And for those of us to have WiFi enabled computers, we know it is very important to get a good line of site connection when we use our computers or laptops from our vehicles. Unfortunately some of the new pedestrian high-tech radars being installed in modern automobiles will cut the signal.

So if you are a real estate agent downloading your e-mails on your computer in the parking lot at Starbucks or in front of the best Western hotel or even the parking lot outside your office, you may become very frustrated with someone in a new SUV with high-tech everything electronics balances in the parking lot and over the speed bump, as their pedestrian radar will cut your signal short.

Recently I talked with some Honda engineers at a trade show and I asked them if I am inside Starbucks using their WiFi and one of your cars with the special pedestrian radar parks out front facing in through the glass; will it cut my signal? They said that is entirely possible, however if the key is out of the ignition to pedestrian radar is turned off.

They did tell me that the new Volvo pedestrian radars do have a stronger signal and they would definitely cut my signal. At the SEMA autoshow there were several new prototypes of aftermarket pedestrian radars, which hooked into the dashboard or directly to the battery and they would go off even if the car was parked in the key was out of the ignition. This poses a problem also for those who are trying to pick up a WiFi signal from across the street and a delivery truck drives by with one of those aftermarket pedestrian radars. Bummer.

Lance Winslow

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