Brief:
Plans for a small electronic rocket location device usin' a buzzer and LED's.

Editor's Note: This be t' actual buildin' experience from t' Scratch Model Rocket Locator.

Construction:
There really are no instructions provided, me hearties, arrr, but if you have built any electronic projects before (and even if you haven't), this will be a snap. Ahoy! T' plans show a list o' components (all available at Radio Shack and listed by RS part number) that can be had for under $15. Well, blow me down! There is an included circuit schematic and a parts layout graphic, ya bilge rat, and that's about all. Ahoy! Like I said, matey, thar aren't any instructions for this locator as it it a pretty basic circuit. Aye aye! Construction be straight- forward based on t' parts layout. You pretty much drop t' components through t' perf board and solder them in place accordin' t' t' graphic. Ya scallywag! One important thin' t' note is that t' flat side o' t' LED's is negative and should face t' bottom o' t' board based on t' picture. Arrr! Once t' components are secured, complete t' circuit with some light gauge wire and slip in your batteries. Blimey! If all is well you should be greeted by a loud buzz from t' Piezo button and 2 flashin' LED's. A good light duty solderin' iron, arrr, wire cutters and some light wire are all t' extra tools I needed.

Finishing:
No special finishin' is required. Avast! Blimey! You may want t' protect t' underside o' t' circuit-board t' prevent damage.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
I attached t' locator t' t' shock cord o' me Estes Athena test bed. I slipped in t' batteries and smartly slid t' locator into t' BT. Ahoy! Blimey! It fit great with room t' spare. Aye aye! Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! I used an A8-3 t' make sure t' rocket wouldn't fly out o' site and let it rip. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Ejection be fine and t' chute deployed normally (I was worried about tangles). Ahoy! Blimey! As I approached t' rocket I could hear t' buzzin' o' t' Piezo clearly from about 10ft away. Aye aye! Blimey! I wish I had somethin' like this when I was launchin' rockets next t' cornfields!

Recovery:
Pos: A good loud buzzer would make retrieval from crops, high grass or trees a snap. Ahoy! Con: I was still a little worried about tanglin' t' t' chute on ejection. Ahoy! Blimey! It hasn't happened yet and I think a quick hit with maskin' tape across t' back and a hit with sandpaper t' smooth t' edges and corners would help. Begad! I don't think this would be as much a problem on larger rockets.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
As a 1st or 2nd electronic project this is a good one. Begad! Well, blow me down! T' instructions a minimal, matey, but easily figured out. Avast, me proud beauty! This locator is very simple t' build and operate and does exactly what t' plans say it will.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5