Key fob range

[destrekor]

So, I've a Clifford remote starter or alarm or combo.

The range on it is terrible, and it seems the button presses aren't necessarily registered all the time. This leads me to suspect that the battery definitely needs replacing, so I'll be doing that tomorrow.

That said, I suspect the range isn't going to be anything close to what I'd love to have. I may not be able to remotely come close to my goals without replacing the entire starter system (or the receiver antenna assembly mounted on the windshield).

Below are pictures of both sides of the circuit board of the key fob. I've read of attaching a little metal to the internal antenna (making a larger), but just one problem - I can't exactly determine where I would begin.

I embedded the photos below. Links are below them if you need a closer look at the full-size photos from my phone. A little blurry, but I think you can see all that needs to be seen.

Anyone got any ideas to mod this (either the key fob or the receiver antenna) so that I can boost the range?

Battery side

Button side

 

[drnickriviera]

Tried the head trick?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jACSPipPSE
Something about fluid in your head and the shape of the skull

 

[Scarpozzi]

Tried the head trick?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jACSPipPSE
Something about fluid in your head and the shape of the skull

I didn't click the link, but if you're referring to holding the remote near your head when you click it...I can confirm, this helps. I usually hold it near my chin when I'm just out of range and it works.

It's really more of a function of the way key fob's transmit...they're not directional....you're bouncing the signal off yourself and holding it higher so the signal has greater chance of hitting the antenna line of sight with minimal ground interference.

Your best bet is to look into ways to increase reception. Try skinning the last quarter inch of the antenna. Otherwise, see if you can change its location altogether and get better results.

 

[destrekor]

Honestly, I've been forgetting to try the head trick.

 

[Raizinman]

My similar remote started to lose its range. I put in a new battery and it made little to no difference. The problem was that the new battery that I installed was also poor. Likely it sat on the shelf of the grocery store for a long time. I went to Radio Shack and purchased another battery, installed it, and now it works. It works great. The range is better than ever. The moral - just because you installed a new battery does not mean that it is good.

 

[reallyscrued]

+1 for the head trick.

 

[destrekor]

The head trick seemed to extend the range on the questionable battery. Haven't had the chance to test with new battery.
I do have to question what these wavelengths are doing to my head/brain, but they can't be worse than the cellphones. Raise the tinfoil hat flag!

 

[BUTCH1]

My car's manual says the FOB is good for 200ft and it's fairly accurate. With the factory remote-start (and automatic climate control) I use it a lot on extremely hot or cold days.