MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

hensed
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MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by hensed »

After reading this notice from MyQ: https://newsroom.myq.com/2023-10-30-A-M ... age-of-myQ

It's apparent that they are not tightening security around APIs, they are actively hunting and killing 3rd party integrations like @flyingDiver's awesome plugin that has worked so well over the years. I hate it that I have a MyQ Garage opener. I would never support a company like this. They are out for $$ and your data to sell.

Anyways, this plugin was so essentially vital to my overall automation and security, I had to find a solution. So I copied some of the folks from the HA thread. I grabbed a spare controller from the utility drawer. Ordered a soldering iron ($15 on Amazon; never soldered before in my life), a Zooz GEN16 and some shielded copper wire.

I soldered 2 wires from the underside of the board, where the button that controls my door is connected. I then connected the wires to the Zooz GEN16, set as a momentary switch. I now have control again of my garage door. I'm using a z-wave tilt sensor to let me know the status of the door. Good luck out there folks!
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eme jota ce
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Re: MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by eme jota ce »

Great photos and description! Thanks.
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FlyingDiver
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Re: MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by FlyingDiver »

I agree this is a viable solution to the issue. But a couple things to be aware of -

(1) using a remote this way will NOT activate the warning buzzer that you get with the MyQ app or the plugin. So if you have kids or pets that hang out in the garage, be careful.

(2) you need to do some conditional programming, based on the tilt sensor(s), to make sure the door is going to do what you want. Just like using the remote in your car, it's a toggle, not a specific open/close. Papamac's Virtual Garage Door plugin will help here: https://www.indigodomo.com/pluginstore/267/

Lastly, I wouldn't use the word "betrayed" because the library (and plugin) was always based on reverse engineering the protocol. They never promised any API access. However, what they're doing is deliberately "screwing" their customers, so that's how I would classify it. I also will never buy another MyQ based product.

For my new house I'll be using Genie products that support their "Aladdin Connect" system.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
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FlyingDiver
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Re: MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by FlyingDiver »

My ratgdo device just shipped. Now I need to find some time to play with it.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
vtmikel
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Re: MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by vtmikel »

I think I'll go the Ratgdo route as well. The Meross looks like a complete solution as well, and there is a python library available. It looks like device control is done via the internet though.
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FlyingDiver
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Re: MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by FlyingDiver »

I have my ratgdo device, and I've flashed the firmware and set it up for my Wifi and MQTT server. Now I just need to install it and test it out.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
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FlyingDiver
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Re: MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by FlyingDiver »

Installed and tested. Does work with the MQTT shims plugin, but the way he did the MQTT topics would require a separate Shim for each status. Dedicated plugin in the works.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
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FlyingDiver
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Re: MyQ betrayed its users, now what? (here's what I did)

Post by FlyingDiver »

Any further discussion should be in a ratgdo thread in this forum: viewforum.php?f=216
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
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