[@lmaced0]

When closing the garage door, does this bypass the beeping that normally happens with remote requests?

[@rogerstechtalk]

No beeping on my system. That is a safety mechanism built onto commercial systems when doing remote access. The garage door motor doesn't know ratgdo exists so..

[@GoogleUsee]

baaaaaaaaahaaaahaaaaa

[@KaldekBoch]

Paul Weiland will not let anyone have access to his PCB schematics. The cognitive dissonance here is pretty clear. You can't state that you're about not having people locked in to a product and being left high and dry if the provider decides to pull support for a service, and then go and do exactly the same thing you're accusing these businesses of doing; locking them in to a provider who may decide at the drop of a hat they're no longer interested in maintaining said product.

[@sungiant2000]

I think this is fair criticism, but the fundamental difference is that RATGDO is a complete product that operates locally. It's not a cloud based service that can be taken away from you at Paul Weiland's discretion, so I would still be comfortable buying it (since I'm not skilled/knowledgable enough to make my own even if schematics were available). It doesn't need to be maintained in the same way a cloud service does.

[@Theycallmeernie88]

There are similarities but it’s a bit different. With myQ you’ve purchased a device and have used/interacted with it in a particular manner. The manufacturer then reaches out and say no you can’t use it that way because we changed our mind. In the RATGDO situation if you’ve not purchased anything why give the schematics away. If the schematics are desired enough, someone can put in the work and just reverse engineer his board and then post the schematics, you can then just download the code and solder your own board. It doesn’t appear to be an extremely complex board. I get what you’re saying but like my example it’s a little oversimplified. It’d be a bit different if he’s developed the hardware in a manner that makes it more complex for the sake of making it non-replicable and then claimed it’s open source or it frees you from manufacturers that lock you down to their ecosystem.

[@KhayamGondal]

if he really cares about opensource and not forcing 3rd parties integrations, he should share ratgdo hw blueprint. So we can build on ourselves using an esp board.

[@user-hv9gk5tc8z]

You clearly didn’t listen to the interview. The hardware schematic alone will give you nothing. And why marginalize Paul’s work by thinking he should give anything away for free? His solution is a device you buy that’s not dependent on anything else unlike MyQ, Ring, etc etc