Got one of these for the first door to test it out based on the positive reviews here. After an easy install, I got another one for the second door. The instruction booklet is very detailed and explains things well, but if you're handy, it's faster to watch the video. Make sure you understand everything though - the last thing you want is have this thing crash down on your car or worse, have the door fall down on someone. Make sure you have a helper. Having two step ladders is helpful.
Assembly of the chain/rails is pretty easy. The most time consuming part is finding the studs in your walls for attaching the brackets and the actual opener to your wall/ceiling, and then neatly running and securing all the wires. The only extra supplies you need are a 2x4 or 2x6, steel slats to secure to the ceiling, and screws, bolts, washers, and nuts to secure the wood and steel slats.
The people complaining here about bad instructions or brackets tearing off walls likely didn't follow the instructions or warnings based on their type of setup. You NEED to put a 2x4 or 2x6 to the wall first and then secure the wall bracket to it - DO NOT install the bracket directly to the wall because it will come off. Also use a level to keep everything level as best you can, but don't worry too much because the way this is designed, there is a bit of play at the wall and door connections which is a good thing.
Another tip: when it comes to securing the rail to the wall, angle it up to the wall so the door end can be attached to the wall while the motor is pointed to the floor. Then while you lift the motor end up to the ceiling, have someone open the door all the way, then rest the rails on the door with small 2x4 or something similar between the top of the door and the rails - This makes installation MUCH easier and ensures you can centre the motor on the centre line of the door and also help to keep it level. Just make sure someone is to there to hold the door up just in case it decides to slide down.
The opener itself is very small and quiet compared to other brands. The WiFi version is also handy to open/close the door using your phone as well as controlling the light. Just as an FYI, when you close the door using the app, it beeps for about 5 seconds as a warning that the door is going to close. I contacted support about this and they said the warning is there because they assume if you use the app, you are probably doing so remotely so it warns anyone near the door to stand back.
The unit is easy to program to set the open/close limits and also to program remotes, the keypad if you got one, and also the WiFi adapter.
A note on the WiFi adapter: both openers I ordered arrived in packaging that made it seem like the units inside were not WiFi capable. The model number printed on both boxes was "ATOMS ATR-1611C" but there was a "W" sticker covering up the "C". However don't be alarmed because it just seems like they're using the same box for both models. The "ATOMS ATR-1611W" model contains a separate USB WiFi adapter/dongle in the box.
My only complaint is that I wish the app allows for control of the LED timer. I didn't time it by it looks like once activated, the light stays on for about 2 minutes. Would've been nice if you could control that using the app or if the LED was motion sensitive.
But these are minor complaints. For the price and ease of install, this is a good unit. We'll see how the two of my units hold up.
| Manufacturer | Skylink |
|---|---|
| Place of Business | Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4L4,CA |
| Parcel Dimensions | 60.6 x 23.2 x 22.8 cm; 13.3 kg |
| Batteries | CR2 batteries required. (included) |
| Colour | White |
| Style | 1/2HP Chain Drive WiFi |
| Installation Method | Screw-In |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium |
| Item Weight | 13.3 kg |
