{"id":106128,"date":"2023-07-06T10:59:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T14:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=106128"},"modified":"2023-07-07T13:01:27","modified_gmt":"2023-07-07T17:01:27","slug":"myq-smart-garage-video-keypad-complete-security-for-the-garage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/myq-smart-garage-video-keypad-complete-security-for-the-garage\/","title":{"rendered":"myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad – complete security for the garage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for a keypad that does double duty?\u00a0 The myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad<\/a> not only allows you to have an external keypad for garage door entry, it\u2019s also a security camera with motion and activity alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It works with the myQ app (available for Android and iOS), where you can create and manage personalized PIN codes. So let\u2019s say your neighbor needs to borrow the ladder that\u2019s in your garage and you\u2019re out of town. Through the myQ app, you can create and send \u00a0a temporary PIN to \u00a0him\/her. You can even \u00a0limit the PIN to only be accessible on certain days of the week and\/or time of day.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, in conjunction with the myQ app, you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll be immediately notified and be able to speak and listen to your visitor.\u00a0 If it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s in the box<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My kit was the VKP1-MYQ which comes with a 20-degree \u00a0fixed mounting kit. Although the built-in camera provides \u00a0a 160\u00ba 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Before installing the unit, you\u2019ll need to remove the rechargeable battery from the keypad, and charge it for 10 hours. After a full charge, it\u2019s supposed to last \u00a0for 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u00b0 in each direction. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019s 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.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Using the keypad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First \u2013 no wires.  The wireless keypad works with integrated Bluetooth for fast Wi-Fi connectivity.  (assuming your Wi-Fi reaches your garage.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to track who\u2019s coming and going?\u00a0 You can set separate PIN codes for each family member if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rich notifications \u2013 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)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also set the camera\u2019s sensitivity to various motions and set the frequency and type of notifications you want to receive.  (ie. Don\u2019t notify me more than once if there is a basketball game going in the driveway.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alert notification when the battery needs to be recharged.  Overnight charging (10 hours) should keep it at peak life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going for a walk and just want to close the door behind you \u2013 merely press the lower right-hand button with the garage icon, and the door will close \u2013 no need for your smartphone or remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pressing the lower left button with the phone icon allows your family to communicate with you via the app, no matter where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free \u2013 no storage but full video coverage live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7-Day plan \u2013 store video for a single device for seven days – $3.99\/month or $39.99 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30-Day plan \u2013 store video events for multiple devices for 30 days – $9.99\/month or $99.99 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the myQ website<\/a> to see exactly which features are available with each plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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myQ smart garage accessories that will be on sale this Prime Day (July 11)<\/em><\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n