Sentera PHX™ FAQs - I'd like to protect my drone investment with a location tracker, what do you recommend

Sentera PHX™ FAQs - I'd like to protect my drone investment with a location tracker, what do you recommend?

There are many small tracking devices on the market.  There are generally two categories:

1. GPS & Mobile Phone Network Based Trackers:

GPS mobile network based trackers have been found to be a valuable tool in searching for a lost drone. Once the mobile device establishes a network connection, the GPS receiver located in the tracking device communicates its location to the mobile device within a few meters of accuracy in most cases. These trackers offer a streamlined solution as no additional equipment is required apart from a mobile device and a tracking device planted in the drone.

2. Digital Radio Beacon:

Digital radio beacons utilize connections between bluetooth transmitters and the receivers located in mobile devices. This bluetooth connection is used to trigger beepers, view connection status, and track locations. In general, bluetooth devices operate on a frequency which does not lend itself to effectively penetrating through thick brush and crop. No additional equipment is needed outside of the bluetooth transmitter and mobile device.

3. Analog Radio Beacon

Radio beacon trackers are much lower tech compared to GPS trackers, but in many ways are much more reliable, especially in agricultural settings. Radio beacons typically operate on a frequency that can much more easily penetrate dense crops (compared to GPS and mobile device frequencies).  This makes finding the signal from your drone much more likely with a radio beacon system. The additional equipment however (radio transmitter and bulky receiver) can be a nuisance in some agricultural settings.

Recommended Solutions

  1. GPS & Mobile Network Based Tracker - Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs

Tractive is a subscription based service which offers a variety of packages. When powered on, the Tractive device produces a live updating GPS location within the Tractive app.

  1. Digital Radio Beacon - Tile Pro (2022)

Tile does not require a subscription for standard use. Once a bluetooth connection is established between the Tile and mobile device, the Tile’s audible beeper and connection status indicator can be accessed from Tile’s mobile app. The initial bluetooth connection can usually be expected within 20 - 160 ft from the transmitter depending on the density of obstructions.

  1. Analog Radio Beacon - Marshall Radio Transmitter and Receiver

The Marshall Radio transmitter and receivers are a subscription free service. This one time purchase offers a reliable solution to finding a lost drone. No network enabled mobile device is required.

How Does it Work

  1. Tractive Paired with Tile

In the event of a lost drone, use the Tractive GPS location to navigate to the general crash location, then use the Tile’s beeper and connection status indicator to aid in the short range search. The Tractive device needs to be powered on/off for each use and has a couple days of battery life. The Tile is a set it and forget it device. No need to power on/off for use and has roughly a year of battery life. 

  1. Analog Radio and Beacon

The radio transmitter will broadcast a "ping" or "beep" every second or so.  The tracking receiver with a directional antenna tracker will pick up these pings as an audible beep.  Beeps will get stronger as it gets closer to the beacon.

Note: In order to not interfere with the electronic systems and sensors on your drone it's important to install a tracking device that has been tested and recommended by your drone's manufacturer.


Sentera has tested and recommends the following products:  

  • Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs

  • Tile Pro (2022)

  • Receiver: Marshall Radio FM100 216 MHz

  • Transmitter: Marshall Radio PowerMax 216 MHz

These products are available directly from the following links:

Tractive: https://tractive.com/en/pd/gps-tracker-dog?edition=cafe

Tile: https://www.tile.com/product/black-pro-premium

Receiver/ Transmitter: https://marshallradio.com/ww/product-category/transmitters/



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