GPS Trackers for Rocket

[Stargeezer]

Long story short I just got my Level 1 over the weekend and flew it low and slow. But now I might like to reach for the stars as it were lol.

I'm terrified of losing my rocket though and am contemplating investing in some sort of tracking system. I know these "egg timers" are suggested but yes, I'm intimidated by all the tiny parts. I'm wondering if there's anything that works with iPhone perhaps? Something simple and cheaper than the $500 kits I see on some websites? I do have a tile tracker but not certain if that would work? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kane]

If you've done any electronics soldering before, don't be intimidated. I had never done any electronics soldering and taught myself. Just picked up some practice kits from Sparkfun. I have successfully assembled multiple Eggtimer products.
Alternatively, there are a handful of people that will solder the Eggfinder kits for you. Reach out to Cris at Eggtimer. I'm sure he could hook you up with one or all of them.

 

[rfjustin]

Long story short I just got my Level 1 over the weekend and flew it low and slow. But now I might like to reach for the stars as it were lol.

I'm terrified of losing my rocket though and am contemplating investing in some sort of tracking system. I know these "egg timers" are suggested but yes, I'm intimidated by all the tiny parts. I'm wondering if there's anything that works with iPhone perhaps? Something simple and cheaper than the $500 kits I see on some websites? I do have a tile tracker but not certain if that would work? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

New kid on the block option here as well: https://wildmanrocketry.com/collections/silicdyne/products/fluctus-system

 

[rocketace]

The Featherweight system is $365. Myself and others highly recommend it.

 

[sr205347d]

Tractive GPS Cat Tracker. I have one. Works great. Requires cell phone signal and subscription.

 

[thzero]

Other options.
Marco Polo (https://eurekaproducts.com/)
MissileWorks T3 (https://www.missileworks.com/store#!/T3-LX-GPS-Tracking-System/p/500892054/category=25228124)

I have no build the Eggtimer, but I am use their Altimeters. I've used the T3, and like the Featherweight GPS tracker. Couple of people in the rocket chapters I launch with that have used Macro Polo very successfully.

 

[Raythain]

I know these "egg timers" are suggested but yes, I'm intimidated by all the tiny parts.

I’d encourage you to take a stab at them - get a good pair of fine tweezers (like these from Amazon) and a set of helping hands (el cheapo from Harbor Freight), and the directions are really good.

 

[jmasterj]

I like the Marco Polo but it's RF, not GPS.

 

[SolarYellow]

Eggtimer Cris can send you a list of recommended assemblers. Get quotes from each of them, they'll be different. You can have your Eggtimer products shipped directly to the assembler to save shipping costs. It's still far cheaper than any other GPS option I'm aware of, and makes it turn-key.

 

[JoePfeiffer]

A non Eggtimer suggestion is Big Red Bee -- that's what I've been using for a decade with great success. As an added bonus, it's what encouraged me to get my ham license!

 

[Crimson Flames]

+1 For the Featherweight. This is my first tracker so I can't compare it to others, but it is extremely easy to use. Very intuitive as well highly accurate so far. @Adrian A has been a great help with the few questions I've had since I started using his electronics.

Joshua

 

[Jmhepworth]

If I weren’t already happy with EggFinder, I would look real hard at Featherweight. As far as I’ve been able to determine, it’s the least expensive non-EggFinder solution. I’ve used both Big Red Bee and Altus Metrum products and I’m just not computer literate enough to make them work well for me. I’m sure it’s user error, but since I’m the user and I struggle making them work . . . . Of course if you want to go high (above 50,000 feet) and cost isn’t a factor, nothing beats Kate.

 

[Handeman]

I've been using the Missileworks T3 for years, but I have an android phone and run Rocket Locater on it. I use the same thing with a Bluetooth module on the Eggtracker LCD. Make sure you get a standalone system or if you do use your iPhone, that there is a compatible app for IOS.

 

[teepot]

I have a Marco Polo and it works well. I just recently got an Eggtimer GPS with the voice module. I had it assembled by someone Chris recommended. Haven't used it yet though.

 

[Buster]

Tele GPS Map Display is nice if you’re a Ham.

 

[b.wieting]

I definitely endorse Eggtimer. A few simple tools (suggested by Cris) makes it all pretty straightforward (and fun). His instructions are detailed, excellent. Great performance in field, great value.

I'm no electronics tech, don't have the steadiest hands or sharpest eyesight...

PS I've now built several, EF, EF Mini, receiver, a couple Quantum.