this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2023
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There is absolutely no way this is true. I need to see some evidence to believe this. (I work as a wireless technician)
I've done it. It does work.
Hold your fob a foot to the side of your head. Back away until it stops working. Take 2 more steps back to be sure. Then put the fob to your forehead. It'll work again.
It's true, but not because your skull acts like an antenna. It's because the signal is being reflected by the skull. You can actually just try it out, the range of your car keys will extend when you hold them to your chin.
I doubt enough signal reflect of off your very radio wave observing skull to make much of a difference at all, it's most likely a placebo effect and the real reason it extends the range is because you are holding the key fob higher, so it has a better LOS with less obstructions, and it has a better chance to bounce waves off of the very reflective concrete on the ground up to the sensor of your car.
Organic materials are absolute crap at reflecting wireless signals, they are much better at absorbing and scattering them.
Let us know what you think after you try it!
Science is cool.
Alright well unfortunately I can't really test it because the key fob for my car is hit or miss even when I'm right next to it.
I would love if someone can post some evidence, literally any evidence I will watch and take in. I have a scientific mindset, no problem being proven wrong, I'm very much open to new information but I need to see some evidence.
I found this small experiment, someone recorded on Physics StackExchange.
I also found this computer modelling, but Iโm not familiar with the source (Altair.)
I have no leaning either way, and would welcome more data on the topic.
Try it out, for real! The effect is too strong for being a placebo.
Alright, I came across some researchers who were keen on validating this. It appears quite credible. You can view the results of their simulation here: Digital Debunking: Using Your Head to Extend Your Car Remote Range
It definitely works. I do it all the time.
Next time you're in a parking lot, try to click your fob from a distance where it doesn't work. Then hold it to your chin or skull and click it. It almost doubles the range.