I use both my Uniden SDS100 and a Yeasu FT-5D to monitor. I lost my FT-5D the other day and after searching my truck cab twice I found it. The first check of the cab was for where I last remember having possession of the portable. The second search caused me to recheck the front seats AND the back seat. I have a 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCab, the one with the rear passenger door handle located inside. You need to first open up the front door to gain access to the rear door handle. The drivers shoulder/lap seatbelt is attached to that rear door. When I put the portable on my belt I accidentally attached it to the seatbelt, not my belt. When I opened the rear door I noticed it dangling from the seatbelt! Whew… thought I’d lost it forever!
Which brings me to my reason for posting. I’m not getting any younger and forgetfulness seems to be creeping into my life. I was worried about leaving my SDS100 or FT-5D behind in some coffee shop or any other place where I have a tendency to unclog the radio from my belt. The wife suggested I buy some Apple Air Tags, tracking devices no bigger than half dollar coin. Since I carry an Apple IPhone 13 the Air Tags were compatible and I could use their “Find Your Phone” feature! (I understand there is a google app that allows android phones to use the Air Tags also, with some restrictions.) So, I purchased 4 of the Air Tags and tethered one on the FT-5D and another on the SDS100 using sticky back tape. I mounted the Air Tag above the battery door and it slides into my aftermarket hard leather carry case from ScannerMaster without issue. Inclosed are pics of the project. Now it’s time to test the Air Tag for any interference that it may cause the scanner, but so far it seems to be working without any overloading but I want to further check it out with all my FL’s. My understanding is the Air Tags use Bluetooth technology to connect to any Bluetooth capable device close to it where the signal then gets pumped to the internet and allows the “Find my Phone” feature on my iPhone to locate the Air Tag attached to my radio. I’m also playing with the idea of hiding another Air Tag inside my truck so it can be tracked by myself if it ever gets stolen!
