Description
The Eggtimer Quasar is the newest product in the Eggtimer GPS tracking range and combines the functionality of the Eggfinder TX GPS tracking module and the Eggtimer Quantum deployment controller, with the added bonus of an auxillary deployment channel! Using a WiFi-based configuration interface each of the three deployment channels may be configured for Drogue, Main or Airstart functions in any combination.
Please note: The Quasar GPS tracking only transmits tracking information while the unit is armed. During testing, please note that your receiver will not receive any signal until you arm the Quasar for launch.
This product comes with the Eggtimer LCD receiver and the optional Bluetooth module, allowing you to see the GPS coordinates on the screen and, if you have an appropriate Android app, see the rocket position on a map.
Important notes:
- These tiny GPS units are accurate to about ten metres and, as such, they will not be able to walk you to the exact position of your rocket. If your rocket is visible (e.g. you have a large parachute or the field is open), ten metres is easily close enough to spot it. If your rocket is small and hidden in the foliage or crop it may help to install a beeper or long streamer to help you for the last ten metres. For high power rocketry this is not normally a problem, as the rocket can usually easily be seen by the time you get close.
- These kits are not a complete plug-and-play solution for your tracking needs and, even when built, need final integration work. You will need to pick suitable batteries, switches and identify a way of installing the tracker in your rocket. You may also want to build an enclosure to hold the receiver unit. Please contact us if you wish for us to design and build a suitable solution for your rocket.
- The first start-up of your Eggfinder transmitter may take a very long time (5-20 minutes) to obtain a GPS signal, especially if you have not turned it on for some time. Please be patient and look out for the blinking orange light to indicate that the GPS has a full lock. When the GPS has locked once it takes less time to lock a second time.
- When flying the tracker please ensure that you power up the GPS tracker before flight, await GPS lock and the flashing amber light.
Only then should you install it in your rocket ready for flight. It is critical that you ensure that this light is flashing before launch. We recommend choosing flight batteries with enough capacity to last the full rocket preparation time, the time it takes to launch, fly and recover with additional capacity remaining to account for any unforeseen flight events. These batteries should be fully charged before your flight and you may wish to consider having multiple batteries in the field ready for use or having a way of charging batteries between flights. We recommend a minimum of 150mAh battery capacity and recommend 200-300mAh for most flights. You may wish to consider larger battery capacities for launches requiring extra preparation, flight or recovery time.
