How to turn off all RF sources?

[Nikola in NM]

I'm going to drive my 2018 Model 3 past the Very Large Array (VLA) Radio Telescope in New Mexico. They want visitors to turn off ALL radio transmitters to reduce RF interference. How do I turn off my car's cellular connection, GPS antenna, and WiFi? TIA

 

[JulienW]

May not be possible:

• GPS: is passive so nothing to do
• WiFi: (I believe) has a On/Off switch by hitting the Cell or WiFi icon at top of screen
• Cell: Don't think or remember seeing a way to toggle off
• Bluetooth: Another RF like WiFi that I don't think or remember seeing a way to toggle off

Not in my car to check but all should be in the same Menu accessed by hitting the Cell or WiFi icon at top of screen if available.

There also may be a possibility that the Service Menu may offer this but you must know or have explicit instructions.

 

[EVRider-FL]

Seems unlikely you can turn off the cell receiver in most cars. Are you sure that’s necessary?

 

[Nikola in NM]

From the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Do's-And-Don'ts page:

Electronic Device Policy​

When visiting the VLA, please have all electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, or anything else with an “On/Off” switch) in airplane mode and powered off. If you plan to use your electronic device to take photographs, you may briefly turn them on (while in airplane mode) to take your pictures, and then power your device off again once you’ve done so.

Please turn all WiFi and Bluetooth devices off as well.

 

[archae86]

I doubt you can turn off a Tesla enough to satisfy that policy. In particular the low energy Bluetooth communication that lets your phone serve as a key seems likely to be powered up even if you dutifully have the phone turned off.

 

[Kimmi]

Call and ask their information office?

 

[EVRider-FL]

The policy seems to apply to people entering the facility on foot. Unless you're driving into the building, I don't see how your car would be an issue.

 

[mtmra70]

Never seen a way to turn off LTE/BT on any other vehicle. Not to mention, don't the motors of the Tesla generate quite a bit of RF themselves?