HAM Licence Required for Featherweight Tracker ?

[BackSeatBryce]

Hi RocketryForum,
I've looked around a bit and haven't been able to find a clear answer. Does the Featherweight Tracker require a HAM license to operate?

Thanks,
Bryce

 

[Eric]

It is not required

 

[Adrian A]

That's correct. The tracker and ground station have both had successful testing for FCC part 15 compliance.

 

[jderimig]

By a certification lab or self testing compliance? If the former that's impressive. That would make your device the first truly legal license free tracker! Kudos.

 

[Adrian A]

Yes, certification lab testing. I still need to put on the FCC stickers and update the users manual with compliance information.

 

[BackSeatBryce]

Thanks for the replies! I'm looking forward to getting one this summer!

 

[cwbullet]

That is great news. The reports on this one are very promising.

 

[manixFan]

I have several and flew them at BALLS last fall. They are a fantastic solution. The only big upgrade I can see would be GPS and tracking info integrated into one (albeit very busy) screen. They are very small, can run for many hours on reasonably sized batteries, and have lots of great software upgrades on the horizon. The relay feature alone will be a boon for big launches where lots of trackers can relay data. Even if you have to buy a used iPhone to make it work (for you Android users) it’s still a good deal.

I am constantly amazed at the wealth of options we have for such a small hobby. There are many great vendors who in spite of knowing how small the market is are still willing to develop great products. Kudos to all of them.

Tony

 

[BackSeatBryce]

Tony, I'm glad to hear you've had good success with them so far. Thanks for the reply. I'm planning to attend BALLS this year, and I'd like to use this tracker in my level 3 project.

Cheers,
Bryce

 

[Adrian A]

Until we get an Android version done, which likely won't be until the fall or later, getting a used iPhone may be less expensive than you expect. A used iPhone 5s goes for about $60 on EBay. No data plan is required. And if I'm not mistaken you don't even need an AppleID.

 

[OverTheTop]

I"ll wait for Android...

 

[BackSeatBryce]

Hey Adrian,
Do you have an estimate when you'll have more of these in stock?

Thanks again!
Bryce

 

[Adrian A]

There are a few in stock now and more in the next few days.

Thanks.

 

[ksaves2]

Until we get an Android version done, which likely won't be until the fall or later, getting a used iPhone may be less expensive than you expect. A used iPhone 5s goes for about $60 on EBay. No data plan is required. And if I'm not mistaken you don't even need an AppleID.

Will an iPad Pro work with or without a data plan? Just ask'in as I had to get one for another application. Kurt

 

[manixFan]

I've used my iPad Pro and it works just fine (both with an without a data plan). I highly recommend MotionX for it as well - it does GPS tracking and you can download maps for offline use. It can track your location in the background so you can see your recovery path. I've also used an older iPhone that I had without a SIM card and it worked as well. The iPhone doesn't need a SIM to get GPS or to use wifi or bluetooth. It will complain you don't have a SIM installed but that's not a big deal.

Tony

 

[Adrian A]

I've used my iPad Pro and it works just fine (both with an without a data plan). I highly recommend MotionX for it as well - it does GPS tracking and you can download maps for offline use. It can track your location in the background so you can see your recovery path. I've also used an older iPhone that I had without a SIM card and it worked as well. The iPhone doesn't need a SIM to get GPS or to use wifi or bluetooth. It will complain you don't have a SIM installed but that's not a big deal.

Tony

I have also been a MotionX user for a long time. I have been just using Google Maps recently. You can download maps ahead of time with it also.

 

[manixFan]

One thing I really like about MotionX is the ability to save tracks. I don't know how to do that will Google maps. Attached is an example of a search I did for a couple of missing rockets last year from Airfest. You can see the path I walked and drove with my receiver. You can add photos along the route, use either satellite or Topo maps, and lots more. Also of course runs on the iPhone.

Tony

orange represents my traveled search path:

 

[Adrian A]

Nice. Good point about saving your route.