Hello. I have been seeing a lot of interest in the
Marco Polo Tracker (Recovery). I am not going into detail about the tracker but more on where I have attached the unit to the Mavic Pro. I have seen this done in one other poster here on Mavicpilots in a single picture. I will expand.
View attachment 7920
Reason for attaching to the Starboard side arm.
1. Placement. Easy access to
Marco Polo charging port when attached to the arm. I do open the one arm to make it very easy to charge. It is also the arm that has to be moved to access the micro sd card. AND also take into account of storage, my Mavic lays on its side during storage and transport. The tracker faces up at that time.
View attachment 7922
Where on the Mavic's arm.
2. Attached closer to motor to clear the props. Mavic Pro's props have very little clearance closer to the main body. If you choose this attachment option, please check your clearance before starting up for the first time. I have not had any problems with shifting of the tracker once it has been attached. Attachment method below.
View attachment 7923
3. Velcro (industrial) and Zip Ties were both used to insure the tracker will most likely NOT come off during a crash or everyday handling. Be sure the Zip Ties do not contact the props. When attached properly, you will not have to do anything to this Tracker again except to charge. *** Do Not Cover the On/Off button or indicator light of the Tracker with the Zip Ties. There is room without doing so.
View attachment 7924
The
Marco Polo Tracker's flexible antenna faces down (NOT up because of prop contact). I have bent mine to always be out of the way during landing and storage. It holds that position and is never a bother. The Mavic Pro's Arm closes nicely and does not jam into the side of the body. There is a fraction of spread more than original closing of the arm. Turning the
Marco Polo tracker on is easy while attached.
I have not notice any difference in flying characteristics of the Mavic Pro with the unit attached.
I will try to update this post when I see questions about attachment.
**** Something about
Marco Polo from Robbyg:
I tested the
Marco Polo in a few areas.
1) The battery life on the Tx was about 14 days. Which was better than the 10 days they advertise. My batteries are only on the third charge so I guess that figure will drop with time.
2) Distance in a wooded area with scattered buildings and uneven terrain blockages was a bit over 1/2 mile to maybe 3/4 mile.
3) Open line of sight was certainly about 2 miles.
4) The direction arrow is very accurate. It got me within a few feet of the Tx. I just had to look around to visually see it.
Overall I am very happy with it. I attached mine with the Velcro strap to the back of the Mavic and it has never shifted or given me the feeling that it might come off. If it does come off during an impact and tumble through tree branches I dont see that as a problem because the two items should end up being close together.
Rob
#59Robbyg,
Yesterday at 12:15 PM
Mini 4 Pro Sunrise over the Eel River in Northern California