Once again, Garage door openers are blocked in most of Coronado. Many think it has to do with radar from one of the Navy ships docked at North Island. This happens regularly, then one day, they all start working again. Anyone have any info on this?


Buzz Fink

Views: 167

Tags: doors, garage, jammed, radar

Comment by John Howell on September 4, 2010 at 7:50pm
Without getting into the "Physics" of radio frequencies I'll try to give an explination of what most likely is happening.

The frequency used by garage door opener and auto remote mfgs is within the "harmonic resonance" range of certain Military Data transmission systems. i.e. The 315 MHz "analog" frequency is affected by certain "lower frequencies" if the signal is strong enough. It isn't meant to be a "jamming signal".

The easiest way to explain it as an example of understanding what is going on is when you have to radios playing on the beach. One the volume is low and playing soft rock, the other is very loud and playing country. Unless you are extremely close to the one playing the soft rock you are unable to hear it do to the extreme volume of the one playing the country music.

As Jef stated he simply had to get his remote close enough to the antenna for it to work.

On auto remotes... usually the antenna for the remote is under the dash.. putting the remote next to the winshield wipers would be the best bet on getting the auto remote to work.
Comment by robb huff on September 7, 2010 at 8:26am
Let's all just pray that the frequency interference doesn't start doing just the opposite, with random openings of our garage doors without our knowing. Particularly with the frequent traffic in the alley's!
Comment by Pamela McCollum on September 7, 2010 at 10:13am
This is a Navy town. Knew that when I moved here and love 'em as much as anyone, but they need to start being better neighbors. Our doors worked fine for years -- now they don't. The Navy can say what they want, but it is obvious to all that they are the ones behind this problem. It would be nice if they'd just be honest, tell us what's happening, and what we can to do to fix it. I finally just got sick of playing "garage door roulette" and had mine re-programmed to a new frequency. $500 later (OUCH!) -- I finally have a garage door opener and remotes that work ALL the time. When I called the company that installed my garage door, they said that they are now required to check with the Navy on a regular basis to see which frequencies they can use so this won't keep happening. Now if they would just do something about that base traffic.........
Comment by Peter Corp on September 7, 2010 at 12:17pm
I think that waiting to get to my car, pulling out my keys, turning the key in the lock, then pressing the door unlock button in trade for a well operating naval force is perfectly acceptable, not everything works together 100% of the time, but I'd much rather my car not work, then the Navy have issues with say... Incoming hostilities? Man overboard? Miscommunication? I don't own a garage door opener, mine opens the old fashioned way, but I do know how to reprogram a frequency or rolling code.
Comment by MIKE GAPP on September 7, 2010 at 1:33pm
I must be confused.

Why is it the Navy's fault that garage door companies are using military-licensed frequencies?

......

oo-RAGH, Brother Corp.

Semper Fi.

Mike Gapp
Comment by Julie Overstreet on September 8, 2010 at 8:05pm
Ha! I just purchased new batteries for both of my garage door remotes after not being able to get in the garage this morning. I work out at the main gym on base and notice that sometimes I have to use my manual key to lock the door. To me it is not a huge inconvenience and I'm just so proud of our military men and women I can easily put up with the temporary inconvenience.
Comment by jef on September 8, 2010 at 8:48pm
I agree Pamela. If they would just be proactive and publish frequencies that they use so we can make intelligent and informed purchases of our wireless equipment then I would be appeased. Why hasn't our city council made an effort to get this information to the residents? We were BOMBARDED with glossy colorful mailers to inform us that a tunnel is good for Coronado. GDS of San Diego (877-469-1416) installed our garage door opener in February 2010 and NEVER informed us of a possible conflict with Navy communications. They have refused to remedy the problem unless we PAY $250 for a new circuit board with a different frequency PLUS labor. AVOID this company for your garage door needs.

I agree Julie. Our military is the pride of our nation and they're welcome to any frequencies they need to keep us and themselves safe and secure. GOD bless all active and retired military....and thank you for your service, Mike.
Comment by Amanda Preston on October 19, 2010 at 11:20am
I called Volvo because my car remote wasn't working and they asked where I lived. When I said Coronado they said they had been having calls since July from people in Coronado and Point Loma and they said a new radar was activited this summer which is causing the problem. When I went to Fashion Valley and La Jolla my car remote worked fine!

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