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12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Loc8te the Cats Sep 03, 2010
By Paul Moskowitz
The Loc8tor system is an example of active RFID, radio frequency identification. RFID is a technology that employs tags (e.g. wireless radio transponders), attached to an object. The tag sends information stored on the tag in response to a radio signal from a reader. The reader receives identification or other information on the signal from the tag. The transponders used in active systems have batteries that power transmitters in the tags. Active RFID systems generally use either the signal strength or the delay time of the signal returned by the tag at three or more reception points in order to locate a tag. Such systems cost many thousands of dollars.
The Loc8tor system uses a single receiver, the handheld Loc8tor Homing Device, to locate a tag. Since the Homing Device is very directional, a user can identify the direction of the signal from the tag and get an idea of the tag's distance from the strength of the returned signal. This is a very sophisticated system for its cost.
I have been using Loc8tor for about three years. In free space, e.g. hanging a tag from a tree limb, I have been able to receive signals from the tags at 200 feet. The tags are small enough that they can be attached to a cat collar. Because the system operates at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, water containing objects can interfere with reception. (For more information on the interference of water with radio propagation see the film "Crimson Tide.") I have been able to find my cats at a distance of about 100 feet outdoors, and in any room of my house. I have even found their secret hiding places. The system is easy to use once you initialize each tag. One limitation is that you can only locate one tag at a time.
I have had to change the AAA batteries in the handheld device about once a year. The tags also run on batteries. The batteries in the tags last about a year also. In addition to the tag batteries, I have found that the tags tend to fail, perhaps after around two years of operation. Sometimes the cats dip the tags in their water bowl.
I just got replacement tags, a new black model from this site on Amazon, i.e., Additional Loc8tor Mini Homing Tags Twin Pack. They shipped my order very quickly. Perhaps, the new tags will last longer.
This is a great system, especially considering the cost. However, I suggest a search on Amazon or Google to get the best price. For instance, you can purchase the system directly on the Loc8tor web site.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Oh yay, I so love these things May 22, 2012
By Padre Mellyrn
"padre_mellyrn"
if you can find a place to stick one of these, do it if your forever losing things like me. I can find my cat (who is damn good at hiding by the way), my Kindle fire, the roommates keys and other things.
Had them for 4 years, the tabs do eventually break down but in the meantime You Will Find it, if it is in your home.
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based on 2 reviews
