SOUTH  EASTERN  VIRGINIA  ROCKETRY  ASSOCIATION

Project - Add a Garmin Astro GPS system to track a rocket's flight. Idea came from an article in the Sport Rocketry, July/August 2009 issue.

Parts - Garmin Astro DC 20 transmitter with the Garmin Astro 220 receiver - Dog tracking system. Garmin now sells the DC 30 but you can still find the DC 20 on the web.

Plan - Modify a PML Patriot rocket.

Base plate made by Steve Laird.         Astro GPS and base plate.                Mounted on base plate.

 Charger connected.                   

Bottom part was cut off of the nose cone.

Mounted base blocks to hold the GPS plate in place in the nose cone.        Access notch for power on switch and light

Changed eye bolt to a stronger type.                                                          Changed to a stronger link.

Built an altimeter plate. At an angle to miss the bolt inside.            Mounted inside of the payload bay.  Added a cover plate

 Successful launch!                   Receiver trace map

GPS map will display the flight path, chute recovery path, and the distance from the start. Hopefully, no more lost rockets.