Have you just installed a motorized gate and are wondering how many remote controls you can pair with it? Or perhaps you have lost yours and are looking to add a new one. The answer depends primarily on your motor and the type of integrated radio receiver. We take a look at actual memory capacities, the limits you should know, and best practices for managing your remote controls.
Capacity depends on the receiver’s memory
Each gate motorization system includes a radio receiver capable of storing a certain number of codes. It is this memory that determines how many remote controls you can register, not the remote control itself.
In practice, most consumer motors accept between 10 and 30 remote controls. Higher-end models or those intended for apartment complexes and professional buildings can go up to 60, 100, or even several hundred codes. Before buying multiple units, check your motor’s manual: the manufacturer always specifies the maximum memory capacity.
What the major brands say
The main motorization manufacturers each have their own standards. Here are some common benchmarks according to the brands most frequently encountered:
- Somfy: from 8 to 32 remote controls depending on the motor model
- Nice: up to 63 codes on many receivers, sometimes more with an additional memory card
- BFT: between 63 and 100 storable channels
- CAME: from 25 to 250 users depending on the range
These figures are indicative. The same manufacturer offers several receivers, and two motors from the same brand can have very different capacities.
The additional memory card tip
Some receivers quickly reach their limit, especially in a collective residence context where each household has at least one remote control. Fortunately, several brands offer removable memory cards (often called EEPROMs).
These small cards clip onto the motor’s electronic board and considerably increase storage capacity. You then go from a few dozen to several hundred codes. This is the ideal solution when a gate serves a large number of users. The other advantage: if you change the motor, you can sometimes transfer the card and keep all the remote controls already registered.
How to pair a new remote control?
Adding a remote control is almost always done via a programming button located on the receiver board or the motor housing. The principle is simple: you press this button, an LED lights up, and then you activate the button on the new remote control within the allotted time.
Be careful, however: the remote control must be compatible with your receiver. Radio frequency (433 MHz, 868 MHz…), coding technology (fixed or rolling code), brand… Everything must match. A universal remote control can help, but it does not always offer the same reliability as an original model. If in doubt, check the exact reference indicated on your current remote control.
What to do when the memory is full?
If your receiver has reached its memory limit, you will not be able to add any more remote controls until you have made some space. Two options are available to you.
The first consists of deleting obsolete codes: lost or broken remote controls, or those belonging to former occupants. Most receivers allow you to delete a specific code or empty the memory entirely. The second option, if your needs permanently exceed the capacity, is to install an additional memory card or switch to a more powerful receiver.
Security: remember to clean up regularly
A lost remote control remains active in the motor’s memory until it has been deleted. In other words, anyone picking it up could open your gate. This is a security point that is often overlooked.
Get into the habit, once a year or after moving house, of resetting the memory and then re-registering only the remote controls in your possession. It is a bit tedious, but it is the only way to be certain that only active transmitters can operate your gate. This process takes a few minutes and guarantees you total control over access.
Do you have a motorization project or need advice on the right equipment for your gate? Our Districlos experts are here to help you, online or in our stores throughout France.
Expert in fencing, gates, and outdoor landscaping since 2019.
Holds a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing – SEO, UX/UI.
View LinkedIn profile
