I agree that there is plenty of room to improve SatPC 32. Only being able to track 12 satellites per group is a limitation. Modifying the files is not difficult in my opinion, but automated downloads like the keps would be an improvement. I remember the days of manual keps input. I can't remember the last time SatPC 32 had an update.
I use SatPC 32 to automate my station radio and rotors. Works very well.
For pass planning and announcement I use HRD Satellite Tracking and MacDoppler. These programs have a much better graphical interface. To bad the HRD Satellite Tracker does not work well for station automation. MacDoppler works well for station integration but my shack computer is a Windows box.
Does AMSAT own the code to SatPC32 or would a group of programmers need to start from scratch?
Frank K6FW
On 2/3/18 10:03 PM, Les Rayburn wrote:
Actually Paul, I have to disagree with your comments.
It would be best if either SatPC32 was reprogrammed to allow for seamless and automatic updates when new satellites are launch, or if someone would write a completely new piece of software with this capability.
SatPC32 may be the best available (I think it is after trying them all) but it’s hardly a user-friendly piece of software. Amateur satellite communications offers one of the most cutting edge areas of our hobby, but the premiere software package available doesn’t begin to compare to things like WSJT, CWSkimmer, or other software tools that we have available.
I’d rather have AMSAT fund one less satellite and instead funnel those resources towards the development of a satellite tracking and rig control software that performs better.
Maybe we should start a crowd-sourcing project.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf
Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA.
Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR2, SDRPlay RSP-2 Pro, Sony XDR-F1HD, Dennon TU-1500RD, Sangean HDT-1, Ray Dees RDS Decoders, Korner 9.2 Antenna, FM-6 Antenna, Quantum Phaser, Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip.
“Nothing but blues and Elvis, and somebody else’s favorite song…”
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb