Communications Specialists Inc.

I have been using the CSI tracking system for a few years now with good success. It is a radio tracking system that includes the R-300 receiver and the AT-2B tracker beacon. More info. on this system is available on their webpage here:
https://www.com-spec.com/rocket/index.html

Had a problem with my RX a couple of weeks ago at the ROCstock launch. My RX lost sensitivity to the point I couldn't pick up the signal for more than 400 ft. I contacted CSI and after a brief discussion decided to send it to them for repair. My unit was out of warranty by a couple of years, so I expected to pay for any repairs. I also asked if they could get it back to me by Friday, Nov. 21st in time for the TRA/PHX launch. I shipped it out 2nd day air UPS on Wednesday, Nov. 12th. Monday, I got a call back explaining that my RX had been damaged by a strong transmitter overloading my unit. Possibly a Ham radio or CB radio with a linear amp. operating in close proximity to my RX. This can occur even if the RX is off!
I also sent them all three of my AT-2B TX units, they checked them and found one that had a broken capacitor and repaired it. Total cost for repairing both TX and RX was $0. Shipped back to me in plenty of time for this weekends launch.
Great product, great company with great service.
Everyone who flies HPR rockets should have one of these:

Hey great story with a happy ending. I have been using the TX and just bought the RX. Any idea how your RX got damaged? So if it can happen even while powered off, is there no prevention from it happening again?

Nice story. I have CSI myself and love it.

“Set Phasers to stun Spock”.

“I think the batteries are dead in this Tri-corder Captain”.

Wayco said:

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This deserves to at least be in the next TRF calender.

s6

I use Comspec and love it. I have found 100% of the rockets I use. Not so much when I do not.

Several years ago I ordered a bunch of ComSpec stuff for USC. Since they were local, I figured I'd will call to save on shipping. Not only did I get my stuff, I got a nice tour of the place-- it's huge, they do lots of other stuff besides rockets-- plus a great chat with some of the engineers-- one of whom had a signed photo of Scaled Composites' Voyager on his wall and a copy of ROCKETS Magazine on his desk! They know what we do and how to make stuff that keeps us happy, for sure. Great service and product.

It is their interest and understanding of the hobby that will keep me buying their products.

They work fantastic as long as you don't leave your transmitter on the table. If you do, you may wait 6 months or more than find your rocket

Brent said:

They work fantastic as long as you don't leave your transmitter on the table. If you do, you may wait 6 months or more than find your rocket

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Done that twice. Never found the rockets. It is amazing how quickly you remember after they hit the fire button.

I have used a lot of Comm-Spec stuff in ham radio - That is where they got their start.

Yesterday I borrowed a TX from Wayco for a flight at the TRAPHX launch. Even though we really did not need it their tracking stuff does work nicely.