Door Industry Journal - Summer 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 46 THE door industry journal summer 2014 When Steve Szymke, one of the founders of Bluetech Automation USA was cutting his lawn and found himself without the remote to open his garage door he had an idea. Realising he always had his phone with him, he decided to set out with the help of his techie friend Josh, to make a device that could turn any existing garage door opener into one that could be operated from a smartphone – the iOpener™ does just that. The iOpener™ from Bluetech Automation allows users to open and close their automated Garage Door, Gate, Awning, Shopfront Shutter or Security Grille in addition to other compatible devices like Electric Door Releases, from their Android or iOS Smartphone or tablet. iOpener™ is a small receiver that you connect to any device which operates via a two-wire momentary contact or hold-to-run control circuit. The iOpener™ receiver connects to Android or iOS Smart phones or tablets by downloading the Free relevant App and is powered by Bluetooth® technology. Existing transmitters, keypads and other control accessories will continue to operate normally. iOpener™ adds a safe, convenient and more secure way of controlling such equipment from most Android or iOS Smart phones or tablets. iOpener is now available on the UK market thanks in part to Door Industry Journal editor, Derek Hibbart. Derek stumbled across the device after reading a Google Alert about it and, impressed by what he saw, contacted Steve to offer his help in launching the product in the UK and Europe. Derek turned to Les McLaren, a former colleague with nearly thirty years experience in the door and gate automation industry, to help facilitate the process. After much transatlantic telephone negotiation, Steve and business manager Brian Piñon flew over to meet Les and Derek in February of this year. The result of the meeting was the formation of Bluetech Automation Ltd, which is now acting as the distribution company for the iOpener in the UK and Europe with Les taking the role of International Sales Director. Commenting on the outcome, Derek said: “I’m able and willing, through my consultancy business, to find suitable partners for companies that contact me seeking introductions in the future – for a fee off course!”. OPERATING SYSTEMS – ANDROID AND iOS When the product was first launched back in March this year, only an Android compatible single channel unit was available. This was based on market research showing that 80% of smartphones and tablets ran on Android – so the team thought why was an Apple iOS model needed? Well, soon after launch it became very evident that many of the installed automated doors and gates are owned by early adopters of new technology and therefore are more likely to own an Apple smartphone or tablet. garage doors feature New iOpener™ device from Bluetech Automation opens Garage Doors and a whole lot more... U T O M A T I O N A iOpener V2 (Android and iOS)