The Merlin SilentDrive Essential (MR655MYQ) is a garage roller door opener designed for residential use, offering a blend of safety, convenience, and durability. It is suitable for spring-balanced residential rolling garage doors with specific maximum height, curtain area, and mass. The opener is designed to be installed on either side of the door, with clear instructions provided for both right-hand (factory default) and left-hand installations.
Function Description
The primary function of the Merlin SilentDrive Essential is to automate the opening and closing of garage roller doors. It operates using a DC gear motor with permanent lubrication, ensuring smooth and quiet operation. The opener is activated via various methods, including an opener control panel, transmitters (remotes), and an optional wireless entry keypad.
A crucial safety feature is the integrated safety reverse system. When the door is closing and encounters an obstruction, it will automatically reverse to the fully open position. If an obstruction is met while opening, the door will stop and briefly reverse. For enhanced safety, especially in households with young children or pets, the installation of The Protector System™ (IR Beams) is strongly recommended. This system uses an invisible beam that, when broken by an obstruction, causes a closing door to open and prevents an open door from closing. In installations where the closing force at the edge of the door exceeds 400N (40 kgf), The Protector System™ (IR Beams) is mandatory.
The opener includes a manual release mechanism, allowing the door to be operated by hand during power outages or in emergencies. This mechanism is engaged by pulling a release cord, which disengages the opener from the door. To re-engage, the cord is pulled again. It is important to ensure the door is fully closed when using the manual release, as weak or broken springs could cause an open door to fall rapidly.
Usage Features
- Control Panel: The opener features a control panel with UP, DN (Down), P (Program), and S (Save/Delete) buttons, along with LED indicators for programming and diagnostics. A separate control button allows for door activation (Open - Stop - Close) when transmitters are unavailable.
- Transmitters: The opener comes with pre-programmed transmitters (remotes) for convenient operation. Additional transmitters can be programmed to the opener. The opener light can also be programmed to activate via a separate transmitter button.
- Wireless Wall Button: A wireless wall button (E138M) is included, which should be installed at a minimum height of 1.5m and out of reach of children, in a location where the garage door is visible and away from moving parts.
- Courtesy Light: The opener is equipped with a courtesy light that turns on during operation and automatically turns off after 3 minutes. During programming sequences, the courtesy light may flash at half strength.
- Audible Beep (Optional): The opener has an audible beep feature that sounds with each button press. This feature can be turned ON or OFF by following a simple programming sequence.
- Timer to Close (TTC): This feature allows the door to automatically close after a specified time period (10 to 180 seconds) if The Protector System™ (IR Beams) is installed. During the waiting period, the courtesy light flashes continuously. If an obstruction is encountered while closing, the door returns to the OPEN position, and the TTC sequence restarts. Auto-close is not recommended for households with young children.
- Ventilation Mode (Partial Opening Feature): This adjustable second stop position allows the door to open partially for ventilation, pedestrian, or pet access. This feature can be pre-set and programmed to a specific transmitter button. The door will then operate between the partial open position and the fully closed position using that button, while other buttons operate the door normally.
- Limit and Force Settings: The opener allows for setting the travel limits (how far the door opens and closes) and automatically learning the force required for operation. These settings are crucial for proper and safe door function and should be checked and adjusted as needed, especially during the first year of operation or after any repairs. The opener also needs to be configured for right or left-hand installation, which determines the direction of door rotation.
- Pinning the Door: To prevent "ballooning" of the door curtain, which can compromise safety reversal response and security, self-tapping metal screws are inserted into the curtain and drum wheel at each end of the roll.
- Weight Bar: A weight bar is attached to the bottom of the door curtain to ensure proper operation.
Maintenance Features
The Merlin SilentDrive Essential is designed for minimal maintenance once properly installed. It does not require additional lubrication.
- Monthly Safety Reverse Test: It is essential to repeat the safety reverse test once a month. This involves placing a 40 mm obstacle on the floor in the door's path and ensuring the door reverses upon contact. Any necessary adjustments to the limit and force settings should be made, and the test repeated.
- Monthly Door Operation Check: Manually operate the door once a month to check for balance or binding. If the door is unbalanced or binding, professional garage door service should be called.
- Full Open/Close Check: Verify that the door opens and closes fully. Adjust limits and/or force if necessary.
- Transmitter Battery Replacement: If the transmission range of the remotes decreases, the battery should be replaced. Instructions are provided for replacing the CR2032 battery.
- Warning Labels: After installation and successful safety reverse testing, warning labels (risk of entrapment and general warning) must be permanently affixed in prominent places, adjacent to wall controls and manual release mechanisms, as a reminder of safe operating procedures. The risk of entrapment label should be near the release handle, and the general warning label near any fixed control.
The opener is designed to offer safe service when installed and operated in strict accordance with the instructions provided in the manual. Regular checks and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for long-term safe and effective operation.