*These are a little active tag that uses Bluetooth to locate lost * *items. The tag emits a (supposedly) loud sound when activated with* *their app on either iOS or Android devices.* *Although the claims see a little far-fetched, the bio's of the* *principles make for interesting reading. They seem to have seriously * *techy backgrounds (Freescale Semiconductor, Phillips Semiconductor,* *etc). They also mention that they have 4 patents pending in both the**US and China on the technology used.* ** Sounds plausible, but I'm wary. I'd have found it useful to have been able to walk through an airliner and locate my belt bag with over $2000 worth of electronics in that someone magiced away on a Brunei stopover en route Shanghai-Auckland. Postscript: Looks valid but may work less well in some cases than claimed. ____________________________ http://www.math.ucla.edu/~wotaoyin/papers.htmlnd small size makes it especially so here. Random orientation, needing to work "reliably enough" when mixed in with various random objects and situations adds to the difficulty. (I note it is on an exterior surface in all their example photos - but that *may *be due to desire for best illustrations). Bluetooth takes energy which can be low but not insignificant. You can run a low duty cycle to reduce power, within reason. They cite an "impressive" 200m range suggesting it has substantial ERP despite power constraints and small size. The "shake to find cellphone" is a good idea but presumably adds an accelerometer. At $120 for 10 or $12 per item that suggests cost of no more than say $6. Blue tooth @ high power, energy harvesting from small size, energy storage, accelerometer, sounder, ... They will be doing well. Feasible but seems to be tending towards too good to be true. I have not looked at the energy & power budgets in any more detail than above. BUT Their update reports give detailed claims re what energy levels are available aand the charge rates that can be achieved. This *looks *good and *sounds *good. It may even *be *good. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yuansong84/ifind-the-worlds-first-batt= ery-free-item-locating/posts The CVs of the developers look good and Dr Wotao Yin's current statuis at UCLA helps credibility. His papers http://www.math.ucla.edu/~wotaoyin/papers.html Russell On 20 June 2014 11:48, Dwayne Reid wrote: > Not sure if this is appropriate, but I ran across something > interesting a few days ago and have decided to plunk down some of my > hard-earned cash. > > > > > Seems plausible enough for me to plop down $130 for 10 tags. > > 10 days left in the funding cycle: $25,000 funding goal, $495,386 > pledged so far. > > dwayne > > -- > Dwayne Reid > Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA > (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax > www.trinity-electronics.com > Custom Electronics Design and Manufacturing > > -- > http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > --=20 http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .