Forget MyQ indeed! What a sleazy thing they did by revoking access to their API, breaking third-party integrations. I haven't heard of Tailwind but I'm glad to see yet another company stepping up and taking advantage of this situation.
I love how the entire SmartHome community is coming down on MyQ. This was such a short-sighted move on their part. And to make an attack on people who are online all the time, have tons of access to commune against their move, and to do so without any recourse... just a dumb move. They clearly do not know their customer base.
Can’t wait to get this! I had the MyQ Homebridge Box which quit working when they axed HomeKit support. Then I moved to homebridge which was faster but when they blocked API’s I didn’t know what to do. Looked at Meross but didn’t trust it would last. Then you put up this video, and to boot they are a Canadian company! No crazy shipping or conversion. Reached out to the company because I was not sure they supported the 8500w Jackshaft with auto lock, they do, just needs a specific adapter which they will ship!
MyQ just wants customers to buy into their subscription services. Unfortunately that means alienating all the smart home people out there using these various integrations. Thanks for watching! 😃
@@ShaneCreatesI think it’s even worse than that. I already pay to have it linked to my Tesla. As a PAYING customer they should also allow me api access. They really dropped the ball here
@@Gantry0w let’s just call it as it is it’s completely greed. This garage door company has been around for decades they don’t need subscriptions to stay alive. Other than that they would’ve perished before all the IOT and cloud services started coming around at this point they just want to see an ongoing subscription revenue just like everything else, we do need things like to repair and also coming to a theater near you right of ownership that would give you the ability to take any of these things and run it on your own server.
Perfect timing, just purchased! Moving into our new house in 2-weeks and was wanting something like this. Some crazy MyQ stuff going on, happy to give some money to Tailwind for this support!
Installed this about 6 months ago and I could not be happier. Tailwind works flawlessly and we have both an iPhone and Android without any issues. MyQ sucks and had nothing but issues with it and that is why I went out and looked for an alternative. This is one product that really works!
Sweet! So great to have another solution in the market. I have the Meross openers for my garage and gate. Both have been rock solid. Hopefully, Tailwind will be as well.
Moved into a new home three weeks ago. I was about to order the Meross, but thankfully I saw your video first. I ordered the IQ3 via your link and it shipped today. Much appreciated!
Nice to know why my MyQ quit working. I have a couple of Meross indoor and outdoor plugs, so when I found their garage door opener, it was easy just to install that right into HomeKit. Had I known about the Tailwind, I might have opted for it for the vehicle sensor and drop a puck into my motorcycle bags. Thanks for the video!
I got tired of dealing with the crazy wifi issues in my garage, so I dumped the Meross opener and went with an iSmartgate opener with the Ethernet adapter and hard wired my opener to my network. It's been working flawlessly for months. I have a shortcut on my iPhone that opens and closes the main door with just a tap. The one thing I don't like about the iSmartgate is the sensor is tilt based, so if the door is only open a few inches, it doesn't notify me or show as open. I solved that by using a simple Aqara door/window sensor.
I’m also an iSmartgate user but I use wired sensors instead of the wireless tilt sensor. Like you I wanted ethernet ability and it has been rock solid.
Went with Tailwind probably a little over a year ago and their product is top notch! Works flawlessly, high quality, insanely fast, and love having the hard wired sensors. Install takes a bit longer because of that but it is worth it. I had wireless sensors before and they were highly unreliable. This is the way to go if you want a high quality, reliable smart garage opener.
Glad I found this video! I've been trying to figure out what's going on!! And I'm glad I found this before I got locked out!! I generally just use MyQ to get in and out!!
Just installed iQ3 Tailwind device and works great! I had to modify install of the open / close sensors, I guess bc my j-track is older. The device itself setup was very easy including HomeKit. I love the audio message when it opens/closes, notifications, night mode function, and the device warning flashing when the app is about to close a door. I had a pair of older Genie IS550/A garage door openers. I had to connect to first set of terminals for it to work. Surprised it took 2 weeks to get (Amazon has spoiled me!) but I guess its popular.
Great video. I just ordered two of them. One is for my front gate. Unit has a dry n/o contact that can work with gates. Just need wifi at the gate location.
Just curious how this might have worked for you gate setup. I am thinking about doing something similar. Basically using it as a smart contact sensor rather then a garage door opener.
It really doesn’t care what you trigger with the dry contact. The “app” will still call it a garage door😊. You will need an accessible wifi network at that location. It also has a safety feature with the magnetic sensor. It will have to show “opened” within a number of seconds or it will trip as “obstructed.” Mines been working great on the gate.
Thanks! Just ordered with your link. Happy to see that my Marantec opener is compatible! I have been using an Insignia which is the most unreliable smart device I have in my smart home.
Wow the insignia garage door opener was one of my very first smart home devices. I’m surprised it still worked at all. I believe they stopped selling and supporting that thing a while ago. I think you’ll be happy with the upgrade!
F myQ!! I might return the Meross system that just arrived and buy this instead. My family owns a security system company and this magnet system looks a lot like what we install on commercial doors. The aluminum housing that lifts the magnet away from the metal protects the precision and longevity of the magnet/sensor. I’ve seen some videos where people stick the magnet straight on the metal, and I know from experience that over time that magnet will demagnetize and give problems. Anytime we install magnets in or on metal doors, it is standard to use a spacer to lift the magnet away from the metal. In a pinch, we would clip off the eyelet of zip-ties (w screws holes) and use those with longer screws to lift the magnet a half inch or so off the metal. Thanks for the video and discount!
You’re a legend Thanks so much for fighting back against the subscription take over by so many. All this info of alternatives is so helpful. Thanks. 🙏.
Maybe we should just have a SwitchBot press the button on the wall and let software do the rest. MyQ has essentially given the free smart home platforms the finger. Authorized access means you pay a subscription for integration with anything outside of the MyQ app. Chamberlain group is 70% of the US garage door opener market. I hope that narrows significantly. But I think it’s more likely that folks will simply clip a physical button to their sun visors as has been done for decades or just program their car’s built-in remotes if so equipped.
I agree the Smart Home integration is why this product is optimal for you. I did NOT see that the Tailwind has an external KEYPAD. The MyQ video allows you to give specific PIN codes for multiple people: the gardener, the babysitter to allow access. Looks like the Tailwind only allows you to remotely open the garage as the owner and with the vehicle sensor. I need that keypad.
Just installed the Tailwind and very pleased with the functionality. My GDO has a yellow learn button, so make sure when ordering you indicate that so they can ship you a free remote accessory clicker to pair it with your GDO (no wiring directly into your GDO is required). Also, if you’re planning to use the Vehicle sensors with multiple family members, make sure after you “share” access to your GDO to their own Tailwind account login, they still need to pair the sensors to their phone’s app as well. Took me a minute to realize after I had installed the app and vehicles sensor on my phone why I couldn’t see the vehicles sensors listed on my wife’s app (even after I shared access to my GDO.
Can you elaborate on why you need to share your location with the app if it has a vehicle sensor? What does the sensor do if not to tell the garage door controller you have arrived?
The following is taken directly from the Tailwind site. Hope it helps. "By detecting the presence of a vehicle bluetooth connection (Android phones only) or the presence of a Tailwind vehicle sensor (iPhones or Android phones), Tailwind is able to implement a type of 2 factor authentication before auto-opening the door. It requires an authorized phone and an authorized vehicle to approach home together. If someone were to steal your phone and go to your house with it, unlike other solutions that try to implement auto-open using standard geofencing, Tailwind's patented technology WILL NOT auto-open your garage door for them. In addition, for families with multiple garage doors and multiple vehicles, it enables the system to determine who is coming home, which vehicle they are driving, and open the correct door based on that user's preferences for that particular vehicle."
Just what I was looking for as I am getting ready to move into a new house. Thanks Shane! This house has three separate garage doors so I would like to know if I only need to purchase one Pro Kit and then add a track sensor for each of the other two doors?
If there are walls between the doors or long distances then you may want to purchase 3 separate systems. But if you have 3 doors in the same “space” like a typical 3 door garage you just need 1 system + 2 additional door kits.
Hey Shane, I really love this review as it’s so comprehensive! Is the Tailwind setup still going strong? Anything further you’d recommend? Thanks. Again, yr channel is a regular spot for me!
I installed one of these and it seems to work as advertised. It’s able to trigger my lock on the door between the garage and house when I come and go. I would note that those who have a hurricane door you might be better off with the universal rather than the J track magnet/sensor. I had to drill another hole in the magnet mount to get it in a position to match up with the sensor because all of the other structure for hurricane protection interfered.
I guess if you have a older MyQ garage opener it will continue to work fine. I’ve had two lift master jack door openers connected to the HomeKit MyQ base and it’s still working perfectly.
If you have the MyQ HomeKit bridge, it should still continue to work. But once that goes or if you have any issues, unfortunatly you are out of luck since they don't sell it or support it any more.
Hi Shane, great video again. What would be your ideal setup if I want my ceiling garage light to open when my garage door is opening ? I thought of putting a Lutron motion sensor but not sure if the distance between the switch and the garage door will be a problem ? Other ideas ? thanks again
I wonder if I could use this on my driveway gate instead of the garage door? I just want to use Siri to open and close the gate, nothing fancy. I just moved to a new property and I’m putting up a property line fence w a gate across the driveway so I am looking into things now before I buy openers and smart things. If I could get it to open automatically as I pull up to the gate great but just telling Siri to open the gate or having that button on carplay would work as well.
I have Chamberlain MyQ garage door openers with the yellow learn button which will not allow you to use the wired door button connection that this Tailwind device uses unfortunately. However the Meross device you mentioned does offer a solution for folks with the MyQ openers with the yellow learn button that uses wireless technology to bypass the door button issue on the Chamberlain/Liftmaster platform. Good work on the video.
Thanks for sharing. Tailwind does also offer a solution for the Chamberlain garage doors with the yellow learn button. Upon checkout they will ask you if you have a "round yellow learn button" and if yes, they will provide an adapter.
Thanks Shane, this doesn't show in carplay for me... I have a Garage Door that I connected to Raspberry Pi GPIO running HomeBridge, and this shows in Home app, and I can open and close door using app and have made shortcuts that work with it... one shortcut monitors if I have arrived home and checks to see if door is open, if closed it asks me if i want to open door and I reply YES or NO. Cool Shortcut. Also have one that checks when I leave home if I ave left door open and asks me if door should be closed.
Unfortunately I had already ordered the Meross before I saw this video. Tailwind looks to be higher quality and of course the warning prior to closing is a good thing but for $36 on Black Friday, it was a good deal and the accessory device arrived within days. I did steal the mounting location from this video - using the side of the door and the rail to mount the sensor and because I have other Meross devices, setup was easy. I hope to get the Tailwind maybe in the spring but for now, the Meross is a good alternative and gets around the crap Chamberlain pulled with the API.
If you are working in the garage you can 'lock' the garage door using the button in the garage. I believe it disables any and all signals to open and close it.
Is the myQ issue something new? I have two garage door openers still linked through HomeKit and they have been working well mostly without issue. Sometimes I have to reboot the hub because it loses connection outside of that. They have been working very well.
Great! Tnks, Shane! How can we manage multiples garage door in carplay? How Home app will manage this kind of case? Could/Should We choose our preferred door?
Good question. This is an Apple thing and I don't believe there is a way to choose which garage door pops up on the display. I've heard that maybe Apple/HomeKit chooses the one most used... sort of like a "siri suggestion." Not sure. That could be another good case for the garage door sensors that this product offers.
Hey Shane, another great video! I know you mentioned MyQ (which I currently have), however when I go to the compatibility checker it doesnt list it. Do you know if its supported?
This seems like more solid and robust solution over, say, Meross's product. I was burned when myQ abandoned support of its API, but Amazon still uses it for their Key (inside-garage delivery). I'm thinking I could conceivably leave myQ in place for Amazon Key and add Tailwind (or even Meross) to restore HomeKit support. Can anyone think of a reason this would NOT work? Thanks for another timely and terrific video!
This definitely works. We have many customers that do this. Also if we can encourage more people to pester Amazon it would be helpful. The ONLY reason Tailwind does not support Amazon garage delivery is because they refuse to work with “smaller” companies. We have been chasing them for years.
I want to see one of these with the option to turn off the beeping/strobing. I know it’s in the name of “safety” but with the load cells in the motor to make sure it does not drive with excessive force(pressing down on something in the way) and the light beam to make sure nothing is in the way it seems redundant and unnecessary. For the noise warning I would argue the sound of the door/motor itself is enough to warn people it is in motion.
UL 325 standard. If I'm not mistaken, it's mandatory in the U.S., though many of the aftermarket "smart" options bypass this (because they're not UL 325 certified).
My garagedoor do not have the terminals for at wired button. Only wireless signal to open/close the garagedoor. Is it possible to get this to work to send a wireless signal?
If the garage door is already open when the vehicle arrives, is the system smart enough not to close it? Many remote systems are toggle-type open/close which I find annoying.
It does not toggle. It knows what the current state is and will set it appropriately. For example I often leave the house with the garage door already shut. It does not toggle it open when I leave, but it always closes it if it's still open and I leave.
Looking for a solution for the three bays at our firewall. I don't think we want to use the sensors as we never know who is driving which fire truck. Our door openers are commercial so need to look at this more.
Excellent video as always Shane. You sold me with this video. Quick question if it’s not too much trouble. Does this opener support obstruction detected notifications? Thanks.
I've been using iQ3 for a few years, and I do seem to recall getting notifications if an obstruction is detected. Might want to reach out to Tailwind. Scott, the owner, is very responsive.
@@davidc-l9174 Thanks for that. I currently have LiftMaster MyQ openers with the included obstruction sensors and was hoping the IQ3 can use them. I’ll reach out to TailWind.
I have a Meross. It has a door sensor which is the primary reason I wanted one. We sometimes would leave our door open by accident because the sensor didn't let the door close. Having a door open sensor lets us catch that mistake. Unfortunately, I changed my WiFi and now it doesn't work and I can't figure out how to reset it 😕
It definitely got better than when this my original video was published on the Meross garage door opener. I still had the occasional dropped connection issue but it did not happen very often at all.
What is the difference between the Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller PRO with J-track mounted sensor and the Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller Pro with Universal Sensor?
Phenomenal review Shane, thanks! Another quick question; we have one garage and one car, and I’m thinking of the vehicle sensor. How would you set it up so it works on my wife’s iPhone as well as mine? Thanks again, really love the channel Mike
I love my iQ3! It's reliable, affordable, easy to install and set up, has native support for a number of smarthome platforms. Also, controls up to 3 garage doors with one module!
FWIW I use the native built-in myQ support for two of my vehicles, and the iQ3 with my third vehicle. I find myQ and iQ3 complement each other well because of the built-in myQ functionality that two of my vehicles happen to have. Also, the iQ3 is UL 325 certified (unlike most [all?] other solutions like Meross).
Thanks for this video, well done. Is it possible to use both the Tailwind iQ3 Pro and the MyQ hub. I have an automatic integration with my car using MyQ (and it works), but would also like to have control in HomeKit.
Just curious, can this be used as a smart contact sensor? So essentially not connecting the wires into the back of the garage door motor unit. I am looking at using this as a fence gate notification device as the contact sensors are large and look durable. That way I would get notifications of it being opened or closed but it would be so manually rather then via the motorized unit.
Do a vid on RATGDO? It seems to tap into the openers native knowledge of its open state, doesn’t require sensors. Reminds me of the homebridge solution before chamberlain killed it.
That would cut down on tech support 😂 but we are happy to answer questions. We are humbled and honored by how happy our customers are with our products.
Hi, I’m wondering if it is possible to let a script run only once a day? I would like to add my robot vacuum to the status of my alarm. So if the alarm is turned on the robot will start but only once per day
I had an issue with a invoice for one of these. I had an issue with my order that has not yet arrived. I sent 2 emails early morning yesterday, and as of 9 am today. Not sure If I can trust this company. Is there no other way other than email for get in touch with them?
Meross used to give me so much grief with the dreaded "not responding" message. Lately it's been working without issues though....However if that pops up again, I'm 100% making the switch to this instead. I love the idea of those little Pucks also, I used to ask siri to open the garage door when on my motorcycle and it would always require face id or my pin code to open up the door which is difficult when on the motorcycle with gloves and a helmet on...This would have solved that issue perfectly. $90 is perfectly reasonable if it works without issue....and this is probably the only other offering out there for multiple garage doors besides the overpriced iSmartgate opener out there.
Yes we actually have a lot of customers that ride motorcycles. No more unlocking the phone, putting down the kickstand to use the keypad, digging for a remote, or even cutting into the bike electrical system and installing aftermarket equipment. Just toss a vehicle sensor in the saddle bag. Done.
Was hoping you'd do one for this, thanks. Like you, I'm not a fan of having to create an account just to install it. It's as if network discovery hasn't been around for a couple of decades or more...
We hear you. As a smaller company we have to allocate our development resources carefully. Our customers have been pushing for more features and integrations (some huge news coming soon on this that Chamberlain is not going to like). Setup without registering is on our list but our current focus is making Tailwind do more. You can always log out of the app after setup. The main reason for account creation from our perspective is not that we want any of your details. We actually don’t. But what it does allow us to do is restore all your settings automatically when you get a new phone (in case they don’t transfer correctly). But to confirm we do 100% hear you on this.
@@TailwindGarage Holy crap! Do you have any idea how rare that kind of reply is? Not only do you acknowledge the issue, you give us an _excellent_ reason for the thing I'm complaining about! Good on you. Of course, now I have to go and buy one.
Well thank you! We will do our very best to serve you. I guess this is what happens when the entire company is nothing but engineers. We have no sales people. No marketing. As engineers, of course we are obsessed with what customers think and how we can always improve. So yeah, we are different I guess 😂
My garage controller has 4 ports namely Gnd, St, Sen, +12v. I've tried to connect to Gnd and Sen, but it didn't work. Would you know if I'm doing it right ? I'm using a different wireless controller .
Shane -- Recently, you posted a video about Aqara's Dual Relay Module T2. One of the things you discussed was using Aqara's T2 to 'smartify' a garage door opener. When would you recommend going with the Tailwind iQ3 over rolling your own with the Aqara T2?
Personally, I prefer the Tailwind iQ3 over the Aqara for a garage door solution. It will give you more useful features as a garage door. The T2 is just a relay, which essentially just a switch in your smart home platforms, so you will be a bit more limited in the features.
Thanks! It's a '24 Sierra. I was forced to get a new vehicle recently after an accident that left my previous truck totaled and my wrist broken (you may notice the wrist brace in the video).
Do you need to have the phone that you set up the system with in the car? Can I set up with an iPhone but I do not use the iPhone. I only use my iPhone for an office phone. The phone I always have with me is an Android. But, I want to use the sensor that you keep in the car to auto open and close because my Android phone is too close to the garage door opener all the time.
You actually don't even need the vehicle sensor if you use an android, if I recall correctly. Just using the app on an Android should give you the same functionality.
Is the WiFi connection only on your local network so it can communicate with the HomeKit hub? Or does it require API access to tailwind servers such that it would stop working if those servers go down or get turned off?
Homekit is local, so our servers are not involved for HomeKit. Also, we have an extensive local control API and a python library was recently released. So there are many ways to control and monitor with Tailwind without our servers.
The ratgdo is great. After configuring it with wifi, you just 3 tiny wires connected to the garage motor and power it with micro-usb, and you're done. You need no extra sensors mounted with wires all over your garage. It's the cleanest approach, and you get the most automation capability with ratgdo. You can open/close your doors, open them to a specific %, toggle the lights, toggle the wireless remote lockout, know the door status and the obstruction sensor status. But I can understand why people go for stuff like the Meross or Tailwind.
Yes this is correct. We have even supported Paul on his project. Currently it works with Chamberlain Security+ 2.0 and his latest version works with Security+ 1.0 as well. There are some 3D printed housings you can purchase so for customers comfortable with flashing the firmware and familiar with ESPhome / Home Assistant and / or MQTT this is a good option if you have one of those types of Chamberlain openers. We will continue to support Paul in his efforts.
Hey Shane, thanks for the suggestion, would you have any recommendations for a garage door opener for someone who has no idea what they’re doing? I think I’ll end up getting this Tailwind for the HomeKit integration, but I’m struggling to settle on an actual garage door opener. Appreciate any help
I actually don't have any recommendation for that. I've always just used the garage door opener that came with my house (currently an old Chamberlain whisper drive). I really don't think it matters much, especially if you plan to use a device like Tailwind for the smart home integration and wifi connection. You could always use the Tailwind "compatibility checker" to make sure the one you are considering is supported.
We would recommend Genie / Overhead Door (same company) or Linear. Both great brands and neither is taking active steps to prevent integrations without subscriptions.
They also offer the product with a "universal" sensor that can be mounted at the top or even the bottom of the garage door. If you cannot mount on the J track, I would look at that option.
The Meross garage door opener is decent. It gets the job done and is what I've used for at least the past year or two. At first I got some "no response" errors in homekit, but that has gotten better with time and firmware updates. Meross would still drop out on me every now and then requiring me to reboot it. So far I haven't had any connectivity issues with Tailwind at all. And obviously the build quality is much better on Tailwind.
You would think a garage door opener company would go the other way, and offer functionality like Tailwind in their latest opener rather than abandon smart home compatibility all together
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Forget MyQ indeed! What a sleazy thing they did by revoking access to their API, breaking third-party integrations. I haven't heard of Tailwind but I'm glad to see yet another company stepping up and taking advantage of this situation.
I love how the entire SmartHome community is coming down on MyQ. This was such a short-sighted move on their part. And to make an attack on people who are online all the time, have tons of access to commune against their move, and to do so without any recourse... just a dumb move. They clearly do not know their customer base.
Spent about 30 mins total. ❤Had mine set up with no issues. Works like a charm.
How has it been working for you I'm thinking of buying a kit
Can’t wait to get this! I had the MyQ Homebridge Box which quit working when they axed HomeKit support. Then I moved to homebridge which was faster but when they blocked API’s I didn’t know what to do. Looked at Meross but didn’t trust it would last. Then you put up this video, and to boot they are a Canadian company! No crazy shipping or conversion. Reached out to the company because I was not sure they supported the 8500w Jackshaft with auto lock, they do, just needs a specific adapter which they will ship!
Perfect!!
someone is going to lose his job at MyQ. Another great video Shane!
MyQ just wants customers to buy into their subscription services. Unfortunately that means alienating all the smart home people out there using these various integrations. Thanks for watching! 😃
@@ShaneCreatesI think it’s even worse than that. I already pay to have it linked to my Tesla. As a PAYING customer they should also allow me api access. They really dropped the ball here
@@Gantry0w agreed!
Is there grounds for class action? SOX makes charging for something previously offered free illegal. Any lawyers around here?
@@Gantry0w let’s just call it as it is it’s completely greed. This garage door company has been around for decades they don’t need subscriptions to stay alive. Other than that they would’ve perished before all the IOT and cloud services started coming around at this point they just want to see an ongoing subscription revenue just like everything else, we do need things like to repair and also coming to a theater near you right of ownership that would give you the ability to take any of these things and run it on your own server.
Perfect timing, just purchased! Moving into our new house in 2-weeks and was wanting something like this. Some crazy MyQ stuff going on, happy to give some money to Tailwind for this support!
We truly appreciate your support and thank you for your business.
How has it been working for you I'm thinking of buying a kit
Installed this about 6 months ago and I could not be happier. Tailwind works flawlessly and we have both an iPhone and Android without any issues. MyQ sucks and had nothing but issues with it and that is why I went out and looked for an alternative. This is one product that really works!
That’s great to hear. Thanks for sharing!
Sweet! So great to have another solution in the market. I have the Meross openers for my garage and gate. Both have been rock solid. Hopefully, Tailwind will be as well.
Moved into a new home three weeks ago. I was about to order the Meross, but thankfully I saw your video first. I ordered the IQ3 via your link and it shipped today. Much appreciated!
Thank you! We truly appreciate your business, and the opportunity to have our product and service reviewed by Shane.
Nice to know why my MyQ quit working. I have a couple of Meross indoor and outdoor plugs, so when I found their garage door opener, it was easy just to install that right into HomeKit. Had I known about the Tailwind, I might have opted for it for the vehicle sensor and drop a puck into my motorcycle bags. Thanks for the video!
I got tired of dealing with the crazy wifi issues in my garage, so I dumped the Meross opener and went with an iSmartgate opener with the Ethernet adapter and hard wired my opener to my network. It's been working flawlessly for months. I have a shortcut on my iPhone that opens and closes the main door with just a tap. The one thing I don't like about the iSmartgate is the sensor is tilt based, so if the door is only open a few inches, it doesn't notify me or show as open. I solved that by using a simple Aqara door/window sensor.
I’m also an iSmartgate user but I use wired sensors instead of the wireless tilt sensor. Like you I wanted ethernet ability and it has been rock solid.
Went with Tailwind probably a little over a year ago and their product is top notch! Works flawlessly, high quality, insanely fast, and love having the hard wired sensors. Install takes a bit longer because of that but it is worth it. I had wireless sensors before and they were highly unreliable. This is the way to go if you want a high quality, reliable smart garage opener.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I couldn't agree more regarding wired sensors over wireless. Much more responsive and reliable.
Glad I found this video! I've been trying to figure out what's going on!! And I'm glad I found this before I got locked out!! I generally just use MyQ to get in and out!!
Just installed iQ3 Tailwind device and works great! I had to modify install of the open / close sensors, I guess bc my j-track is older. The device itself setup was very easy including HomeKit. I love the audio message when it opens/closes, notifications, night mode function, and the device warning flashing when the app is about to close a door. I had a pair of older Genie IS550/A garage door openers. I had to connect to first set of terminals for it to work. Surprised it took 2 weeks to get (Amazon has spoiled me!) but I guess its popular.
Thanks for sharing!
Whaaat! Noooo. My MyQ with HomeKit is still working. For now. Thanks for this alternative!
Great video. I just ordered two of them. One is for my front gate. Unit has a dry n/o contact that can work with gates. Just need wifi at the gate location.
Just curious how this might have worked for you gate setup. I am thinking about doing something similar. Basically using it as a smart contact sensor rather then a garage door opener.
It really doesn’t care what you trigger with the dry contact. The “app” will still call it a garage door😊. You will need an accessible wifi network at that location. It also has a safety feature with the magnetic sensor. It will have to show “opened” within a number of seconds or it will trip as “obstructed.” Mines been working great on the gate.
Shane just added my first tailwind! Super simple install and works like a champ! Thanks for the recommendation
Great to hear!
Thanks Shane! Myq is going in the trash, just ordered tailwind for both my garage doors!
Great videos, keep em
Coming!
Right on! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much!
Thanks! Just ordered with your link. Happy to see that my Marantec opener is compatible! I have been using an Insignia which is the most unreliable smart device I have in my smart home.
Wow the insignia garage door opener was one of my very first smart home devices. I’m surprised it still worked at all. I believe they stopped selling and supporting that thing a while ago. I think you’ll be happy with the upgrade!
Thank you! We are happy to serve you!
I love the Tailwind IQ3. Been using it for years now
I have the MyQ and I think the sensor is bad. I will definitely check this IQ3. Sweet truck! Love the color!
Good review Shane. If my Meross every fails...I'll certainly look at the Tailwind.
Thanks, as always for the content.
Thanks for watching! 😃
F myQ!! I might return the Meross system that just arrived and buy this instead. My family owns a security system company and this magnet system looks a lot like what we install on commercial doors. The aluminum housing that lifts the magnet away from the metal protects the precision and longevity of the magnet/sensor. I’ve seen some videos where people stick the magnet straight on the metal, and I know from experience that over time that magnet will demagnetize and give problems. Anytime we install magnets in or on metal doors, it is standard to use a spacer to lift the magnet away from the metal. In a pinch, we would clip off the eyelet of zip-ties (w screws holes) and use those with longer screws to lift the magnet a half inch or so off the metal. Thanks for the video and discount!
Great to know. Thanks for sharing!
I got the Meross on Cyber Monday for $35 but I like the look of this a lot better, especially the flashing garage door closing warning.
Sweet! Looks just like my setup with the Remootio, which I’ve been using for a couple of years. Thanks for another awesome video, Shane!
You’re a legend Thanks so much for fighting back against the subscription take over by so many. All this info of alternatives is so helpful. Thanks. 🙏.
Glad it’s helpful. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Shane been definitely looking for something since MyQ killed API access a month or so back.
I may be one of the few with myq HomeKit bridge so as long as it stays functional, I am good. This will definitely be a backup if it ever fails.
I have a MyQ hub that’s still working also. I actually just re added it to my HomeKit home with no issues.
Same here - MyQ HomeKit bridge been working great for years
I have one too - I’d be PISSED if I had to change my opener (I have a wall-mount) after all the time and money I spent converting.
Maybe we should just have a SwitchBot press the button on the wall and let software do the rest.
MyQ has essentially given the free smart home platforms the finger. Authorized access means you pay a subscription for integration with anything outside of the MyQ app.
Chamberlain group is 70% of the US garage door opener market. I hope that narrows significantly. But I think it’s more likely that folks will simply clip a physical button to their sun visors as has been done for decades or just program their car’s built-in remotes if so equipped.
Tailwind customer support is awesome too
Great to hear. Thanks for sharing!
I agree the Smart Home integration is why this product is optimal for you. I did NOT see that the Tailwind has an external KEYPAD. The MyQ video allows you to give specific PIN codes for multiple people: the gardener, the babysitter to allow access. Looks like the Tailwind only allows you to remotely open the garage as the owner and with the vehicle sensor.
I need that keypad.
Just installed the Tailwind and very pleased with the functionality. My GDO has a yellow learn button, so make sure when ordering you indicate that so they can ship you a free remote accessory clicker to pair it with your GDO (no wiring directly into your GDO is required).
Also, if you’re planning to use the Vehicle sensors with multiple family members, make sure after you “share” access to your GDO to their own Tailwind account login, they still need to pair the sensors to their phone’s app as well. Took me a minute to realize after I had installed the app and vehicles sensor on my phone why I couldn’t see the vehicles sensors listed on my wife’s app (even after I shared access to my GDO.
Great tips, thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you are happy with the Tailwind also!
Shane! I have sliding gate like Japanese sliding door, which product should I get?
Can you elaborate on why you need to share your location with the app if it has a vehicle sensor? What does the sensor do if not to tell the garage door controller you have arrived?
The following is taken directly from the Tailwind site. Hope it helps.
"By detecting the presence of a vehicle bluetooth connection (Android phones only) or the presence of a Tailwind vehicle sensor (iPhones or Android phones), Tailwind is able to implement a type of 2 factor authentication before auto-opening the door. It requires an authorized phone and an authorized vehicle to approach home together. If someone were to steal your phone and go to your house with it, unlike other solutions that try to implement auto-open using standard geofencing, Tailwind's patented technology WILL NOT auto-open your garage door for them. In addition, for families with multiple garage doors and multiple vehicles, it enables the system to determine who is coming home, which vehicle they are driving, and open the correct door based on that user's preferences for that particular vehicle."
@@ShaneCreates awesome! Thanks so much. This essentially makes myQ unnecessary. Love it
Just what I was looking for as I am getting ready to move into a new house. Thanks Shane! This house has three separate garage doors so I would like to know if I only need to purchase one Pro Kit and then add a track sensor for each of the other two doors?
If there are walls between the doors or long distances then you may want to purchase 3 separate systems. But if you have 3 doors in the same “space” like a typical 3 door garage you just need 1 system + 2 additional door kits.
@@TailwindGaragethanks for the reply. Will be ordering today!
@@Hdqbossthank you! We truly appreciate your business!
Hey Shane, I really love this review as it’s so comprehensive! Is the Tailwind setup still going strong? Anything further you’d recommend?
Thanks. Again, yr channel is a regular spot for me!
Thanks Mike. I appreciate the support. Yes, the Tailwind garage door opener is still going strong. I really like it.
I installed one of these and it seems to work as advertised. It’s able to trigger my lock on the door between the garage and house when I come and go. I would note that those who have a hurricane door you might be better off with the universal rather than the J track magnet/sensor. I had to drill another hole in the magnet mount to get it in a position to match up with the sensor because all of the other structure for hurricane protection interfered.
I guess if you have a older MyQ garage opener it will continue to work fine. I’ve had two lift master jack door openers connected to the HomeKit MyQ base and it’s still working perfectly.
If you have the MyQ HomeKit bridge, it should still continue to work. But once that goes or if you have any issues, unfortunatly you are out of luck since they don't sell it or support it any more.
Thanks, Shane!
I just found this and I think I’m going to order it to replace my troublesome MEROSS Opener
Will this integrate with Siri for voice commands over an Apple cellphone?
Yes, as long as you have a HomeKit hub in the house (Apple TV or HomePod).
Hi Shane, great video again. What would be your ideal setup if I want my ceiling garage light to open when my garage door is opening ? I thought of putting a Lutron motion sensor but not sure if the distance between the switch and the garage door will be a problem ? Other ideas ? thanks again
I wonder if I could use this on my driveway gate instead of the garage door? I just want to use Siri to open and close the gate, nothing fancy. I just moved to a new property and I’m putting up a property line fence w a gate across the driveway so I am looking into things now before I buy openers and smart things. If I could get it to open automatically as I pull up to the gate great but just telling Siri to open the gate or having that button on carplay would work as well.
I have Chamberlain MyQ garage door openers with the yellow learn button which will not allow you to use the wired door button connection that this Tailwind device uses unfortunately. However the Meross device you mentioned does offer a solution for folks with the MyQ openers with the yellow learn button that uses wireless technology to bypass the door button issue on the Chamberlain/Liftmaster platform. Good work on the video.
Thanks for sharing. Tailwind does also offer a solution for the Chamberlain garage doors with the yellow learn button. Upon checkout they will ask you if you have a "round yellow learn button" and if yes, they will provide an adapter.
@@ShaneCreates Thanks for the information Shane, I did not know that.
I have never seen homekit show on apple car play? Is there a setting for this... can other buttons shoe from home app on carplay?
It’s just garage doors that will show up automatically when you are near home.
Thanks Shane, this doesn't show in carplay for me... I have a Garage Door that I connected to Raspberry Pi GPIO running HomeBridge, and this shows in Home app, and I can open and close door using app and have made shortcuts that work with it... one shortcut monitors if I have arrived home and checks to see if door is open, if closed it asks me if i want to open door and I reply YES or NO. Cool Shortcut. Also have one that checks when I leave home if I ave left door open and asks me if door should be closed.
As long as it’s exposed to HomeKit as a garage door device type (not a switch or anything else) then it should just work automatically.
Unfortunately I had already ordered the Meross before I saw this video. Tailwind looks to be higher quality and of course the warning prior to closing is a good thing but for $36 on Black Friday, it was a good deal and the accessory device arrived within days. I did steal the mounting location from this video - using the side of the door and the rail to mount the sensor and because I have other Meross devices, setup was easy. I hope to get the Tailwind maybe in the spring but for now, the Meross is a good alternative and gets around the crap Chamberlain pulled with the API.
If you are working in the garage you can 'lock' the garage door using the button in the garage. I believe it disables any and all signals to open and close it.
Tailwind ordered! Thanks Shane
Shane, can you turn the annoying beeping off when you shut the door? Thanks
Is the myQ issue something new? I have two garage door openers still linked through HomeKit and they have been working well mostly without issue. Sometimes I have to reboot the hub because it loses connection outside of that. They have been working very well.
It started several weeks ago. Some people tried to roll back the plug in version on Homebridge but it didn’t work for me.
Do the vehicle sensors work if your iPhone is connected to wireless CarPlay?
Great! Tnks, Shane! How can we manage multiples garage door in carplay? How Home app will manage this kind of case? Could/Should We choose our preferred door?
Good question. This is an Apple thing and I don't believe there is a way to choose which garage door pops up on the display. I've heard that maybe Apple/HomeKit chooses the one most used... sort of like a "siri suggestion." Not sure. That could be another good case for the garage door sensors that this product offers.
Hey Shane, another great video! I know you mentioned MyQ (which I currently have), however when I go to the compatibility checker it doesnt list it. Do you know if its supported?
MyQ is more of the feature, not the the brand name. So look for the brand or model number... like Chaimberlain or LiftMaster, etc.
This seems like more solid and robust solution over, say, Meross's product. I was burned when myQ abandoned support of its API, but Amazon still uses it for their Key (inside-garage delivery). I'm thinking I could conceivably leave myQ in place for Amazon Key and add Tailwind (or even Meross) to restore HomeKit support. Can anyone think of a reason this would NOT work?
Thanks for another timely and terrific video!
This definitely works. We have many customers that do this. Also if we can encourage more people to pester Amazon it would be helpful. The ONLY reason Tailwind does not support Amazon garage delivery is because they refuse to work with “smaller” companies. We have been chasing them for years.
I want to see one of these with the option to turn off the beeping/strobing.
I know it’s in the name of “safety” but with the load cells in the motor to make sure it does not drive with excessive force(pressing down on something in the way) and the light beam to make sure nothing is in the way it seems redundant and unnecessary.
For the noise warning I would argue the sound of the door/motor itself is enough to warn people it is in motion.
UL 325 standard. If I'm not mistaken, it's mandatory in the U.S., though many of the aftermarket "smart" options bypass this (because they're not UL 325 certified).
Thanks Shane, ordered and used your code. Keep up the great videos.
Awesome thank you!
My garagedoor do not have the terminals for at wired button. Only wireless signal to open/close the garagedoor.
Is it possible to get this to work to send a wireless signal?
If the garage door is already open when the vehicle arrives, is the system smart enough not to close it? Many remote systems are toggle-type open/close which I find annoying.
It does not toggle. It knows what the current state is and will set it appropriately. For example I often leave the house with the garage door already shut. It does not toggle it open when I leave, but it always closes it if it's still open and I leave.
would you say its better than the Meross? I'm moving soon and wondering if the tailwind is worth the upgrade.
Yes I think it’s better than Meross.
My MyQ is working great still
Is it going to stop working ?
Looking for a solution for the three bays at our firewall. I don't think we want to use the sensors as we never know who is driving which fire truck. Our door openers are commercial so need to look at this more.
Excellent video as always Shane. You sold me with this video. Quick question if it’s not too much trouble. Does this opener support obstruction detected notifications? Thanks.
I've been using iQ3 for a few years, and I do seem to recall getting notifications if an obstruction is detected. Might want to reach out to Tailwind. Scott, the owner, is very responsive.
@@davidc-l9174 Thanks for that. I currently have LiftMaster MyQ openers with the included obstruction sensors and was hoping the IQ3 can use them. I’ll reach out to TailWind.
@@jonathanitin9065 Report back here what you find out, if you don't mind!
I have a Meross. It has a door sensor which is the primary reason I wanted one. We sometimes would leave our door open by accident because the sensor didn't let the door close. Having a door open sensor lets us catch that mistake.
Unfortunately, I changed my WiFi and now it doesn't work and I can't figure out how to reset it 😕
Did Meross fix the intermittent connection issues you were having?
It definitely got better than when this my original video was published on the Meross garage door opener. I still had the occasional dropped connection issue but it did not happen very often at all.
What is the difference between the Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller PRO with J-track mounted sensor and the Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller Pro with Universal Sensor?
Once installed can Tailwind App be used to open garage from other locations besides being near home?
Yes
Not available on Amazon?
Thanks for the recommendation from instagram. I’ll definitely check this one out!
So what’s the word, do we prefer this or the Meross opener?
Yep, I do!
Can I pair an automation to unlock my interior door from my garage to inside my home? Or turn on my living room lamp when the garage door is opened
Yes
How is this done & what are the best products to use for those automations?
Phenomenal review Shane, thanks! Another quick question; we have one garage and one car, and I’m thinking of the vehicle sensor. How would you set it up so it works on my wife’s iPhone as well as mine?
Thanks again, really love the channel
Mike
Hey Mike, thanks for the support. 🙏🏼
I believe you would need to download the Tailwind app on her phone and share access to the garage door with her.
review on new Yale door lock w/ Apple Homekey functionality coming soon?
I love my iQ3! It's reliable, affordable, easy to install and set up, has native support for a number of smarthome platforms. Also, controls up to 3 garage doors with one module!
FWIW I use the native built-in myQ support for two of my vehicles, and the iQ3 with my third vehicle. I find myQ and iQ3 complement each other well because of the built-in myQ functionality that two of my vehicles happen to have. Also, the iQ3 is UL 325 certified (unlike most [all?] other solutions like Meross).
Thanks for this video, well done. Is it possible to use both the Tailwind iQ3 Pro and the MyQ hub. I have an automatic integration with my car using MyQ (and it works), but would also like to have control in HomeKit.
I also have a Wayne Dalton garage door. What manual garage lock is that installed?
Just curious, can this be used as a smart contact sensor? So essentially not connecting the wires into the back of the garage door motor unit. I am looking at using this as a fence gate notification device as the contact sensors are large and look durable. That way I would get notifications of it being opened or closed but it would be so manually rather then via the motorized unit.
Do a vid on RATGDO? It seems to tap into the openers native knowledge of its open state, doesn’t require sensors. Reminds me of the homebridge solution before chamberlain killed it.
I ditched my MyQ add-on for a Meross last week.
Where I work, me and some of my colleagues used to have the motto: "When all else fails, read the instructions!"
Exactly!! 👏🏼👏🏼
That would cut down on tech support 😂 but we are happy to answer questions. We are humbled and honored by how happy our customers are with our products.
Great video. I use the Meross. Pretty happy with it
Hi, I’m wondering if it is possible to let a script run only once a day? I would like to add my robot vacuum to the status of my alarm. So if the alarm is turned on the robot will start but only once per day
I had an issue with a invoice for one of these. I had an issue with my order that has not yet arrived. I sent 2 emails early morning yesterday, and as of 9 am today. Not sure If I can trust this company. Is there no other way other than email for get in touch with them?
Hi Shane- does the door sensor show up in homekit for use as a trigger for other automations?
It shows up as a garage door, which can be used to trigger automations.
Comparison between meross and tailwind?
Meross used to give me so much grief with the dreaded "not responding" message. Lately it's been working without issues though....However if that pops up again, I'm 100% making the switch to this instead.
I love the idea of those little Pucks also, I used to ask siri to open the garage door when on my motorcycle and it would always require face id or my pin code to open up the door which is difficult when on the motorcycle with gloves and a helmet on...This would have solved that issue perfectly. $90 is perfectly reasonable if it works without issue....and this is probably the only other offering out there for multiple garage doors besides the overpriced iSmartgate opener out there.
Yes we actually have a lot of customers that ride motorcycles. No more unlocking the phone, putting down the kickstand to use the keypad, digging for a remote, or even cutting into the bike electrical system and installing aftermarket equipment. Just toss a vehicle sensor in the saddle bag. Done.
Was hoping you'd do one for this, thanks. Like you, I'm not a fan of having to create an account just to install it. It's as if network discovery hasn't been around for a couple of decades or more...
We hear you. As a smaller company we have to allocate our development resources carefully. Our customers have been pushing for more features and integrations (some huge news coming soon on this that Chamberlain is not going to like).
Setup without registering is on our list but our current focus is making Tailwind do more. You can always log out of the app after setup.
The main reason for account creation from our perspective is not that we want any of your details. We actually don’t. But what it does allow us to do is restore all your settings automatically when you get a new phone (in case they don’t transfer correctly).
But to confirm we do 100% hear you on this.
@@TailwindGarage Holy crap! Do you have any idea how rare that kind of reply is? Not only do you acknowledge the issue, you give us an _excellent_ reason for the thing I'm complaining about! Good on you.
Of course, now I have to go and buy one.
Well thank you! We will do our very best to serve you. I guess this is what happens when the entire company is nothing but engineers. We have no sales people. No marketing. As engineers, of course we are obsessed with what customers think and how we can always improve. So yeah, we are different I guess 😂
My garage controller has 4 ports namely Gnd, St, Sen, +12v. I've tried to connect to Gnd and Sen, but it didn't work. Would you know if I'm doing it right ? I'm using a different wireless controller .
Good after MYQ stopped integration with home assistant I trashed my my Q and just worked in a Shelly to a regular garage button button
Shane -- Recently, you posted a video about Aqara's Dual Relay Module T2. One of the things you discussed was using Aqara's T2 to 'smartify' a garage door opener. When would you recommend going with the Tailwind iQ3 over rolling your own with the Aqara T2?
Personally, I prefer the Tailwind iQ3 over the Aqara for a garage door solution. It will give you more useful features as a garage door. The T2 is just a relay, which essentially just a switch in your smart home platforms, so you will be a bit more limited in the features.
Have to ask about the GMC truck. The headlight looks cool. EV?
Thanks! It's a '24 Sierra. I was forced to get a new vehicle recently after an accident that left my previous truck totaled and my wrist broken (you may notice the wrist brace in the video).
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What’s the turnaround on shipping?
Do you need to have the phone that you set up the system with in the car? Can I set up with an iPhone but I do not use the iPhone. I only use my iPhone for an office phone. The phone I always have with me is an Android. But, I want to use the sensor that you keep in the car to auto open and close because my Android phone is too close to the garage door opener all the time.
You actually don't even need the vehicle sensor if you use an android, if I recall correctly. Just using the app on an Android should give you the same functionality.
How can I use HomeKit in CarPlay?
Is the WiFi connection only on your local network so it can communicate with the HomeKit hub? Or does it require API access to tailwind servers such that it would stop working if those servers go down or get turned off?
Homekit is local, so our servers are not involved for HomeKit. Also, we have an extensive local control API and a python library was recently released. So there are many ways to control and monitor with Tailwind without our servers.
@@TailwindGarage Awesome!!
Ideally I'd like a solution that doesn't require installing new sensors. Just use the existing ones in place. The ratgdo looks very promising.
The ratgdo is great. After configuring it with wifi, you just 3 tiny wires connected to the garage motor and power it with micro-usb, and you're done. You need no extra sensors mounted with wires all over your garage. It's the cleanest approach, and you get the most automation capability with ratgdo. You can open/close your doors, open them to a specific %, toggle the lights, toggle the wireless remote lockout, know the door status and the obstruction sensor status. But I can understand why people go for stuff like the Meross or Tailwind.
Yes this is correct. We have even supported Paul on his project. Currently it works with Chamberlain Security+ 2.0 and his latest version works with Security+ 1.0 as well. There are some 3D printed housings you can purchase so for customers comfortable with flashing the firmware and familiar with ESPhome / Home Assistant and / or MQTT this is a good option if you have one of those types of Chamberlain openers.
We will continue to support Paul in his efforts.
I was surprised when I received the Meross in the mail with the added sensor..
Hey Shane, thanks for the suggestion, would you have any recommendations for a garage door opener for someone who has no idea what they’re doing? I think I’ll end up getting this Tailwind for the HomeKit integration, but I’m struggling to settle on an actual garage door opener. Appreciate any help
I actually don't have any recommendation for that. I've always just used the garage door opener that came with my house (currently an old Chamberlain whisper drive). I really don't think it matters much, especially if you plan to use a device like Tailwind for the smart home integration and wifi connection. You could always use the Tailwind "compatibility checker" to make sure the one you are considering is supported.
We would recommend Genie / Overhead Door (same company) or Linear. Both great brands and neither is taking active steps to prevent integrations without subscriptions.
Does this work if I am not at home? Can I activate my garage door if I am not at home?
Yes
Do you know if the track sensor can be installed at the very top out of the way?
They also offer the product with a "universal" sensor that can be mounted at the top or even the bottom of the garage door. If you cannot mount on the J track, I would look at that option.
I dumped MYq too. Switched to Meross.
Ordered. Oh…and nice to see my garage mess isn’t the exception! 😏
🤣 🤣 🤣 and I'm glad it's not just me!
How does the tailwind pro compare to Meross garage opener since you have used the two? Thank you
The Meross garage door opener is decent. It gets the job done and is what I've used for at least the past year or two. At first I got some "no response" errors in homekit, but that has gotten better with time and firmware updates. Meross would still drop out on me every now and then requiring me to reboot it. So far I haven't had any connectivity issues with Tailwind at all. And obviously the build quality is much better on Tailwind.
Great video seems like it does everything I have been looking for.
Can you adjust the delay when closing the door from the app or HomeKit?
Good question. I don't recall seeing a way to adjust the delay. I believe that 5-6 second delay is a legal requirement.
You would think a garage door opener company would go the other way, and offer functionality like Tailwind in their latest opener rather than abandon smart home compatibility all together
Does Tailwind work with homebridge
It works with HomeKit natively.