compustar fw900fmr and tint

I have a CompuStar FW900FMR remote starter/alarm antenna installed on my windshield which has 50% tint on it (Toyota 4runner). The place that mounted it did it horizontally on the windshield right at the top, where the factory strip is, on the driver's side. My question is by how much did this reduce the range? The model is quoted to work up to 3,000 feet. I tried it out today and it went 800 feet. I was in the city though. I understand that the quoted 3,000 ft range is in a straight line in plain view? I read that the antenna should me installed an inch under the tint. If I have 50% on the windshield where would be the optimal place on the windshield to cut a small rectangular hole in the tint to mount the antenna? I'm thinking since the factory strip (even thought it's not tint but just stained glass) might affect the reception my best bet would be to cut a rectangular hole in the tint vertically on the passenger side. Is this a good idea? Finally, what would be the best mounting position for the antenna, vertically or horizontally? And where on the windshield would the best place be?

1997 model.

I was reading the manual and it states that the remote starter can be set to turn on automatically once at a specific time every 24 hours without the remote being in range. The option is called "Timer Start Mode". I followed the instructions but it is not working, in the manual it states that "Option 2-6" most be followed in the "Additional Programming Required" section. What does this mean? How do I perform option 2-6? Is this during only the installation process?

I ddint read the whole thing. But tint will reduce your range by 1000 feet."dont ground out!"