ratgdo32 - MyQ Bridge

Local WiFi Garage Door Controller | ESP32 | Open Source

The ratgdo32 is a WiFi-enabled control board that connects to your garage door opener and provides complete local control through your smart home system. The ratgdo32 is the upgraded successor to the original ratgdo. The first device ever created to fully interface with Chamberlain/LiftMaster Security+ 2.0 garage door openers. You can add your myQ Garage Door Opener to Apple HomeKit using ratgdo. 

Unlike cloud-dependent solutions, the ratgdo32 operates entirely on your local network. There are no subscriptions, no monthly fees, and no data sent to external servers. You own your device, your data stays home, and your garage door responds instantly.

Hardware Specifications

What's in the Box

Sold Separately:

• Magnetic Baseplate ($9.00) — Alternative mounting option

Supported Garage Door Openers

Security+ 2.0 (Yellow Learn Button)

Full support for most Chamberlain and LiftMaster openers manufactured after 2011. Features include:

• Door open/close/stop control
• Real-time door position (open, closed, opening, closing)
• Light on/off control
• Wireless remote lockout
• Obstruction sensor status
• Motion detection (with compatible wall panel)

Security+ 1.0 (Purple Learn Button)

Full support with a compatible wall control panel (889LM / 041A7928-3MC). Features include:

• Door control and status
• Light control
• Basic obstruction detection

Note: If you don't have an 889LM panel, ratgdo offers an emulation mode, but it may interfere with existing wall control functions.

Dry Contact (Red Learn Button & Other Brands)

Universal support for any garage door or gate opener that accepts dry contact (momentary switch) inputs. Requires:

• Open and close limit switches (built-in or external reed/tilt switches)
• Supports single-button or discrete three-button (open/stop/close) configurations

Compatible Brands: MyQ Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Genie, and most commercial operators with dry contact terminals.

Firmware Options

The ratgdo32 ships without firmware pre-installed. You choose and install the firmware that best fits your smart home setup. All firmware is free and open source.

ESPHome

Best for: Home Assistant, Node-RED, Control4, Crestron, Nice/Elan

• Native Home Assistant integration with auto-discovery
• Full entity support (door, light, lock, obstruction, motion)
• MQTT support for custom integrations
• OTA (over-the-air) updates
• Active community development

HomeKit

Best for: Apple users without a home automation server

• Native Apple HomeKit support—no bridge, hub, or Home Assistant required
• Works with Siri, Apple Home app, and HomeKit automations
• Supports door, light, lock, motion, and obstruction sensors
• Vehicle presence detection (ratgdo32 disco only)
• OTA updates via web interface

MQTT (WiFi Disabled Option)

Best for: Custom setups or dry contact-only use

• Direct MQTT control without ESPHome
• Can disable WiFi entirely for dry contact-only operation

Smart Home Integration

Functional Capabilities

Door Control

• Open — Command the door to open
• Close — Command the door to close
• Stop — Halt door movement mid-travel
• Position Feedback — Real-time status: Open, Closed, Opening, Closing, Stopped

Light Control

• On/Off commands (Security+ 2.0 and 1.0)
• Discrete on and discrete off (no toggle guessing)

Security Features

• Wireless Lockout — Disable all wireless remotes (wall button still works)
• Obstruction Detection — Monitor safety sensor status
• Motion Detection — Trigger automations when motion is detected (requires compatible wall panel)

Automation Examples

• Close the garage door automatically when you leave home
• Turn on house lights when the garage opens after sunset
• Send a notification if the door is left open for more than 10 minutes
• Lock out wireless remotes when you're on vacation
• Trigger presence detection when your car arrives

Installation

Requirements

• Compatible garage door opener
• 2.4 GHz WiFi network
• USB power outlet (or use the included adapter)
• Computer with Google Chrome (for firmware flashing)

Process

1. Flash Firmware — Connect ratgdo32 to your computer via USB-C and use the browser-based installer to flash your chosen firmware (ESPHome or HomeKit)
2. Configure WiFi — Enter your WiFi credentials through the setup interface
3. Wire to Opener — Connect the 3-wire harness to your garage door opener's terminals (red, white, black)
4. Mount — Clip the holster onto your opener's frame or light cover
5. Add to Smart Home — Adopt the device into HomeKit or Home Assistant

Time Required: Approximately 15–30 minutes

Soldering: Not required (terminal connections only)

Comparison: ratgdo32 vs. ratgdo32 disco

Troubleshooting Tips