Elsema PentaFOB vs PentaCODE
Elsema PentaFOB vs PentaCODE Remotes – What's the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?
If you're looking for a replacement Elsema remote, you've probably come across both the Elsema PentaFOB® and Elsema PentaCODE® series. While they share the same advanced Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology and are proudly designed and manufactured by Elsema in Australia, they are designed for different applications.
Understanding the differences will help you choose the right remote for your home, apartment complex, commercial property or industrial facility.
At a Glance
| Feature | PentaFOB | PentaCODE |
| Encrypted Rolling Code | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12-Way Dipswitch Coding |
✗ |
✓ |
| Frequency Hopping Technology | ✓ | ✓ |
| Range | up to 100m | up to 200m |
| Residential Use | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial Use | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apartment Complexes | ✓ | Highly Recommended |
| Industrial Sites | ✓ | Highly Recommended |
| Replacing Older Elsema KEY/FMT Systems |
✓ With the installation of a Penta Receiver |
✓ With the installation of a Penta Receiver |
| Waterproof Versions Available | ✓ | ✗ |
What is the Elsema PentaFOB?
The Elsema PentaFOB range is Elsema's modern encrypted key fob remote control system designed for everyday residential, commercial and light industrial applications.
Using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, each transmission continually changes frequency, making communication highly reliable while reducing interference from nearby wireless devices.
PentaFOB remotes are ideal for:
- Garage doors
- Residential gates
- Commercial gates
- Boom gates
- Roller shutters
- Lighting control
- General automation
They are available in several versions including:
- Standard Keyring Remotes
- Waterproof Keyring Remotes (IP66 Rated)
- Heavy Duty Industrial Handheld Remotes
The waterproof models are particularly suited to outdoor environments where exposure to rain, dust and harsh weather is common.
What is the Elsema PentaCODE?
The Elsema PentaCODE remote offers all the advantages of the PentaFOB series while adding one important feature:
A selectable 12-way dipswitch coding mode.
This makes it one of the most versatile remote systems available.
The PentaCODE remote can operate in:
- Secure encrypted rolling code mode
- Traditional 12-way dipswitch coding mode
This flexibility allows installers and body corporates to choose the security level that best suits the site.
Why Does the Dipswitch Option Matter?
Many older apartment complexes, commercial buildings and industrial sites still use fixed-code remote systems based on dipswitch settings.
Instead of individually programming every remote into the receiver, each remote simply matches the same dipswitch configuration. The PentaCODE remote allows these installations to continue using this simple management method while upgrading to modern Elsema Penta receivers.
For large sites managing hundreds of users, this can make remote replacement significantly easier with an unlimited capacity of remotes.
Which Remote is More Secure?
When operating in encrypted mode, both PentaFOB and PentaCODE provide excellent security.
Both use Elsema's Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology together with encrypted rolling codes to help prevent:
- Code grabbing
- Replay attacks
- Unauthorised remote cloning
- Radio interference
For most residential installations there is no security advantage of one over the other when both are used in encrypted mode.
When Should You Choose PentaFOB?
The PentaFOB is the perfect choice when you need a modern encrypted remote for everyday access control.
Choose the PentaFOB if you are:
- Replacing an existing PentaFOB remote
- Installing a new Elsema Penta receiver
- Looking for a simple encrypted remote
- Wanting a waterproof remote
- Using a residential garage door or gate
- Controlling lighting or general automation
For most homeowners, the PentaFOB is the ideal solution.
When Should You Choose PentaCODE?
The PentaCODE is recommended when flexibility is important.
Choose PentaCODE if you:
- Manage an apartment complex
- Operate commercial premises
- Need 12-way dipswitch coding
- Require encrypted or dipswitch operation
- Are upgrading older Elsema systems
- Want to simplify remote management across multiple users
Its ability to operate in either encrypted or dipswitch mode makes it particularly popular with installers and strata managers.
Replacing Older Elsema KEY or FMT Remotes
One of the most common questions we receive is whether the PentaCODE remote directly replaces the older Elsema KEY and FMT 27MHz remotes.
The answer is no—not by itself.
The original Elsema KEY and FMT systems operated on 27MHz technology and are no longer manufactured.
To upgrade these systems, Elsema recommends installing a compatible Elsema Penta receiver together with PentaCODE remotes.
Once the new receiver has been installed, it can be configured to use the same 12-way dipswitch settings as the original installation. This allows replacement remotes to be programmed quickly while providing a clear upgrade path for ageing systems.