How does HomeLink Work?

OK, this isn't another "how do I program my visor to work". I burned that bridge in 2004 and it has worked flawlessly since (two doors). So much so that the buttons are getting rubbed off.

But now I am moving and the fun begins. The garage door is an ancient Genie which has no clue of working. So looked around and found various "Universal" receivers (they hook in a relay which effectively pushes the manual open button on any opener) and ended up getting the kit from HomeLink directly (https://secure.homelink.com/secure/shop.taf)

I had kind of assumed that since my Prius was compatible with the Craftsman doors and should be compatible with the new universal that the Craftsman accessories (the keypad, etc) should work with the new receiver. But they don't. So obviously I am missing something.

At Sears they have blue button series, black button series and grey button series which are not compatible with each other. Other vendors have their old and new types which aren't compatible. I don't know if any vendors stuff works with other vendors.

I haven't been able to google for any page that helps explain all this.

So does anyone here have a CLUE about how this stuff works?

jv

 

I think I am beginning to understand that HomeLink works with many vendors' protocols so HomeLink transmitters will work with HomeLink receivers but that doesn't mean the vendor's transmitters will work other vendor's receivers.

The bad news for me is my Craftsman transmitters won't work on my Universal Homelink Receiver. But I got my Prius to work with the universal receiver on the third button for my new house and the first two buttons for the doors on my current house.

I also bought the Homelink X-10 receiver so I can use the other buttons to activate lights and stuff at the new house. This was something I always thought of doing but I never did.