Frequently asked Questions about FOFA^® XD  (Pronounced "Foe - Fah"  "Ex Dee")

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

Q: How does it work? Where is the "finder"?
A: You don't need a separate "finder" with FOFA. They are ALL finders! As well as being a radio receiver, each FOFA
contains a complete radio transmitter, which you can activate with the buttons on the front, allowing you to FIND all the other FOFAs!

Here's the example we regularly give on the phone to help understand how FOFA works:

Let's assume you have ordered a Set of 2 "Key fob" FOFAs and an Additional Flat FOFA for this example.
You can set your key's FOFA as #1, your wallet's Flat FOFA as #2, and a keyfob FOFA on your cell phone as #3.
(you can either attach it to a strap handle location or hang it from your cell phone's case)

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

You lose your keys.
                       Grab your wallet or cell phone, push #1 on either of their FOFAs and your keys will start to beep and flash, if within range.
                       
You lose your wallet.
                       From your key's FOFA, push #2 and your wallet will start to beep and flash, if within range.
                        or..   from the cell phone, use it's FOFA the same way.

You lose your cell phone.
                       From your key's FOFA, push #3 and your cell phone FOFA will start to beep and flash, if within range.
                        or..   Grab the wallet, use it's FOFA the same way.

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?
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. While the FOFA XD alarm is loud (94dB),
it does something quite new when you command it to sound the find alarm - it also 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 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 Priority Mail Shipping! (US Orders ONLY - to 1 US Address)

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: 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.

Attaching FOFAs to things.

Q: How do you attach a FOFA to a cell phone?
A:  It depends on the phone of course. Where possible it is best to attach a keyfob FOFA using the supplied black lanyard strap
See picture. You can use the carrying strap hole that some phones have or attach the FOFA to the case that you
use to protect the phone. (Sticking a FOFA directly on a cell phone may reduce the range if the case is metal.)

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.

FOFA 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! A 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 an Item number for each one. You don't have to read the whole manual, just the "Quick Start" - also shown lower here.

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 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 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: There is one thing you could have done wrong, and even that is easily fixed. And that is .... Set them as the SAME number, such as both set to # 1, for example.
    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 tried everything! What can I do now?
A:  Contact Us!  or Call us! We love helping folks with their FOFAs! Really! We can walk you through setting or using them on the phone. Toll FREE (866) 245-8670
     Outside the US - Call (USA)  817 478-7271 

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.)


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! 

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 a white & blue US Priority Mail Box - No pictures or website names on the outside.
    (Our children have made us promise to not waste trees - we email receipts anyway!)

Q: I want them as a gift and have you send them direct for me - Would you gift wrap them?
A: Yes! Just put "Please Gift Wrap" in the Shipping Instructions Box and don't forget to tell us what to write on
the accompanying card! There is no charge of course - it's the fun part for us too!

Q: Can I buy FOFA-XD in any stores?
A:  Not yet. We are working on it though. For now, 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 5-14 days depending upon
the customs in your country. Contact Us for more information. 

FOFA 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 am worried about putting my credit card information in - how do I know it won't get stolen?
A: 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 of our customers. 

Q: I don't like using credit cards online, can I call you with my card number?
A:  Yes! In the US, Call Toll FREE (866)245-8670 or outside the USA, call +1 (817)478-7271. Office Hours 9am-5pm CST Mon-Fri.
      During the holiday season, we may be already helping another customer, if the phone just rings, please try again a little later! 
      Sending payment by mail is OK too. (A bit slower of course)

      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.

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!

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)




                        More Frequently asked Questions about FOFA^® XD  (Continued)

Q: How much does either style of FOFA weigh?  A: Only 1/2 oz! (including battery!)

Q: How can FOFA  work without a base? All the other products use a separate transmitter.

Q: How is it possible to have 36 of them in one house?

Q: How long does the battery last?

 Q: Is the battery for FOFA hard to find?

 Q: What is the range of a FOFA?

Q: Can I use the LED as a keyhole finder flashlight in the dark?

Q: How do you set them up? Is it hard?

Q: Can I change the setup on a FOFA, if I want?

Q: What if I forget which Item number a FOFA is?

Q: If something presses and holds a key in my pocket, will it wear the battery out?

Q: Could you give some examples of how FOFA can help me?

Q: What is the size of FOFAs? Can I see some close-ups?
A: The Keyfob 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: 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: I have the original FOFAs Can I get the Owner's Manual?   A: Yes!  Front(pdf) and Back (pdf) or as Image (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: How do you attach a FOFA to a remote control?


FOFA Shipping & Payment.

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: What shipping method do you use? Can I track my package?
A :US Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation (you can track it at www.usps.com)  We will send you the tracking number if you
wish. Please note: Outside the USA (e.g. Canada) we use Priority Mail international, which is reasonable.
We can use Express Mail International if you want tracking. (although this costs quite a bit more).

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.

Q: I don't like using credit cards online, can I send you a check/money order instead?

Q: I have another question not answered here, where do I go?

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