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💬General Category => General Discussion => X10 Product Wish List => Topic started by: namobo on January 26, 2009, 11:25:34 PM

Title: Parking lot car finder
Post by: namobo on January 26, 2009, 11:25:34 PM
Like many others getting over sixty, I too often come out to the mall parking lot and can't quite remember where I parked the car. Why can't X-10 design a transponder that can be installed in the car, and a key chain device that will seek out the transponder.  A compass on the key chain  would point in the direction of the car, and perhaps a laser light might blink or twirl above the car, activated when the key chain device is pressed. These devices would need to have greater range than current remote keys, which act only within about 100 feet or so, and then only blink headlights briefly ( -:)if you can't see the car, you can't see the lights).
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on January 27, 2009, 12:51:20 PM
I always remember where I parked, but after leaving the store, find that jokesters have moved my car. Seems to happen most at Home Depot and Walmart.

This is a great suggestion, but unlikely to generate much interest at X10, because it is fairly far removed from their "expert" (used loosly) areas.

Automotive alarm and remote start manufactures would be the typical developer. I think one reason we have not seen such a device  is; any radio device required to transmit a signal more than a couple hundred feet (on a good day) will be at a high enough transmitter power level to require FCC type acceptance, which makes development very costly.

We have a couple of the longer range GMRS/FRS  2-way radios and I just leave one with my wife. She has more brain juice than I and can always find the car. rofl

Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: steven r on January 27, 2009, 05:04:18 PM
My memory tends to like to store things like the nth digit of Pi. My brain also tends to favor a short term memory of almost anything else other than where I parked my car.  While I need to find my car more often than calculate things to 4+ digits of accuracy, that's the way my brain likes to work. I've learned to type my parking space location into my phone as a reminder. Failing that my car alarm has a window mounted antenna that has a really long range and is very loud!  ;)
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Alan V on January 27, 2009, 06:36:20 PM
Like many others getting over sixty, I too often come out to the mall parking lot and can't quite remember where I parked the car. Why can't X-10 design a transponder that can be installed in the car, and a key chain device that will seek out the transponder.  A compass on the key chain  would point in the direction of the car, and perhaps a laser light might blink or twirl above the car, activated when the key chain device is pressed. These devices would need to have greater range than current remote keys, which act only within about 100 feet or so, and then only blink headlights briefly ( -:)if you can't see the car, you can't see the lights).

Why not use a handheld GPS such as this one http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-GPS-72-Handheld-Navigator/dp/B00006J6SA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233091482&sr=8-9#  It even has a compass display.

Set your parking space location as a waypoint.  Then you're not limited by distance from the car.

The SNR of some of these GPSs is very impressive, however you might still have trouble in some parking structures.  Open parking areas should be fine.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: steven r on January 28, 2009, 02:12:36 AM
...Why not use a handheld GPS...
...Set your parking space location as a waypoint.  Then you're not limited by distance from the car....
Forgot to mention that I've done that in the past also.  ;D
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on January 28, 2009, 01:06:41 PM
Hang a pair of underwear on the antenna, Fruit of the Loom label out...works for me.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Knightrider on January 28, 2009, 01:31:27 PM
Ramsey electronics used to make a device that allowed you to track a model rocket via two-meter receiver.  Worked up to 1/4 mile.  (model rockets are an expensive thing to lose) It was called the MR6 kit.  Maybe you could find one of those and set it up in your car.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: HA Dave on January 28, 2009, 04:00:59 PM
Hang a pair of underwear on the antenna, Fruit of the Loom label out...works for me.

I think I've seen your car at the mall before.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dellzip on January 28, 2009, 04:53:03 PM
Like many others getting over sixty, I too often come out to the mall parking lot and can't quite remember where I parked the car. Why can't X-10 design a transponder that can be installed in the car, and a key chain device that will seek out the transponder.  A compass on the key chain  would point in the direction of the car, and perhaps a laser light might blink or twirl above the car, activated when the key chain device is pressed. These devices would need to have greater range than current remote keys, which act only within about 100 feet or so, and then only blink headlights briefly ( -:)if you can't see the car, you can't see the lights).
Now this would be nice!  Lets get GPS on this think also...
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on January 28, 2009, 05:14:23 PM
Hang a pair of underwear on the antenna, Fruit of the Loom label out...works for me.

I think I've seen your car at the mall before.
Big Grin  ;D
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: steven r on January 28, 2009, 07:15:31 PM
Ramsey electronics used to make a device that allowed you to track a model rocket via two-meter receiver.  Worked up to 1/4 mile...
An excerpt from a Google search of the MR6 kit manual...

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The MR6 operates in the 2 meter Amateur radio band and should be used
by or under the direction of a properly licensed ham operator.

[/list]

So figure the cost and study time to pass the technician ham license test if you plan to use this option.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: tybirdtybird on August 05, 2010, 10:12:29 PM
if you have an iphone there an app for that.  ;D
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 06, 2010, 04:26:19 PM
I always remember where I parked, but after leaving the store, find that jokesters have moved my car. Seems to happen most at Home Depot and Walmart.

This is a great suggestion, but unlikely to generate much interest at X10, because it is fairly far removed from their "expert" (used loosly) areas.

Automotive alarm and remote start manufactures would be the typical developer. I think one reason we have not seen such a device  is; any radio device required to transmit a signal more than a couple hundred feet (on a good day) will be at a high enough transmitter power level to require FCC type acceptance, which makes development very costly.

We have a couple of the longer range GMRS/FRS  2-way radios and I just leave one with my wife. She has more brain juice than I and can always find the car. rofl



Excuse me Dave, but don't you LOCK your car at Home Depot and Walmart?  If you have Keyless entry, the odds somebody else has the exact same keyless entry key is 50 Million to 1.  My wife got a Toyota Yarris that has it and she wanted to get a second key for it for me. The price was $300.00.  The car has 1 keyset.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: beelocks on August 06, 2010, 07:22:20 PM
It's not the key that costs big money, nor is it the transponder inside the keyhead.
The huge price tag on a replacement key for a modern Toyota is the technician cost, computer rental and programming time for your Toyota dealer to plug in their laptop for approximately 15 minutes so that the car will recognize and respond to the new transponder within the key.

Your local friendly automotive locksmith will clone your existing transponder if possible, reprogram your car for a smaller number if possible, install a transponder bypass system if possible, or tell you to suck it up and go to your Toyota dealer.

Just remember that if you lose your only key whilst you're in Walmart you get to pay the towing fee to your dealer before they start the clock on reprogramming and rebuilding your computer and the physical car locks. Total cost for that service usually runs into four figures.

Also, another transponder key doesn't stop the jokesters from moving your car 3 rows across and 2 spaces down like they do with everyone else. Although with a Yaris they could just pick it up and hide it in their pocket :)
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 06, 2010, 07:28:04 PM
Although with a Yaris they could just pick it up and hide it in their pocket :)

Sure, if they are Superman!!!!   :D :D :D
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on August 07, 2010, 10:42:15 AM
Also, another transponder key doesn't stop the jokesters from moving your car 3 rows across and 2 spaces down like they do with everyone else.
WOW! Thanks a bunch, I thought they were just picking on me.  :'
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 07, 2010, 11:44:01 AM
Does your car sport a big "MOVE ME" on it?   Maybe it's the old case of foggy memory.   You park in lane 16, lock the car and go shopping.  You buy what you want, and the lane your car is in goes right out of your mind.  Since most WalMarts have two doors, the odds the one you go out of is not the one you exit.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: beelocks on August 07, 2010, 04:11:21 PM
I find it amusing when they take my car and replace it with my wife's. And they always put hers in the exact space that I left mine  ???
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on August 07, 2010, 06:08:46 PM
Does your car sport a big "MOVE ME" on it?   Maybe it's the old case of foggy memory.   You park in lane 16, lock the car and go shopping.  You buy what you want, and the lane your car is in goes right out of your mind.  Since most WalMarts have two doors, the odds the one you go out of is not the one you exit.
Gee Dan...ya think?

But it happens at Menards too and they only have one door. The car ain't where I was sure I parked it...so I still think they are moving it.  :'
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: nybuck on August 07, 2010, 07:47:14 PM
Do you really think someone would go and move your car on purpose?   ???

I think my car just gets bored if I am in the store too long, and it drives around.  When it gets back to the lot, the original spot may be taken...   :'
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 07, 2010, 08:26:20 PM
So KiTT is REAL!!!!!     You are not nybuck, you must be Knight Rider!!!!
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: nybuck on August 07, 2010, 08:44:24 PM
No, it's just another kit I got at an X10 Wacky Weekend Like New sale...   rofl
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 07, 2010, 10:41:10 PM
The REAL "X10 Wacky Weekend" would be for X10USA to produce a GOOD version of AHP, fully bench tested before release, but I'm afraid that is just another "dream along with me".

Oh, well, another year with 3.228.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: HA Dave on August 07, 2010, 11:37:59 PM
I don't know about an X10 device for finding a misplaced parked car...
But over at geeks.com they do have a 12 volt remote... similar to that of a car alarm (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=RM01&cpc=SCH). Maybe it could be used to turn on a flasher... or play an MP3... or something distinctive.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: nybuck on August 08, 2010, 08:01:53 AM
The REAL "X10 Wacky Weekend" would be for X10USA to produce a GOOD version of AHP, fully bench tested before release, but I'm afraid that is just another "dream along with me".

Oh, well, another year with 3.228.
Has anyone tried the 3.267 European version?

It is free, has some of the plugins, and I don't see why it wouldn't work.....   -:)
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: birdzeye on August 08, 2010, 08:23:36 AM
Like many others getting over sixty, I too often come out to the mall parking lot and can't quite remember where I parked the car. Why can't X-10 design a transponder that can be installed in the car, and a key chain device that will seek out the transponder.  A compass on the key chain  would point in the direction of the car, and perhaps a laser light might blink or twirl above the car, activated when the key chain device is pressed. These devices would need to have greater range than current remote keys, which act only within about 100 feet or so, and then only blink headlights briefly ( -:)if you can't see the car, you can't see the lights).

Well, this may not be the technologically advanced solution you were hoping for, but....I have been known to take a large bag of popcorn with me when shopping in malls, and simply leave a trail of popcorn as soon as I enter the mall so that I can find my way back out again. You could modify this approach by simply starting to leave the trail as soon as you leave your car....and perhaps periodically leave larger "dumps" of popcorn along the way at strategic locations.

 ;D
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Brian H on August 08, 2010, 09:00:54 AM
Have not read much about the European 3.267 or 3.271 that is also available in Europe.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 08, 2010, 10:37:28 AM
Might work, might not.   Since European electrical systems are different than North American ones, our CM15A may not receive signals from the software.   Perhaps some brave X10 user will try them on a closed system and give us a detailed report.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: HA Dave on August 08, 2010, 12:45:09 PM
....I have been known to take a large bag of popcorn with me when shopping in malls, and simply leave a trail of popcorn as soon as I enter the mall so that I can find my way back out again. You could modify this approach by simply starting to leave the trail as soon as you leave your car....and perhaps periodically leave larger "dumps" of popcorn along the way at strategic locations.

I think that "the original idea of pebbles" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansel_and_Gretel) may be a workable solution. However the popcorn might well fail... as did the bread crums (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansel_and_Gretel). Those Germans... are way ahead of us.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on August 08, 2010, 04:26:38 PM
Do you really think someone would go and move your car on purpose?   ???

I think my car just gets bored if I am in the store too long, and it drives around.  When it gets back to the lot, the original spot may be taken...   :'

Heck!  I never thought of that!!  -:)

Here I was blaming the youngins at Wally World and Menards for "pranking" the old geezer. I bet the old Yugo is indeed firing up, and going for a little stroll while I am in the store. Thanks NY! I gotta run over to Menards and apologize to the cart boy...I called him a bad name yesterday...sigh, I feel really bad now.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 08, 2010, 08:05:47 PM
Unless you have a car like Kitt, your Yugo can't drive itself.   :'(
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: beelocks on August 08, 2010, 09:48:52 PM
Is that the same Yugo that reputedly had a rear screen demister so that you could warm your hands as you pushed it home?  rofl

They rarely drive even if someone is inside pushing the pedals.

I'm actually surprised that they reached the US - not because USA demands a better quality vehicle, I'm surprised because most of them broke down before they reached the shipping container.

What's the difference between a Yugo and a dumpster? Most of the stuff thrown in a dumpster still works.

I'm sure some of the other Europeans on here can remember more Yugo/Lada jokes than I do - if ever a brand opened itself up for jokes....
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on August 09, 2010, 12:42:56 PM
Since I dropped a 20 horse Kohler in my Yugo it has been a real speed demon. I beat a "Smartcar" off the line just the other day. Kid on a bicycle passed us.
I would have thumbed nose at him but the Yugo's steering wheel jiggles pretty bad once I get going faster than 22 or 23 mph.

Speaking of "Kitt" does any one have the Lexus or Ford cars that parallel park themselves? I gotta admit, that is cool.

I guess we are off topic, but I don't expect X10 to develop a car finder anyway. :D
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: JeffVolp on August 09, 2010, 05:24:24 PM
Reading this thread reminded me of a couple things from years ago.

One was a Caddy dealer in Boston that was offering a free Yugo with the purchase of a new Caddy.  As I recall, that dealer eventually closed down - maybe the promotion didn't work.

Another was there was a contest where the first prize was a new Yugo.  Second prize was two Yugos.

Jeff
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on August 09, 2010, 06:13:35 PM
Reading this thread reminded me of a couple things from years ago.

One was a Caddy dealer in Boston that was offering a free Yugo with the purchase of a new Caddy.  As I recall, that dealer eventually closed down - maybe the promotion didn't work.

Another was there was a contest where the first prize was a new Yugo.  Second prize was two Yugos.

Jeff
rofl



Darn Jeff, I had to go to Walmart for more Depends. The old geezer can't laugh that hard.   ;)
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: nybuck on August 10, 2010, 07:00:00 AM
 rofl

Thank goodness I didn't win second prize!

You don't hear much about the Yugo these days...  I remember thinking how 'cheap' a Hyundai was back then, now I have one.  I actually like it - haven't found a fault with it, and it comes with a 10 yr, 100,000 mile warrantee.  Yugo had a tail light warrantee, I think   ;D
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on August 10, 2010, 02:24:31 PM
rofl

Thank goodness I didn't win second prize!

You don't hear much about the Yugo these days...  I remember thinking how 'cheap' a Hyundai was back then, now I have one.  I actually like it - haven't found a fault with it, and it comes with a 10 yr, 100,000 mile warrantee.  Yugo had a tail light warrantee, I think   ;D
Yup, we have a 2008 Sonata and a 2010 Obama Motors Equinox. I like the Sonata much better than the Equinox, and the Sonata has had no problems. I would buy another. Notice the lack of similar commitment on the Equinox. My appologies to any Government Motors employees (the Equinox IS a nice vehicle, but I like the Hyundai better)..
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: HA Dave on August 10, 2010, 04:57:12 PM
You don't hear much about the Yugo these days... 

U.S. forces accidentally bombed the Yugo plant (http://www1.wsws.org/articles/1999/apr1999/yugo-a13.shtml)... (or so they said).
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 10, 2010, 05:18:44 PM
You don't hear much about the Yugo these days... 

U.S. forces accidentally bombed the Yugo plant (http://www1.wsws.org/articles/1999/apr1999/yugo-a13.shtml)... (or so they said).

That was ELEVEN Years ago.  Obviously the plant was never rebuilt, as you rarely see a Yugo on the roads anywhere. 
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: Knightrider on August 10, 2010, 05:25:01 PM
All of us old time yugo drivers now have families and have opted for the 4 door model.  You don't see that many Yugos, but I still drive a we-go.
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: dave w on August 10, 2010, 05:34:01 PM
You don't hear much about the Yugo these days... 

U.S. forces accidentally bombed the Yugo plant (http://www1.wsws.org/articles/1999/apr1999/yugo-a13.shtml)... (or so they said).
What did they use, M80s?
Title: Re: Parking lot car finder
Post by: HA Dave on August 10, 2010, 06:20:44 PM
That was ELEVEN Years ago.  Obviously the plant was never rebuilt, as you rarely see a Yugo on the roads anywhere. 

Yeah... I don't remember that war ending in a decisive and celebrated victory. Henceforth.. Stalinist bureaucracies... and OTHER government owned and operated automobile manufactures often don't fair well.