April 08, 2021 / by Danny Mavis

Technology and automation play an ever increasing role in almost any industry. It’s a trend across sectors, and it serves to facilitate high effectiveness at lower cost. Since the introduction of industrial internet of things on a large scale, all sorts of remote control systems are employed to ease the burden of day to day responsibilities for regular staff. The benefits are undisputed, but the risks should also make you wary. Every signal that travels from point A to point B to transfer data is prone to interception. And if your industrial remote control is used to relay important input to your operational centers and production floors someone can hack it and wreak havoc. For that reason, you have to make sure your wireless remote control systems are safe.


industrial transmitters
Source: shopify.com

Communication security starts with the gear you employ. Usually, high quality hardware comes in a transmitter and receiver kit. However, I will brake them down for simplicity sake. Basic models (GLT4330812E) operate at distance of up to 1000 metres and their base station uses 433MHz Gigalink transmitters. Of course, the actual distance depends on the capabilities and settings of the receiver and the antenna in your kit. The operating frequency of 433.920 MHz is preset, but it can be changed on request to ensure greater degree of security.

This transmitter can utilize up to 8 channels, while transmission modes (one burst, continuous, off delay) can be selected through the interface. In terms of power, 20uA are drawn on standby and 45mA during transmissions. You can choose durable alloy metal cases for permanent placement or you can go for case free transmitter to which you can install your own pushbuttons and antenna.

More advanced options (PCK43304W) include dual coding system with 12 way dip switch coding. This PentaCODE® system allows you to generate more than 17 billion encrypted codes. Encryption procedures can get quite specific and elaborate, but to start you got to match the dip switch on both transmitter and receiver. Switching all dip switches off sets the system to encrypted mode.


industrial receiver
Source: imagineinstruments.com/

A virtually unlimited number of transmitters can talk to the receiver. Apart from ensuring congruence of the frequency (particularly if you change the preset 433.920MHz receiving frequency) you got to make sure this component is connected with a 240 VAC Mains supply. LED indicators serve to show you if the system is operational. Programming is done via cable by using encrypted 32-bit digital code.

If you get your receiver separately and not as a part of transmitter and receiver kit, double check compatibility. For example, the four channel ELSEMA GLR43304240 receiver is compatible with all GLT433 series devices. They are made to provide high sensitivity and reliability, so if this is not what you are experiencing check the manual or talk to the retailer – maybe your unit requires some tweaking.

In regards to the configuration and mounting (including the antenna) you can go for your own case and brackets. These receivers are mostly used in industrial automation for remote control over cement truck operation, winches, and cranes.

Keyring Remotes

close-up of keyring remote
Source: esellerpro.com

Ensema devices can deliver great solutions for automated operation of doors, gates and levers. Though originally devised to provide access control, you can program them for activation and deactivation of many other industry controls including pumps, lights, valves, etc.

These key remotes use PentaFOB® and PentaCODE® technology so they are compatible with the Penta receivers. The technical specifications of these units is quite remarkable – they offer more than 17 billion encrypted codes, but also frequency hopping, labels, dual coding and customization. If you need to extend their reach, a booster will enhance their operational range up to 500 meters from the receiver. They can have 1, 2, 4 or 5 buttons and some of them are waterproof.

Industrial Grade Remotes

industrial grade remotes
Source: cloudfront.net

Sometimes, there’s a need to remotely control complex processes. If you need to coordinate these efforts using one unit, you might find devices such as industrial grade Ensema remotes useful. You can select a unit with up to 16 different buttons. These industrial remotes employ frequency hopping to allow you control of multiple transmitters regardless of their proximity. To achieve this, they are shielded from electronic interference and have anti jamming features typical for defense and military applications. The remotes use 915MHz frequency, are powered by 9 Volt battery and you should study the detailed flow chart for selecting a transmitter before using them. It’s one of the most affordable secure hand-held transmitters for sensitive commercial and industrial environments.

Wall Remote

close-up of wall remote
Source: barclaywater.com

Switches on the wall can also use wireless technology. These wall remotes employ a 433MHz PentaFOB® system to control a four button ultra-thin wall interface. It is a solution that eliminates the need for running wires and declutters your work floor. Typically, these remotes are used to switch lights on an off, but you can also control gates, doors and access points with them. You can place the remote on your electrical wall box, or you can put it directly on the wall.

Transmitter with Raised Buttons

close-up of transmitter with raised buttons
Source: emmtekc.com

Your workforce needs to be in personal protective gear to carry out certain industrial processes. When workers wear industrial gloves they might find it very hard to press regular buttons at the same time. Ensema has a model (FOB43302H) designed specifically for these instances. This raised buttons transmitter uses the same 433MHz PentaFOB® technology. However, this set is enclosed in a heavy duty case. These transmitters have a high shock proof rating, so they can withstand a fall on a hard surface.