Hey Jerry and welcome to the birds,
I've been more of a listener than a user for the past few years with a few flurries of activity. I am getting active again myself.
I own an Arrow to be used with the D7 or VX-8 but that has been mostly procrastination to date.
As to software, I have tried all the free packages and all are relatively decent. I used, and registered, SatPC32 for the most part and found it very good. I particularly like the fact that it will drive multiple radio types, e.g. an FT-817 and an IC-706Mk2g, or any combination of the typical DC-daylight multi-modes available today. The learning curve was a tad long for me but that may just be me. All apps have their quirks and nuances. Since I have bailed from all things Windows wherever possible, I now use MacDoppler and really like it though it will not drive the multi-mode HF/V/U radios as does SatPC32. Both MacDoppler and SatPC32 licenses are available at AMSAT for a discount.
That said. The tracking software one uses depends largely upon equipment. If you are planning to use AZ/EL rotors you need a package that includes the rotor drivers for your controller. None of them work with all rotor controllers. If you plan the hand-held antenna/ HT route you may only need something like PocketSat+, an older Windows Mobile app that displays tracks only. It works well in my smartphone and other hand-held computers.
Len Revelle N9IJ n9ij@comcast.net
On Apr 19, 2009, at 7:45 AM, n3tl@bellsouth.net wrote:
Hey Jerry,
There are a number of software packages available that will allow you to connect one or two radios to your computer and provide Doppler-tuning through the program.