One of the reviews stated that you need to buy the adapter for a metal door. Is this true of all metal doors and why is the adapter needed? Thanks!!
1757503
I believe that it has something to do with the RFID reader technology and metal being able to slightly interfere with readings.
1757504
I think the metal door affects the signal emitted from the microchip in the cat, for some reason. We just bought the adpater but have not installed it yet. Our cat will be in for a little surprise, as she has gotten used to zipping through the door door at lightening speed! :) Have no idea if the adapter will allow the microchip to work, but that's what the directions said, once we opened the sure flap and realized it wasn't working. My husband is going to install today, and once we see what happens, I will revise my review. Keep your fingers crossed!
1757505
I installed in metal door without any adapter. Maybe needed for this door? Mine has worked fine for over a year without problems.
1757506
Here's your pseudo-definitive answer from an engineer: the cat door uses radio frequencies to interact with the chip in your cat's neck. Radio frequencies can travel through many things but a Faraday cage isn't one of them. Without getting too involved with physics, metal has a tendency to block radio waves. HOWEVER, not all metal interacts with them in the same way. Aluminum, for instance, shouldn't be too much of a problem. Steel doors will be a bigger issue. I'd recommend trying the cat door in your metal door first before buying the hardware. It won't decrease battery life: the sensor that tells your door to read the chip in your cat (an optical sensor) is independent of the sensor that actually does the reading of the chip (an RF sensor). If you cat can get through the door without banging their face into it, you should be good to go! If kitty bangs into the door without the door sensing your cat, set it to "two way" mode, buy the extra hardware, and install it when it comes in
1757507
My observation is that they are referring to THIN metal doors as in screen or storm doors. I installed mine in a metal exterior door; about 1 3/8 - 1 1/2 inches thick with no adapter and no problems. If this is the type of door you have you should have no problem either, just remember to use a fine tooth saw made for metal when you make the opening.
1757508
Our door is an outside thick metal door, not a screen or storm door. Did not work.
980247
You will need an adapter, that will cost a few more dollars. It was a stupid, really stupid, idea for this company not to include a cheap adapter. I ordered adapters (5-6 in a pack) for about 6 dollars plus shipping. Since the seller has already responded to this question, I would ask them to throw in an adapter. Will not cost them more than 50 cents, may be 10 cents for the adapter.
1075670
It works great on mine - would not try the plastic ones - this is solid all metal.
928037
Only works on metal doors that a magnet will stick to. See if a magnet will stick. There is a type that fits over the corners of the door, not sure where to find them.
2012664
Hello, The adapter ring that I have is made of metal... I hope that it works for you as well as it has for me...
51960
For my 1998 Silverado it did! This come with about three different plastic adapters as I recall: Just found my receipt for this pair on my Truck, and dig this, it was from 2003 when I had purchased these!!! Unbe-effing-lievable! I have them for all of my vehicles and recommend them to everyone! BUY THEM!
1826034
The unit I ordered did not come with a door. Also, the metal hooks (for door hinge), provided with the unit for fastening the door to the water heater are shorter that the originals by about 1/8". So, it was necessary for my installation to use my old door. In addition, the 10E, series unit is wired for a different control panel. So, I had to provide a single pole 2 way switch to adapt it to my trailer. Other than the following, it is in and works fine.
2106376
Unfortunately you need the adapters. But they are well worth it, I LOVE this whole system!
1127063
I used it on a metal door with no issues. Just pre-drill your holes with a metal bit.
2243826
Hi Tammera, you don't need an adapter. Everything is included and works great! Catherine
1369600
I'd suggest getting the adapter. I tried to use a gate with the same set up (wall on one side banister on the other) and it was not very secure. After putting the adapter on, it was as secure as having it set up between 2 flat surfaces.
767515
Hi, I am thinking about buying something like this. I thought that the door anchor would be the piece that you put into the opening of the door and then you shut the door. If that is not how this all works then please post your findings
861978
I just stumbled upon this post while searching unsuccessfully for just such an adapter. Can you possibly tell me where you were able to find this adapter online? THANK YOU!
889751
Yes you need an adapter. It is really not that bad using the adapter. No real difference except you cannot close the top middle piece.
158961
I hate to see this kind of review on a product we built, but they are Large SmartDoor facts. I could make all the excuses in the world but I don't think it matters. All that matters is we have fixed the issue's that Wings42 has posted above. With the exception of the Mounting Screws, we could not fix this and be cost effective. There are just to many variables in the World of Doors. If you are having any of these issues please contact our customer service at: http://www.petsafe.net/about/ When you call be sure to tell customer service that you need a new "Large SmartDoor" with the larger magnets and frosted flap. Senior Mechanical Engineer Radio Systems Corp
979210
Sorry, can't help. I use mine on a single aluminum door, and it works great!
1640011
i am use with 3 conection diferent one 1 1/2" and the other is 1" and 1/2" for diferent i get adapter to be remove and ad to the one i am using from pvc (plastic) to metal or metal to pvc and for garden hose i get from ace harware i only bring the intruccion and i ask what i need and the get everyhing for me and was good price no more than $ 12. i hope i give you a good answer