| How to Extend the Range of a Garage Door Posted: 09 Apr 2021 01:00 AM PDT It's frustrating to struggle with your garage door opener at the end of a long day, but luckily, there are a few simple tricks that might help you extend the range of your remote. The typical range of a garage door opener is about , but a number of things can affect how well it works. Improving the range of your opener might be as simple as changing out your batteries, although in some cases, you might need to relocate the transmitter to avoid interference from other devices. [Edit]Check whether the car visor interferes with the remote. - Hold the remote in your hand if it's clipped to your visor. Then, press the button to open your garage. If the opener works fine when you're holding it, but it doesn't work on the visor, there may be something in the visor interfering with the signal. In that case, extending the range on your opener might not make much of a difference—you just won't be able to use the remote from the visor.[1]
[Edit]Replace the battery. - This simple fix only takes a few minutes. A failing battery can definitely impact how well your garage door opener works.[2] To replace the battery in most remotes, remove the visor clip, then gently pry off the back cover with a flat-head screwdriver. Use the screwdriver to carefully pop out the old battery, then simply press the new battery into place and replace the cover.[3]
- Most garage door openers use a 2032 button battery, although some do use different sizes.
- If you've recently changed the batteries but they still aren't working, test them with a battery tester. If the battery sat on the shelf for a long time before you bought it, it might have been dead when it got to you.
[Edit]Extend your antenna. - Use this simple fix to boost your range. Find the antenna on your garage door opener—it's typically just an insulated wire hanging from the device. Turn off the power to your garage, then use wire strippers to cut off about of insulation from the end of the wire. Then, cut about of low-voltage copper wire and strip from one end of that, as well. Twist the two bare ends of wire together and wrap them in electrical cord, then stretch the new wire down the beam that supports your garage door when it's open. Secure the wire near your garage door.[4]
- If you'd like, you can feed the new antenna over your garage door so it goes outside. This will boost your signal even more, but it's fine to leave it inside the door if you don't want to see the wire.[5]
- You can use any wire you happen to have lying around, including stereo, ethernet, or telephone wire.[6]
[Edit]Replace your remote if it's more than 10 years old. - Try this if you think the contacts might be worn out. As the remote ages and the contacts wear down, the remote is no longer able to send a strong signal to the transmitter. Over time, this will affect the range of the garage door opener. You can purchase a replacement remote from most big-box stores that sell home improvement supplies.[7]
- If the remote sat for a long time with old batteries, the circuits are likely corroded. In that case, the remote probably needs to be replaced even if it's less than 10 years old.[8]
[Edit]Change the frequency of an older opener. - Flip the frequency switches if your remote has them. Older garage door remotes communicate with the transmitter on a certain frequency. This frequency is determined by a series of switches, known as DIP switches. Open the back of your remote and look for these switches—there might be 9 or 12, depending on the model of your opener. Then, look at your transmitter, or the box inside your garage that controls the opener, and find the corresponding switches. Alternate some of the switches from their current position—just make sure they match exactly on the remote and the transmitter.[9]
- It's better to use a random pattern for the switches, rather than putting them all in a straight row—that will make it less likely for someone to be able to copy your RF signal and open your garage door.
- If your transmitter works on a frequency but it doesn't have switches, you can install an external receiver near the garage door opener that will convert the frequency for you.
[Edit]Replace your lightbulbs if they're causing interference. - Unplug your garage lights to see if that's the problem. Some devices emit radio signals that can interfere with your garage door opener. LED and fluorescent lights are a frequent culprit, so if you have them installed in your garage, try unplugging them for a few minutes. If the range on your garage door opener improves when the lights are unplugged, try replacing the bulbs with a different brand.[10]
- If you don't want to replace your lightbulbs, it may help to install a ferrite clip around the power cord on the box that controls your garage door opener. Simply clamp the clip around the power cord and snap it into place to help block out RF interference. You can order these cores online or purchase them from an electronic store.
[Edit]Move the opener control box if you can't remove the interference. - Place it further away from other electrical devices. There are a number of devices that could cause interference, including automated sprinkler systems or lights, surge protectors, and alarms. If you're able to identify what's causing the interference and it's not an option to move it, moving the box that controls your garage door opener may help solve the problem. Just keep in mind that you may need to have a professional do the installation for you.[11]
- For instance, if you have a cable running along the back of your garage that's causing interference, re-installing your garage door opener box toward the front of your garage may help.
- Unfortunately, it can be hard to pinpoint what's exactly causing the problem—it could be something like a nearby airport or radio tower, for instance.[12]
[Edit]Reprogram the remote if it uses a code. - Reset the remote if it's no longer responding at all. If your garage door opener isn't working, something may have happened to reset the code it transmits to the receiver.[13] While the process may vary depending on your garage door opener, most major brands have a button on the opener or the wall control that says "Learn." Press this button, then press and hold the button on your opener that you want to use to open the door.[14]
- If the button is on the box that controls your garage door opener, it will be near the base of the antenna.
- Depending on your model, you may hear a click on the garage door, or you might see flashing lights on the remote that indicate the programming worked.
- When you're finished, press the button again to make sure the garage door opens.
[Edit]References |
| How to Say Nice Things Posted: 08 Apr 2021 05:00 PM PDT Most of us have heard the saying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." While saying nice things comes naturally to some people, others have a harder time giving praise or complimenting someone else. If you struggle with this, read our list of suggestions—you'll learn ways to give sincere feedback that makes someone feel great about themselves. With a little practice, you'll feel confident saying genuinely kind things to others. [Edit]Look for the good in people or situations. - Instead of focusing on the negative, pay attention to positive things. This is the backbone behind positive parenting techniques, for example, which argue that you reinforce good behavior by noticing it and appreciating it.[1]
- For example, instead of waiting for someone to make a mistake before you say something, look for something good. Maybe your child's been better behaved when you take them to the store, or maybe a chronically-late friend showed up on time to dinner.
[Edit]Make your compliment clear and detailed. - Your comment will feel more personal and you'll seem more sincere. Make the nice thought meaningful by tailoring it to the person you're praising. Instead of saying, "You look nice today," say something like, "I really like that color on you."[2]
- To praise behavior, give a specific example. If you're a parent, instead of saying, "Nice job at school," say, "I really liked how well you played with the kids in your class."
[Edit]Encourage someone who made you feel supported. - Say thank you and let them know you care. It's easy to focus on compliments for specific actions, but don't forget that you can just say thank you. Make a meaningful connection by sharing how you feel, too.[3]
- For example, tell a family member, "Thank you for always being there for me. I know you've always got my back and that helps a lot," or say to a co-worker, "Thanks for sticking with me on this project. I know I can be hard to work with sometimes, but it's been nice having your help."
[Edit]Compliment someone, even if you don't know them. - Take time to point out something nice to a stranger. It doesn't have to be a really detailed compliment, just make it genuine. Make eye contact and put on a smile. Then, say something nice about the person's appearance or something they've done. Here are a few examples to get you started:[4]
- "That was really kind of you to give up your seat for that woman."
- "Those earrings look amazing with your hair color."
- "You have the best freckles!"
- "Thanks for taking my cart back. You're a lifesaver!"
[Edit]Recognize something great that your partner did. - Deepen your relationship by highlighting things you like about them. If you're in a relationship, it's easy to assume that your partner knows you care about them. Make their day by pointing out something that you love about them. You might say:[5]
- "You're so great with hands-on projects."
- "I love how you're outgoing while I'm a bit reserved. We balance each other beautifully!"
- "Have you noticed how patient you've grown?"
- It can be tricky to say something nice about someone physically. The person might be self-conscious about their body or it just might not be appropriate for the setting. Instead of pointing out physical characteristics, highlight something great that they've done.[6]
- For example, avoid the generic, "You look great!" Instead, try, "You were really confident in that meeting. Great job keeping everyone engaged."
- If you really want to point out that someone looks nice, be specific and kind. Instead of saying, "You look great! Have you lost weight?" Say something like, "I really like those colors on you. That's a great outfit."
[Edit]Mention how the person makes you feel. - Share why you're impressed, proud, or happy with the person. Make a deeper connection by telling them how something they did or said made you feel. For example, instead of saying, "Great job at the meeting," say, "Thanks for getting everyone to listen to my ideas at the meeting. You really made me feel supported."[7]
- If it's hard for you to share your feelings, keep it simple. Just letting the person know that you appreciate them is huge!
- Don't say something that you don't truly mean. Most people can spot when someone's being insincere and you may actually damage your relationship if you're not being genuine.
[Edit]Praise someone's efforts, not just the outcome. - Highlight the work that someone put in so they know you appreciate them. Whether you're talking with teammates or a romantic partner, let them know that you value their efforts. Maybe they took a challenging class, worked hard on a project, or tried to improve a relationship. Say something nice about the process and not just what came of it.[8]
- For example, say, "I'm really impressed that you reached out to your sister. I know she's hard to talk to, but you've really made an effort."
- If you're a parent, try this with your kids, too. They may not win their game or event, but they'll love hearing how great it was for them to try.
[Edit]Ask a question so the person accepts the compliment. - Don't let the person deflect the nice thing you just said. Sometimes, people have a hard time accepting compliments. By asking a question after you say something nice, it helps them accept it and respond so the conversation keeps going.[9]
- For example, if you're a parent, you might say to your child, "How did you know your brother wanted you to share your toys?" or, to your co-worker, "Do you have suggestions for how I could be a more effective speaker?"
[Edit]Avoid tacking a criticism onto the compliment. - Resist the urge to give suggestions or add a qualifier to your comment. No one appreciates getting nice feedback that also has criticism attached. For example, don't say, "Your hair looks better today than it did yesterday," or, "You seemed really confident in the meeting, but I think you talked too much."[10]
- Think about what makes the person feel good about themselves. If your comment might hurt their feelings, don't say it!
- Leave a nice comment on someone's media page instead of just scrolling by. It's easy to like or love someone's content, but if you want to make more of an impact, say something nice.
- Say the nice thing as soon as you think of it. If you wait and say something nice later on, it might not come across as genuine.
- Appear more genuine by looking the person in the eye. Studies actually show people are more likely to believe what someone's saying if the person is making direct eye contact.[11]
[Edit]References |
| How to Eat Pickled Garlic Posted: 08 Apr 2021 09:00 AM PDT Pickled garlic may sound like an acquired taste, but you might find yourself repeatedly reaching for the jar. Unlike raw garlic, which has a spicy, sharp flavor, garlic that's pickled in vinegar becomes mellow and even slightly sweet. You can eat it raw or add it to meals for a burst of unique flavor. Try it with whatever you're eating—you might be pleasantly surprised with an original flavor combination! [Edit]Eat the pickled garlic straight out of the jar. - Pop it right into your mouth whenever you need a burst of flavor. If you're like most people who enjoy pickled garlic, you might like snacking on it straight out of the jar.[1]
- There's no need to heat or cook it since it's already soft and flavorful.
[Edit]Toss it with sautéed vegetables for a bold acidic kick. - Stir chopped pickled garlic into veggies like peppers, broccoli, or onions. Instead of cooking vegetables with freshly minced garlic, give them a deeper, rich flavor with pickled garlic. Just chop up a few pickled garlic cloves and add it to vegetables like:[2]
- Green beans
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Onions
[Edit]Add pickled garlic to a charcuterie board. - Place it on cheese or snack boards, too. If you're serving a charcuterie or snack board to guests, set out a variety of flavors so people can find taste combinations they enjoy. Put out a small bowl of pickled garlic to complement the sausage, cheese, or crackers.[3]
- Want to make the garlic even fancier? Drizzle a little high-quality extra-virgin olive oil over the cloves to bring out the slightly sweet flavor of the garlic.
[Edit]Mix it into pasta salads or stir-fries. - Chop pickled garlic and stir it into cooked noodles or steamed rice. The garlic gives a boost of flavor to ingredients that are usually pretty bland on their own and it tastes great in a variety of cuisines.[4]
- For example, stir pickled garlic into stir-fried rice, a vegetable curry, or a creamy alfredo sauce.
[Edit]Try pickled garlic on sandwiches, hot dog, and hamburgers. - Lay slices of pickled garlic onto a sandwich to give it a slightly tangy taste. Pickled garlic is a great topping for paninis, hamburgers, or your favorite sandwich. They're not as sharp as onions, but they give a zippy flavor.[5]
- Pickled garlic is wonderful on pizza, too!
[Edit]Serve pickled garlic with grilled meat and seafood. - Set out pickled garlic to add flavor to smoky meats or mild seafood. The next time you toss steaks or pork chops on the grill set out a bowl of pickled garlic. The tangy flavor complements smoky meat and adds a little kick of garlic. This also makes it great for mild seafood dishes like cod, halibut, or rockfish.[6]
- If you're adding barbecue sauce to your grilled meat, stir a few chopped cloves of garlic into it before basting the meat.
[Edit]Mash the garlic and spread it on toast. - Make your own garlic bread that has a smooth, mild flavor. Garlic bread made with fresh garlic cloves, herbs, and salt, can be really sharp—especially if you're using raw garlic that's started to sprout. If you prefer a mellow flavor, mash a few pickled garlic cloves and spread it on toast instead of using fresh garlic.[7]
- Serve your garlic toast with a fresh garden salad that you've garnished with pickled garlic cloves.
[Edit]Stir it into spaghetti sauce to add a slightly zippy flavor. - Customize homemade or jarred pasta sauce with a little pickled garlic. Chop the garlic cloves and simmer it in your spaghetti sauce until the sauce absorbs the flavor. Don't be afraid to add lots of garlic since this is the base for a lot of Italian dishes.[8]
- Use your garlic-flavored spaghetti sauce to make lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs, for instance.
[Edit]Garnish cocktails with a few cloves of pickled garlic. - Use pickled garlic cloves instead of pickled onions to garnish your drink. Try it in your next martini or Bloody Mary, for instance. You can even substitute garlic brine for the olive brine in a dirty martini.[9]
- If you like a spicy Bloody Mary, use garlic cloves that were pickled with hot peppers.
[Edit]Make a pickled garlic salad dressing. - Whisk the brine from the pickled garlic with oil for a quick, salad dressing. Start by vigorously whisking about 3 parts of extra-virgin olive oil with 1 part of brine from the pickled garlic jar. Then, taste the dressing and add as much salt and pepper as you like before you toss it with salad greens.[10]
- You don't have to add the pickled garlic itself unless you want an even stronger garlic flavor.
- Did your pickled garlic turn blue? Don't worry—this is a natural reaction from the pickling process. Your garlic is safe to eat.[11]
[Edit]References |
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