Mariah 38 Tracking

[RktSledhead]

I'm seriously considering adding a Mariah 38 to my small fleet. I would, however, like to get it back after flying it. What is everyong using for tracking in the Mariah 38? Will a Big Red Bee BRB900 fit along with my Raven? I would also consider a AIM XTRA, but I haven't heard too much about them, can anyone offer up any opinions? I'm really favoring the BRB900 if it will fit, as I would prefer not having to get a radio license and everything that goes along with it. Anyhow, thanks in advance for any and all info provided!

[tagerton]

I haven't completely settled on how I'm am going to track my Mariah yet. I believe the telemetrum would be a good option for the entire electronics package, but the only issue is it's a bit expensive...
http://www.altusmetrum.org/TeleMetrum/

[freddiejojo]

Mr. Head,

Thank you for your consideration of the M38. Yep, no sense in putting anything up if you can't get it back. For the record, the avbay is 10.5" long and 29mm diameter; I'm pretty sure the BRB would not fit even though it's a fabulous unit (have one). There is a space above the top of the av-bay to the inside tip of the nosecone that may or may not work but it is accessible by removeable rivets of the nosecone/stub airframe. The Telemetrum, an excellent solution, would work easily on the av-bay board and be accessible via the rotating Breadbox door but you need a ham license. What we have been doing here is placing a Walston transmitter (or similar) in the tip of the nosecone, snake the wire antenna into the avbay from the top of the sled and then re-expose the antenna (should it not be a shorter/loaded version) out the Shotgun Tube on the bottom side of the Breadbox rotating cover. You can then tape the remainder of the antenna on the outside of the Shotgun Tube.

I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH the necessity of ground testing the effects of any tracking transmitter on the same altimeters in the exact same configuration you will be using in the air. Realize that you are placing an RF producing antenna next to the same electronics and wiring that will be firing charges to return your project. I cannot advise you outside of ground-testing any and every way possible to TRY and make the arrangement FAIL. Yes, you want to try and make it fail ON THE GROUND because better there than "umpteen" feet in the air. If everything works out to your satisfaction in ground tests, move forward. I know that most on this forum are smarter than I and hope others will offer their expertise.

Best regards,

Kent/GLR

[Adrian A]

The Telemetrum has coexisted happily with Ravens side-by-side in several of my rockets. You'll need to verify your own configuration anyway just to be sure, but I'd say the risk of a problem is very low.