Master Transmitter is a la watch. Programmable beep units (triggered by digital code pulse from watch transmitter) attach to items, car keys, flashlight, tape measure, tv remote, vcr remote, cordless phone etc. etc. Limited only by units needed and passcode/activation codes available by design. I spend more time looking for most things than I do using them!!! Arrrrgh!!!! The IDEA of this is to cut down the time spent just looking for common items that are not commonly kept in a pocket and tend to get 'lost' and consume ten times as much time looking for them as using them. Ever spend thirty minutes looking for a flash to use it for ten seconds? Or searching for a remote for fifteen to use it for two seconds?
-- jbodden, Mar 08 2002

Never lose anything again http://www.halfbake..._20anything_20again
An idea serving a similar purpose. [bristolz, Mar 08 2002, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Electromagnetic remote control detector http://www.halfbake...0control_20detector
Another. [bristolz, Mar 08 2002, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Homing device for pacifiers http://www.halfbake...e_20for_20pacifiers
Another but different because it's for baby stuff. [bristolz, Mar 08 2002, last modified Oct 17 2004]

This has been done, check it out http://www.sharperi...best.com/si567.html
Already exists, going to use it to track my girlfriend's elusive cat who likes to hide [agelina, Jun 12 2002, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Actually the other thing is dependent on constant broadcast, think of the cost in batteries! My idea only triggers for a particular item ON REQUEST, enabling you to locate any given item in hearing range. With led blinkers for deaf or low light? If I understand the NEVER LOSE anything again idea, you must remain within sensor range of all items that it responds to or it will go off, which means that it will scream at you everytime you want to go somewhere and leave something behind that you don't want to take along. My idea will find your keys at work, your keys at home, your digital recorder you dropped in the yard, your flashlight in the garage etc. etc. simply by entering the id code for that particular item and listening for it while looking for it. This idea was tested by taping a clapper style beeper to my Maglite. Works really well in the dark when I need the flash the most. Often I have wished for the ability to build this for myself to find stuff in the office that hides for twenty minutes under one lousy sheet of paper or gets kicked under the desk or I forgot that I put it on a lower shelf - and then, and too often ONLY then I find I have an urgent need for it!
-- jbodden, Mar 08 2002


Fair enough.
-- bristolz, Mar 08 2002


Wouldn't it be easier to become better organized? (But then, that wouldn't be half-baked, would it?)
-- waugsqueke, Mar 08 2002


The above is remarkably similar to the experience of applying for a U.S. patent. The idea is specified, with a description of why it is useful. The patent examiner cites prior art she sees as proving either the bakedness or redundancy of the idea. The inventor reiterates the unique features, showing specifically how the invention differs from the cited prior art. The examiner concedes, and the patent is issued.
-- beauxeault, Mar 08 2002


It's all fun and games until you lose your list of beep codes.

Or the watch.
-- phoenix, Mar 08 2002


And when you find it and have it in hand, look it up in the Dealybobber Field Guide so you'll know what to do with it--that is unless you then forget why it is you came into the room in the first place.
-- entremanure, Mar 09 2002



random, halfbakery