Any GPS units or ways to locate smaller 1.6”-2” rockets?

[Tumbler]

Launched an Estes Olympus with a camera in it in virtually no wind on an E motor and the parachute carried it forever and could never find it. That’s why I don’t paint them right away! Been thinking about putting an Apple Air Tag in my next rocket. Are there specific units for rockets that aren’t crazy expensive?
Thanks!
Brian

 

[WillMarchant]

Well, that depends upon your definition of "crazy expensive" and how much work you're willing to do.

Here https://kw4wz.com/gps/ is the page I put together with notes for the talk about tracking I did for NARCON. Near the bottom is a link to a Google sheets doc that I've been trying to keep up to date with "rocketry specific" trackers.

The "make it take it" Arduino system near the top of the https://kw4wz.com/gps/ page is one I fly in an Estes Green Eggs rocket with a D12-5. That payload bay is the same size as the Olympus payload bay.

 

[Buckeye]

Best simple tracking device for a Level 1 rocket.

Looking for what Level 1 rockets use for a tracking device from cheap to $$ what is the go to tracker? Sterk03

www.rocketryforum.com

 

[waltr]

Eggfinder GPS mini

 

[Voyager1]

Eggfinder GPS mini

Plus the LCD receiver. Cheapest solution, but you need to be able to solder.

 

[Zyzzyva1000]

As others have send, eggfinder mini, or I think featherweight GPS would work too. I have my eggfinder mini in a 38 mm minimum diameter rocket (in the nosecone), so it's definitely possible. What you are better off with is a jolly logic chute release (will fit in that small a rocket), so that it doesn't drift so far.