I've been using the Loc8tor tracker for a few months now to help recover my rockets.

Summary

The Loc8tor is an all-in-one tracking system intended for locating lost keys, remotes, etc. While its range is vastly less than the Beeline or other rocket trackers, the Loc8tor is cheaper, lighter, and easier to use.

Pros:

• * Light weight
• * Small, easy-to-use receiver
• * Tags have unique codes (no interference)
• * Inexpensive
• * No license required
• * Tags beep while you're searching

Cons:

• * Poor Range (ground range can be as low as 40'; in air, the range is 600'+)
• * Tag's batteries must be replaced after 6-12 months and don't hold up in cold.

Review

I purchased a Loc8tor Lite kit for about $75. This includes a directional receiver and two tracking tags. I see additional tags on eBay for a low as $15 each.

The Loc8tor system is extremely easy to use:

• 1) Register the tag with the receiver.
• 2) Fly your rocket with the tag.
• 3) Use the directional display on the Loc8tor receiver to find your rocket.

This is much simpler than the BeeLine system which requires Ham gear and some practice at radio direction finding.

The receiver comes with a simple, easy-to-read directional display. (See picture on left). It maintains its directionality even when you're within a few feet of the tag. This is not the case with many trackers (including the BeeLine) which require special techniques as you get close.

When the Loc8tor tag detects the receiver is in range, it starts beeping softly. It also blinks a red LED so you can even locate it in the dark. The tag is tiny, measuring about 1"x5/8"x1/4" and weighing only 6 grams. It's a little bigger than a BT-20 but will easily fit in a BT-50. This is significantly smaller than the BeeLine tracker which weighs 13g and has a 6" antenna wire.

It's powered by two SR54 button cells. There is no off switch on the tag but the batteries will last for quite a few months. Remember to ground test before each launch; I didn't once when the tag batteries had died and lost the rocket and tag. The silver-oxide button cells don't work well in cold weather.

The range in the air is at least 600'. Fortunately, in New England, lost rockets often land in trees which keeps the tag in the air. But if you're not so "lucky", once on the ground the range drops to 100' (on a field) to less than 50' if the rocket is in wetlands, corn, tall grass, or dense woods. This is okay if you have a general idea where the rocket landed but problematic if you've lost track of it. For comparison: on the BeeLine, I'm generally able to get a ground range of 1/4 mile even in the worst conditions. The Loc8tor isn't anywhere in the same class.

The Loc8tor communicates using RFID technology. Each tag has a unique code that prevents one tag from interfering with another. I wonder if some enterprising hacker can change something to boost the range?

Bottom Line

The Beeline is clearly a better tracker due to its reliability and vastly superior range. But the Loc8tor is finding a place in my MPR and smaller rockets for its light weight and ease-of-use.

Recommended -- even if you only use it to keep track of your keys or cat!