Here's some REQUIRED reading for newbie's or anyone for that matter doing beeper tracking. [PDF below]
This was written for Walston trackers but just skip to the actual listening and tracking section. Skipping the mounting and setup as Walstons have loong antenna's 18 in. I think.
Comm-Spec is 11 and Marshal& LLC much shorter 6-7 inch.
It contains useful info for anyone using a beeper type signal!
I mount mine on the apogee shock cord 2-3 feet below payload attachment point. Others put them in NC or Av-bay, etc.
I like it to come out at apogee, the signal jumps when out of airframe and I know I have an event. Aslo stronger signal up higher to track where it's going. The signal always drops when on the ground.
If it doesn't then 99% of the time...... your in a tree or hung up on something. When this happens you will get a strong signal that jumps all over the meter or up & down in loudness. Due to the rocket swinging back and forth in tree and transmitter being blocked & unblocked as it swings past trunk or branches.
Most normal signal will give you around a 20-25 cone or arc to work within. As you swing the receiver back and forth the beeps should be loudest in the "cone". So you should try to head to the center line.
USE ELECTRICAL TAPE ONLY! NEVER, NEVER, USE MASKING TAPE TO HOLD UNIT ON SHOCK CORD!!!!
You should place your new transmitter mailbox high on something & drive off with receiver to try and find it. This will teach about things that block signal or give false direction. Water towers, silos, metal buildings and sheds. electric fences & transformers.
Drive at least a mile out and work way back looking for a signal. Circling the object works best as you go past any objects "blocking" signal. Example: if you are hanging in a tree the tree will be between you and rocket in certain directions. But when you are on the rocket side of tree...get a clear signal.
So when driving to retrieve, you should attempt to "box" or triangulate your signal when far out before abandoning a car and starting the walk.Once you figure out how to find it, then place it in other situations and go find it again. Better yet have someone go hide it. [make sure they know where it is] and you go searching. Drive as far out as you can while getting signal to see the range in different situations. Driving to at least 2 [3 better] locations and see which way the unit point will give you a good triangle to work in and narrow the direction your tracker is in.
DON'T MAKE THE BIG MISTAKE MOST NEWBIES DO! don't get the strong signal and start walking. I can't tell you how many guys have followed the signal all the way across a field only to find their baby only a short distance from the road on the "other side". Had you" boxed" the signal, you drive that mile instead of walking it!
Good luck guys, hope these tidbits come in handy. Remember learn how to use it before you fly it!
View attachment WalstonTipsAndTricksBySueMcMurray.pdf