I have not used their cell phone logger, but their standard GPS logger had several - i mean a lot - of stray signales due to the shock of liftoff, seperation, etc. I really had to filter the data. In addition, cell phone coverage is very spotty at the North site, depending on the carrier.

Check out the Garmin Astro. It's a pretty sweet solution. I picked up a DC 20 transmitter on ebay for $75. I'm sure you could find someone with the receiver to borrow.

The Garmin receiver does Lat/Long data logging, but not altitude.

That hy I like these forums. To bounce ideas off people. Now they claim we can use this for UAV platforms but rockets have more gforce. But I was thinking of it use more for rocket tracking than altitude.

What about Xbee modules? I know they are short range but if we had a network up and down the range... maybe.

I have not used their cell phone logger, but their standard GPS logger had several - i mean a lot - of stray signales due to the shock of liftoff, seperation, etc. I really had to filter the data. In addition, cell phone coverage is very spotty at the North site, depending on the carrier.

Check out the Garmin Astro. It's a pretty sweet solution. I picked up a DC 20 transmitter on ebay for $75. I'm sure you could find someone with the receiver to borrow.

The Garmin receiver does Lat/Long data logging, but not altitude.

I beg to differ Ed.
It does do altitude Logging.
I believe the reciever will tell you its current altitude at its local any time.
However, you have to down load the data from the unit for DC-20 data, The max data pionts though is 5 seconds apart. It changes automaticly depanding how fast the target is moving. 20 seconds to 5 seconds I believe. (for you electronic guys 1 second apart would be nice, get to work)
5 seconds is close enough though to verify those readings from your altimeter you used, for that last SSSS shot. 😉
Pretty cool I was able to use the data to figure desent rates under chute too.
The data from last two shots I down loaded, was right in there with what the altimeters said (within 100 ft. I think)

Scott e

I have it and while it works great as a data logger, you'll find the logging frequency insufficient for rocketry purposes and you won't be able to stream the GPS data strings out WHILE it is logging. Great for seeing where you rocket was after the fact. More important is what is the GPS chipset used? Most work at 1 Hz.

Warren

GM862 Cellular Quad Band Module with GPS
sku: CEL-07917

Description: This is the latest technology available to the M2M (Machine-to-Machine) market. The GM862-GPS combines the powerful GSM engine of the GM862 with a SiRF III 20-channel high sensitivity GPS receiver. Call up the module, issue the GPS query command, and you'll have NMEA data! If this unit is within range of a cellular tower, you'll know where it is within 9 meters anywhere on the surface of the earth.

The GM862-GPS includes all the technology of the previous modules including a python script interpreter, and quad band cellular capabilities (850/900/1800/1900MHz frequencies). Now you can harness all the power of the GM862 without the need for an external microcontroller. Simple Python programs can be loaded onto the GM862 controlling the GPIOs and issuing global cellular commands. Pin compatible module with upgraded internal memory for user programs.
You will need to provide a SIM card. Pull the SIM card from your phone, insert it into the module, and voila, you are making calls under your cellular account. Works with all providers currently supporting SIM cards (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Cingular).