Hybrid Rockets

Hybrid Rocket Science Hybrid Rocket Help Clinic HPR Hybrid Motors HPR Hybrid Motors in the UK Commercial HPR Hybrid motors Hybrid Motor Costs Hybrid Motor Links UK Hybrid Rocket History Hybrid Motor Ignition Methods R.A.T.T.Works Hybrid Motors Skyripper Hybrid Motors

Experimental Rocketry

Amateur Hybrid Motors Amateur Liquid Rockets Guidance Gimballed Motors Launch Controller Static Test Stand Separating Strap-ons

Payloads

Onboard Video Cameras Onboard Video Camera Tips Onboard Stills Cameras

Media

Media - Scrapheap Media - Other Rocket Videos

Personal Rocketry

Personal Amateur Rocketry Personal Amateur Hybrids Hybrid Motor Personal Notes Personal HPR Hybrid Launches High Power Rockets High Power Rocket Launch List Model Rockets

Avionics

Altimeter/Accelerometers Altimeter Comparison Chart R-DAS Flight Computer R-DAS FAQ Compact R-DAS Guide R-DAS Classic Guide R-DAS Flights R-DAS GPS Module R-DAS On Screen Display R-DAS Variance G-Wiz Altimeter Avionics Avionics Tips Payload Bay Design Onboard Power Systems

Telemetry

Telemetry Receiver Antenna Pulse Circuit Pulsed Tone Circuit

Miscellaneous

UK Rocketry Vendors UK Rocket Groups Online Rocket Resources Rocket Publications UK Rocketeers UK Rocket Educators UK Space Organisations UK Space Conferences/Events UK Astronomical Organisations Altitude Records The Skunk Works Rules Akins Laws

RF Receiver

There is a wide choice of receivers/scanners available for use with rocket tracking. I use a Yupiteru 7100 Receiver, connected via a 50 Ohm lead to a Sandpiper YAGI-Uda Antenna.

Most standard receivers/scanners should suffice, since the key to obtaining the long range is actually in the antenna rather than the receiver/scanner. An antenna with a large gain enables signals to be picked up at a longer range, however as the gain gets larger, the antenna becomes more directional, so it is a trade off in directionality, antenna size and ease of use against range.

RF Signal Strength Meter

Generally, a signal strength meter on the receiver/scanner is a very good item to look for, and this was one of the reasons I chose the Yupiteru 7100 as the receiver. Many cheaper receivers do not have signal strength meters, and this is definitely something to bear in mind when choosing a receiver. A signal strength meter really does make a big difference for the rocket tracking application.

RF Receiver Sensitivity

The other reason for choosing the Yupiteru 7100 is it has exceptionally good sensitivity compared with competing models, and for receiving faint RF tracking signals from rockets, this is a very useful feature.

Pre-amplifier

As well as having an antenna with an appreciable amount of gain, and a sensitive receiver, it is also possible to fit a pre-amplifier between the receiver and the antenna, to improve the sensntivity still further.