The Lynx455 garage door opener remote controls are big sellers. That is not surprising, since they rolling code transmitter work with the Delta receivers, which were popular for years. But, the remotes will not work for every system out there. Here’s how to make sure you order the right replacement product and avoid the unnecessary hassle of making a return.
The very first electric garage door openers were introduced after World War II, although the invention is credited to C G Johnson of Hartford City, Indiana. He patented his invention in 1926. Of course the invention did not become popular for decades.
The original systems could only be opened with a keypad located outside and inside of the door. Obviously, that meant the user had to exit and reenter the vehicle in order to open or close the door.
Since the roll-up doors operated via a spring-loaded mechanism and still do, it didn’t really make much difference if you had one of the electric openers or not. It wasn’t much harder to open the door yourself.
What really made a difference in the industry was the introduction of the wireless remote control. Two US inventors, each unaware of the other, developed the technology at almost exactly the same time.
The systems consisted of a simple transmitter and receiver, not unlike the technology used to remotely detonate bombs during WWII. What you think of as your remote control is actually a simple transmitter. Your receiver is located inside your garage.
The original transmitters did not have the ability to send out different codes. So, one person’s remote could be used to open multiple doors up and down the street. That eventually became a problem.
In the early 1980s, the DIP switch technology was introduced. Although the technology was not created with the utmost security in mind, it did prevent interference from the neighbor’s remote control. The typical Lynx455 remote control includes the DIP switch technology. It has the ability to generate around 250 different codes.
Between 1993 and 1997, some manufacturers used the billion code technology. As the name suggests, the transmitters were capable of generating a billion different codes, making it unlikely that someone else could open your door.
If you have a programming or “learn” button and it is green in color, chances are, you have the billion code technology. The 455 controls will not work for you. You will need a universal remote that operates on a number of different frequencies. Yes, there is also the matter of the frequency to consider.
In 1997, the rolling codes were introduced. The rolling codes were designed with the security of the individual homeowner in mind. It is practically impossible that someone could break into your home by using a universal remote if your receiver is equipped with the rolling code technology.
One last system was introduced in 2005. It operates on a different frequency in order to avoid military interference. It is the least common of the systems still in operation.