OT - Key Fob Transmitters - We've Come A Long Way, Baby!

DerbyDad03 · 2017-01-09T19:49:38+00:00

I had a remote start installed in one of my vehicles last week. I've bought a number of remote starts from this installer over the years, so I asked if there was anything he could do on the price. He said that they don't make much money on the unit itself, but he could toss in a couple of upgrades for free. I was upgraded to a 1-mile range and 2-way communications on the key fob. The 1-mile range is under ideal, almost line of sight conditions, but (so far) I've been able to start my vehicle from about .6 miles away as the crow flies, with houses and other buildings in between. (It was a .75 mile drive via Google maps) I am also able to start the vehicle from deep inside the building where I work, far away from any windows. That's more important to me than the actual distance. Being able to start the vehicle from inside a movie theater, restaurant, store, etc. is what I'm looking for. Since the fob tells me when the vehicle running, I don't have to guess. Long range, a powerful signal and 2-way communications in a key fob is pretty neat! OTOH, the cost of these upgrades is just plain stupid. The standard install comes with 1/4 mile range, one way communication. For $50 you can upgrade to 1/2 mile, one way communication. For *another* $50, you get the 1 mile range and 2-way communications. No new equipment, same key fobs. It's just a programming upgrade. $100 for about 15 seconds of button pushing! That's pure profit every time they can sell the upgrades, unless there is some kind of kick-back to the manufacturer. Of course, getting the upgrades for free is great. I'm sure would not have paid for them.

Jan 09, 2017 23 Replies

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DerbyDad03 9 years ago

That's exactly why I chose not to go with the cell phone app. I couldn't see myself paying $100 extra plus a yearly charge to make it a PITA to start my vehicle.

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