ciscokid : I scoured the internet and found the best place to buy it is directly from Marco Polo RC Model Tracking and Recovery - Tracking and Recovery Made Easy | Marco Polo the Tracking and Recovery System
I have tried using the Marco Polo but only in my yard. I'm definitely liking it. I was hesitant about the price also but figured it's cheaper than buying a new drone if it gets away for some reason. I looked at GPS trackers like Trackimo 3G and it's $150 for the unit plus monthly service charge (1st year of service is free) I like that it needs no cell phone service to function. I'm planning to go to visit my buddy in Vermont this summer and he has no cell signal there at all.
I saw a video, probably on youtube, where a guy actually landed and, I believe, took off also from the water. The thought still makes me nervous, but it went well for this guy. Marc.
Hi Marc,
That is gutsy, but really cool. I can sure see why you use the pontoons. Honestly, they sound like a really good idea, if your flying over any kind of water. I haven't done that yet, but I'm sure thinking about it. I live in San Diego, Ca. The ocean is beckoning me. He, he, ha ha. Marc.
Excellent! I’ll be using your idea if you don’t object and that other persons mounting system seems like it would add so much unneeded weight to the Mavic that would tax the motors unnecessarily!
I noticed the antenna looked different? What did you use for an antenna on your Marco Polo? Or is it just a sleeve of some kind?Mounting the Marco Polo Locator
I’ve been looking at trackers and watching too many YouTube reviews.
My conclusion was to get the Marco Polo for these reasons.
1. The bluetooth devices, while inexpensive, have a very limited range. Better than nothing.
2. Cellular trackers need a SIM card and a cellular contract. Another cell phone bill didn’t appeal to me. The main reason for not getting a cellular tracker is this: No cell service; no location. Seriously, the cell service at my house is either 1 bar or “No Service”. Without WIFI calling I’d have nothing.
Additionally, I can think of a number of times in remote areas that I had no cell service.
3. RF trackers (like the Marco Polo) have a 1-2 mile range, are extremely accurate and have no monthly fee. The tracker battery will broadcast for 3 days if fully charged (tracker mode). 15 days if not being tracked.
After spending a few days deciding where (and how) to mount the new Marco Polo (waterproof model) on the MP, this is what I came up with.
Freewill rear landing foot (I drilled two holes for the mounting plate), the Marco Polo mounting plate, two pieces of 0.300” long brass tubing, two 4-40X 0.625” stainless steel screws and two 4-40 nuts. Nuts were Loctited onto the screws.
The instructions suggest that the antenna be oriented vertically for greatest range. In the highly unlikely event of a crash,it seems that the odds are greater for the MP to be on its landing pads or on its back. (Unless its hanging sideways in a tree.)
There is sufficient prop clearance to the antenna. Not sure about the regular model of the Marco Polo, but the waterproof version has a stiff rubber sleeve over the antenna. It seemed quite difficult to move it into the prop circle.
Alternatively, I could rotate the Marco Polo 180º to orient the antenna down.
I just got my Marco Polo, and I want to mount it like yours. There was a piece of Velcro included with the shipment, the same size as the tag. Did you receive one also, and if so, is that what you used for attaching the tag? I would love not to have to go shopping for industrial strength Velcro!
