How To Electrical :: Extend MINI key fob range
#26
wouldn't be hard, valeo makes most of germany's car manufacturer's keys from what ive seen. VW has the flip out keys. you could try taking your key to them, getting one that kind of matches (width and length that is, i dont think the grouves have to match key to key for the same car, but if they do, then get a match), and then re-programming the mini to accept the new key. I cant remember where, but i saw a writ eup on it some where once.
has something to do with sticking a key that works in the ignition while holding the unlock button for liek 5 seconds and then pressing the lock button or something, and then you press the lock buttons on all "new keys" to program them in.
idk if it would work, but it might.
has something to do with sticking a key that works in the ignition while holding the unlock button for liek 5 seconds and then pressing the lock button or something, and then you press the lock buttons on all "new keys" to program them in.
idk if it would work, but it might.
#27
is the #gauge of insulated wire of much significance? i'm sure that it probably is, but my newbishness extends far beyond motoring! i've been trying to DIY my way into circuitry and all things electrical. since i am only learnig on a case-by-case basis, my working knowledge can be... ehhh... limited.
my dpdt switch was also desoldered by the previous owner and--what must have been--his extreme thumb force. some people just don't know their own strength. < emoticon.
my dpdt switch was also desoldered by the previous owner and--what must have been--his extreme thumb force. some people just don't know their own strength. < emoticon.
#29
So, for curiousity sake, what fequency do these fobs transmit at? I assume you used that info to determine the length of wire that you used. What kind of antenna is used, as in, is it a 1/8th wave, 1/4 wave? As that would also determine the length of wire. Just curious what science was used behind this or if it was just a SWAG. If it was a SWAG, great, cudos.
#31
is the #gauge of insulated wire of much significance? i'm sure that it probably is, but my newbishness extends far beyond motoring! i've been trying to DIY my way into circuitry and all things electrical. since i am only learnig on a case-by-case basis, my working knowledge can be... ehhh... limited.
The thickness of the wire used won't have much of an effect on its performance as an antenna, but if you use wire that's too thick, you won't be able to reassemble the fob with the wire in place.
The thickness of the wire used won't have much of an effect on its performance as an antenna, but if you use wire that's too thick, you won't be able to reassemble the fob with the wire in place.
So, for curiousity sake, what fequency do these fobs transmit at? I assume you used that info to determine the length of wire that you used. What kind of antenna is used, as in, is it a 1/8th wave, 1/4 wave? As that would also determine the length of wire. Just curious what science was used behind this or if it was just a SWAG. If it was a SWAG, great, cudos.
My fob is labeled on the back with "315 MHz", so a full wavelength would be about 95 centimeters, meaning that the 4.5" wire suggested in this thread is pretty close to a 1/8-wave antenna.
#34
#35
I just tried this on my spare key. Doesn't seem to give me any longer range...
On the other hand, key to the arm works just fine.
Quick question, do you guys also have trouble opening all the windows with the key? It's by pressing the key three times and holding it right? It always opens a tiny bit and stops.
On the other hand, key to the arm works just fine.
Quick question, do you guys also have trouble opening all the windows with the key? It's by pressing the key three times and holding it right? It always opens a tiny bit and stops.
#41
#42
#43
Thanks for the antenna write-up!
My only advice is to leave the wire about 6 inches long, then after you finish soldering trim the excess. I wish I had about a 0.25" longer to make the loop more relaxed, but it worked well enough that I didn't care to un-solder and start over.
The range of my remote is dramatically better. Thanks!
My only advice is to leave the wire about 6 inches long, then after you finish soldering trim the excess. I wish I had about a 0.25" longer to make the loop more relaxed, but it worked well enough that I didn't care to un-solder and start over.
The range of my remote is dramatically better. Thanks!
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