GPS tracking chips

[billdz]

I use the TeleMetrum, TeleGPS, and the T3, all work fine.

If you have decent cell service at your launch site, a much cheaper alternative ($20-$35) is a cellular GPS tracker or (for larger rockets) just an old Android phone. My favorite is the MD-601, it has saved several of my rockets. It and several other cellular trackers are used with an app that tracks the flight of the rocket in real time. These are preferable to the even cheaper trackers (e.g., TK-102) that send location data only if you send it an SMS text message. More info at:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/cheap-cellular-trackers-update-and-where-are-the-3gs.151170/

 

[billdz]

https://pinggps.com/

-- Roger

Roger, thanks for this link. The device is now showing as "sold out," hopefully it will be back. The Ping costs $79, twice the price of my cheap Chinese devices but perhaps higher quality. Service for the Ping is $6 a month. I pay $5 a month for a Speed Talk 2G SIM card. Another alternative is the Posh Micro or any other tiny cell phone that can fit inside a rocket and works with the free (no monthly fee) FreedomPop SIM card.

 

[billdz]

looks interesting if you are in an area with good cell reception,
There have been a few homebuilt trackers that are a cheaper option if all you want is tracking.
Here's my version, https://forum.ausrocketry.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=5240&sid=5430180030374389b4b70cfcb2019534
search around the forums and you will find a few similar ideas.

Vance, I looked at the 2016 Australian thread you posted, looks like a nice system. The thread stops abruptly on page 4, when you were trying to help natty get his system going, did he ever succeed? Any updates or improvements since 2016? On the RX side, are you still using a laptop, or are you now using Happy Heyoka's app, or some other Bluetooth or cell phone app?
Thanks,
Bill

 

[vance2loud]

Natty did get his system going, I can’t remember what was actually wrong.
I still use the laptop mainly but I also played with an arduino and lcd screen that worked reasonably well (until I tried to add direction finding).
Also you can now buy a similar radio link with Bluetooth built in to the receiver to link directly to an android phone.
Unfortunately I haven’t had many opportunities to use it since then.

 

[billdz]

Congrats, the system looks great.

Also you can now buy a similar radio link with Bluetooth built in to the receiver to link directly to an android phone.

Where to buy this?

 

[John Kemker]

Ahhhhh.... but which one? Go get a Ham License ($ and time) then cough up $$$ for a tracker? Use a dog collar tracker? Pick up the one on Apogee for $400, or an Eggtracker?

So, you can study online for free (https://www.hamexam.org) and spend maybe $15 on the actual test. A Big Red Bee 70cm beacon costs $59 brand new. A Baofeng UV5R costs about $40. Less than $30 for a Handi-Finder (https://www.handi-finder.com/). Figure maybe another $20 for some additional accessories. That's roughly $120 and you can find your rocket pretty easily.

Just sayin'.

 

[vance2loud]

Where to buy this?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/915MHz-...216486?hash=item33b3767326:g:3v8AAOSwZ8ZW53wa
That is one I just found, you can build your own using the 915 transceiver, a Bluetooth module and a USB power pack.
Getting it to work with the rocket finder app might take some experimentation.

 

[Philip Tiberius D.]

The Rocket Gods have looked upon my pitiful self and smiled... my Talon 2 was discovered intact. Judging from it’s condition the problem is the motor mounts on Aerotech SU I205’s. Rocket recovered without motor...

 

[DaveW6DPS]

Congrats, the system looks great.

Where to buy this?

https://www.mobilinkd.com/tnc2/

For an even simpler method, take a look at this: https://www.qsl.net/w6dps/APRSDroid.html

I am working on another update, but this give you basics...