FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about FOFA^® XD  (Pronounced "Foe - Fah")

We have tried to include every question we have ever heard about FOFA - if you have an unanswered one, please Contact Us! 


This FAQ is organized in sections: Click to go to each section.

Popular Questions This month
How does it work?
How Loud?, How Big?, How Far?
FOFAs as Gifts!
Battery Questions
Shipping and Payment
FOFA Manual / Setup (New Video!)
Attaching FOFAs to things.
Ordering and Security.
Troubleshooting
General Questions about FOFA

 

Most Popular Questions ...

Q: Where can I read the FOFA Owners Manual? 
 Front(pdf - 3Mb) and Back (pdf - 1Mb)
or  Image Front (jpg)      Image Back (jpg)   (Get free Adobe Reader)   

 Q: If I get 2 or 3 Sets, will they all work together? 
    A: Yes they will!  (Having more is a great idea.)

  Q: Is ordering On-Line faster than calling?
  A:  Yes! Faster and more importantly, more accurate!  (road names and numbers over the phone get scrambled easily)
      And yes, it is safe - We use the same SSL encryption that Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover require of course.
      If you are still nervous about ordering online - Give us a call! We understand.

Q: I want to send as a gift - How do I enter a Different Shipping address?
 A:  Once you have selected your FOFAs with the shopping cart, you will be asked to enter your Billing Address,
      this is the address your card is billed to. On the next screen, this address is pre-filled into the Shipping Address......

       If you want a different Shipping Address, then change each box as needed.

Q: I prefer to buy my stuff on eBay - Can I buy them there? Same price?
 A:  OK, YES and SAME Search "FOFA Key Finder" on eBay (Be careful - Some people buy them and resell at a much higher price - We have no control over that at all.)

Q: Can I get my FOFAs on Amazon? - Same price?
 A:  YES and SAME
      CXD-27  KXD-27

Q: Does FOFA work well? (Yes, we really do get this question!)
 A:  Yes they do! But why take our word for it? Typed "reviews" are everywhere of course,
     Take a look at some typical feedback ... but this time the actual  message.  (Don't forget to hit the "back" button too)
 
                                         "Your beepers are the best.." (See Actual Note from Marv! ) ... Marv S Miami FL Oct 2010







And today's NUMBER ONE QUESTION is .

Q: I have them set up, but they don't seem to be able to call each other! What have I done wrong?
A: The most common cause of this is when you set them as the SAME number, such as both as # 1, for example. (Or programmed them on different "Sets" but much less likely)

So remember - DON'T SET THEM AS THE SAME NUMBER!

Easy to fix,..

Pull out the batteries, put them back in, and start over.
This time choose a different number for each!  
Now each can call the other!
              

How does FOFA^® work?

Q: How does it work? Where is the "finder" thing you use to find them? Where is the "Base" unit?

A: See the buttons 1-6 on every FOFA? As well as a radio receiver, each tiny, half ounce FOFA also contains a complete radio transmitter,
    which you can activate with the buttons on the front, allowing you to selectively call the other FOFAs!

(Here's the example we regularly give on the phone to help folks easily understand how FOFA works)

Let's assume you have ordered a couple of Combo FOFA Sets (CXD-27) for this example.
.
You can set your key's FOFA as #1, your wallet's Flat FOFA as #2, and the other Flat FOFA on your cell phone as #3. (Put the #4 on your spare keys)
(BTW Double-sided "velcro" works best for the Flat on the backs of modern cell phones) Ask us for some if you need.

Here's what you do if you lose each item.

If you lose your keys.
                       Grab your wallet or cell phone, push #1 on either of their FOFAs and your keys will start to beep loudly and flash, if within range.
                       
If you lose your wallet.
                       From your key's or cell phone FOFA, push #2 and your wallet will start to beep and flash, if within range.
                       
If you lose your cell phone.
                       From your key's or wallet FOFA, push #3 and your cell phone FOFA will start to beep and flash, if within range.

And, of course - they can ALL be found by your spare keys too! (#4) ......

Q: Can you show me some everyday examples of how FOFA can help me?

Lost keys just before you need to leave

You are about to leave. Where are your keys? You start that mad rush around to all the likely spots. You check the same spot more
than once in the hope that they will appear somehow.

With FOFA. You know where your wallet is (this morning), so you use the FOFA attached to it, pushing the "1" button. (You know your keys are  #1)
You hear the sound from the FOFA on your keys coming from the laundry basket.
You grab the keys and you are out the door! Total find time in seconds.

Lost wallet

Everyone is leaving for lunch.  Your wallet is not in your pocket!  You rack your brains. When did you remove it? 
Your colleagues are waiting for you. You will have to tell them to go without you again. 

With FOFA. You pull out your keys and push the "2" button on the FOFA attached to them.
3 cubes over, the Flat FOFA in your wallet beeps away. You were paying for your coffee and left the wallet
there. You are out the door to lunch.

Lost buried wallet

Everyone is leaving for lunch....... You must find your wallet, quickly.

With FOFA:. You pull out your keys and push the "2" button on the FOFA XD attached to them.
Nothing! Then a single beep and rapid feedback flashes from the FOFA XD in your hand lets you know....your wallet is here, it's just buried!
You know to start digging. You keep the wallet FOFA ringing by transmitting again.
The wallet surfaces from inside your desk drawer or from under 2 tons of paperwork.
You are out the door to lunch.

Lost Remote Control

The game starts in 5 minutes. The TV remote has vanished into thin air.  You start getting frustrated
almost immediately.  The children run in all directions, thinking they know what's coming next.

With FOFA : You pull your keys from your pocket,  pushing the "4" button on it's FOFA. (You had chosen #4 for your TV remote
when you originally set them up) You hear the sound from the FOFA on the remote coming from under the sofa. You grab it, and 
sit down with your relieved family.

Lost Cell Phone?

Uses any of the above FOFAs to find it - I think you get the idea.....

Here's a good habit to adopt too...

Each time you leave somewhere to get into your car, verify you have your wallet / purse / phone with you, using your FOFAs.
The Proximity Detect feedback is very reassuring - you know you have everything with you.

FOFAs as Gifts!

Q: I am ordering them as a gift - does the packaging give away the surprise? Also - I don't want them getting a receipt.
A: No. They arrive in either a yellow bubble mailer (1st Class) or a white & blue US Priority Mail Box - No pictures on the outside.
    (Our children have made us promise to not waste trees - we email receipts anyway!)
    Note: If you do wish a paper receipt - include that request in the shipping instructions.

Q: I am sending them to my folks/ Mom / Dad / Pastor etc.- Would you set them up for them?  
A:  Of course! Add "Please Program for me" to the shipping instructions. They can also call us on the phone and we will help also.

Q: Can I buy FOFA-XD in any stores?
A:  No. FOFAs are available only Online, just watch those keys for 2-3 days more and we will get some FOFA-XD's to you!

Q: I need them as a gift, if I order now, when will they arrive?
US orders using the US Priority Mail service, only take 1- 3 days  If you need them even more quickly, select the US Express Mail option,
in most cases this delivers the very next day. If you live outside the US, the delivery can vary from 5-24 days depending upon
the customs in your country. Contact Us for more information. 
 

Battery Questions

Q: How long do the batteries last?
     A: Up to a year of average use. Less if you use them like David (See About Us) does - every day!

Q: Are Batteries included?
     A: Yes! Batteries are included with every FOFA.

Q: What kind of battery does FOFA take?
     A: Each FOFA uses one ordinary 2032 Coin cell, which are available for as low as $0.50 each.

     

Q: Are they hard to find or expensive?
      A: The best deals are from the larger supermarkets or online. Small Specialty stores charge a lot more for the same battery - be careful!

 Q: Are the batteries easy to replace?
      A: They are very easy for adults to replace. The battery slides out on a tray positive side up. 
   

UPDATE 1/7/2015 Here's a great deal on replacement batteries! Harbor Freight Tools..

Note: Other brands are OK too. Sold in singles or multi-packs.
    
   FOFA Batteries available at these nationwide stores and your local retailers.
      

Shipping & Payment.

Q: I want to send as a gift - How do I enter a Different Shipping address?
 A:  Once you have selected your FOFAs with the shopping cart, you will be asked to enter your Billing Address,
      this is the address your card is billed to. On the next screen, this address is pre-filled into the Shipping Address......

       If you want a different Shipping Address, then change each box as needed.

Q: Where will you ship to? Can I use them in my country? -
A: We will ship worldwide. FOFA is FCC, CE and IC compatible.

Q: When do you ship?
A: The same day or the following morning depending upon order time.

Q: How do I get FREE Shipping for my FOFAs?
A:  Domestic US Orders automatic FREE shipping. Sorry - Canadian Orders must pay International Shipping! (See new reduced rate though)

Q: What shipping method do you use? Can I track my package?
A :We use both US Priority Mail and First Class Mail, both with Delivery Confirmation  (you can track both at www.usps.com)  We will send you the tracking number if you
supply an email with your order. (We never sell/give them away - Don't worry)

Please note: Outside the USA (e.g. Canada) we use First Class Mail international which, although reasonable, does not include progressive tracking.

Q: Do you accept Paypal for online payment as well? 
A:   YES! On the payment screen select "Paypal" and it will take you to their site.

 
FOFA^® Setup 

Q: Help! I lost the FOFA-XD Owner's Manual! Can I get the Owner's Manual?  
A: Yes!  Front(pdf) and Back (pdf) or as Image Front (jpg)      Image Back (jpg)      (Adobe PDF Format - Get free reader here.)

Here's a quick video of 2 FOFAs being setup.

 (Caution - Music & Sound!)


Here, you just give each FOFA it's own number.
Most folks set their keys as #1 (the number one thing we lose!)
and their Flat FOFA (or other keyfob FOFA) as #2.

Simple enough!  Need help? Call us! We love to help folks with their FOFAs!

Q: I already have some FOFAs - Can I buy more (Flats or Key fobs)  and just add them to my set?
A: Yes! Just remember to give the new ones different numbers!  (e.g. If you already have 1 & 2, then make the new ones 3 & 4 for example.)

Q: I forgot which one is which number! Can each FOFA tell me what it is set to?
A: Yes. Hold down the 2 & 3 keys (or the 5& 6) together then let go. FOFA will beep and flash it's setting to you!

Q: My fingers are too big to press the 1 & 2 (or 1 & 3) buttons together to get into the setup modes! What can I do?
A:   As an alternative to holding down 1 & 2 together, to get into Expanded Setup, you can also use 1 & 5 (they are further apart!)
      For getting to Simple Setup, normally by holding 1 & 3 down together, you can use 1 & 6. (Of course you can always pull the battery in and out for this one too.)

   Alternative keys to hold for larger fingers!  (Hold them down for 5 Seconds)
   
    To get to Simple Setup hold:           1 & 6    (Normally 1 & 3) 
    To get to Expanded Setup hold:     1 & 5     (Normally 1 & 2)

Q: How do you STOP the alarm once you start it? Does FOFA just keep ringing?
A: No, FOFA rings for about 9 seconds, or longer, if you keep signaling it. If you want to, you can STOP the ringing
immediately by pressing any button on the ringing FOFA. This will silence it until it detects the signal again.

Q: Help! I lost the FOFA-XD Owner's Manual! Can I get the Owner's Manual?  
A: Yes!  Front(pdf) and Back (pdf) or as Image Front (jpg)      Image Back (jpg)      (Adobe PDF Format - Get free reader here.)

Attaching FOFAs to things - Folks get really creative here.....

Q: How do you attach a FLAT FOFA to a cell phone?
A:  It depends on the phone of course, but the best results can be achieved using
     3/4" double-sided Velcro^® squares available from most larger stores and hardware stores.
    The advantage of using Velcro^® is that when you do replace your
    phone (many folks do that every 2 years) you can pull off the FOFA and stick it to the new phone!

 
David (See About Us) uses his keys to find his cell phone every day!  (After he uses Mandy's keys to find his keys.....:)

Q: How do you attach a FOFA to a remote control?
A: If the remote is flat (some DVD player remotes have a flat area on the back) then you use a flat FOFA 
with the double sided tape square that come with your FOFA Set. If the remote is curved, then you loop a small rubber band through the FOFA's end
loop then around the remote's top or use double-sided Velcro).

Ordering and Security.

Q: How do I enter a different shipping address?
A: Once you have selected your FOFAs with the shopping cart, you will be asked to enter your Billing Address,
this is the address your card is billed to. On the next screen, this address is pre-filled into the Shipping Address.

If you want a different Shipping Address, then change each box as needed.

Q: I have not heard of these before!  How long has Melbourne Designs been in business?
A: We started selling the first FOFAs in 2001. In 2008, we joined the Better Business Bureau and our local Texas Chamber of Commerce.
     This way, folks can check up on us. Click the pictures to get a report.

Q: I am worried about using my credit card online.
A: The FOFA Website uses the latest 256 Bit data encryption - which incorporate private and public keys backed by identity assurance,
    In addition to using the most up-to-date encryption methods,  the moment your order is completed online, our system deletes the card information.
    We do NOT keep a copy, on paper or anywhere else. We are members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and take great care to
    ensure our customers'  privacy and security.                                                                                              

Q: Do you store my credit card information?
A:  NO We do NOT. In fact, it is submitted directly to your bank then DELETED - it is the safest thing to do.  See our Security Policy

Q: I still don't like using credit cards online, can I call you with my card number?  Can I just mail my order to you?
A:  Send us a list of Sets you need , make your payment payable to "Melbourne Designs, LLC" and send to ;

      FOFA Order
      c/o Melbourne Designs, LLC
      6402 Elm Springs Dr,
     Arlington, TX. 76001 
     USA

     Please remember to include your return address and, if possible,  an email address. This lets us keep 
     you up-to-date on your order. LIve in Texas? Don't forget the 8% Sales Tax please!

Q: I really don't want spam - Do you ever give/sell your customer information to anyone else?
A: NO! We never have and we never will! We never sell, rent or give away any information about you or your
     order to any company or individual.

Q: When ordering I was asked for a "Card Security Code" - Where is it?
A: The verification number is a 3-digit number printed on the back of your card It appears after and to the right of your card number.
    This helps prove that you have the physical card and are the legal owner.

(Note: American Express is a 4 digit number on the Front)

Q: Are FOFAs legal to use in the USA?
A: Yes, of course! (we are in Texas after all) They are FCC, CE and IC Compliant and ID marked.
Many key finders sold on Amazon and eBay are NOT however, and it is illegal to use them in the US.
Make sure you check (or ask) for an FCC number - FOFAs is B4SKXD-27 - It MUST be printed on the back too!

Troubleshooting.

Q: Help! I pulled out the little plastic tabs before I even looked at the manual!
     They beeped and blinked but now they have stopped. What now?
A: Don't panic, no harm done! If you press any button, the setup will begin again. Another quick way of starting over is just pull out the little battery tray on the side of each FOFA, then re-insert them. The setup will begin again and let you enter an Item number for each one. You don't have to read the whole manual, just the "Quick Start" - also shown lower here (See Programming below).

Q: I pulled out the little plastic tab on my FOFA-XD but nothing happened! What do I do?
A: Sometimes after shipment, the battery needs to be re-positioned/re-inserted. Pull out the tray on the side of the FOFA-XD (see below) and then re-insert it - That will
    do it! Once the FOFA beeps and starts flashing in Simple Setup Mode, you are ready to choose an Item number. See the Quick Start in the manual or below.

Q: I pulled out the little plastic tabs / put the battery in, they beeped and are now just flashing. What do I do now?
A: Now it's time to give them each a number. While still flashing, select and press a number on each FOFA - this will be it's Item number in your system.
    Make sure you give them different numbers! If they have stopped flashing, just press a key and they will start flashing again. If you make a mistake and
    accidentally set them both to the same or a number you didn't want, you can get back into either Setup Modes and do it over or simply pull out the battery
    and re-insert. The Quick Start below (which is on the front of the manual) gives you fastest setup possible for a Set of 2
. 
Q: I have them programmed, but they don't seem to be able to call each other! What have I done wrong?
A: The most common cause of this is when you set them as the SAME number, such as both as # 1, for example. (Or programmed them on different "Sets" but much less likely)
    How can you tell if you have done this? If you press the same number on both and get the Rapid 4 beep "this is me" sound - you have them set to the same number!
    Easy to fix, just pull the battery out of one, put it back in and choose a different number! (from the other). Now each can call the other.

Q: I have re-programmed, but they seem to forget their number again. Also, the range seems less now.
A: You need new batteries  CR2032  - they don't cost much (see Battery Questions) and will fix them right up. Don't forget to follow the Quick Start again once you put them in.

Q: I have tried everything! What can I do now?
A:  Contact Us! (email is best)  We love helping folks with their FOFAs! Really!

Q: How you get the battery out of my key fob FOFA?

A:  Although you can use strong fingernails, you can also use a blunt dinner knife to gently pry the battery tray out. See picture.
    (We made them pretty stiff to deter young children from removing them.)

 

How loud?, How big?, How far?  - General Questions about FOFA^®

Q: What does the alarm sound like? How loud is it?
A:  94dB!  Here is what it sounds like (turn your speakers down a little if you don't want to disturb those around you)

Q: How much do FOFAs weigh? 
A:  Only 1/2 oz! (including battery!) FOFAs are very light indeed - They add little mass to speak off to your keys and things.

Q: What is the size of FOFAs? Can I see some close-ups?
A: The Key fob FOFA is the size of a normal car remote;  2 3/4" x 1" x <1/2"  (70mm x 31mm x 10mm. )
    The Flat FOFA is  2/3 the size of a credit card; 2 3/4" X 2" X 1/4" (70mm X 50mm x 6mm )
Click here for some comparison and engineering pictures.. 

Q: What is the range of a FOFA?
 A  Up to 30 feet radius, depending upon surroundings.

Q: Why are there 6 buttons on each FOFA? Do I have to get 6 of them for it to work?   
A: No! If you only need at 2 (to look after 2 Sets of Keys say) then just order the Set of 2 Key fob FOFAs.
If you want to be able to find a wallet, add a Flat FOFA to your Set and so on. They all work together.
(There are 6 buttons in case you need to look after 6 things!)
  
         Buy as many FOFAs as you need.

Q: What is the difference between the Key fob shaped FOFAs and the Flat FOFAs? 
A: ONLY the shape. they work identically. Each can call the other shape just the same.

Q: So what does the "XD mean? How does Proximity Detect™  help?

What if: Your keys are in your trouser pocket, inside your laundry basket ......


 A: One of the most common questions about FOFA is "how loud is it?" People ask this because they
 know that sometimes, keys or lost objects are BURIED in things. When you signal a lost FOFA to alarm & flash, it also does
 something else as well, it  transmits a radio beacon back!  The FOFA XD you are using to transmit with automatically looks
 for this beacon signal, if it sees it, it beeps once, then flashes it's LED light in time with it.
 Now you know your keys are there, just BURIED. The flashing beacon gets more regular (no missing flashes)
 as the distance decreases as well.



Now you can prove your neighbor really does have your stuff from outside his garage!
(Not responsible for any trouble caused by this new ability!)

Q: Why do you sell the key fob FOFAs in pairs?
A: 2 Reasons:  1) Most folks have at least 2 Sets of keys at home. A main set and a spare set or you and a companion's.
                       2) We want to make sure you get at least 2 FOFAs! (They are like telephones, you need at least one other to
                           talk to!) After 2, the more you have, the better, in terms of finding your things of course.

Q: So how many should I order? How many of the "Key fob" shaped FOFAs and how many "Flats"? 
A: That is the best part - order as many as you need! From just a single Set of 2 key fobs (to look after 2 Sets of keys) to multiple sets 
in one home/office. The Flat FOFAs are great for wallets, purses and flat DVD-type remotes. It is entirely up to you. 
Remember - when you order at least 4 FOFAs (such as 2 Sets of 2) in any combination of Key fobs and Flats 
- you get FREE US Shipping! (US Orders ONLY - to 1 US Address)

Q: I sit on my wallet a lot - Can the Flat FOFA take it?
A: Yes! They are tough little guys! UPDATE 3/10/2008 This morning I drove a CAR over a wallet FOFA. Still worked! No visible signs at all.

Q: I have the original FOFAs - Are the new XD ones compatible?
A: Yes! But remember, the original FOFAs did not have Proximity Detect™ but they will ring and be rung by the new FOFA XDs! 

Q: I sit on my wallet a lot - Can a Flat FOFA take it?
A: Yes! They are tough little guys!

Q: How can FOFA  work without a base? All the other products use a separate transmitter.
A:  Each FOFA is a transmitter also (2-Way). If you lose your keys, you can find them with 
      your partner's keys, or your wallet, or even a pesky remote control that has a FOFA on it
      Anything with a FOFA on it can find anything else with a FOFA on it!
      If you can Find One, you can Find them ALL, at home, at the office, practically anywhere.
      See our Demo! 

Q: How is it possible to have 36 of them in one house?
A :  Each FOFA is easily set to be part of a Set of 6.  Only FOFA's in the SAME SET will react
      to each other. Since you can have up to 6 different Sets of 6, you can locate 36 different items
      independently.

Q: I have several Flat FOFAs - What do I set them to?
A: Any number you like as long as it is different from your other FOFAs.
     If you set your key fob FOFAs as #1 and #2, then make the Flat #3 , # 4 ,#5 etc.
     It's up to you.

Q: Can I use the LED as a keyhole finder flashlight in the dark?
A: Yes, just hold down the button matching the item number and only the LED will
     come on for this use.

Q:  Can I change the setup on a FOFA, if I want? -
A:  See Setting up FOFA

Q: What if I forget which Item number a FOFA is?
A: The button on the keypad which produces 4 quick beeps is that FOFAs number. Also, by holding down the 5 & 6 keys briefly, FOFA "beeps" it's number to you!

(If you just used the Simple Mode - you just hear the Item number beeped at you. If you are using the Expanded Mode, FOFA will Beep the 
Set number, then a pause, then the Item number)

Q: If something presses and holds a key in my pocket , will it wear the battery out?
A:  No, FOFA will not allow this to occur. The keypad is also designed to require at least the end of your finger in area for the transmitter to be activated
    
Q: Help! I lost the FOFA-XD Owner's Manual! Can I get the Owner's Manual?  
A: Yes!  Front(pdf) and Back (pdf) or as Image Front (jpg)      Image Back (jpg)      (Adobe PDF Format - Get free reader here.)

Q: Is FOFA safe?
A: YES! FOFA is certified RoHS Compliant. FOFA is made with Lead FREE solder & the even the small silk screen FOFA logo contains no lead.
Even though we have made removing the battery a deliberate action, we still recommend keeping the batteries away from young children to prevent choking.

Q: Are these new FOFA XDs compatible with my original FOFAs? -
A:  YES!  (the originals won't transmit back of course).