Once again many enquiries have appeared on the Amsat BBS regarding Satellite Prediction and Tracking software. This prompted me to consider to make repeat of a presentation that I have made previously at the Amsat-UK Colloquium..

My objective is to demonstrate only some of the software available today and thus assist not only beginners, but to promote a discussion outside the areas of the lectures and exchange experiences on the benefits or problems encountered.

In the pioneering days of amateur satellites earlier prediction methods were made using the “ Oscar Locator,” Following with the advent of home computer, software was written by James Miller and other programmers for the BBC , Commodore, Sinclair devices.. Technology has since moved a long way forward especially in computing speeds, graphics and methods of interfacing / handshaking. In addition many radio amateurs now have computers in the home or shack and used for logging and of course connection to the internet As a result this has prompted many programmers to produce further software for satellite prediction, tracking and interfacing to rotators and modern radios.

My presentation time is very limited, so the demonstration will be limited to showing key features of perhaps three of the most popular programmes. A demonstration of the use of hardware interfacing will not be included, however I suggest perhaps a visit to GB4FUN will be of interest to those wishing to see a practical use of tracking and software.

I do not intend to advise which is the best as each one has its own merits and took valuable time by the writers to produce. Some are free and others are commercial, also remember however that some of the writers have kindly donated to Amsat organisations the money raised from the purchase or registration of the software.

Factors to consider

• The computer operating system ie Dos, Windows, Linux etc.
• Whether a simple prediction table is required with a printout.
• Whether graphics are required and interfacing to a rotator.
• The type of interface that the software is written for and the type of port that will used, ie - serial, parallel, USB etc.
• Is a CAT interface needed to control the radio frequency and therefore assist with doppler correction?
• Perhaps a stand-alone system is required such as the LVB Tracker or software for a PDA.

Whatever software is used it will be dependant on the accurate time kept on the system and aslo kepler information being up to date. ( Thanks due to the time and efforts of Amsat, Kepler Element updates are available)

The internet can be used for satellite prediction as an alternative to having software as some web sites provide this information. But do remember – software bought or registered through Amsat organisations provides an income for satellite projects!

Remember times are usually in UTC (GMT) and a correction is needed for your local offset in the set up.

The Following is a list of some of the software etc. available:

Instantrak

DOS based, 8088 and up, graphics require CGA or greater, coprocessor not required but recommended. Very tight code runs on even older PC’s. Shows satellite position over color world map or in sky. Updates Keplerian elements easily with NASA or AMSAT format elements. Background mode allows tracking satellites and controlling antenna rotors while other programs are running. Generates lists of passes for several satellites for one day or one satellite for several days. Recently updated with many new useful features.

Predict

Nova

Pentium or similar processor, 256 or higher color graphics, approximately 12MB hard disk space, Windows 95/98/2000/NT. Realtime tracking of an unlimited number of satellites. Over 150 maps of the Earth, individual continents, the sky, and a “radar display”. AutoTracking support of many available rotor controllers without need for TSRs or DLLs. A commercial product by Northern Lights Software Associates with the proceeds AMSAT receives through its distribution going to benefit the amateur satellite program.

Orbitron

Wisp

SatPC32

A Satellite tracking program for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. A partial list of features include graphical tracking on a world map with two zoom settings. A non-graphical version that interoperates with WiSP. “Observer2” function displays azimuth, elevation, range, and squint angle for a second observer’s location. Also includes Antenna control support and Doppler frequency tuning

Satscape

Sat-Explorer

Fodtrack

Winorbit

Wxsat

Traksat

J Track

STSorbit-Plus

STK

Logsat

LVB Tracker

Some of the software is available via Amsat either on disc or for download and registration. Check with your group.

My appreciation and thanks to the many software writers for their time and valuable donations to Amsat organisations.

Ken Eaton
GW1FKY