strato911

From what I read I assume the shift can be changed from positive (JR, Airtronics) to negative (Futaba, Hitec).

Yes, shift changes are performed quite easily.

How is the transmit frequency determined. Is it manually selectable or is it automatically selected as a result of scanning?

You select the channel electronically (no switches to wear out), but it will only let you chose a channel after it has passed the scan. If you power up the radio without entering programming mode, it scans your last used channel, and only after it passes does it turn on the RF circuit.

How are the memories named? Are they given a number 1-99 or can the models be truly named?

It uses numbers. A simple solution is to place the number on the plane - kind of like the registration numbers used on full sized aircraft.

Can the Tracker II be programmed to operate a wing with four servos like the Ultra Stick?

Yes - as a matter of fact, my current project (for which I bought the Tracker) is a 4 servo wing (ailerons & flaps).

Is there any way to obtain a copy of the owner's manual to answer these and other questions before buying the radio?

Yes. It is to large to attach here, but send me an email or a private message with your email in it, and I will provide a copy in PDF format.

Are the current Trackers being shipped with the upgraded software to correct the flaperon problem reported here?

I can only assume so. It is a simple reprogramming issue. If you call (973-351-9800) or email them ([email protected]) they are usually quick to respond. Everyone I have dealt with there has been very pleasant.

Thank you all for bearing with me and hopefully answering these questions.

You're welcome, and thanks for reading. If you order one, I'm sure you'll like it. It was well worth the wait.

strato911

Hi Hatman - I guess I type to slow

So when are you going to add the Tracker II to your profile?

hatman

STRATO
BUT YOU ARE BETTER INFORMED

HATMAN

wrecker5

So, has anyone returned their Tracker II radio and had it reprogrammed?

Has anyone tried it with JR equipment??

I tried mine with JR reveivers but the throttle and ailerons were swapped around.

I have sent mine in to be reprogrammed and expect it back soon.

Just wondered if anyone else had snet theirs in and got it back yet.

Wrecker5

rcdemon61

My Feedback: (7)

Hey wrecker,let us know how it works with the new programing. Had some of the same problems, but I really don't want to give it up right now. Let us know how long it took, and what charges there were. Thanks Craig

strato911

Sorry, I don't have access to JR equipment to test, just Futaba and Hitec.

Different manufacturers use different channel number assignments (see the attached image). The simple solution is to plug the appropriate servo into the appropriate channel as per the transmitter. Unfortunately, this will be a problem if you use more than one transmitter brand per receiver. If you plan to only use the Tracker II Tx for your JR receiver, just swap around the servos to match the channel assignments of the Tracker II transmitter (same as Futaba/Hitec).

captinjohn

Question#1 How good does the Tracker system work in a plane with a gas(spark) engine? #2 What kind of range does the Tracker have? #3 How do you check range before flying? #4 Has anyone have much acutal flying time with the Tracker ....lots of posts say will work with certain recievers ....but nothing on actual flying time with other aircraft in the air including ignition(gas) planes in the air???? Thanks Captinjohn

strato911

John, let me answer your questions in order as best as I can...

Question#1 How good does the Tracker system work in a plane with a gas(spark) engine?

My current project (for which I bought the Tracker) includes a Poulan 25cc gas conversion. The plane is not done yet, so I haven't had a chance to fly it (click here to see it). I plan to run the engine this weekend for the first time, so I'll report back then. Normal electrical seperation precautions need to be taken. I have 14 inches of electrical seperation.

#2 What kind of range does the Tracker have?

So far the range checks have been comparable with my Hitec Focus 6 and Futaba Attack 4 radios. Scheduling and weather have kept me from flying with it so far. I managed to get 53 paces one time, 49 the next time during ground based range checks.

#3 How do you check range before flying?

Range checks were performed the same way as any other radio. Antenna collapsed, walk away till you start to see signs of glitching.

#4 Has anyone have much acutal flying time with the Tracker ....lots of posts say will work with certain recievers ....but nothing on actual flying time with other aircraft in the air including ignition(gas) planes in the air???

As mentioned earlier, scheduling and weather have kept me grounded since my Tracker arrived. I intend to run my gas engine this weekend, and hopefully weather will allow me to fly as well. Ground based range testing with all my receivers (except the AM one) have been good..

captinjohn

strato911: Thanks for your detailed report. It is good to see a person take the time you did ,and in doing so, helped others. Best of luck with all your endeavors. Smooth Landings Capt,n

chappy007

My Feedback: (12)

I now am the proud owner of two tracker II's. I am new to the hobby and thus this is the first radio for me. (Second one is to hopefully get my wife interested in this so she will let me fly more)
I struggled a little with the manual only because the termanology was foreign to a novice. (Any manual would have been) At present have no local contacts to walk me thur it. I succeeded in charging up and programming the Seekers first try.

1) Q one radio came in with version 1.16 and the other with version 1.2 sofetaware. Any one know what the difference is?

I plan to call POLK once htey open today.

Dave
Chaplain US Army Hawaii

strato911

The new version was announced a couple weeks ago as an upgrade to the flaperons feature.

jimw1

My Feedback: (1)

A couple of days ago Captainjohn asked if anyone has flown using the Tracker. The only reply I have seen is from Strato911 telling us that his plane isn't ready yet. From what I've seen on this thread at least five other guys have received their Trackers. Have none of you flown yet? Just curious.

Another question please. What form are the transmitter battery packs? Are they the square packs like used in Hitec or are they flat packs? I am assuming that they are 8 AA 9.6V packs. Also what connector is on the battery pack? Is it a Futaba, JR, Hitec or some other?

Thanks again for your help

Jim

strato911

The Tx and Rx packs are both square packs (8 & 4 cell AA) 900mah NiCd with JR/Hitec connectors, and the TX pack can be cycled within the Tx if desired.

As for the other owners, I have to assume they've got good weather and are therefore not checking RCU to provide updates.

wrecker5

I had my Tracker II.

It is a little bigger than my Futba 6XAs radios and does not have as ergonomic a feel to it.

I think it will just take a little getting used to.

I like that it has a built in scanner, and the freq. can be changed.

I wish the time was displayed so I could see how much time was left, other then that I haven't found any disappointments with the radio, but I haven't had a chance to use it to fly with yet either.

It had the flapperon problem so I was not able to fly with it.

I sent it in to have it reprogrammed and I am expecting it back soon.


Wrecker5

rcdemon61

My Feedback: (7)

I have been using mine, but as with any new piece of equipment in RC I have been taking it slow. I have tested it with a couple of E-park fliers, and E- glider with a Hitec Electron , and the Polk Seeker receiver and it worked great. I took the planes up as far as I could and had no range problems, and no glitches. Pretty good considering all the potential for electric interference. Have not tried it yet in a glow or gas plane. Would of tested it in my Topcat but had the problem with the flaperon set up. It is a real pain to get inside of the wing on this profile plane and start switching wires around to get it to work ,so I think that I won't. I will do the next test in a Piper Super Cruiser, were I'll have room to work. For the time being I only have one day a week to play so progress will be slow, and when will it stop raining anyway. Later Craig

jimw1

My Feedback: (1)

Once again, thank you Dennis for your quick reply.

I didn't intend my question about flying as any sort of criticism. If I offended anyone I am truly sorry. I was just curious. I didn't even think of those of you who had to return your transmitter to have the flaperon fix installed. Now that I think of it that could be the reason that many of you have not had a chance to fly yet.

Jim

strato911

You're welcome Jim. If you happen to catch me while on the computer and I know the answer, you'll often get a reply back from me faster than the manufacturers...

To all the other Tracker owners in this thread - I too must appologise. After re-reading my post, I realized it might be misinterpreted. No offence was intended. I actually hope you DO have good flying weather.

Another thing I was wondering... Polk's Hobbies has removed the SPD failsafe feature because they felt it may be more harmful than useful. What do you think? Should I start a poll?

jimw1

My Feedback: (1)

I just discovered a post on the newsgroup "rec.models.rc.air" entitled "Tracker II/Seaker II First Flight". It is one individual's favorable opinion of the Tracker and how it performs. the author also suggests some things he would like to see included in future versions of the Tracker.


Thought it might be of general interest.

Jim

strato911

Thanks Jim - I don't normally lurk there, but now I had a chance to help John out about his trim memory

strato911

I ran my gas engine again today. The first time since rotating the carb 180°, mounting the engine to my fuselage, and installing the Seeker II. Ground based range checks actually improved?!?!? Must be because I was at a different location.

I AM IMPRESSED!! I was directly underneath High voltage transmission wires. Secured the plane with a stake, and it had no wing. Range test with Tx antenna fully collapsed and engine running was 50 paces, measured at 45° rearward and beside the plane. At 50 paces I still had control (marginal) throughout the throttle curve.

The RPM readings are better than I expected or even hoped for...

25 cc WeedEater® engine (Poulan),
Master Airscrew 15 X 8 prop (for break-in),
no muffler (not uncomfortably loud, but my muffler isn't done yet),
running slightly rich (4-stroking 80% of the time),
ESSO Synthetic oil mixed 40:1

RMP readings fluctuated at 9640 - 11040 !!!!!! :boxing:

With that kind of power, what prop do you recommend next?

jiberk

Short Summary (edit update 5/11.)

Ordered the radio via the internet on 5/1. Called Polk's Hobby on 5/2 to
check shipping option. Canceled the internet order, take a week for the
order to get to Polk's. Reordered the via the phone. Thanks to John Gill
of Polk's Hobby for the help. The Tracker II / Seeker II arrived on
Thursday, 5/8.

The first thing I did after opening the package was to read the manual,
about 24 xeroxed sheets. (This is unusually for me but it really
helped.) To me, the manual looks like a first cut document, spartan.
Hopefully, Polk's will put up an updated manual in pdf format on their
web site. Hint, hint !!

I installed the Seeker II in my old Olympic 20, my radio test airplane.
Used Futaba servos, switch harness and battery pack. I think the
receiver can handle several brands of servos, the cutout for the
connectors on the receiver has a notch for the Futaba tab, look like JR
servos should also work. The receiver has two small holes in the top of
the case labeled SET and LED. The manual does not describe the their
function. The connector plug into the short side of the receiver, NICE.

The transmitter in short, two sticks, six switches, two knobs , six
programming switches and a two line alphanumeric display. I reprogrammed
the transmitter for frequency selection, dual rate switches (elevator,
rudder, ailerons), and servo reverse. The programming took about ten
minutes. I read the manual, I read the manual !!! The programming for
basic functions seems straight forward. The programming section has two
loops, one for RF and one for control functions. When programming the
frequency/modulation section the RF is turned OFF. I tested the scan on
power up, I turned on a tx on the same frequency as the Tracker II, when
I turn on the Tracker II it scanned the frequency, beeped at me and did
not turn on the RF of the Tracker II tx. (Damn, I can't shoot these guys
down anymore, I guess I will have to change frequency.) To my knowledge
this function would have saved a dozen airplane at our field in the last
two years. (I knew Randy was competitive but ...fun fly joke, you had to
be there.)

The frequency selection on the receiver is quite simple, A connector
with a button switch is connected to the receiver. To set the frequency
of the rx, press and hold the button, turn on the rx, turn on the tx
with the antennas within 6 inches of each other, when the channel 1
servo stop moving the receiver is configured. Shut off everything and
remove the button switch. (I think the SET and the LED in the rx will do
the same function.)

Ground range checked with the transmitter antenna collapsed and receiver
antenna pointed at the transmitter. At 200 feet the system worked fine
with no jitter. The test flight was uneventful, I took off, I flew, I
landed and went home with the airplane undamaged, A GOOD DAY.

PROs
-------- Almost everything, I would buy another one, but with a 99
-------- model memory and no more space in the basement ...

-------- I will probably buy Seeker II rxs except when I need a micro
-------- receiver, very nice, good range.
-------- The analog trims are cumulative (edit added 5/11, Thank to
-------- Strato911, I reread the manual.)

-------- Great Value !!!

CONs
-------- Two line alphanumeric LCD display, airplane only described by
-------- number not text. This could be fixed in the firmware(?) as
alternate
-------- model display using the current two line LCD or add a three
-------- line alphanumeric LCD to future systems display. (edit added
5/11.)

-------- Analog trim. I LOVE DIGITAL TRIMS. I shut off the transmitter
-------- and the information is saved. This is a matter of taste,
functionality
-------- and cost. I don't fly with trim, I fly with the sticks and I
trim with
-------- the trims, I don't look down at the trims, I could care less
-------- about the position of the trim level as long as my airplane in
-------- flight is in trim. The pros for analog trims is cost, no
-------- custom LCD. See pros, GREAT VALUE. I LOVE DIGITAL TRIMS !!!

-------- No buddy box / trainer interface. (edit added 5/11.)

-------- Add a compartment to the tx for the Seeker II programming
-------- cable. (edit added 5/11.)

QUESTIONs (edit added 5/11.)
------- What is the current drain on the Tracker II transmitter?

------- What is the current drain on the Seeker II receiver excluding
------- servos?

The above is my opinion, If you don't like it go flame the devil, his
place needs heat.

John Berk

strato911

John - did you know Polk's is currently developing a micro, 4 channel seeker receiver? I think they expect to have it ready later this fall (please don't quote me on that).

I'm glad to see the trims turned out to be cumulative. It seemed that way when I read it.

Do you mean the remote programming switch for the Seeker? It is meant to be installed in the plane so that you don't have to remove the Rx to change channel. If you prefer to remove this switch, there is a small push button on the Rx which does the same thing and you can leave the remote programming switch at home. There is also enough spare room in the battery compartment to tuck it in there if you wish.

Sorry, I haven't measured current drain - I'll see what I can do.

I agree that a larger screen (and alphanumeric model names) would be nice, but that would draw more current, and would also push up the costs. I think for $275 we're more than getting our money's worth.

Mr. Polk told me they are strongly considering a trainer port on the next revision - to late for me. Perhaps they will offer it as a low-cost upgrade.

Hope this helps.

Oh yeah - Welcome to RCU John (though I suspect you've been lurking for awhile).

outssider

My Feedback: (23)

I got my grubby little hands on one of these yesterday at the field. I was helping a friend do a ground check. did not seem to do as well on the ground check with antenna collapsed as other conventional radios. the plane flew fine though and the owner said the radio worked perfectly.

the radio felt a tad bit wider than mine and the sticks quite a bit firmer. I did like the way it felt in my hands though

I have a question....the trims are not digital...how does this work when changing models...does the radio remember the trim for a specific model.....i'm confused

for example if the aileron trim were off toward the right for model #1 and off to the left on model #2 are you going to have to remember to slide the trim in the correct spot for every model

is there a way to zero every model out so you would have all the trims set in the center for every model and the computer remembers the trim??

why didn't polk use digital trims...seems to me if this is the computer radio of the future, it would not have old technology

strato911

My ground based range checks actually exceeded those performed with my Hitec Focus 6.

As for the trims, they are digital, with an analog input (sliders). The trims can be saved (page 17 of the manual), then the trim tabs are re-centered. Each model in memory saves it's individual trim settings.

Spring tension onthe sticks can be adjusted very easily if they are to strong for comfort. The instructions (if you need them) are on page 6 of the manual.

Actually, ALL the inputs (sticks, sliders, and switches) are digital. By entering the undocumented diagnostics mode, I have watched the digital values of each input change as I moved them.

hatman

MR POLK
Will the tracker ll remember all the settings for the aircraft if
you remove the batt ? Or will we have to send them back for an
internal battery replacement ?

Hatman