I am really excited about getting back on the Birds after a 40+ year absence. I've done EME, MS, AU, and all sorts of weak signal stuff on 144Mhz. I've played the DX and contesting on HF. All has been fun, but none except for the EME has given the most happiness than the memories of playing with the birds in the late 70's
Now let me know, I can take this off list if members here want me to, But This excitement is quickly turning into disgust. To the point I'm just about to say screw it and forget about Sat work again.
I am in the need of help with prediction programs.
Man in the late 70's it was the ARRL bulletin with keps etc. and a Oscar Locator.
Now we got ultra cool software programs that all are incredible! Except for me, I can not trust ANY of them. I have been testing several to see what I will make my primary program. BUT...... and there always is a "BUT" isn't there? I can not say what one to "Trust" The four I have installed are... SatLookDown1_28 HRDSatTrack Orbitron SatPC32
Now of course they all use the same computer clock. And it is accurate to less than a tenth of a second.
Each one periodically ask to Up-Date the TLE's and I say "YES" and let them do it all on their own. I change NOTHING on where they get their data.
The run them.
The, SatLookDown1_28 & HRDSatTrack, both agree very closely. Almost to the second.
But the Orbitron, is off, WAY off. like 15 minutes off.
And the SatPC32 is even worse the sat is like 1/2 an orbit off!
Now the ones that agree also match the page
http://www.amsat.org.ar/pass.htm#
So my guess they are the ones showing correct data.
Now what to do about the other two. How can I make them show correct passes?
Remember I can take this off list if no one wants to read about this... Just let me know,
Joe WB9SBD