POLK'S HOBBY Tracker II

Model Airplane News, Feb 2004 by Aberle, Bob

POLK'S HOBBY Tracker II The ultimate in frequency freedom!

Imagine this: instead of waiting for your RC channel to become available, you simply scan the area to see which channels aren't in use, dial up one of those available channels, synchronize the signal on the receiver, and go fly. You can also scan for nearby channels to avoid possible interference. You aren't daydreaming: with the Polk's Hobby Tracker II radio system, this is a reality. This FM computer 8-channel RC system has a built-in frequency scanner, synthesized transmitter and receiver that can operate on any of the 50 airplane channels on the 72 to 73MHz band. It also has memory storage for up to 99 models. That's right-99! If that isn't enough, the Tracker II also offers a full array of special control features that rival any top-level RC system on the market.

THE SYSTEM

The basic Tracker II system comes with an 8-channel transmitter and the Seeker II receiver, a set of 900mAh Ni-Cd packs for both the transmitter and airborne equipment, a dual-output battery charger and one servo-because Polk's Hobby assumes that most modelers want to select specific servos for their applications. An airborne switch harness and a charging jack have a pushbutton switch that you can mount on the side of your plane's fuselage; this switch plugs into a special receiver port so you can change receiver frequencies without removing the plane's wing. The instruction manual is extremely thorough, well organized and easy to follow. The only surprise was the lack of a frequency flag; it would be nice to have a flag that you could easily change to whichever channel you decide to use.

MENU SYSTEM

The Tracker II's menu is divided into Track 1 and Track 2. When you call up Track 1, the radio doesn't transmit a signal, so you can't interfere with anyone. In Track 1, you can scan all 50 channels or just the channel that the transmitter is currently set on. You can also select a channel number and one of 99 memory positions (note: you can't input the model name). You can also copy data from one memory position to another, select wing mixes and Mode I or II, set a countdown timer, choose cross-trim positions, clear all data back to factory default, and most important, choose positive or negative FM deviation, so you can operate any FM RC receiver on the market.

After you have input your choices or made your selections, you need to push "Model Data Save" (the last item on the menu) before you change to Track 2, the operating mode, or turn the power off. After you've done this, the Tracker II won't lose the information, even if you turn the power off or disconnect a battery pack. It also means that the transmitter doesn't have to go back to the factory for a periodic battery replacement.

Track 2 is the basic operating menu and contains all the control features we have learned to expect from a computer RC transmitter. A series of six pushbuttons allows you to select a portion of the Track 2 menu, then go on to select the specific channel function and input the exact data, such as control throw, that you require. Again, before you move on or turn off the power, you must hit the "Save" function to retain your selections.

SCANNER FUNCTION

Every time you turn on the power, the Tracker II first scans the frequency it was last set to. "Scanning" appears on the LED screen, and it is quickly followed by "RF OK-Wait," and then the normal display shows the operating channel number, corresponding frequency, model-memory number and the operating voltage.

In the Track 1 menu, you can switch the scanning function from manual to automatic, so the scanner will look at each aircraft RC channel and will flash and beep if that channel is in use or being interfered with. Just select a clear channel, and attach the frequency pin for that channel to the antenna to let everyone else know that your channel is in use.

SEEKER FUNCTION

Besides being able to use any receiver with the Tracker II transmitter, you can use any FM transmitter to operate the Seeker II receiver. After it has locked on, the Seeker II will stay on that channel even after the power has been turned off and the battery has been removed. It's easy to set up; just plug the "Set" button cable into a port on the receiver, then hold down the "Set" button while you turn on the receiver power. The servo that's plugged into Channel 1 will begin to move back and forth. Turn on the transmitter with the antenna fully extended, and place the antenna within 2 to 6 inches of the Seeker II's antenna. When the servo stops moving in a few seconds, the receiver will be locked onto that transmitter frequency. To change to another transmitter frequency, just repeat the process. Keep in mind that when you change the receiver's frequency at the field, the transmitter is broadcasting a signal. Common sense must prevail in this situation!

SUMMARY

There is a lot to consider with this Tracker II RC system. You get a synthesized FM transmitter that can operate on all 50 RC aircraft channels and a built-in scanner that can tell you whether a channel is already in use. Because you can choose positive or negative FM deviation, you can operate any FM RC receiver with the Tracker II transmitter, and you can also use the Seeker II synthesized receiver with any other FM transmitter. This system also has 99-model memory and all the features you would expect from a computer radio. Best of all, this entire system (transmitter, receiver, battery charger and one servo) costs approximately $275-a small price to pay for never having to wait for a frequency pin!