How to increase range of key remote?
03-01-08, 07:31 AM
#20
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The "hold it to your head" generally works because you hold the remote "differently" than you normally would. You're probably holding the remote so that the internal antenna is in a better position, which is why it works better for some cars than others (my wife's Olds works better with this method, but my 'rents Caddy works for shizzle).
The best method was listed already here. You need to solder another piece of wire to the internal antenna inside the transponder. It doesn't matter how long the piece of wire is, you just have to be able to close the thing back up after you're done with the "surgery" without nicking the insulation and possibly shorting something out with the electronics. Much like increasing reception with my cell phone's built-in radio, the wire acts to increase the reception. In this case, it would increase the distance you could send the signal.
The best method was listed already here. You need to solder another piece of wire to the internal antenna inside the transponder. It doesn't matter how long the piece of wire is, you just have to be able to close the thing back up after you're done with the "surgery" without nicking the insulation and possibly shorting something out with the electronics. Much like increasing reception with my cell phone's built-in radio, the wire acts to increase the reception. In this case, it would increase the distance you could send the signal.
03-01-08, 10:46 AM
#21
I have tried placing it under my cheek, on top of my head, on my cheek and of course the normal phaser shooting mode.
Strange as it seems the under cheek method seems to add about 20-25 feet to the range. Metal portion of key touching my skin. Go figure.
I tried to get my wife to try it to see if it works with her but she had a few words to say about that which I prefer not to share.
Strange as it seems the under cheek method seems to add about 20-25 feet to the range. Metal portion of key touching my skin. Go figure.
I tried to get my wife to try it to see if it works with her but she had a few words to say about that which I prefer not to share.
Last edited by Pearlpower; 03-01-08 at 09:26 PM.
03-01-08, 11:50 AM
#22
Intermediate
This sounds really dumb but I read this thread and had to go try it.
Car sitting in the driveway, level with no other cars around.
Just holding the keyfob out the range was about 4 feet. Backing up and holding the key up in the air as high as I could reach the range was 12 feet +. Holding it to my cheek the range was 21 feet. Just did it, can't explain it.
Car sitting in the driveway, level with no other cars around.
Just holding the keyfob out the range was about 4 feet. Backing up and holding the key up in the air as high as I could reach the range was 12 feet +. Holding it to my cheek the range was 21 feet. Just did it, can't explain it.
03-01-08, 03:22 PM
#23
I have tried placing it under my teeth, on top of my head, on my cheek and of course the normal phaser shooting mode.
Strange as it seems the under cheek method seems to add about 20-25 feet to the range. Metal portion of key touching my skin. Go figure.
I tried to get my wife to try it to see if it works with her but she had a few words to say about that which I prefer not to share.
Strange as it seems the under cheek method seems to add about 20-25 feet to the range. Metal portion of key touching my skin. Go figure.
I tried to get my wife to try it to see if it works with her but she had a few words to say about that which I prefer not to share.
03-01-08, 09:37 PM
#24
I'm another that knows it just works - thought I knew why - but can't prove it. To see if our tooth fillings was the catalyst, my neighbor and I had his 4-year old (no fillings yet) try it. It worked. Lee, please don't tell your wife!
03-03-08, 04:38 AM
#25
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I used to get no range whatsoever, literally I had to be touching the car. Which put a great big dent in the usability of the LuxLink unit. Then I had the remote battery changed and it works like a charm now from 25-30 feet. Hell I'll get it changed once a month to keep that range.
03-03-08, 05:04 AM
#26
Racer
Thread Starter
The best method was listed already here. You need to solder another piece of wire to the internal antenna inside the transponder. It doesn't matter how long the piece of wire is, you just have to be able to close the thing back up after you're done with the "surgery" without nicking the insulation and possibly shorting something out with the electronics. Much like increasing reception with my cell phone's built-in radio, the wire acts to increase the reception. In this case, it would increase the distance you could send the signal.
03-03-08, 08:20 AM
#27
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I have on a 2G GS. It did help a little but I had to use a short wire because it is almost imposible to fit a wire inside the key case. I had to trim a space for the wire to wrap around the remote while still fitting in the case. It would probably work better the longer the wire. I also found the receiver in the car and added wire to that as well. It helped more in consistancy at farther distances. But again, that was with a shorter wire (1 - 2") being used.
03-03-08, 08:39 AM
#28
Intermediate
Anyone tried using wire that is used to rewind electric motors like the ones that are used in slot cars? The wire is mabe .010 in diameter? i saw a roll of it at a Hobby shop the othere day and I was thinking you might be able to get 3 or 4 feet of the tiny stuff wrapped inside the remote.
03-03-08, 09:03 AM
#30
Intermediate
It is insulated. Otherwise the motor would just short itself out. It comes in different diameters too. If you have an old hair dryer laying around the wire on that armature should be the same type.