FAQ's on How Auto Finder Works
Learn How the Car Locator Device Works
- How does the Auto-Finder Work?
- Is the Auto-Finder available in any stores?
- What types of batteries are used?
- How do I insert new batteries?
- How long will the batteries last?
- Will the Auto-Finder work in cold weather?
- How do I know when to replace batteries?
- How do I install the In-Car Beacon?
- What range does the Auto-Finder have?
- Should I walk while performing a scan or search?
- What are the three techniques used to locate a car with the Auto-Finder?
- Will the Auto-Finder work through obstacles such as vehicles or walls?
- Can the Auto-Finder work indoors?
- How do I use the Auto-Finder if I am parked in a multi-level parking structure?
- What should I do if the Auto-Finder indicates more than one direction?
- Does the Auto-Finder work abroad?
- How do I Pair my Pointer Remote to a Beacon?
- What if I lose my Auto-Finder?
- How do I erase the Beacon pairing memory?
- What if I own more than one vehicle? Can one Auto-Finder be used to find all of them?
- What if there are multiple drivers of the same vehicle in our family?
- Will other Auto-Finders find my car?
- Are there instructional videos that explain how to use the Auto-Finder?
- How do I register my product?
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How does the Auto-Finder Work?
The Auto-Finder uses a blend of exciting new technologies with traditional radio frequency (RF) technology. Both the Pointer Remote and the in-car Beacon can send and receive signals. The Pointer Remote sends a signal that activates the Beacon then translates the Beacon signals into clear visual and audible prompts to guide you to your vehicle.
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Is the Auto-Finder available in any stores?
The Auto-Finder has been launched initially in many specialty and consumer electronics print catalogs, online stores and select retailers in the U.S. You can order one now at www.auto-finder.com or call us toll free at 1(888) 679-FIND (3463).
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What types of batteries are used?
The Pointer Remote uses two "27A" batteries. The in-car Beacon uses three "AA" alkaline batteries (non-rechargeable Lithium batteries are recommended for cold temperatures or for extended use.) All Auto-Finders include all required batteries. Extra batteries are available on our website at www.auto-finder.com.
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How do I insert new batteries?
The Pointer Remote has an easy to remove battery slide which gives access to the battery compartment. To remove the battery slide on the Pointer Remote, press firmly on the battery slide arrows and slide off. Similarly, the batteries can be installed into the In-Car Beacon by pressing firmly on the battery slide arrows and sliding off.
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How long will the batteries last?
Battery life will depend on use. Using an example of one use per week, the expected battery life in the Pointer Remote is about 6 months depending on the duration of each use. Using the same example for the in-car Beacon, the battery life is 6-9 months.
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Will the Auto-Finder work in cold weather?
Yes, but if your vehicle is exposed to temperatures below 32°F/0°C or above 100°F/38°C, use of non-rechargeable Lithium "AA" batteries is recommended for the In-Car Beacon. Lithium batteries provide superior performance in extreme hot and cold temperatures, and will last much longer than standard alkaline batteries. For the Pointer Remote, two alkaline "27A", 12V batteries are recommended.
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How do I know when to replace batteries?
The Pointer Remote will sound one long beep when the search button is pressed notifying you that the batteries need to be replaced, but will enter search mode continue to operate until the batteries are exhausted. The In-Car Beacon will notify you when the batteries are low by sounding one short beep every minute but will continue to operate until the batteries are exhausted.
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How do I install the In-Car Beacon?
It's a simple peel and stick installation! Before you begin make sure the batteries are installed properly and the Beacon and Pointer Remote are (paired). To insure a proper bond do not install the Beacon if the glass is warm or hot to the touch. Begin by simply cleaning the desired area on the windshield using the included alcohol wipe and let dry. Remove the adhesive backing from underside of the Beacon then press the Beacon firmly to the glass and hold for 10 seconds. When the installation is complete place your vehicle in shade or a dark garage for at least 6-8 hours to allow the adhesive to bond to the glass.
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What range does the Auto-Finder have?
The Auto-Finder has a maximum range of up to ½ mile in most parking areas. Obstacles such as walls, buildings, vehicles and people will reduce the maximum range proportionately.
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Should I walk while performing a scan or search?
No, never walk while attempting to perform a search. The directional information will be confusing and you may not be heading in the right direction. Always follow these steps:
- Stop walking to do your scan, walking while scanning will degrade performance.
- Press and hold the Search button. After the three beeps indicating good batteries, the Pointer Remote will enter search mode indicated by rapid search tones and LED activity. Once in search mode complete all three scanning techniques and find your direction.
- Now release the search button and begin walking in the direction of the strongest signal indication
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What are the three techniques used to locate a car with the Auto-Finder?
There are three techniques to use when scanning for the strongest signal. First, hold the Pointer Remote in front of your stomach while level/horizontal to the ground. To scan the parking area turn your body very slowly in a full 360° circle while listening to the sounds and watching the green arrows. Note the direction where sounds became highest pitch, the beeps became more rapid and the most green arrows were consistently illuminated. Next, scan back across the same area again while holding the Pointer Remote perpendicular to the ground (See Technique #2. You will find that two techniques will have provided the most consistent direction of the strongest signal. Teqnique #3 is to hold the Pointer Remote above your head while aiming over obstructions or the other cars in the parking lot. This technique is designed to create more line of site contact with the In-Car Beacon. Click here to see the techniques.
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Will the Auto-Finder work through obstacles such as vehicles or walls?
Yes, but depending on the type of obstacle, the performance of the Auto-Finder can be affected. Large buildings and metallic surfaces such as large trucks will reflect the Auto-Finder signal and make it more difficult to accurately determine the direction of your vehicle. It is recommended to stand away from adjacent vehicles, walls, buildings and other large objects when searching for your vehicle to obtain the best performance of the Auto-Finder.
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Can the Auto-Finder work indoors?
No, the Auto-Finder was designed to locate temporarily "misplaced" vehicles in large parking lots or multilevel parking structures and cannot give accurate directional information from inside most buildings.
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How do I use the Auto-Finder if I am parked in a multi-level parking structure?
First, sweep the level you are standing on. If you receive a strong signal, you are likely parked on that level and you can determine the direction of your vehicle. If you do not receive a strong signal, slowly point the Pointer Remote above you and then slowly point below you. The direction of the strongest signal will indicate if you need to go up or down parking levels and try the search again. If you receive no signal indication at all, your vehicle is likely on a level at least three or more levels away. Note that not all parking structures will offer the same results.
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What should I do if the Auto-Finder indicates more than one direction?
The Auto-Finder uses radio waves that may reflect off of objects such as walls, buildings, hills, and large metallic objects. In some cases the reflected signal will be stronger than the actual direction of your vehicle. In all situations you can find the direction of your vehicle by using the 3 scanning techniques. Please refer to scan the complete parking area and walk in the direction of the strongest signal indication. If the signal is reflecting off of a building or other object, walk toward that object anyway and try your search again. Once you have a better angle toward your parked vehicle, the Fynder will indicate a stronger signal in the actual direction of your vehicle.
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Does the Auto-Finder work abroad?
Yes, the Auto-Finder works in every country.
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How do I Pair my Pointer Remote to a Beacon?
First, ensure that no other Auto-Finders are being used in your area while conducting this procedure. Next, ensure that batteries are properly installed in both the Pointer Remote and the Beacon. When the batteries are first installed in the Beacon, it will sound three beeps indicating good batteries. When the button is pressed on the Pointer Remote, it will sound three beeps indicating good batteries. Next, turn the Beacon over and locate the small pairing hole near the lower left edge of the Velcro pad. Insert a small paper clip into the pairing hole and press the pairing button. The Beacon will sound one beep every second to indicate that it is in pairing mode. While the Beacon is in pairing mode, press and hold the button on the Pointer Remote that you want to pair to this Beacon. You will hear the three beeps from the Pointer Remote indicating good batteries, then two beeps from the Beacon indicating successful pairing. Now release the pairing button and remove the paper clip. The Pointer Remote and the Beacon are now paired.
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What if I lose my Auto-Finder?
This is no problem; simply erase the Beacon pairing memory, therefore blocking its ability to be located. This should be done right away to insure that your vehicle cannot be found by using your lost Pointer Remote. In the future any existing or new Pointer Remotes will have to be paired again.
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How do I erase the Beacon pairing memory?
Remove one of the batteries from the Beacon. Using a paper clip, press and hold the pairing button down while re-installing the battery. The Beacon will sound a few short beeps acknowledging that the memory has been cleared. No Pointer Remotes will then be paired to this Beacon. Any existing or new Pointer Remotes will have to be paired again.
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What if I own more than one vehicle? Can one Auto-Finder be used to find all of them?
Yes, a single Pointer Remote can be paired with an unlimited number of Beacons. Therefore your Pointer Remote can locate any number of vehicles in the same household. Simply pair your Pointer Remote to each Beacon you own and you are ready to go. Just remember, if you activate your Search while two or more paired Beacons are within range, the directional information will be ineffective.
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What if there are multiple drivers of the same vehicle in our family?
Up to five Pointer Remotes can pair to each Beacon. Simply pair each of your Pointer Remotes to the Beacon in the vehicle being located.
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Will other Auto-Finders find my car?
No, each Pointer Remote and Beacon are programmed with a unique code. Only Pointer Remotes and Beacons that have been paired will locate each other.
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Are there instructional videos that explain how to use the Auto-Finder?
All of our videos can be found here.
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How do I register my product?
You can register your purchased product here.
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