remote starter range
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=67819
Printed Date: May 23, 2024 at 2:54 PM
Topic: remote starter range
Posted By: steve700xedge
Subject: remote starter range
Date Posted: December 06, 2005 at 6:28 PM
hi, I have a fm-870 alarm/car starter that I believe is made by commando and it stated a 2500ft range. I have had this installed in two vehicles and have had very limited range. somedays it works maybe 200ft and sometimes I have to be almost standing next to the truck for it to get the signal. anyway to test the antenna or module or just start over and buy different unit? thanks, steve
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2003 silverado2500HD LT crew cab
Replies:
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: December 06, 2005 at 7:45 PM
I suggest going directly to the battery for power and ground. I'm not sure on commandos, but the cliffords this will make a big difference on range. Also, placement of the antenna is critical, it should be placed high on the glass- like centered on the windshield above the rear view mirror. If you have tinted windows, metallic tint will affect your range as well. If you've noticed your range decrease recently, try replacing the battery in your remote. If all else fails, you can always upgrade. ------------- My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: steve700xedge
Date Posted: December 06, 2005 at 7:48 PM
I have it on top of the windshield and the power is coming straight from the battery, but the ground is on a chassis bolt under the dash, but how can I explain the differences in range when sitting in the same spot but on different days. remote battery is new
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2003 silverado2500HD LT crew cab
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 6:56 PM
Grounding at the battery seems to increase the range. As far as how the range varies from day to day, I can't explain that. ------------- My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: Fastlearner
Date Posted: December 08, 2005 at 8:06 AM
Why would grounding at the battery make a difference. It's all grounded to the same metal. I understand there might be some resistance but that shouldn't affect the range.
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: December 08, 2005 at 12:27 PM
I know on Cliffords in particular this can make a noticable difference. Try it out and see.
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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: heavilymedicate
Date Posted: December 15, 2005 at 11:48 AM
Most range claims are bogus. The number 2500ft. might have been derived in a desert, on flat ground, with nothing in sight to interfere. If you have good antenna placement and a good battery in your remote, you may be at your maximum usable range. Note that I used the battery that came with my last remotestart/alarm/keyless for a year, then replaced it. After replacing it I noticed the range almost doubled, maybe the other battery was just cheap? Maybe it had been sitting in storage for a few years? In short, if your connections are good and the install is done properly you may just have to live with this.
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What will you get for Christmas, bad boy? Coal........or Visonik?? - stevdart
Wow, is everyone clueless and lost in the dark? - uthinkuknoaudio
Posted By: solderking
Date Posted: December 19, 2005 at 5:00 PM
Antennas for car starters/security should be mounted 1.5-3" from the top of the glass for best results. Weather also plays a big part in the range of RF Remotes. ------------- "Canadian Tire?!? Wheres my DMM?"
Mobile Dynamics Graduate
MECP Silver Level Installer
Posted By: steve700xedge
Date Posted: December 20, 2005 at 2:35 PM
but the cheap starter for my work truck works a consistant 500 ft from just about anywhere and I bought that at target for $30 (auto command) brand. you would think that the fm technology they claim would be better than that, not worse
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2003 silverado2500HD LT crew cab
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