This Finder's a Keeper

Attach a tiny signaling device to things you often misplace, and you'll be able to recover them in a snap

By Dave Prochnow Posted 11.10.2008 at 12:30 pm 12 Comments

With a push of a button on the control box, the eyeglass case lights up and beeps to reveal its location: Pachoumis.com

STEPS

1. Make sure that you have two ZipZaps with different frequencies: 27 and 49 MHz. The 27MHz model will have a yellow antenna and the 49MHz one will have a red antenna. Download the schematic for the circuit.

2. Remove the receivers from each of the cars. Snap the car's body off the chassis and remove the several screws holding the receiver, motors, LEDs, battery, and recharging prongs in place.

3. Discard the motors and gears. Replace the battery and recharging prongs with a 24mm coin cell holder. Insert a fully charged 3V battery into the holder.

4. Slip the receiver, battery holder, and LEDs into a suitable container. Route the antenna outside of your chosen container. The receivers are now ready.

4a. In order to add an optional sound element to the receivers, remove one of the LEDs from each receiver, assemble the optional beeper circuit, and solder the former LED wires to the beeper circuit. Here's the code for the beeper (it's written in BASCOM-AVR BASIC):


'Beep a buzzer w/ATtiny13

Config PORTB = Output
     PORTB = 0

Do

Sound PORTB.0 , 60000 , 5000

Loop

End

5. Remove each transmitter from the ZipZaps controller. Leave the antennas attached to each transmitter.

6. Replace each forward joystick with one of the SPST switches. Connect the yellow SPST switch to the 27MHz transmitter and connect the red SPST switch to the 49MHz transmitter.

7. You can save space by connecting both transmitters to a single 4-AAA battery pack salvaged from one of the ZipZaps controllers.

8. Connect the SPST pushbutton to the on/off switch of both transmitters.

9. Install the two transmitters, antennas, and battery pack inside your container. Mount the yellow and red SPST switches and the SPST pushbutton on the exterior of your container.

10. Attach each receiver to an item that you frequently misplace. Then, when you forget where you left that item, turn on the transmitter, press the correct color-coded switch, and look for the flashing LEDs. In the flash of an instant, your lost item is now found.

This Finder's a Keeper: Pachoumis.com

Like gadgets? Love DIY? Check out the top home tech and gadgets of the year—part of PopSci's 2008 Best of What's New awards. See all 100 top innovations at popsci.com/bown2008.

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12 Comments

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u8t5

11/07/08 at 2:42 pm

"Container (we used RadioShack #270-1803; $3.69)"

I'm going to pretend I didn't read that.

http://www.altoids.com/shop.do

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venusmom

11/13/08 at 6:47 pm

It looked simple and challenging, since I am old, and I cannot find the 2 - Zip Zaps micro RC cars w/diff frequencies. I think I understand the directions but need the final element. Everything else is here. Radio Shack does not carry that part # anymore and 2 same freq @ 20 ea. Help
Thanks

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Lisainca

11/14/08 at 12:58 pm

So what happens when I lose the controller?

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venusmom

11/15/08 at 3:42 pm

I won't have to worry about losing it since I can not find the Zip Zap remotes. Need suggestions, please.
Since I have all the components except the remotes maybe someone would buy them?

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MLCC

11/17/08 at 8:52 pm

Can't wait to build one!

Also, I visit Radio Shack all the time and I haven't seen any ZipZaps for over a year. The link says their out of stock; I recommend trying Dollar General or Dollar Tree. They usually have the same size r/c car for about 2-5 dollars. Beware: some are not 'true' r/c cars...

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M0D3S7

11/20/08 at 7:43 am

simple..engineer a charger for your remote and install a buzzer on your remote..not only can you find your lost items, you can find your remote as well from your stationary charger.. or...

You could work on your mnemonic ability >.>

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venusmom

11/20/08 at 5:47 pm

This has become a career since I can not find the RC cars, called zip zap, or similar.
I have been to Kmart, Walmart, Toys r us and Target. Talked to hobby stores, NKOK, as well as other such as Etoys and Dollar Tree - nada. I perservere but no info is available to help. You guys find everything simple because you understand the verbage. If you can assist I'm open for suggestions. If not where can I send the many parts I have ready, all except the two zipzaps w/different frequencies: 27 and 40 MHz.
Popsci is a great mag and I thought (?) I could really try something......... The worst part is nobody knows what the heck I'm talking about. I'm reading from the instructions.............

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brownni

12/05/08 at 11:32 am

dont fret! a quick good search of micro rc cars and this is the first link i found. if you buy a two or three pack they even have different freq's

http://www.mini-rc-cars.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=200

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brownni

12/05/08 at 11:33 am

whoops! i meant google. my bad.

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venusmom

12/22/08 at 3:30 pm

I am still looking for the RC. If I knew the specifics and where to order it would help. The directions and all the other parts are waiting. It could be my Xmas gift.
:(

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terrible

06/11/09 at 7:19 pm

You can buy the cars on ebay...remember you need a complete set of a car and remote for each item you want to track, and each set must be a different frequency. Don't make a mistake and just buy an "Upgrade" or "Body" kit with no car or remote control.

However, you could use only one remote control on one frequency and have multiple "ZipZap" receivers all go off at the same time when you need to find any of the remotes.

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2sw2r

09/15/09 at 10:24 am

You guys find everything simple because you understand the verbage. If you can assist I'm open for suggestions. If not where can I send the many parts I have ready, all except the two zipzaps w/different frequencies: 27 and 40 MHz.
http://www.2sw2r.com/vb