GPS tracker suggestion please

[Bop]

So I know this has been talked about a lot and I have read some threads. I looked at Marco polo BUT I dont trust the range. I would rather have a tracker that shows a path traveled (on a google map) which I believe a GPS tracker will do. I live and fly if a very rural area in PA and trees are everywhere.
Considering there is cell service, Will a GPS tracker show the path (map on google) the tracker has taken even if the GPS looses signal from the tree canopy (last known location)? This should give me a very good place to start to locate it.
if anyone has a GPS tracker, how did you mount it. I see most are using velcro. does anyone make a holder ?
so If you can suggest a GPS tracker and holder I would really appreciate it.
Edit - this is for a M2Z

 

[Starz]

You may want to mention what aircraft you’re dealing with.

 

[TreeHugger]

So I know this has been talked about a lot and I have read some threads. I looked at Marco polo BUT I dont trust the range. I would rather have a tracker that shows a path traveled (on a google map) which I believe a GPS tracker will do. I live and fly if a very rural area in PA and trees are everywhere.
Considering there is cell service, Will a GPS tracker show the path (map on google) the tracker has taken even if the GPS looses signal from the tree canopy (last known location)? This should give me a very good place to start to locate it.
if anyone has a GPS tracker, how did you mount it. I see most are using velcro. does anyone make a holder ?
so If you can suggest a GPS tracker and holder I would really appreciate it.

On a M2 Zoom, velcro's nicely, left side battery area.
~ 30g
AMAZON

 

[lannes]

I've had good performance out of the Trackimo and it's world wide sim card.

Trackimo 3G GPS Tracker with 1 Year GSM

3G Trackimo® Device is an intelligent, GPS-GSM tiny tracking device allowing you to see on your mobile phone exactly every move of your precious things.

store.trackimo.com

 

[raven swe]

if your outta range of a cell tower then good luck with the gsm gps trackers, I've got the marco polo and its just fine for me

 

[TreeHugger]

On a M2 Zoom, velcro's nicely, left side battery area.
~ 30g
AMAZON

Looks like this - velcro much better than the extra grams of a mount.
~ 100$ US includes the first years service.

 

[Photo Beaty]

I have used the marco polo for years. Five times it has enabled me to find a lost drone. I fly where cell service is very limited and often not available at all.

 

[TreeHugger]

NOTE
The OP is specifically asking for solutions that involve "cell coverage" as a criteria.

My submission stands but would like to hear more choices for cell available devices.
i.e. I have no idea what the second year's service cost will be.

 

[Bop]

t

NOTE
The OP is specifically asking for solutions that involve "cell coverage" as a criteria.

My submission stands but would like to hear more choices for cell available devices.
i.e. I have no idea what the second year's service cost will be.

Agreed, It appears so far trackimo and sumsungs smart tracker are the only GPS trackers being used.
@TreeHugger I don't know a nice way to ask sooo - have you had to use your Samsung? Just wondering how well it works. it is 1/2 the price of the trackimo and both have 1 year free service.

 

[TreeHugger]

t


Agreed, It appears so far trackimo and sumsungs smart tracker are the only GPS trackers being used.
@TreeHugger I don't know a nice way to ask sooo - have you had to use your Samsung? Just wondering how well it works. it is 1/2 the price of the trackimo and both have 1 year free service.

Have not had to use it yet.
It has a mode where you can enable continuous tracking for 10 minutes at a time. Otherwise the smallest reporting time is 30 minute intervals.
The iPhone app allows you to see a history - "google maps" style.
YMMV

 

[Bop]

Have not had to use it yet.
It has a mode where you can enable continuous tracking for 10 minutes at a time. Otherwise the smallest reporting time is 30 minute intervals.
The iPhone app allows you to see a history - "google maps" style.
YMMV

Honestly, I am glad you have NOT had to use it! Thank you for the info/photos. I may end up going this route - I just researched Bestbuy and they have them in their brick and mortar.

 

[lannes]

Honestly, I am glad you have NOT had to use it! Thank you for the info/photos. I may end up going this route - I just researched Bestbuy and they have them in their brick and mortar.

The trackimo can track at 1min intervals for more accuracy in the location

 

[Bop]

Thank you all for your comments.
Ended up purchasing the samsung smart tracked and mounted like treehugger did. This was the way for me to go with my environment and cell service as I seem to have plenty. It has the ability to send its location every minute which I use during flights. Shows a path history and detailed map. 1 yr free service is included and $5 a month after that. Money well spent in my eyes. Im quite happy with it and I hope its never needed.

 

[Thomas B]

The advantage of the Marco Polo is the info that gives you proximity to the drone. It’s only 2 dimensions, but if your drone is hung in a tree in a forested area it will let you know which tree to look in... I.e. when to start looking up. Much better than guessing from looking at a flight path record.

 

[Bop]

The advantage of the Marco Polo is the info that gives you proximity to the drone. It’s only 2 dimensions, but if your drone is hung in a tree in a forested area it will let you know which tree to look in... I.e. when to start looking up. Much better than guessing from looking at a flight path record.

Agreed, marco polo is better once you are close.

 

[TreeHugger]

Thank you all for your comments.
Ended up purchasing the samsung smart tracked and mounted like treehugger did. This was the way for me to go with my environment and cell service as I seem to have plenty. It has the ability to send its location every minute which I use during flights. Shows a path history and detailed map. 1 yr free service is included and $5 a month after that. Money well spent in my eyes. Im quite happy with it and I hope its never needed.

Excellent! I too use the once-per-minute setting for flights. And thanks for posting, I wasn't aware of the cost after the first year. Are you able to determine your actual "provider" for the cell service? I have not as yet.

 

[Bop]

Excellent! I too use the once-per-minute setting for flights. And thanks for posting, I wasn't aware of the cost after the first year. Are you able to determine your actual "provider" for the cell service? I have not as yet.

From amazon - product description " One full year of AT&T service is included for the first 12 months at no additional charge. After the first 12 months, the cost is $5 per month or $50 per year. Disclosures: Coverage based on AT&T LTE-M network. No AT&T service-based smartphone is required. "
With that description its AT&T. I have Verizon cell phone service, so I dont know how that will work after the 1st 12 months. Maybe pay Samsung?????

 

[TreeHugger]

Thanks - didn't see mention of that when I purchased. Or it was late. Or early. Or had not had coffee -

 

[PressMan]

I've had good performance out of the Trackimo and it's world wide sim card.

Trackimo 3G GPS Tracker with 1 Year GSM

3G Trackimo® Device is an intelligent, GPS-GSM tiny tracking device allowing you to see on your mobile phone exactly every move of your precious things.

store.trackimo.com

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Thank you, Where can I purchase the Arm Holder for Tracimo please.

 

[george formby]

Simple and cheap.
Good product.

Beacons

Beacons and accessories to locate your lost RC model.

distance-rc.com