Forgive me if I have asked this before...but now that I have installed the smartTOP, it begs the question again.

Everyone knows our remote don't have much range. Certainly not like my Honda which I can use to locate my car in a parking lot. But...where is the receiver for the remote. Is it the radio antenna? I ask because I have a 4" stubby antenna. If going back to my OEM antenna would give me more range, I would do it.

I know, I know, why don't I just put it back on and see if it works. I would if I knew what I had done with it but I can't find it.

FWIW - an endorsement for the smartTOP...as I approach my MINI in the parking lot (its top is closed) I press and hold unlock on the remote until I see the lights blink and the sunroof start to move. I immediately let up then press again and let up. The top and windows go down. And...I can open the door and get in without stopping the operation. COOL

 

the receiver for the remote is in the rearview mirror

 

Why do you need to unlock your car from a mile away? Sounds like a good way to let murderers sneak into your back seat...

but maybe I'm just paranoid.

 

For me longer range would only be useful if the remote had a horn button which could be used to find the car in a parking lot. Unfortunately a horn/panic button does not exist. Just using the remote to unlock the doors or put down the windows I don't have a need to do so more than 25 feet away.

 

Thanks scott. That explains why I have a much longer range when approaching from the front.

Danny, to your comment all I can say is...

I put a Radio Shack piezo chirper on the lock circuit of the gas flap and when I press lock it chirps. But the range is so short by then I can see my MINI. Since the MINI is so small it can be obscured by a larger car, truck or SUV, I would just like more range. I'm really not too worried about someone getting in the back seat...but I would hate to have to shoot them and get blood all over my upholstery.

 

If you hold the edge of the remote against your chin/cheek when you press the button, it extends it's operational range considerably.

When I was originally told this, I thought it was BS. But it really does work.

 

Not saying it does not work for you but I will say it does not work for me.

 

If you hold it over your head (arm straight up) it helps a little. What works best (for me) is to approach from the front, remote held up high, with no obstacles between me and my MINI.