what tracking system do you use ?

Hello I'm looking for a tracker and want ideas . I know of the ones that you have to build . What would be my best value. I will be pushing some rockets at thunder struck and want to find them . Thanks

I purchased a Big Red Bee 70cm Transmitter but have yet to use it. I think they retail for $60 or so. The receiver is much more expensive but if there's someone nice at your club that has one they might let you borrow it.

Alex

That would have been nice but there is not any place to test around

chris m said:

That would have been nice but there is not any place to test around

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Where are you located? www.arrl.org has a list of testing sites that blankets the US.

BeeLine Transmitter from Big Red Bee. (Retails for $59.00 here: https://www.bigredbee.com/BeeLine.htm)

Baofeng UV-B5 from Amazon; this model does have a functioning signal strength meter. (Retails for $40.00 here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLORPGG/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Arrow Antenna Yagi antenna (Retails between $29.00-$59.00 depending on number of antenna elements [440-3, 440-5, or 440-7], here: https://www.arrowantennas.com/sub/arrowiiyagi.html) I have model 440-7.

The BeeLine Transmitter transmits in the 70cm portion of the amateur radio band which means that you must have an amateur radio license in order to be legal. Do not be intimidated by this because you simply have to memorize some questions and take a simple test, there is no longer a requirement to know Morse code. Here is the ARRL website that lets you check where the closest places to take test are: https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session. I did a quick search for your zip code (47906) and it shows that you can take your test in Frankfort IN (27.5 miles away), Watseka IL (56 miles away) or Indianapolis IN (65 miles away)...

Cor

Eyes

BRB-900 tracker/receiver system (with LCD readout on the receiver) coupled with an old Garmin handheld GPS unit (I can't even remember the model, but it does have an electronic compass).

Good = Very easy to use. Has worked every time when I've needed it to. No need for any licensing/certification/etc. Very easy learning curve. Extremely accurate. No guesswork, just hard numbers to go by. No big unwieldy antenna to lug around. No need for any laptop computer interface. It seems hearty enough, and has survived a few "less than optimal" high impact landings (properly loaded/padded of course).

Not as good = The tracker is nowhere near as small/light as many of the traditional radio beacons. I've been able to fit it into 38mm tubes, but it's a pretty tight fit sometimes. The extra weight might also be a concern on smaller rockets or pure performance rockets. It's certainly not inexpensive, (but on the other hand, I think it's totally worth the money). The tracking unit itself is very expensive compared to the equivalent component on a radio based system, so having multiples/extras or replacing a lost/damaged one is not so good.

A few notes: I have only flown this up to about 6000', and never at extremely high velocities, so I can't personally vouch for its performance at super high altitudes or speeds, although I know others have had good luck doing so. Also, I've yet to really push the capabilities of its battery performance, but the fact that it uses on-board batteries (which means you can't simply switch out a low battery in the field) may be an issue if you are launching "all day long".

The bottom line: I LOVE this tracking system. It completely changed my flying and I'm so glad I got it. Its made a huge difference in my confidence, and has saved the day more than once. It's worked every time I've needed it, in exactly the way it's supposed to. If you want a rocket tracking device to do just that - TRACK YOUR ROCKET - and not be a new hobby unto itself, this is the way to go in my opinion. Highly recommended.

s6

Chris, I have units from BRB and Comspec. I like both units for different applications. Let me know next time you'll be at a launch and I can bring them both for you to play around with and check out.

I use a BRB Beeline GPS tracker with a Kenwood TH-D72a radio. It is nice being able to just walk up to your rocket!

jsargevt said:

I use a BRB Beeline GPS tracker with a Kenwood TH-D72a radio. It is nice being able to just walk up to your rocket!

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+1 on this setup. And I occasionally use the BRB DF unit. And sometimes the ComSpec.

I use a com spec.

I use a com spec receiver with an XLF 6 volt transmitter. I actually had the transmitter fall off a rocket this year (operator error) and I found the transmitter over a mile away in weeds 3 feet tall at "The Bong". Keep in mind how small the transmitter is ( used on falcons).
While it took me some time to find it about 90 minutes plus, it gave me the confidence that If I can find something that small, I should be able to find my rockets.
At Midwest Power this year I used it on all flights and with the winds it came in handy. Didn't lose any rockets. The only rocket I lost in 2013 was the one rocket I decided not to put a tracker in.

cruiten said:

BeeLine Transmitter from Big Red Bee. (Retails for $59.00 here: https://www.bigredbee.com/BeeLine.htm)

Baofeng UV-B5 from Amazon; this model does have a functioning signal strength meter. (Retails for $40.00 here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLORPGG/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Arrow Antenna Yagi antenna (Retails between $29.00-$59.00 depending on number of antenna elements [440-3, 440-5, or 440-7], here: https://www.arrowantennas.com/sub/arrowiiyagi.html) I have model 440-7.

The BeeLine Transmitter transmits in the 70cm portion of the amateur radio band which means that you must have an amateur radio license in order to be legal. Do not be intimidated by this because you simply have to memorize some questions and take a simple test, there is no longer a requirement to know Morse code. Here is the ARRL website that lets you check where the closest places to take test are: https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session. I did a quick search for your zip code (47906) and it shows that you can take your test in Frankfort IN (27.5 miles away), Watseka IL (56 miles away) or Indianapolis IN (65 miles away)...

Cor

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yes i searched wrong . David will be the next launch . On The comspec is it the pet one or another one . Which of the two be the most cost effective? Thanks chris