Locator beacons, otherwise known as tracking fobs, were short-distance sensors employed by bounty hunters in order to locate the individuals they were pursuing. Bounty hunters accepting assignments received their target's chain code—an identification marker containing specific biographical details. These tracking fobs operated based on the parameters established by this code, as they were calibrated to this biometric information. An experienced hunter, skilled in information gathering and prey stalking, was needed to effectively use a tracking fob.
Following the capture and delivery of a quarry, a Guild worker would perform a sensor scan on the bounty's body, comparing the results to the chain code data stored on the fob to verify the captured individual's identity.
In the year 9 ABY, the Bounty Hunters' Guild distributed TF-9200 tracking fobs to its hunters. Throughout their operational history, tracking fobs have been used to locate individuals such as a Mythrol, Grogu, Fennec Shand, and Kaba Baiz. With the exception of Shand, all were apprehended by Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin.
The initial appearance of tracking fobs occurred in Chapter 1 of The Mandalorian, the Disney+ television show from 2019, which was broadcast on November 12, 2019.