My Elsema FMT-301 or KEY-301 Remote Has Stopped Working. What Do I Do?

If you've been searching online for an Elsema FMT-301 or KEY-301 replacement remote, you've probably found articles recommending the Elsema PentaCODE range as the replacement solution.

While this advice is correct, there is one very important piece of information that is often missing:

A PentaCODE remote is not a direct replacement for an FMT-301 or KEY-301 remote.

Many homeowners, tenants, farmers and business owners purchase a new PentaCODE remote expecting it to work straight away, only to discover it cannot communicate with their existing receiver.

Before spending money on a new remote, here's what you need to know.

The FMT-301 and KEY-301 Have Been Discontinued

The Elsema FMT-301 and KEY-301 remote systems were part of Elsema's older 27MHz remote control range. These products have been discontinued for many years and are no longer manufactured.  Any remotes still on the market are overpriced and well out of their manufacturers warranty.  

Elsema now recommend the PentaCode remotes as a suitable replacement however there is one step most mistake - They are not a direct replacement.  

Why Won't an Elsema PentaCODE Remote Work With My Existing System?

Your existing FMT-301 or KEY-301 remote communicates with an older receiver designed specifically for the 27MHz platform.

The PentaCODE system operates on Elsema's newer 433MHz frequency-hopping technology.  Because they use different radio technologies, the two systems cannot communicate with each other.

This means:

• A PentaCODE remote cannot be programmed directly into an FMT receiver.
• Matching the dip switch settings will not make the remote work.
• Replacing batteries or changing codes will not solve the issue.

If you only purchase a PentaCODE remote, it will not operate your existing gate or garage door system.

What Do I Need To Upgrade?

To move from the old FMT or KEY platform to the current Elsema system, you will typically require:

• A new Elsema PCR series receiver
• One or more PentaCODE remotes
• Installation of the receiver onto your existing gate or garage door controller

For most residential applications, the PCR43301RE receiver is commonly used as an upgrade solution.  The receiver connects to your existing motor or controller and allows the new generation remotes to operate the system.

Do I Need To Replace My Entire Gate Motor?

In most cases, no.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a discontinued remote means the entire automation system must be replaced.  Usually the gate motor or garage door opener continues to operate perfectly.

The receiver is simply the radio component that listens for remote signals.

By replacing the receiver and remotes, you can often extend the life of an existing automation system for many more years.

Will My Existing Remotes Still Work?

In many cases, yes.

If the original FMT receiver remains installed and is still operating correctly, your existing FMT-301 and KEY-301 remotes can continue to function alongside the new PentaCODE remotes.

This allows you to gradually transition to the newer Penta platform without immediately replacing every remote on site. By adding a compatible Penta receiver to the system, both old and new remotes can operate the same gate or garage door.

This is particularly beneficial for apartment complexes, gated communities, commercial properties and body corporates, where replacing a large number of remotes at once can be costly. Instead, new PentaCODE remotes can be introduced as required while existing remotes remain in service.

I Live In A Unit Complex. What Should I Do?

This is where things become more complicated.

If you live in a unit complex, gated community, commercial property or body corporate environment, the receiver is often shared by multiple users.

In these situations, you usually cannot install a new receiver yourself.

You should first speak with:

• Body Corporate
• Building Management
• Strata Manager
• Property Manager
• Gate Maintenance Company

They can confirm whether an upgrade has already been completed or whether a site-wide upgrade is being planned.