A programmable locating method and system comprises a first electronic device having an actuator, a transceiver, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is coupled to the transceiver and to the actuator. The integrated circuit is configured such that when the actuator is activated, the first electronic device transmits a first signal indicating that the first electronic device is in a program mode and identifies the actuator. One embodiment of the invention provides a locating system where the user may program the communication relationship between devices and allows one device to be assigned to a single or plurality of other devices. A single device may act as a response unit or a control unit, the response unit typically being "found" by the control unit. While acting as a response unit, the device may be "found," or may act as a control unit and find other devices acting as response units.