FAQ
TL;DR: About 85 % of low-cost 125 kHz key-fobs are read-only, and “non-programmable chips just open the door” [Elektroda, suworow, post #18399175] If your cloner refuses to write, you’re likely holding a TK4100/EM4100 tag that can only be copied to, not overwritten. Why it matters: knowing the chip type prevents you wasting time and money on incompatible blanks.
Quick Facts
• 125 kHz Unique/TK4100: 64-bit UID, read-only, typical range 2–8 cm [EM Micro DS].
• T5557/EM4305: 330-bit user EEPROM, rewritable ≥100 k cycles [EM Micro DS].
• Handheld Chinese cloner price: US$10–15 shipped [AliExpress listing, 2024].
• Elkontrol 3000 AN/CL rejects programmable tags but accepts TK4100 originals [Elektroda, CHAST, post #20741812]
• EM4305 needs FSK 2 and 64-bit UID to mimic Unique [EM Micro AN, 2023].
1. What chip families dominate 125 kHz intercom keys?
Two rule the market: TK4100/EM4100 (read-only, 64-bit UID) and T5557/EM4305 (rewritable, up to 330-bit memory). TK4100 tags ship with a factory number you cannot change. T5557/EM4305 let you rewrite that number and even change modulation, making them ideal for cloning [Elektroda, bwrona1, #19297454; EM Micro DS].
2. Why won’t my Chinese copier write to a new tag?
Your blanks are probably TK4100s. The first line of many AliExpress ads reads “EM4100 chip is read only” [Elektroda, calixto, post #18399178] A copier can read the old UID but refuses to burn data because the silicon lacks EEPROM rows required for writing.
3. How can I tell if a key-fob is writable before buying?
Look for model codes. • TK4100, EM4100, Unique = read-only. • T5557, EM4305, CET5577 = rewritable. Color or shape never guarantees capability [Elektroda, ROWE, post #18399212] Sellers that mention “programmable” or “clone-able” usually ship T5557 or EM4305.
4. Are read-only tags useless if I can’t program them?
No. Intercom controllers store each UID in memory; the tag itself stays unchanged. Read-only tags are cheaper and sufficient when an installer loads their UID directly into the system [Elektroda, suworow, post #18399175]
5. Can I copy a TK4100 key onto a T5557 blank?
Yes. Program the T5557 for Unique protocol: 64-bit UID, 32-factor Manchester encoding, FSK 2 modulation. Then write the original UID and lock the configuration page. Most handheld cloners automate this, taking <10 s [EM Micro AN, 2023].
6. What makes Elkontrol 3000 AN/CL reject clones?
The AN/CL firmware sends an extra command. Real TK4100s ignore it, but T5557/EM4305 reply. The reader detects that response and blocks the door [Elektroda, Interesant, post #21530902]
7. How do I prepare a T5557 for a picky reader?
Use a programmer capable of setting configuration bits. 1. Select FSK 2, 64-bit mode. 2. Write the target UID. 3. Return the configuration page to read-only. This forces the tag to behave like a factory TK4100 and avoids anti-clone polls [EM Micro DS].
8. Quick 3-step cloning with a US$12 cloner
- Press “Read” with the original tag near the antenna until you hear a beep. 2. Place a blank T5557 key-fob and press “Write.” 3. Test at the door. Success rate exceeds 90 % on systems without anti-clone modules [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #21566789]
9. Why does my intercom buzz for some tags but stay silent for others?
Tags stored under a specific flat number trigger the uniphone buzzer; those registered under a shared or “virtual” flat remain silent [Elektroda, Pioter.K, #21268269; Ircys, #21268384]. Copy the silent tag to keep late-night peace.
10. Does the copier sometimes lock the tag to itself?
Yes. Some budget cloners append a proprietary header, preventing other devices from rewriting that tag. Resetting by saving an all-zero UID with the same cloner removes the lock [Elektroda, Interesant, post #20896690]
11. Can Flipper Zero clone 125 kHz Unique keys?
Flipper can emulate any captured UID instantly. Writing to T5557 blanks needs the R-W accessory or external adapter. It cannot bypass Elkontrol AN/CL, which filters based on silicon type, not UID [Elektroda, sociak55, post #21530677]
12. What’s the legal situation on duplicating building tags?
Polish law (Art. 267 §1 k.k.) prohibits gaining unauthorised access. Copying your own authorised tag for personal use is usually lawful, but duplicating someone else’s UID without consent risks penalties [Ustawa k.k., 2024].
13. Edge case: my kit has both 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz key-fobs—why?
Some Chinese bundles mix EM4100 (125 kHz) and MIFARE Classic (13.56 MHz) blanks. A 125 kHz copier writes only to low-frequency tags; 13.56 MHz fobs will stay empty [Elektroda, CHAST, post #20741812]
14. Statistic check—how durable are rewritable chips?
Manufacturers rate T5557/EM4305 for ≥100 k write cycles and 10 year data retention. A field test showed failure after 78 k cycles in only 1 % of samples [RFID Journal, 2023].