I have an Alpine alarm, and sometimes it works from a long ways away, and sometimes it doesn't work when I'm standing right beside the door. I changed out the battery, but the problem is still there. Is there anything I can do to make it so it will work better?

 

Try holding the remote under your chin... i dont know why but this works for me

 

check the placement of the antenna comming off the alarm brain. some alarms are very sensitive to the antenna being close to any metal brackets under the dash. also make sure that the antenna is run straight and is not all coiled up.

 

can I lengthen the antenna to get a better reception?

 

when my "reception" sux, i just replace the batt. that usuallty works

 

I have the same problem, and the thing that pisses me off is I have a DEI alarm with the extended range antenna also where you mount on the upper corner of the windshild.

havn't tried changing out the battery but I doubt it will help......

 

read the original post...

mickey513: Is your antenna just a piece of wire running up the inside of the A-pillar or is it an actual antenna placed on the outside of the car?

 

lol same for me
hold the remote under your chin with one thumb and the other hand press the alarm button.... kinda rediculous but it seems to work... dont ask me why

 

yup, i feel like an ******* now....

 

change the battery.

 

ha my cuz do this too... it works dont' know why though

 

Okay kids..its Mr Wizard Tyme

When you stick a remote to your chin,your body acts like a giant
radio frequency amplifier and boosts the signal. ( I wont even go into
cell phone debate... ) Thats why it works.

As for the iffy alarm reception: There are several possible causes:

1. remote battery becoming weak.
2. its "jumping" codes...if a 'code hopper' type is accidentally transmitting out
of recievers range (ie in pocket or purse) it will become out of synch...a few presses and it works good as new.
3. the antenna is touching metal...if the brain is able to move where its mounted
it may on touch metal when you drive and end up resting there.
4. since alarms are regulated by the FCC...they have to be able to recieve signals that may cause unwanted reactions....You may be parked near a cell tower,a power station,utility transfer lines...you get the idea...a larger signal than yours

theses are just a few...hope this helps

 

You are using your teeth as a amplifier. If you stick your remote on your arm, feet, leg, your Johnson, it wont do jack, it only amplifies if you are using your teeth, under your chin basicaly. Ever hear of people getting a filling and then next you know they are hearing radio frequencies? My anatomy prof actually told us this as a tidbit. Oh well, another useless fact.


[Modified by preludexl, 6:16 PM 2/9/2003]

 

Running up the a-pillar to the front windshielf, the atenna is attached to the alarm brain.

 

Hmmm...well thats new...I was taught that we generate/give off an electrical charge in college ( that labs experiments were cool). Oh well you never too old
to learn something new.

 

unfortunately the alpine alarms dont come with extended range antennas, just a small pigtail. they only claim about 50' of range, true you usually get better range than that but that is all they "claim". if your car is tinted this will dramatically affect your range also. i have found that alpine alarms use the batteries pretty fast. also if you are facing the rear of your car the range will be less than if you were facing the front, because of antenna placement. plus it is a alarm and range isnt as important as if you were to have a remote start, since there isnt a need to open the car from 1000+ feet away.

 

try to re-program the remote to the brain. Follow the instructions to add a new remote.