Extending remote range... weird but true

[EenyBear]

OK. I was skeptical until I tried it. There are probably variations of this out there.

My son and I were killing ourselves laughing today... locking and unlocking my Z4M from the far side of the Home Depot parking lot. Yes, you read that correctly. Until today, the effective range of my key was about three feet. No longer.

Perhaps this is old news... perhaps you will scoff... but remember how radio reception improves when you touch the antennae.

Quote:

Remote Car Key

Suppose your remote car door opener does not have the range to reach your car across the parking lot. Hold the metal key part of your key fob against your chin, then push the unlock button. The trick turns your head into an antenna, says Tim Pozar, a Silicon Valley radio engineer.

Mr. Pozar explains, “You are capacitively coupling the fob to your head. With all the fluids in your head it ends up being a nice conductor. Not a great one, but it works.” Using your head can extend the key’s wireless range by a few car lengths.

Yep. It works. No reason why it shouldn't but it never occurred to me before. Thanks to Alan Perry of Tech Talk for first scoffing and then researching it, trying it, and reporting back as to how and why it works.

[WAMz4]

It absolutely works. I routinely open my soft top from 20-30 yards or more as I leave the building at work testing how far away I can be. I like seeing the reaction from people as they look around to see who's car is opening up by itself.
This head trick was first shown to me back in the 80's when a car alarm installer was demonstrating the reach of the remote on an alarm I just purchased.
I remember saying "WOW How does that work", expecting some technical explanation. And the guy says blankly "It makes it reach farther".
My first encounter with Captain Obvious.

[itdnwiwbp]

I guess it qualifies as old news but for those who have never heard it it's definitely worth a repost since it does work. I only came across this info earlier this year and was skeptical but the proof is in the puddin'!

[i2ichal2dZ4M]

i have to be 1-3 ft from the car... =[

[itdnwiwbp]

Originally Posted by i2ichal2dZ4M

i have to be 1-3 ft from the car... =[

This method should extend your range at least ten times. I used to be in the 1-3' camp too. Now my car is always unlocked with the windows down by the time I get to it!

[Huz-Z]

Although this is interesting, I'm a wee bit worried about the impacts of using my head as an antenna.

Just sayin'!

[Kimo]

It's obvious guys! Oscillating protons.

Here’s the trick

and here’s the science:

[johno8888]

Can anyone say "brain cancer"?

[itdnwiwbp]

Everything causes cancer...

[NickyC]

I've known this for years, and I've blown peoples' minds with it.

[StickMon]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Although this is interesting, I'm a wee bit worried about the impacts of using my head as an antenna.

Just sayin'!

Some say ... You end up like Jezza.

[unluky]

Someone tossed me that cookie earlier this year when I was crying about my lousy remote reach - it works like a champ! I can drop the top from my office now where before I had to be within 10 feet of the car. Works awesome!

[Patrick Gent]

It has moved me from holding the key over the hood near the mirror/antenna to maybe 10' away. And I just get mad at BMW every time. Can you imagine paying 60 grand to buy this car new (M Coupe) and having to look like a goofball to unlock your car?

[elerner61]

Amazing that there are such differences between cars. The key for my '07 works consistently about 10-15" away from the car without the head trick.

One thing I try to do is to use both keys (I swap every month). I doubt that battery health is at the root here though. When I start using the key that has been laying around for a month I don't have to be right next to the car.

[StickMon]

Thanks for reminding me.
Monthly key swap was on my ToDo list for today, and I almost forgot.