Category:Key Finder

The first generation key finders were sound based, they listened for a clap or a whistle (or a sequence of same) then beeped to allow you to find them. Determining what was a clap or a whistle is not so easy, and it became very obvious that these did not work well, they would "false alarm" or go off at the worst possible moments on their own.

As electronics became smaller, radio was used to locate the keys which were fitted with a small receiver. A transmitter was used to activate this receiver. These second generation systems work well except for the obvious and amusing problem - what happens when you lose the transmitter?

The latest third generation key finders no longer require a separate "base" - they are all functionally identical and based on a peer-to-peer system where each can find all the others individually. Now you can use your wallet to find your keys and vice versa, or your cell phone find your TV control. In addition, since each has its own transmitter, it can reply by radio as well as beeping and flashing a light to attract attention. The seeking unit can then follow this beacon to find even a buried set of keys.

Key finders have also been found to be useful to the visually challenged as well as those with memory problems or illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease