How come my car remote works if I press it while holding it against my head?

Asked by Ltryptophan (12091

) June 10th, 2010

So I’m standing forty feet away from my car, and I click the lock button. Nothing. I lift the remote up really high and try again. Nothing. Hrmm. I press it to my chest and try. Nothing. Then I put the remote next to my head and try and it works the first time.

Is there metal in my head? Is my head a better antenna than the rest of my body? What is happening here?

I don’t have any metal dental work.

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9 Answers

This handy Jeremy Clarkson / Top Gear video demonstrates it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jACSPipPSE

As I understand it your head does act as an antenna…but I have no supporting evidence.

timtrueman (5765

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I would just like to share that I appreciate this question.

mrrich724 (8547

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Response moderated (Off-Topic)

This is absolutely true. I find it best under the chin – not on the side of the head. No kidding.

I believe it’s infrared, so there is no cell damage. (I wonder if it works with TV remotes?)

ipso (4481

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The batteries might not be securely in place, pressing it against your skull may be seating them firmly and completing the circuit. Pull the batteries out and check the contacts, then make sure the cover is firmly seated.

stranger_in_a_strange_land (18360

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A typical remote transmits in the 300MHz range. If you put the remote to your forehead and let the keys dangle in front, your whole body acts like a resonating antenna for RF energy, not infrared.

LuckyGuy (43689

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