Most cost-effective drone tracker?

Badzilla · Jul 8, 2017

Been researching this. Looks like a phone (or smartphone) is a possibility, but it must accept off-the-shelf SIM cards, be light, and include GPS. I have it down to about 100 g for a 3G phone.

Trakimo looks like a possibility, but their website is messy IMO. The 3G version at $140 (US) for the first year is too much for me. I would much rather use a cheap flexible term off-the-shelf SIM card in a smartphone that might be used for other things too.

One interesting question IMO is whether the GPS can be cell tower (A-GPS) without built-in GPS hardware. It must be able to phone home anyway in order to report the GPS position.

Thanks.

skyhax · Jul 8, 2017

I have one, believe it is around 30 grams.
RF-V16 GPS Tracker | eBay

Get a sim for one penny, you can activate for a day at a time if you want.
Amazon.com: H2O 3-in-1 SIM Card: Cell Phones & Accessories

It uses this tracking app on your phone:
AnyTracking GPS Tracker APP - Android Apps on Google Play

Badzilla · Jul 8, 2017

That appears to be the type of tracker I am looking for, but... I wonder why they cannot make an English version. Apparently the most recent software update for the various "brands" of the same tracker includes Chinese text and some major bugs. The Chinese have the brand idea backwards. They make the exact same product (probably in the same factory) and market it under many different "brands". Seems to me that branding, the way it is supposed to be, is a major part of a successful free market. Looks like the right technology though. Will continue my search with the help of that clue. Thanks.

Viper126 · Jul 9, 2017

Out of curiosity, why do you need this? Is it something Solex can't do?

andrew.baker.142 · Jul 10, 2017

I have the TRACKIMO, when I purchased it from Amazon it was about $115 which included the first year of service. Once that year is up it will cost me $5 a month to continue service.
The TRACKIMO is a pretty good device for what it is intended for. I use it more for my dog than my drones but still nice to have it if I decide I need to use it.

andrew.baker.142 · Jul 10, 2017

Viper126 said:
Out of curiosity, why do you need this? Is it something Solex can't do?

If you lose link with the copter and it flies away you will still be able to find it (assuming it is not underwater).
I don't have concerns losing my Solo, but I have other "flying things" which may be harder to find.

Viper126 · Jul 10, 2017

Sounds like you want the Solex app but were unaware of the capability. Unless you're looking for a backup plan to Solex.

Badzilla · Jul 10, 2017

Viper126 said:
Sounds like you want the Solex app but were unaware of the capability. Unless you're looking for a backup plan to Solex.

No. A tiny bit of research would enlighten you. Solo software cannot track your Solo unless it has radio contact. Even GPS positioning on the Solo is useless unless you have a way to receive those coordinates. However small the chance, the idea is to provide a tracking/locating method for when your Solo is not communicating with your controller and for some reason it is not returning to home.

pyrate · Jul 10, 2017

solex or logs off the controller will either one find your bird as well as anything.
And if you are flying the cube and master, there is a cool little feature that you can trigger solo to screech until you find it.

Viper126 · Jul 10, 2017

Badzilla said:
No. A tiny bit of research would enlighten you. Solo software cannot track your Solo unless it has radio contact. Even GPS positioning on the Solo is useless unless you have a way to receive those coordinates. However small the chance, the idea is to provide a tracking/locating method for when your Solo is not communicating with your controller and for some reason it is not returning to home.

Notice I never got arrogant with the person who started the thread. I will reiterate for You badzilla 'Solex' has the features he is seeking. I did not say the solo app.

Badzilla · Jul 11, 2017

pyrate said:
solex or logs off the controller will either one find your bird as well as anything.

Not if it flies out of your controller's range.

andrew.baker.142 · Jul 11, 2017

Maybe it would have been more clear if the OP used the term "backup tracking system". Clearly he is interested in something independent of the SoloLink connection.

drholling · Jul 15, 2017

Take a look at tBeacon($60). Welcome | tBeacon Small, lightweight(8.5g including cable), self powered. Can be connected to the Solo controller for GPS info. Activated by handheld radio (<$30).

UAVenthusiast · Jul 15, 2017

Perhaps covered in the thread. Marco Polo unit? RC Model Tracking and Recovery - Tracking and Recovery Made Easy | Marco Polo the Tracking and Recovery System

There's an old thread in this forum. Dunno...I've got one on my Solo, never used it.... Solid build, great folks outta SoCal!

Badzilla · Jul 19, 2017

UAVenthusiast said:
Perhaps covered in the thread. Marco Polo unit?...I've got one on my Solo, never used it.... Solid build, great folks outta SoCal!

What GPS unit?
Thanks.

UAVenthusiast · Jul 19, 2017

It not a GPS unit, it's a radio tracking device. Click on the the link to learn more.

Badzilla · Jul 20, 2017

UAVenthusiast said:
It not a GPS unit, it's a radio tracking device. Click on the the link to learn more.

I meant "What GPS unit are you using?"

UAVenthusiast · Jul 20, 2017

Howdy,

Not sure how your question relates to this tracking thread. Plenty (??) of chances for a lost bird. Same reason I wear a survival vest when working SAR from the air....Solid preflight helps to insure the AC stays in the air....but we know despite OUR plans, life "happens"!!

This little gadget helps to track down a sUAS when the eyes are not enough! Fun to put on your dog's collar and go find them as well!

Tracking fits into the emergency plan profile(s). ...Hope for the best, plan for the worst!

Direct answer? Running the mRobotics updated GPS unit. Highly recommend upgrade! Great unit, and the mRobotics guys are fantastic. If you've got a question they pick up the phone and help you sort it out!!

OldCoder · Aug 31, 2017

I like the design philosophy of the tBeacon. It can pick up GPS position from the 3DR Solo GPS, and transmit it via UHF radio.

Receive the GPS position and 3DR Battery voltage via an inexpensive $30 to $40 UHF 2 meter Baofeng UV-5R radio:
https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-Warr...words=Baofeng+UV-5R&psc=1&smid=A23L8VCF3NY0WR

FAQ
FAQ | tBeacon

A thread talking about using them
What's going on in Colorado... - Page 594

I just ordered two of them
Buy | tBeacon

Chris Shaker