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Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:40 pm
by Mr. Flibble
I noticed that the range that my L400 locks and unlocks with the key fob is very short, up to a maximum of about 10 feet. So, I replaced the battery in the key fob as I figured that would be the issue. Turns out it was not! I still have a maximum range of using the remote locking of about 10 feet.

I am wondering how I can go about extending this range. My guess is either soldering on a longer antenna inside the key fob, and/or extending the receiver antenna in the L400.

Does anyone know where the receiver antenna for the central locking system is - and, does anyone have a rough idea of the frequency so I can tailor an antenna to match said frequency?

*EDIT*

Here is what I have been able to locate with the great google so far:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/factory-keyl ... -3068.html

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopi ... 9d7daf4365

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:43 pm
by Jaz
I have heard that holding it to your head while clicking the sensor can extend your range... not that I've tried this, we have fully manualized central locking.

Probably not the solution you were looking for, but I'm all for using your head when it comes to these things.

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 1:21 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
You might look for the aerial in the driver's side door frame over head panel. I found one there in my L300. I put a new system in and increased my range from two feet to one and one half kilometres, without holding the fob to my brain cavity.

Falco.

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 1:32 pm
by mararmeisto
FalcoColumbarius wrote:You might look for the aerial in the driver's side door frame over head panel. I found one there in my L300. I put a new system in and increased my range from two feet to one and one half kilometres, without holding the fob to my brain cavity.

Falco.
Yes, and your system is probably +20 years newer than a factory install, so it may very well have greater transmit/receive capabilities.

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 5:25 pm
by RichD
Aftermarket keyless entry systems are CHEAP, as are aftermarket remote start, alarms, etc.

The one I bought has a 3500 ft range.

Falco can make his truck grunt by talking about it.

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:55 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
mararmeisto wrote:
FalcoColumbarius wrote:You might look for the aerial in the driver's side door frame over head panel. I found one there in my L300. I put a new system in and increased my range from two feet to one and one half kilometres, without holding the fob to my brain cavity.

Falco.
Yes, and your system is probably +20 years newer than a factory install, so it may very well have greater transmit/receive capabilities.
Yes, thank you for supporting my point.

I believe it uses UHF, not sure.

RichD wrote:Aftermarket keyless entry systems are CHEAP, as are aftermarket remote start, alarms, etc.

The one I bought has a 3500 ft range.

Falco can make his truck grunt by talking about it.

Yes, thank you for supporting my point.

By the way, Miss Lil Bitchi does all her talking by herself ~ she doesn't need me to prompt her.

Falco.

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 7:38 pm
by manic29
When I was replacing my rear speakers I found something (black box with wires coming out of it) in the right (driver's) side just above and slightly in front of the rear wheel well. Could that be it???
Mr. Flibble wrote:I noticed that the range that my L400 locks and unlocks with the key fob is very short, up to a maximum of about 10 feet. So, I replaced the battery in the key fob as I figured that would be the issue. Turns out it was not! I still have a maximum range of using the remote locking of about 10 feet.

I am wondering how I can go about extending this range. My guess is either soldering on a longer antenna inside the key fob, and/or extending the receiver antenna in the L400.

Does anyone know where the receiver antenna for the central locking system is - and, does anyone have a rough idea of the frequency so I can tailor an antenna to match said frequency?

*EDIT*

Here is what I have been able to locate with the great google so far:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/factory-keyl ... -3068.html

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopi ... 9d7daf4365

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 10:34 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
manic29 wrote:When I was replacing my rear speakers I found something (black box with wires coming out of it) in the right (driver's) side just above and slightly in front of the rear wheel well. Could that be it???
Does it look anything like this?

Image

Falco.

Re: Extend Remote Lock/Unlock Distance with Key Fob

Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 9:25 pm
by manic29
I suppose it could have looked something like that. Guess I should have taken a picture.
FalcoColumbarius wrote:
manic29 wrote:When I was replacing my rear speakers I found something (black box with wires coming out of it) in the right (driver's) side just above and slightly in front of the rear wheel well. Could that be it???
Does it look anything like this?



Falco.