Looking for a keypad that does double duty? The myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad not only allows you to have an external keypad for garage door entry, it’s also a security camera with motion and activity alerts.
It works with the myQ app (available for Android and iOS), where you can create and manage personalized PIN codes. So let’s say your neighbor needs to borrow the ladder that’s in your garage and you’re out of town. Through the myQ app, you can create and send a temporary PIN to him/her. You can even limit the PIN to only be accessible on certain days of the week and/or time of day.
Also, in conjunction with the myQ app, you’ll get real-time notifications when your door is accessed or when someone wants to communicate with you. By pressing the phone icon on the keypad, you’ll be immediately notified and be able to speak and listen to your visitor. If it’s a neighbor dropping off something, and you have a myQ smart garage door opener like me, you can forgo the PIN code and immediately open the door with your app and let them place it securely inside.
What’s in the box
My kit was the VKP1-MYQ which comes with a 20-degree fixed mounting kit. Although the built-in camera provides a 160º diagonal field-of-view around the garage so you can see and know when people are approaching the garage from your driveway, I added a swivel mount to mine. You can purchase the swivel mount separately so you can angle the video camera either left or right, depending on the ideal view of your driveway or sidewalk. If your walls are wood or siding, two simple screws are all that’s needed to secure the mount in place. (Masonry anchors are also included if needed.) The mount uses a tiny Philips screw to secure the opener to the mount.
Before installing the unit, you’ll need to remove the rechargeable battery from the keypad, and charge it for 10 hours. After a full charge, it’s supposed to last for several months. The unit comes with a micro-USB cord for charging in a standard USB charger, but does not come with a charger itself.
I mentioned I added a swivel mount, and by releasing two #1 Philips screws, the keypad and camera can be angled left or right, approximately 45° in each direction.
There is no instruction pamphlet or book included with the device, merely a couple QR codes that you can scan with your phone that will guide you through the installation. There’s a second QR code for downloading the myQ app if you need to do that. Both are clear and easy to follow. (I personally found it easier to print off the instructions here, instead of jumping back and forth from the app to the instructions on the phone.)
Using the keypad
First – no wires. The wireless keypad works with integrated Bluetooth for fast Wi-Fi connectivity. (assuming your Wi-Fi reaches your garage.)
Want to track who’s coming and going? You can set separate PIN codes for each family member if desired.
Rich notifications – when someone accesses the keypad, you get a notification on your phone as to which PIN number was used and a photo of the person who entered it. (This is a premium feature only available with a video subscription)
You can also set the camera’s sensitivity to various motions and set the frequency and type of notifications you want to receive. (ie. Don’t notify me more than once if there is a basketball game going in the driveway.)
Alert notification when the battery needs to be recharged. Overnight charging (10 hours) should keep it at peak life.
Going for a walk and just want to close the door behind you – merely press the lower right-hand button with the garage icon, and the door will close – no need for your smartphone or remote.
Pressing the lower left button with the phone icon allows your family to communicate with you via the app, no matter where you are.
myQ offers a free 30-day video storage tryout so you can refer back and find out who all has been accessing your garage. After 30 days, they offer three choices:
Free – no storage but full video coverage live.
7-Day plan – store video for a single device for seven days – $3.99/month or $39.99 per year.
30-Day plan – store video events for multiple devices for 30 days – $9.99/month or $99.99 per year.
Check the myQ website to see exactly which features are available with each plan.
myQ smart garage accessories that will be on sale this Prime Day (July 11) include:
- myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad. On sale $84.99 (original price $99.99)
- myQ Smart garage Control will be down to $19.99
- myQ Smart Garage Camera will be down to $59.99
Specifications:
Brand Compatibility
Compatible with LiftMaster®, Chamberlain®, Craftsman®, Raynor®, and AccessMaster® garage door openers installed after 1993 that use photoelectric sensors
GDO Learn Button Compatibility
Yellow, Purple, Orange/Red, Green
Code Type Compatibility
Security+ 2.0®, Security+ 315MHz, Security+ 390MHz, Billion code 390MHz
Connectivity
802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi
Camera
1080P HD Video with Night Vision
Field of View
160° Diagonal Wide Angle
Audio
Speaker, Microphone
Power
Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
Lighting
Illuminated Keypad
Operating Conditions
-4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°), IP55 Rated, Water Resistant
Dimensions
6.30in x 2.71in x 1.36in (159.9mm x 68.9mm x 34.5mm)
Warranty
1-Year Limited Warranty
For full information, see the website for details on the myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad.
