About Bluespan™ and ionTechnology™

1.  Who is Bluespan?
Bluespan is a Texas-based company that designs, tests and brings to market devices to help people better monitor the where-abouts of their children, pets and property through the use of wireless technology.

2.  What is ionTechnology?
ionTechnology is Bluespan's proprietary system for people to use to monitor and locate other persons or objects. In most applications, ionTechnology consists of two components: a Base Unit for monitoring and locating and a "tag" device that is attached to the person or object being monitored.

3.  Is ionTechnology safe?
ionTechnology operates in the unlicensed FCC frequency spectrum in the same space as cordless phones and garage door openers. All ionTechnology is designed to be in compliance with FCC standards.

4.  What is ionKids?
ionKids is a unique system that allows you to monitor the location of your children when they're at a neighborhood park, theme park, mall or airport, or even when they're just playing in the backyard. ionKids has two components: a specially designed, tamper-resistant Wristag™ that is worn by the child, and a Base Unit that is used by the parent. The Wristag is designed to be fun to wear and requires no interaction on the part of the child.

Each Wristag is created with a unique identification number which, upon activation, is instantly transferred to the parent's Base Unit for monitoring. Every few seconds, ionTechnology simultaneously changes the transmission frequency, Wristag ID and corresponding information in the Base Unit, significantly reducing the chances that a third party can scan or monitor a child's Wristag.

Wristags have rechargeable batteries and can transmit a receivable signal to the Base Unit from up to 350 feet when outdoors and up to 200 feet indoors. The handheld Base Unit allows parents to monitor up to four Wristags at once. Features and alarms on the Base Unit include:
  • "Return to Base" paging of all monitored Wristags;
  • Ability to disable one particular Wristag;
  • Simple activation of "FIND" when child exceeds the area being monitored;
  • Wristag Tamper or Removal alarm;
  • Low battery indicator.
5.  Why should I use ionKids?
Because sometimes even the best parent needs help. Let's face it: kids are fast and they can quickly get out of sight. Countless times each year, parents lose children for a brief period in a mall, a park or any number of locations. The stress and panic associated with this can be overwhelming - but it can be alleviated using technology and education. Bluespan is addressing this problem directly through the development of ionKids.

6.  How does ionKids monitor my children?
ionKids uses wireless radio frequency communication to monitor your child. Each Wristag, when activated by the parents' Base Unit, will transmit a unique identification number that will only be monitored by the activating Base Unit. In addition, each communication between an individual Wristag and its Base Unit will be transmitted on a different frequency, making it possible for multiple Wristags to be used in the same close environment without transmission interference.

7.  Why does Bluespan use wireless technology and not GPS or cell towers?
Ask yourself: how many times have my cell calls been lost or dropped? Cell towers cannot be found everywhere in the U.S. And they don't always provide a consistent and strong signal. Global Positioning System (GPS) signals cannot penetrate roofs of buildings, and they don't generally work as well in areas like cities, where tall buildings can block signals. Bluespan created a system that works in shopping centers, airports, malls and theme parks. Bluespan's ionTechnology and ionKids products do not rely on cell towers or satellites to locate your child - so cloud cover or a building's roof will not prevent you from finding your loved ones.

8.  What is the range of the Wristag?
Using the Base Unit, you can monitor each Wristag at a range of up to 350 feet out-of-doors and up to 200 feet indoors.

9.  Can anyone else monitor my children?
Each time the Base Unit and the Wristag communicate, the ID number of that particular Wristag is changed using a rolling code technique similar to that used by other wireless devices, such as garage door openers or cordless phones. This significantly reduces the chances of a third party scanning frequencies and being able to monitor your child. Without the Base Unit, it is difficult for a third party to monitor your child's Wristag signal. In addition, after each communication between the Base Unit and Wristag, the signal frequency changes, making it even harder for someone else to monitor the whereabouts of your child.

10.  How many children can I monitor at once with ionKids?
You can monitor up to four children or Wristags at once from one Base Unit.

11.  Won't my child be able to remove the Wristag?
ionKids Wristags are adjustable for a snug fit against your child's skin, but contain a simple, yet strong, locking mechanism that cannot be easily opened without a key. A key to your child's Wristag comes with the Base Unit. The ionKids system also comes with additional keys that fit on a standard key ring.

12.  What happens if my child's Wristag comes off?
The underside of the Wristag is equipped with sensors that detect the presence of the child's skin. If the sensors detect a gap greater than that which is allowed by the sensor between the Wristag and the child's skin, they immediately send a "tamper" alarm to the Base Unit to warn parents of the possibility that the Wristag has been removed. Should the Wristag be improperly removed from the child, an alarm on the Wristag would sound within seconds.

13.  Will ionKids prevent my child from being abducted?
No technology currently available can prevent a forced abduction. Bluespan's products are not designed to prevent abductions - but they can help you ensure that you are aware when a child or loved one travels outside the area you are monitoring.

14.  What size wrists will the Wristags fit?
Wristags are presently one size fits all for children with average size wrists between the ages of 2 and 10. The Wristag will comfortably adjust for a wrist circumference between 4 1/4" and 5 1/4".  Bluespan is presently developing additional products for adults or larger children.

15.  What country was the ion product made in?
Different components are manufactured in many different parts of the world. Bluespan is an Austin, Texas based company.

16.  What are Base Unit and Wristag features?
Base Unit can easily be carried in a purse or pocket as it is the size of a small TV remote control (1 1/2" x 6").  It allows parents to monitor up to 4 Wristags simultaneously (Note: Additional Wristags sold separately.) Features include:
  • "Return to Base" paging of all monitored Wristags.
  • Ability to disable an individual Wristag from the Base Unit.
  • Wristag tamper or removal alarm. Tamper can be deactivated by the Base Unit.
  • Low battery indicator for both Base Unit and Wristag.
  • No batteries required as both units include rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries that will last UP TO 10 years.
  • The Wristag is fun to wear and requires no interaction from child.
  • Both devices send and receive signals up to 350 feet outdoors 200 feet indoors.
  • The Wristag adjusts to fit snugly on children of different sizes.
  • The Wristag has a strong locking mechanism that cannot be easily opened without a key, which comes with Base Unit.

17.  Who do I contact if I am a distributor or retailer who wants to sell ionKids products?
All wholesale and resale questions should be directed to [email protected].

18.  Can you set up a different monitoring range on Base Unit for each child?
No. All Wristags are set at the same monitoring distance on the Base Unit.

19.  How close does the Wristag need to be to the Base Unit to be able to activate the Wristag?
The Wristag must be within 1-2 inches of the base unit to be able to activate and the red dots must be in alignment.

20.  Can I receive a unit for testing to see if I like it?
Bluespan offers a 30-day unconditional guarantee.  If you are dissatisfied with the product you can return it within 30 days for a full refund (excluding shipping charges.)  Members of the media who wish a unit for review purposes should contact [email protected].

21.  What lights should go on the Base Unit when it is charging?
If the Base Unit battery has enough power to turn on, then when it is plugged into the charger (and the charger is plugged into a power source) the Base Unit will turn on and go to the Activate screen as it would in a normal "Turn on" process. The Base Unit can be used as normal while plugged into the power source. The Power button can be depressed, and the Base Unit turned off, while attached to the Charger. If the Base Unit is turned off then "Charging Only" will be shown in the display window.

If the Base Unit battery is too low to turn on the unit, then when plugged into a power source it will simply state "Charging Only" in the display window. This means that the Base Unit cannot be used to MONITOR or FIND Wristags.

22.  Are the Wristags waterproofed?
No and they should not be used in or around water.  Bluespan is currently testing waterproofed Wristags.  Please visit the ionKids web site for additional information on waterproofing.  Should water enter either the Wristag or Base Unit the devices will be damaged and the warranty will be voided.

23.  What happens when a non-waterproof Wristag unit is worn in a swimming pool?
The unit will short out because water will enter the device.  It will cause it to trigger an "out-of-range" alarm on the Base Unit. The Wristag will be ruined and will not function again.

24.  What is the warranty coverage for the product?
Please see our warranty on our web site for the most up-to-date warranty information.

25.  What is the minimum Comfort Zone distance that a unit could be set for?
Between 18-20 feet as long as there is no obstruction.

26.  Can anyone else monitor my children?
Each time the Base Unit and the Wristag communicate, the frequency of that particular Wristag is changed randomly. This significantly reduces the chances of a third party scanning frequencies and being able to monitor your child. Without the Base Unit, it is difficult for a third party to monitor you child's Wristag signal. In addition, after each communication between the Base Unit and Wristag, the signal frequency changes, making it even harder for someone else to monitor the whereabouts of your child.

27.  Will my child be able to remove the Wristag?
ionKids Wristags are adjustable for a snug fit against your child's skin, but contain a simple, yet strong, locking mechanism that cannot be easily opened without a key. A key to your child's Wristag comes with the Base Unit. The ionKids system also comes with additional keys that fit on a standard key ring.

28.  What store can this item be purchase beside online?
Target.com

29.  Can I activate a Wristag when it is connected to the charger?
No. You have to remove the Wristag from the charging cradle to activate the unit.

30.  Is Bluespan concerned about "special needs" children?
Many parents who have children with special needs have purchased ionKids products and have found them to be devices that have changed their lives. We have found that our devices can really help monitor a child (or children) who have conditions such as  Down syndrome or Autism. If your child has one of these developmental disorders you know how quickly they move and how rapidly they can disappear from view. IonKids products can help you keep track of your child so they are safe.

31.  Will this product be available for animals in the near future?
Products have been designed and prototyped and may be available for sale during 2006. Please check the status on our website.


32.  How long will a charge last on a Base Unit and Wristag??
The Base Unit will hold an 18 hour charge, but if in search mode the battery will wear down sooner. The Wristag has similar characteristics.

33.  Does Bluespan have a technical support for this product? Where can Tech support be reached via phone or email?
The call center is considered the Tech support for Bluespan. Our number is 1-888-6543 or via e-mail at [email protected]

34.  Does the Base Unit track my children?
No. To track it would have to keep tabs on the location of the child at all times that the Wristag is activated. Tracking would entail being able to find the child by following the child's path.

The Base Unit monitors the status and signal strength of the Wristag. By pressing the FIND button a parent can locate the child based on the Wristag's signal strength during the time the FIND feature is activated. The Base Unit can tell you where the child is but cannot tell you how the child got there. Tracking could tell you how the child got there.

35.  Can the Base Unit find a Wristag that is on the other side of a wall?
Yes, but wall thickness and composition will affect the range of the Wristag since some signals cannot penetrate walls. Regularly during testing Wristags were found on the other side of interior and exterior walls of traditional construction materials. Signals even have been monitored and found in "heavy" areas such as TV and radio studios.

36.  How does the Base Unit FIND a child if the child is out of range?
The Base Unit FIND software and antenna are about 20% more powerful than the Monitor software and antenna. Therefore, if a child goes out of range (MONITOR) at 300 feet the FIND software and antenna will be able to FIND the child up to about 350-360 feet.

37.  How much does the Base Unit weigh?
Approximately 8 ounces

38.  Are the Wristag Keys unique to each Wristag unit?
No. The keys do not need to be unique as the product is not designed to prevent abductions. The latch is designed solely to keep the child from removing the bracelet.

39.  If the latch on the Wristag strap breaks, can it be replaced?
Yes. If your latch breaks simply contact customer service at Bluespan (either by calling 888-8-ionkids or sending an email to [email protected].  We will promptly mail you a replacement Wristag latch. Replacing the latch is as simple as putting a new band on a watch.   Instructions for replacing the latch can be found at http://www.ion-kids.com/wristag_latch.html. You must be a registered user to obtain complimentary latch replacements.  Please be sure to register using the link on the top of this page.





 




  
 



 

  
 



 



  
 
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© 2003-2005 Bluespan®, Inc. All rights reserved. Bluespan and ionKids are registered trademarks of Bluespan, Inc..
ionTechnology, Wristag and TagHolder are trademarks of Bluespan, Inc.