hi,
I just installed an autostart remote starter into a 2000 chev venture. The van has an embedded antenna and the polarized windshield. Also the van is factory tinted. I'm only getting about 50 feet range, nothing more. They unit is rated up to 800 feet. I know that the signal is getting blocked because of the antenna and the windshiel beind polarized....I have even tried different locations for the antenna with no luck in range difference?
Anyone please what else can I try to over come this problem of range....Other then this setback, teh remote works perfect.....
Thanks
Rye2
Well have you tried the lower part of the windshield? if still no good you could try putting it in the engine compartment - something like hiding it in the air vent or something, it dosent need line of site so just make sure to keep away for hot and moving objects
i have tried the middle of the A pillar on the drivers side of the van...this does work a little better then when the antenna was on the center of the windshield......
I have thought of somewhere in the engine compartment, BUT the I have been told by other installers that you can't use the antenna in an exterior location such as the engine bay becasue the antenna's are meant to sit on the interior of the windshield where salt and rain etc won't damamge it. I am referrign to the antenna that comes with the remote starter...
one thing i did try was taking the antenna and hanging it outside the drivers door and the range improved. Can I use a signal repeater or a cellular style antenna to help my problem ????
ANother thing that is a problem, what if i do have to get a signal repeater, with the sides and the rear glass on the van being factory tinted, which contains metal in the tint, does this mean that the signal repeater can only be installed in a non tinted window? I'm thinking that the factory tinted windows will also cause signal loss....am i right on anything i'm thinking?????
ANyone care to clear this up???
Rye2
There is a problem with Cavalier/Venture/Montana reception because of the frequency of the factory radio, compass, and thermometers.
Autostart has been making a 433mhz unit for 2 years now that helps get that range back.
If you have bought a CTC Prostart 3150? unit it is also made by Autostart and you can ask for the upgrade antannae and transmitter from Autostart or contact me.
John
john.
I have a cavalier that uses the 433mhz frequency and inever had a probelm.....
i'm not sure on the specifics on the unit that was installed as a friend bought the unit and instaled it already....all i know is it's an autostart brain....
John,
Do u think upgrading to the 433mhz antenna and unit will be better then adding in a signal repeater as i mentioned above?
I know its not a CTC unit, it came from an installation aftermarket shop.....so i'm not sure if my friend can exchange it for a 433mhz one.....
get back to me please john...
rye2
john,
the unit we installed isn't a super hetrodine either....