This program is built with many user friendly features that make using it simple. Among them are:
uncomplicated
"pull-down"
menuing
system
"windows"
based
screen
display
Mouse
Awareness
Dialog
Boxes
Message
Boxes
program
Status
simple-to-use
informative
system
Each of these features provide the means to get the information to you simply and to allow you to enter information efficiently and effortlessly.
To get information on any of the specific topics shown, just press the Tab key until the desired topic is highlighted, and then press the ENTER key. You may also move the mouse cursor to the item for which you want
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Using A Mouse
The user interface is made simple and powerful by the use of a mouse. The mouse provides the mechanism to rapidly point to something on the screen and tell the program to perform certain operations.
When the mouse is available to use, (by having the proper mouse driver installed and the mouse connected properly) a rectangular square will be visible on the screen. This rectangle is called the "mouse cursor" and moves around on the screen as you move your mouse. Moving this mouse cursor to the points of interest on the screen is your way of telling the program what you are interested in. Pressing the left mouse button tells the program to do something, depending on what is visible on the screen and where the mouse cursor is when you press the button. Other areas of the on-line help describe what will happen when you use the mouse in particular ways with particular things on the screen.
Throughout the program documentation and these help screens you will see references to the use of the mouse, but may not refer specifically to the mouse cursor or the buttons on the mouse. Instead, you will be told to " click on ...". This always means to position the mouse cursor to the ( whatever it is) on the screen by moving the mouse until it is on top of the item of interest, then press the LEFT mouse button. This is the major method of using the mouse to interact with the program. #
See also double
clicking
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Using the MENU system.
The menu system provides a convenient and simple way to get to each of the different options available. Please note that the menu system is only available when there's nothing else happening in the program. For example, if you are in the middle of editing something, the menu system won't work because non of the main menu options are available to use. You must be completed with any of the main menu options available before selecting another one. [
There are a number of ways to access the options in the menu system. Let's explore them:
Shortcut Keys
First of all, notice that each of the options at the top of the screen has one of its letters displayed in a different color. That letter is known as the "shortcut" letter. This letter is kind of a "hot" letter which will access that particular option when you use the ALT key along with that shortcut letter. For example, to access the Edit option, you would press the ALT key at the same time you press the E key. This will open up the Edit sub-menu with all of its options.
F10 Key !
By pressing the F10 key you gain access to all of the main menu options shown on the top line of the screen. One of the options shown will become highlighted. To access that option, just press the RETURN key. You will then see the sub-menu options that are available from that option.
If however, you desired to access one of the other options, you may use the left or right arrow keys to change the highlighted option. You may also press the shortcut key as described above.
Once you have the sub-menu options displayed, you may again press the appropriate shortcut key to select the desired option. You may also use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the option and then press the RETURN key to select it.
Mouse o
Finally, you can simply click the left mouse button while the mouse cursor is on top of the desired option.
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Working with the Windows.
All of the work done in this program is done in one form of window or another. Windows (not to be confused with Microsoft Windows (R)) have a few features in common which make them easy to work with, such as the ability to be moved around on the screen and closed. Some, such as the help window, are resizable. *
Windows are simply boxes on the screen which contain groups of related information. They have a double line frame around them and usually show a shadow over any window or text beneath them. This gives a visual effect which is pleasing to the eye and organizes information into easy-to-use chunks. #
A typical window looks like this: x
Close Zoom
box box
V V
Title Bar
^
Scroll Bars
Closing Windows 9
Closing a window means to stop doing whatever the window was doing and make it disappear from the screen. Most windows can be closed by clicking the left mouse button while the mouse cursor is on the little block positioned at the upper left corner of the window frame ( seen as the " close box" in the above diagram). A window can also be closed by pressing the ESC key or one of the other buttons in the window \ ( such as the Done or Cancel buttons, as covered in more detail below). Some windows are designed not to be closeable since it is important for proper operation of the program to remain open, such as they have information which is important to remain displayed (such as the Print Manager message box). These will not have the close box displayed in the upper left hand corner of the window frame.
Moving Windows M
Most windows are designed so that you can move them around on the screen. This is done with the mouse. To move a window, just position the mouse cursor some- where along the top frame of the window (not on the close block though) and press AND HOLD the left mouse button down. While holding it down, move the mouse. The window will move with the mouse. When it is in the desired position, release the left button. In most cases moving windows is not necessary, but there may be some situations where you wish to see what was on the underneath window and this will enable you to do this.
Resizing Windows
Most of the windows used in this program are not resizeable, since it would not make sense to do so. But at least in the case of the help window, resizing is sometimes helpful, since the help system is basically a text display system and some of the text displays are wider than the standard help window. You can tell if a window is resizable or not by looking for a little up arrow in the upper right corner of the window frame (seen as the "zoom box" in the above diagram). This is your clue that the window can be resized. You can make the window full screen size by clicking on that arrow. If you desire to again make it the original smaller size, just click on the double arrow which shows in the same spot. You can also custom size it by positioning the mouse cursor on the very lower right corner of the window (
) and then pressing AND HOLDING the left mouse button. Then as you move the mouse, the window size will follow. When the window is the desired size, release the mouse button.
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Working with Dialog Boxes
Dialog boxes are simply specialized types of windows used to display and input information. A dialog box consists of a variety of different parts which make this possible. These parts include:
Buttons
Input
lines
Pick
Lines
Static
Labels
Scroll
List
Boxes
Radio
Buttons
Check
Boxes
Each of these items, when used in a dialog box, can be selected for use by one of several methods. {
One method is to click on the item with the left mouse button when the mouse cursor is positioned somewhere on the item.
Each item shown in a dialog box has a label associated with it. You will notice that there is a different colored letter within the label. This is the shortcut letter. You can select a desired item by pressing either ALT and the shortcut letter or the letter alone. You will need to use the ALT key with a shortcut letter if you have something that is expecting regular letters to be inputted (such as an input line).
Finally, you can select different items in a dialog box by pressing the TAB key or the SHIFT and TAB keys. This will step the focus (item of interest or the one that will operate with the RETURN key) from one item to the next in the dialog box. f
Once the item desired is highlighted by using one of these methods, you are ready to use that item.
NOTE: You may be tempted to press the RETURN key when you are done entering information into an input line or using one of the other items in a dialog box. This will probably result in more than you expected. Not only will you be indicating to the program that you are done inputting this line, but you will also be indicating to the program that you wish to take the default action defined by one of the buttons in the dialog box (see buttons for information on what default actions are). In some cases this may be to Edit whatever is selected. In other cases, it will be to indicate that you are done with the dialog box and it will close on you because the default button was the DONE button.
Summary: Don't press the RETURN key unless you want to perform the default action of the dialog box. This is probably the biggest difference between the way the windows and dialog boxes work in this program and the way older programs worked.
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Buttons
Buttons are used primarily to allow you to tell the program to do some pre- programmed action, such as Edit, Delete, Scale, Convert or something. Each button consists of a small box with a text label on it and a shadow around it. In each dialog box, there is usually one "default" button and other " normal" buttons. A default button is one which is automatically selected when you press the RETURN key if you have not selected some other button.
Like the menu and other parts of the program, buttons can be selected (highlighted) by any of the three methods described above (Shortcut key, TAB, or mouse).
To "press" a button, you can press the ALT key along with the shortcut key shown on the button. You can press RETURN with the appropriate button selelcted. Finally, you can position the mouse cursor on the button and press the left mouse button. Notice that as you press and hold the mouse button, the screen button "shadow" goes away, along with its position shifting to the right, giving the effect of having depressed it. When the mouse button is released, the button action will take effect. If you have pressed a button and have not yet released the mouse button, and for some reason do not wish to continue with that action, you can move the mouse cursor off of the button BEFORE RELEASING THE MOUSE BUTTON. This will cancel the button press.
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Input Lines
Input lines are used to allow you to enter information directly from the keyboard. If an input line is selected and there is existing information, it will be displayed as "selected text". This means that if you press any key except the HOME, END, left arrow, or right arrow, the existing text will be deleted and you will be able to reenter new information from scratch.
If, however, you wish to just edit what is there, just move the cursor with the arrow keys to the point you wish to edit. You will notice that the color changes to the normal text color and you can now add to or delete characters from what is there.
In some cases, the length of the information you can enter into an input line will be longer than the box displayed on the screen. When this occurs, an arrow will appear at either end of the input box indicating the information in the box is longer than the what is displayed. If you position the mouse cursor on the arrow and press the left mouse button, the text will scroll across the box. You may also use either the left or right arrow keys to position the cursor to the proper point in the text to continue editing.
When you are done using an input line, you can move to the next one by one of the three methods described in Working
Dialogs (shortcut keys, TAB or mouse).
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Static Text
Static Text is simply text that does not have any "action" attached to it and is used to just display information in the dialog box.
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Labels
Labels are used to make it possible to select various items in a dialog box for use. For example, Input Lines (described above) usually have a label associated with them. Within the label is the shortcut key which can be used to select the desired input line for use. The label can also be used to select the desired item with the other two selection methods (TAB key and the mouse).
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Scroll Bars
Scroll bars are devices used to allow you select or identify one item out of many. Sometimes it is used to change a value of some piece of information. A scroll bar is made up of three basic parts: the slider bar, the slider, and the direction arrows.
They will look something like this:
Slider
Slider Bar
Direction Arrow
The direction arrows are attached to each end of the slider bar, and the slider moves along the slider bar. h
There are several ways to move the slider (and thus control the item the scroll bar is attached to).
One way is to use the arrow keys (up and down for vertical scroll bars, and left and right for horizontal scroll bars). Holding the CTRL key down while pressing an arrow key will make the slider move in larger increments. L
You may also move the slider by positioning the mouse cursor on one of the direction arrows at the ends of the scroll bar and pressing the left mouse button. The slider will move in the direction selected (and will change the associated item). Release the mouse button when the slider and information is in the desired position.
If you position the mouse cursor on the slider bar (between the slider and the direction arrow) and press the left mouse button the slider will move in greater increments (the same as pressing the CTRL and arrow keys).
You may manually position the slider by positioning the mouse cursor on the slider and while PRESSING AND HOLDING the left mouse button, moving the mouse (and thus the slider) to the desired position and then releasing the mouse button.
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Pick Lines
Pick lines are a special kind of input
lines. They look somewhat like an input line in that it contains text and has an associated label. Once selected and activated (by pressing any key) however, an additional feature is revealed, which is a list
box. This list box contains all of the choices available to be placed into the associated input line.
Instead of typing the information directly into the input line, you select from the list box. The list box closes when you select the desired item from the list or press ESC or click on the close box (
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List Boxes
A list box is a box that contains a list of items, usually sorted, which are used to select one of the items within the list. The list box is "smart" and has several methods available to make it simple to select one of the items in the list.
One of these methods is to use the scroll
bar associated with the list. Moving the slider will change the selected item in the list.
Another one method is to use the up and down arrow keys or the HOME or END keys. HOME will select the top item in the list. END will select the last item in the list.
You may also just type the letters in the item that you wish to find. For example, suppose the list is a list of recipe ingredients, and contains the following items: =
Apples
Bread
Butter
Eggs
Milk
Yogurt
If you press the 'b' key (either upper or lower case, it doesn't matter) the 'Bread' entry will be highlighted. The cursor will be underneath the 'r' in 'Bread', indicating that it is waiting for the second letter to be pressed. If you press the 'u' key, the 'Butter' entry will be highlighted. So you can see that you can get to the desired item very quickly just by pressing a few keys. Once the desired item is highlighted, you can select it by pressing the Return key or the appropriate dialog box button. This technique works for any item in the list, whether visible or not.
Finally, you can select an item that is visible in the list box by moving the mouse cursor somewhere on the line that contains the desired item and double
clicking with the mouse.
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Double Clicking
This is a way of using the mouse to indicate to the program that you wish to both select and activate whatever item it is on (if that item understands double clicks). This is done by rapidly pressing the left mouse button twice. Just what "rapidly" means depends on your computer and can be determined by experimentation. Double clicking works on some data entry lines (those that bring up selection list
boxes and in the list boxes themselves.
See Also Using
Mouse
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Radio Buttons
Radio Buttons are devices organized as short lists of text items with parentheses () next to them. A group of radio buttons is known as a "cluster." They act together. Within one cluster of radio buttons, only one of the buttons can (and will) be selected. For example, suppose the following choices of ice cream were available: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cherry. A radio button cluster with those choices would look like this: [
( ) Vanilla
( ) Chocolate
(
) Strawberry
( ) Cherry
Your choice of ice cream would be one of those. Your selection would be represented by a . in one of the boxes.
If you change your mind, and select Chocolate, the (
) by Strawberry would be removed and the (
) would appear next to Chocolate. Z
( ) Vanilla
(
) Chocolate
( ) Strawberry
( ) Cherry
To change selections, you can click on the desired choice with the mouse, or pressing the appropriate shortcut key.
Remember that radio button clusters have a label associated with them which makes it possible to select it before working on it. Pressing the ALT key along with the shortcut key will also work.
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Check Boxes
Check Boxes work exactly like radio
buttons except that you may select any, all, or none of the items in the cluster. Check boxes look like this: M
[ ] Vanilla
[X] Chocolate
[X] Strawberry
[ ] Cherry
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Working with Message Boxes
Message Boxes are used simply to advise you of some condition which needs attention or to inform you of some situation which has occurred and needs a decision made. Usually a message box will have several simple buttons associated with it. Those buttons could be YES, NO, OK, or Cancel. These buttons are usually provided for your response to a question stated in the box.
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Program Status Line.
The program status line is the very bottom line of the screen and presents brief help messages or a few available hot keys. This is a method of providing just a bit more information to you as you are working in order to provide a good understanding of what is happening or where you are in the program.
Hot keys may be used by either pressing the displayed key, or clicking on the item with the mouse, or using the shortcut key shown.
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Using the HELP system.
The help system is designed to get you the help you need on whatever topic you wish. The help system takes you directly to the topic of interest just by pressing the F1 key from wherever you are in the program. If there are related topics which might be of interest to you, the help system provides the means to easily jump to that topic and see that information. 4
To get help, just press the F1 key. Appropriate information will be given for the topic you are on. If there is no specific topic to be addressed (such as from the opening screen), the main Table of Contents will be presented, from which you may select any of the topics listed for further information. C
The help will appear in a window in the middle of the screen. Most of the text will wrap around in the window so all of it is visible. Some specially formatted text may be outside the window. In this case, just use the scroll bars at the bottom or right side of the help window to scroll the text until it is visible.
You may also make the help screen appear full size by moving the mouse cursor to the little up-arrow positioned on the frame in the upper right hand corner of the help window and clicking the left mouse button.
When you are done with the help, it can be removed by simply pressing the ESC key or clicking the left mouse button while the mouse cursor is on the little block (
) positioned at the upper left of the window. I
To view the next highlighted topic in a help window (one that is a different color than the rest of the text) just press the TAB key or the SHIFT and TAB keys to make the desired topic highlighted. When it is, just press the RETURN key. You may also select a desired topic by double-clicking on it with the left mouse button.
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Quit Without Saving Changes?
This simple message box warns you that if you press the YES button, you will exit this dialog box and will LOSE all the changes you have made (if any). If this is ok, press the YES button. If you do not wish to lose the changes you may have made, press the NO button or the ESC key. 3
See Buttons for information on how buttons work.
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BE CAREFUL!
The items you have chosen to edit are fundamental to the workings of this program. If you proceed, it is possible to change/delete items which will reduce the accuracy and/or flexibility of this program's operation. These are items which the new/casual/basic user should NOT need to change!
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Low Memory
This usually occurs when your system does not have the required amount of memory available. This program requires 640K of conventional memory be installed in your system. If that is the case and you still get this message, you will need to remove any TSR's or extra device drivers that you may have running. If you are using an MS-DOS version earlier than 5.0 or DR-DOS version earlier than 5.0, you are not utilizing the memory you have as well as could be possible.
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Delete This Item?
This simple message box warns you that if you press the YES button (or the RETURN key), you will delete the selected item. Press the Cancel button or press the ESC key to avoid deleting this item. 3
See Buttons for information on how buttons work.
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Field Cannot Be Empty!
This simple message box tells you that the field selected must not be empty (have no text in it). You must enter something! I
Press the OK button to fix it. (The ESC and RETURN keys will work too.) 3
See Buttons for information on how buttons work.
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Number must be between ___ and ___.
This simple message box tells you that the selected input line has a number in it that is not within the numbers shown. You must go back and correct this. I
Why? Because nasty things will happen to your information if you don't. (
Remember...Garbage in = Garbage out!
Press the OK button to fix it. (The ESC and RETURN keys will work too.) 3
See Buttons for information on how buttons work.
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Start Date Later Than End Date
This simple message box tells you that between the two dates selected, you have chosen a start date that is later than the end date. (That's no way to try to buy some time!) I
Press the OK button to fix it. (The ESC and RETURN keys will work too.) 3
See Buttons for information on how buttons work.
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Select A File
The File Select Box dialog box contains:
an input box with a history list
a list box to browse the directory
the standard Cancel button
Open action button
an information panel that describes the
selected file
You may exit the File Open command by pressing the ESC key or clicking the mouse on the CANCEL button.
Name Input Box
Name
The Name input box is where you enter the name of the file to load, or the file-name mask to use as a filter for the Files list box (for example, *.*).
A valid filename consists of a drive letter followed by a colon, a subdirectory name(s), a filename (8 characters or less), and an extension ( a dot followed by up to 3 letters). For example:
c:\mc\data\cardfile.prt
Extension
Filename
subdirectory
Drive Letter
WARNING: %
DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING FILENAMES: <
CON AUX COM1 COM2 COM3 COM4 PRN LPT1 LPT2 LPT3 NUL CLOCK$
DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING EXTENSIONS: /
.EXE .$$$ .BAK .BAS .BAT .COM .CPI .EXE .SYS
DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS IN FILENAMES OR EXTENSIONS: ?
< > = , ; : . ? [ ] ( ) / \ + * (except as described below)
If you enter *.*, then all files in the current directory will be shown in the Files box below.
Files List Box
Files
FILENM01.DOC
FILENM09.DOC
FILENM02.DOC
FILENM10.DOC
FILENM03.DOC
FILENM11.DOC
FILENM04.DOC
FILENM12.DOC
FILENM05.DOC
..
FILENM06.DOC
\MOREFILE
FILENM07.DOC
\DATA
FILENM08.DOC
\DOCUMENT
The Files list box lists the names of files in the current directory that match the file-name mask in the Name input box, plus the parent directory and all subdirectories.
File Information Panel
C:\SE\FILES\*.DOC
HELLO.DOC 1432 Jan 11,1991 12:32pm
The File information panel shows the path name, file name, date, time, and size of the selected file. k
None of the items on this information panel are selectable. They are there for information purposes only.
Available Buttons: +
[ Open ]
The Open button picks the highlighted file and places the full path and filename in the filename line. 1
[ Cancel ]
If you choose Cancel, nothing changes and no action occurs, and the dialog box is put away. M
(Esc always cancels a dialog box, even if a Cancel button does not appear.)
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Select Path
The Select Path dialog box consists of an input box, a list box, the standard Select, Chdir, and Cancel.
Directory Name Box
Directory Name
The Directory Name input box is where you type in the path of the new directory.
Directory Tree List Box
Directory Tree
Drives
C:\
DOS
UTILITITES
The Directory Tree list box enables you to navigate directories by using the selecting bar and pressing Enter.
Available Buttons:
[Select]
The Select button exits the dialog box with the new path that is currently showing in the Directory Name input box. ,
[Chdir ]
The Chdir button puts the path that is highlighted in the Directory Tree list box into the Directory Name input box. ,
[Cancel]
The Cancel exits the dialog box without making any changes to the data path.
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Change Directory
The Change Directory dialog box consists of an input box, a list box, the standard OK and Help buttons, and two other buttons (Chdir and Revert). |
Directory Name
The Directory Name input box is where you type in the path of the new directory.
Directory Tree
Drives
C:\
TP
TVISION
The Directory Tree list box enables you to navigate directories by using the selecting bar and pressing Enter.
If you're using the keyboard, press Enter to make the selected directory the current directory, then choose OK or press Esc to exit the dialog box. +
[Chdir ]
The Chdir button changes the current directory once you've selected or typed in a directory name. +
[Revert]
The Revert button goes back to the previous directory, as long as you haven't yet exited the dialog box.
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Calendar
The calendar is a visual method of selecting a date. Much confusion is avoided by allowing you to look at a standard calendar display and simply pick the desired date, rather than have you type a date in and hope that you did it in the right format. P
With the calendar method you have no doubt as to what day you are selecting. m
The calendar appears as a box with the current month in the upper left-hand corner, followed by the year. X
Below that are the names of the days of the week, followed by the days of the month.
One of those days will appear in a different color or shade of gray, which will denote the currently selected day of the month.
To change the currently selected date, you have a number of methods available, depending on whether you use the keyboard or the mouse. +
USING THE KEYBOARD
------------------
Changing the Year: f
Pressing the CTRL key along with the PAGE DOWN key will cause the current year to decrease by one. c
Pressing the CTRL key along with the PAGE UP key will cause the current year to increase by one.
Changing the month:
The PAGE DOWN key will cause the PREVIOUS month to be displayed. If the current month is January when the PAGE DOWN key is pressed, the month will change to December of the previous year.
The PAGE UP key will cause the NEXT month to be displayed. If the current month is December when the PAGE UP key is pressed, the month will change to January of the next year.
Changing the Week:
UP ARROW will cause the currently selected day to move to the same day of the PREVIOUS week. If that is not possible within the current month, then the 1st of the month will be selected.
DOWN ARROW will cause the currently selected day to move to the same day of the NEXT week. If that is not possible within the current month, then the last day of the month will be selected.
Changing the Day:
RIGHT ARROW will cause the currently selected day to move to the next day. If that is not possible within the current month, the current day will move to the 1st of the month.
LEFT ARROW will cause the currently selected day to move to the previous day. If that is not possible withing the current month, the current day will move to the last day of the month.
Summary:
CTRL-PGDOWN = Previous Year
CTRL-PGUP = Next Year
PGDOWN = Previous Month
PGUP = Next Month
UP ARROW = Previous Week
DN ARROW = Next Week
LEFT ARROW = Previous Day
RIGHT ARROW = Next Day
Finishing up:
When the desired date is highlighted, press the RETURN key or the ESC key. Pressing the RETURN key will select the highlighted day. Pressing the ESC key will NOT select any date from the calendar. &
USING THE MOUSE
---------------
Changing the Month/Year:
Next to the year display at the top of the calendar box are two triangle shaped characters, one pointing up, and one pointing down. $
Clicking the left mouse button on the triangle pointing UP causes the current month to move to the next month. If the current month is December, the next month displayed will be January of the next year. Holding the left mouse button down will cause the months to continuously increase. .
Clicking the left mouse button on the triangle pointing DOWN causes the current month to move to the previous month. If the current month is January, the next month displayed will be December of the previous year. Holding the left mouse button down will cause the months to continuously decrease.
Changing the Day:
Just move the mouse button to the desired day of the month and click the left mouse button on it. That day will become highlighted.
Summary:
Click on DOWN triangle = Previous month/year
Click on UP triangle = Next month/year
Click on desired day = Current day of month
Finishing up:
When the desired date is highlighted, press the close box (
) located in the upper left hand corner of the calendar box.
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Configure Screen Colors
The Colors dialog box consists of two list boxes, a text display area, the standard OK, Cancel, and Help buttons, and one of the following:
On color and black-and-white systems, it
also contains two color palettes.
On monochrome systems, it contains a set
of radio buttons instead of the palettes.
This dialog box is where you can change the colors of different parts of this program.
Group
Background
Menus
Editor
Dialogs
Help Window
The Group list box contains the names of the different regions of the program that you can customize. L
Item
Color
When you select a group from the Group list, the Item list box displays the names of the different views in that region.
Foreground
Background
On color and black-and-white systems, you use the Foreground and Background palettes to modify colors.
Colors
) Mono low
( ) Mono high
( ) Mono underscore
( ) Mono inverse
On monochrome systems, you use the Colors set of radio buttons to modify the character attributes. Q
Text Text Text
Text Text Text
On all systems, the display text (above the Help button) shows the current color or attribute settings. S
Changes do not take effect until you close the Colors dialog box by choosing OK.
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Graphics Tracking k
The graphics tracking mode in PC-Track provides the ability to track all active satellites in real time or non-real time with either a 3 dimensional perspective view from space or on a mercator projection world map. Also available are two ground site displays for the primary and secondary sites, and possibly an Azimuth-Elevation-Range (AER) data window.
All items shown in the various graphics tracking mode windows can be enabled or disabled and can be displayed in any of 16 colors.The following is a description of each of the major display windows available in graphics tracking.
Main Track Window
This window takes up most of the screen, showing the earth in either a 3D perspective view or a mercator projection flat map view. Several Function keys provide user access to control commands that allow changes to be made to most of the visual aspects of the display.
F1 : Help
Pressing the F1 key opens a help window which shows all of the available functions available while tracking. To close this window, press any key.
F2 : Realtime On/Off
Pressing the F2 key will toggle the tracking mode between realtime and non-realtime. Realtime will be evident by the fact that most satellites will appear to stand still, and the date/time window will not have an Interval value showing.
F3 : Select Globe View R
Pressing the F3 key will open the Globe Selection window in the middle of the screen. Within this window will be a list of available globe views. Press the up and down arrow keys to move up or down in the list. When Pressing RETURN will accept the new viewpoint and will redraw the main track window view to reflect the new viewpoint.
F4 : Projection Mode
Pressing this key will toggle the main track window projection mode between the 3D perspective and mercator projection. The mercator projection displays the entire world on a flat map. The 3D perspective shows the ECF view according to the current viewpoint.
3D Projection K
In 3D mode the earth is shown in an Earth Centered Fixed (ECF) view from a user dermined viewpoint in space. The ECF view shows the earth as it would look high over a particular point on the earth. With this viewing method, the earth appears to remain fixed, with all the satellites moving around the earth. Satellites in orbit, while actually revolving through nearly the same orbital path in space, appear to spiral around the earth, due to the relative movement caused by the rotation of the earth. As described above, new globe views may be selected by pressing the F3 key.
Mercator Projection m
In mercator projection mode the entire world (minus 5 degrees at the poles) is displayed on a flat map. This mode allows you to view the entire world at a glance and get an overall idea of satellite and site positioning. In mercator projection mode the altitude line display is not available. Space point and ground point appear at the same point on the map.
F5 : Refresh e
Pressing the F5 key will cause the main tracking window and the ground site windows to be redrawn. '
F6 : Ground Site View Enable/Disable
Pressing the F6 key will either enable or disable the ground site view windows. These windows display current antenna pointing angles from the primary and secondary sites. Disabling theses windows makes them disappear and the Main Track Window expands to use that screen space.
NOTE: If there is neither a primary or secondary site selected, then this mode is inoperative, since the ground site view windows will be disabled.
F7 : Pause Tracking E
Pressing the F7 key will pause tracking until the F7 key is again pressed. While paused, all functions are available and the display is kept current. The only thing that ceases is the updating of the track time. Of course, during pause the track time can be manually manipulated with the cursor keys as described below.
F8 : Edit Attributes
Pressing the F8 key will open the Attributes window which displays the current status of all available attributes. This window also allows you to change desired attributes to new states. To select an attribute press the up and down arrow keys until the desired one is highlighted. To change the status of an attribute, press either the left or right arrow keys or the space bar. Press RETURN to keep changes and exit the Attributes window. Press ESC to ignore any changes and exit.
Some attributes will be either ON or OFF. When they are OFF, they will not appear on the screen. When they are ON, they will appear on the screen. W
Other attributes are a bit more sophisticated. They will have the following options: 7
OFF : Attribute will not appear on the screen.
SINGLE : Attribute will move with satellite motion,
and will not leave a "trail."
CONT : Attribute will move with satellite motion,
and will leave a "trail."
SVIS : Attribute will only appear on screen when
satellite is visible from primary or secondary
site sensor. It will not leave a "trail."
CVIS : Attribute will only appear on screen when
satellite is visible from primary or secondary
site sensor. It will leave a "trail."
(All attributes in SVIS or CVIS will operate this
way except Line Of Site (LOS) line. This will
be visible when the satellite is visible to any
active site.
NOTE:
Some attributes, when changed, will affect the displays immediately, while others will not take effect until the next screen refresh, caused either by a viewpoint change, or the press of the F5 key. The ones that require a screen refresh are marked by an asterisk (*).
F9 : Edit Colors
Pressing the F9 will open the Colors window which displays the currently selected colors for all of the available items displayed. To select a color item press the up or down arrow keys until the desired item is highlighted. To change a color, press either the left or right arrow keys or the space bar. Press RETURN to keep changes and exit the color window. Press ESC to ignore changes and exit.
NOTE:
Colors selected in the color window are pure colors. Some colors displayed in the various windows may be different due to the fact that several colors may be exclusive ored together. Exclusive oring (XOR) is a boolean function applied to the various items drawn on the screen and is used to provide the animation effect of the objects on the screen. An unfortunate side effect of XORing is that colors get changed in the process. So some colors may have to be adjusted several times to get a satisfactory display.
Color changes to some items will be seen immediately, while others will not be seen until the next screen refresh, caused either by a viewpoint change, or the press of the F5 key. The ones that require a screen refresh are marked by an asterisk (*).
F10 : PCX Screen Capture
Pressing the F10 key will immediately cause the entire screen to be encoded and placed in a standard PCX format file on disk. The filename used for the image will be TRAKnnnn.PCX, where nnnn is a sequence number ranging from 0000 to 9999. This sequence number is automatically increment with each PCX file saved to disk. If there is no TRAKnnnn.PCX file in the current PCT3 directory, then the filename will be TRAK0000.PCX.
Ground Site Windows
These two windows display the primary and secondary sites, and display the relative viewing angles that are needed to track satellite passes. The window is comprised of a bullseye-like view circle in the middle of the window. This circle represents the entire viewing area from the site. The orientation of this display is such that straight up from the site would be the center of the circle. Azimuth (bearing) from the site is represented by the clockwise angle with 0 degrees being straight up from the center. Elevation from the horizon is represented by the distance from the center of the circle, with the horizon being represented by the outer edge of the circle. T
Also shown in the window is the view area for the site. This is represented by a filled circle that corresponds to the minimum elevation for the site. This circle is drawn in the color defined for the site, and will match the color of the site name in the title bar of the window, as well as the site name in the main tracking window.
While tracking, the satellite pointing angle will be displayed by a dot in the view circle (if space track points are enabled) and by the satellite name (if satellite names are enabled). If the satellite is visible from the site (meaning that it is above the minimum elevation), a line will be drawn from the center of the view circle to the satellite position dot (if LOS lines are enabled).
AER Data Window
When there is either a primary and not a secondary or a secondary and not a primary site selected, the AER data window appears below the ground site window. This window displays the numeric values corresponding to the current Azimuth, Elevation, and Range of each of the satellites visible to the sensor of that site. Also shown in the AER data window is whether each satellite is rising or setting, denoted by a R or S.
Date / Time Window B
This window displays the date and time with which all displayed satellite positions are computed. The time base used for the date and time is determined by the settings in the System
Configuration dialog box (either UTC or LOCAL). The date format (order of the year, month, and day values) is also determined there.
Also visible during non-realtime tracking is the current Interval, which is used to compute each succeeding track time. The interval is presented in Hours:Minutes:Seconds format. The +/- sign allows you to control whether tracking proceeds forward or backward in time. }
For example if the current track time is 12:04:34 and the interval is -00:00:15 then the next track time will be 12:04:19. &
During realtime tracking, the computer clock is accessed to obtain current track time. The computer clock is always assumed to be set to local time and if UTC time is used, it is computed by adding the time zone set in the System
Configuration dialog box to the time read from the clock.
Anytime during non-realtime tracking any element of the date, time, or interval may be changed by using the arrow keys as follows:
Left and Right Arrow Keys
The currently changeable time or date element is highlighted with a different color, and may be selected by using the left and right arrow keys.
Up and Down Arrow Keys o
The currently highlighted date or time element may be increased or decreased by using the up and down arrow keys. This allows you to change the date, time, and interval to the desired values. The all items being displayed in the main tracking window and the ground site windows are updated continuously to accurately reflect the positions for the current time.
[TABLE
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Graphics Pass Visualization
The graphics pass visualization capability provides the ability to visualize selected satellite passes computed for selected (or all) satellites with either a 3 dimensional perspective view from space or on a mercator projection world map. All items shown in the visualization display can be enabled or disabled and can be displayed in any of 16 colors. The following is a description of each of the major display windows available in pass visualization.
Main Window
The main window shows the earth in either a 3D perspective view or a mercator projection flat map view. Several Function keys provide user access to control commands that allow changes to be made to most of the visual aspects of the display.
F1 : Help
Pressing the F1 key opens a help window which shows all of the available functions available. To close this window, press any key.
F3 : Select Globe View R
Pressing the F3 key will open the Globe Selection window in the middle of the screen. Within this window will be a list of available globe views. Press the up and down arrow keys to move up or down in the list. When Pressing RETURN will accept the new viewpoint and will redraw the main track window view to reflect the new viewpoint.
F4 : Projection Mode
Pressing this key will toggle the main track window projection mode between the 3D perspective and mercator projection. The mercator projection displays the entire world on a flat map. The 3D perspective shows the ECF view according to the current viewpoint.
3D Projection [
In 3D mode the earth is shown in an Earth Centered Fixed (ECF) view from a user dermined viewpoint in space. The ECF view shows the view of earth and space as it would look high over a particular point on the earth. With this viewing method, the earth appears to remain fixed, with all the satellites moving around the earth. Satellites in orbit, while actually revolving through nearly the same orbital path in space, appear to spiral around the earth, due to the relative movement caused by the rotation of the earth. As described above, new viewpoints may be selected by pressing the F3 key.
Mercator Projection Q
In mercator projection mode the entire world (minus 5 degrees at the poles) is displayed on a flat map. This mode allows you to view the entire world at a glance and get an overall idea of satellite and site positioning. In mercator projection mode the space track, Altitude line, FP cone and sensor view displays are not available.
F5 : Refresh e
Pressing the F5 key will cause the main tracking window and the ground site windows to be redrawn.
F8 : Edit Attributes
Pressing the F8 key will open the Attributes window which displays the current status of all available attributes. This window also allows you to change desired attributes to new states. To select an attribute press the up and down arrow keys until the desired attribute is highlighted. To change an attribute, press either the left or right arrow keys or the space bar. Press ESC or RETURN to exit the Attributes window. Once the Attributes window closes, the main window will be redrawn to reflect the new display attributes.
F9 : Edit Colors
Pressing the F9 will open the Colors window which displays the currently selected colors for all of the available items displayed. To select a color item press the up and down arrow keys until the desired item is highlighted. To change an color, press either the left or right arrow keys or the space bar. Press ESC or RETURN to exit the color window. Once the Colors window closes, the main window will be redrawn to reflect the new display colors.
F10 : PCX Screen Capture
Pressing the F10 key will immediately cause the entire screen to be encoded and placed in a standard PCX format file on disk. The filename used for the image will be SCANnnnn.PCX, where nnnn is a sequence number ranging from 0000 to 9999. This sequence number is automatically increment with each PCX file saved to disk. If there is no SCANnnnn.PCX file in the current PCT3 directory, then the filename will be SCAN0000.PCX.
[CONTENTS]
Edit Graphics Colors Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to edit the various colors used for the graphics displays. The colors are divided into two general categories of associated items. To select a color to edit, use the mouse to click on the desired color attribute, or use the TAB and SHIFT-TAB keys to move to the one desired. Once highlighted, the color may be changed by using the up and down arrow keys.
The Color Categories are:
General =
Items which affect all graphics displays. These colors are:
Frame : Frames of windows
Frame Title : Title text of windows
Help Box : Help popup box, used for F1 help, attribute and color
edit and the keplerian element displays.
Help Text : Text within the Help popup box.
Help Highlight : Identifies currently selected item in attribute and color
edit displays.
Satellite Name : Names of the satellites
Time Box : Background of time display window
Time Box Label : Date and time labels in time window
Time Box Text : Date and time in time window
Time Box Highlight : Highlighted date or time element
Site Box : Background of ground site display window
Site Box Rings : Elevation rings in the ground site display
Site Box Lines : Azimuth rings in the ground site display
BUTTONS:
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes and entries made to the colors. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes and entries made to the colors. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
System Configuration Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to configure the general system parameters that affect general time, date, and distance display, To facilitate this, there are several radio buttons, an input line and two buttons.
Image Path @
This is path input line which defines where the image files used in View | Track (Graphics) are located. You may either directly enter a path, or you can press the down arrow key or click on the down arrow to the right of the input line to bring up a path
selection dialog box. Any valid DOS path string is acceptable.
Distances
This radio button allows you to select what measurement system will be used to define distances. Selecting "English" defines distances in Miles and Feet. Selecting "Metric" defines distances in Kilometers and Meters.
Time Base
This radio button allows you to select what time base will be used to compute satellite positions. Selecting "Local" defines time and date in local time. Selecting "UTC" defines time and date in Coordinated Universal Time.
NOTE: The time and date read from the system clock in the computer is always interpreted as LOCAL time. With Time Base set to "UTC" the computer system time will be corrected by the time zone figure below to arrive at the appropriate UTC time.
Date Format
This radio button allows you to select what format the date displays will use for presenting year, month, and day of month. Three options are available.
Propagation s
This radio button allows you to select the type of propagation algorithm to be used in computing satellite positions and velocities. If you select the "High Speed" option, a simple, but very fast and reasonably accurate internal propagation algorithm is used. This algorithm does not use the 2nd time derivative of mean motion (decay accel) term nor does it use the BStar drag term included in the NORAD element sets. It does not take into consideration atmospheric drag, but does account for the earth's oblateness using a simple model. If you select the "SGP4/SDP4" option, a highly accurate prediction algorithm based on the SGP4/SDP4 model defined in Spacetrack Report No. 3 "Models for Propagation of NORAD Element Sets" is used. This model uses a much more complex gravity model, and accounts for atmospheric drag, as well as solar and lunar effects on the orbit.
Time Zone
This input line allows you to enter the number of hours to ADD to your local time for the corresponding UTC time. For west longitudes, this will be POSITIVE. For East longitudes, this will be NEGATIVE. The valid range for this number is -12 to 12.
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes and entries made. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes and entries made. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Registration Dialog Box
This dialog box contains the data entry lines necessary to properly and quickly fill in your registration form. This insures that your registration is filled promptly and accurately. The following information is included:
First Name
This is an input
line where you can enter your first name.
Last Name
This is an input
line where you can enter your last name.
Company Name
If you are registering for your company and want the name to be on the registration, use this input
line to enter the company name. Otherwise, leave it blank.
Address (two lines)
These are input
lines where you can enter your mailing address. Use the second line if you didn't have enough space on the first one.
City
This is an input
line where you can enter your city name.
State Code
This is a pick
line where you can select the proper two letter abbreviation for your state. If you are a non-US user, select the blank code for this (the default). You can either press any key or double
click the left mouse button to bring up the selection list.
This is an input
line where you can enter your Zip code. For non-US users, enter your postal code here if you have one.
Province
This input
line allows you to enter any province, burrough, county, or other postal information that is necessary for delivery. This is for non-US users only.
Country Name
This field is a special combination input
line/pick
line where you can either select or enter your country name. To select a name from the list, either press the down arrow key, or double
click the left mouse button on the field.
USA is the default, and will appear initially in the field. If you are a non-US user, you will want to enter/select your country.
NOTE TO US/CANADIAN USERS:
Shipping charges are based on the country the registration package is being shipped to. The shipping charges to addresses in the US and CANADA are less than those for addresses outside of the US and CANADA.
To make sure this is reflected on your printed registration form, make sure you select either USA or CANADA for this field. Any other text will result in a higher shipping charge showing on your registration form.
Quantity
This input
line is where you can enter the number of copies of the program you wish to register.
Source
This set of radio
buttons allows you to indicate from whom you receive your trial copy of the product. The following options are available:
Disk Vendor: Select this option if you received your copy of the program from a disk vendor. Please also give the name of the vendor in the line labeled "Source Name".
BBS: Select this option if you downloaded your copy of the program from a bulletin board system. Please also give the name of the board in the line labeled "Source Name".
Friend: Select this option if you received your copy of the program from a friend (or aquaintance, or relative, or arch enemy, etc.) or some other individual. v
Author: Select this option if you received your copy of the program directly from the author (Thomas C. Johnson).
Other: Select this option if you received your copy of the program from somewhere not listed. Please enter the source in the line labeled "Source Name".
Source Name
This is an input
line where you can enter the name of where or who it is from whom you received your copy of the program. Leave this blank if you checked the "Author" button. K
Otherwise, some description of the source would be very helpful. If you received your copy from a disk vendor, indicate the name of the vendor here. Same for a BBS (the phone number would be nice too). If you found this on an anonymous FTP site on the internet, or a World Wide Web site, please enter the site name, or URL here.
This is very important to us.
Order Date
This special input line will bring up a calendar dialog box that will allow you to easily select the registration date.
To bring up the calendar, press any key except TAB, Shift-TAB, and ESC. You may also double-click the left mouse button on the date or single click on the down arrow in the small box to the right of the date.
The default date is the system date (the date in your computer) the first time you bring up the registration option. But this may not always be correct, so you may change that if you wish. We would prefer to see the correct date (todays date).
Card
These radio buttons allow you to select which credit card you wish to use for registration. If you do not wish to use a credit card, select NONE.
Expiration Date
For credit card orders, use this field to enter the expiration date of your card.
Card Number
For credit card orders, use this field to enter your credit card number. Please be sure to include the hyphens (-) between the sections of digits as shown in the sample entry in the field.
Done Button
Press this button when you wish to exit the registration dialog box and wish to keep all the information you have entered.
Print Button
Press this button when you wish to print the registration form. Make sure your printer is on and is online.
Cancel Button x
Press this button when you wish to exit the registration dialog box but do not want to keep any changes you have made. ]
See also About
Shareware
See also How
Register
PC-Track
See also Pricing
Terms
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
What is Shareware? E
Most money back guarantees work like this: You pay for the product and then have some period of time to try it out and see whether or not you like it. If you don't like it or find that it doesn't do what you need, you return it (undamaged) and at some point - which might take months - you get your money back. Some software companies won't even let you try their product! In order to qualify for a refund, the diskette envelope must have an unbroken seal. With these "licensing" agreements, you only qualify for your money back if you haven't tried the product. How absurd!
Shareware is very different. With shareware you get to use it for a limited time, without spending a penny. You are able to use the software on your own system(s), in your own special work environment, with no sales people looking over your shoulder. If you decide not to continue using it, you throw it away and forget all about it. No paperwork, phone calls, or correspondence to waste your valuable time. If you do continue using it, then - and only then - do you pay for it. e
Shareware is a distribution method, NOT a type of software. Shareware is produced by accomplished programmers, just like retail software. There is good and bad shareware, just as there is good and bad retail software. The primary difference between shareware and retail software is that with shareware you know if it's good or bad BEFORE you pay for it.
As a software user, you benefit because you get to use the software to determine whether it meets your needs before you pay for it, and authors benefit because they are able to get their products into your hands without the hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses it takes to launch a traditional retail software product. There are many programs on the market today which would never have become available without the shareware marketing method.
The shareware system and the continued availability of quality shareware products depend on your willingness to register and pay for the shareware you use. It's the registration fees you pay which allow us to support and continue to develop our products. y
Please show your support for shareware by registering those programs you actually use and by passing them on to others. *
Shareware is kept alive by YOUR support!
What is Registering?
As described above, shareware is an alternative distribution method, where you the user pay for it AFTER you have tried and are using it. Your payment along with some personal information (name, address and the like) constitutes "registering."
Why Register?
Registering essentially completes the sales transaction, and provides benefits to you and the software author. You receive (among other things) the latest release, printed documentation, support, notice of updates, etc.
The author receives payment for the goods supplied the user, and the ability to continue to support and upgrade the product. ~
You are encouraged and expected to register the product if you are using it, even if there are features that you don't like. !
Why you should not register...
You should not register if... A
a) You have tried the software and something doesn't work the way you want it to, and by registering, think that we will make changes just for you. We will work with you to get the product going, and always appreciate suggestions from you for improvement, but custom changes can't be done for the price of registration.
b) You have received a "broken" copy of the software (files missing or corrupted), and wish to receive a "clean" copy. While it is always nice to receive registrations, we do not want you to register until you have had a chance to evaluate a fully functional, complete package. We are always happy to send a "clean" trial copy of our products for a nominal charge, and want to know if you receive "broken" copies from disk vendors, and who they are. V
See also Pricing
Terms
See also How
Register
See also Registration
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
How To Register PC-Track
========================
A. Choose payment method: (
Credit Card
VISA
MasterCard
Personal Check
Corporate Check
Money Order
US Postal Money Order
International Postal Money Order
Approved Corporate or Government Purchase Order
(US only)
Payment will be due 30 days ARO.
US Currency (at your own risk)
Make payment to Thomas C. Johnson.
VERY IMPORTANT: d
Payments made by check or money order must be in US dollars drawn from a US financial institution. !
B. Fill out Registration Form:
There are two ways to fill out the form. You can print the form provided on disk in file REGISTER.TXT and fill it out by hand (please print clearly). You may also use the on-line form. The on-line form is accessable using the ALT-F9 key from the main menu of the program. You may also access the form from the system menu option shown by the '
' in the left end of the menu bar at the top of the screen. Once you have filled out the on-line form, you may print it directly from the program. @
C. Send registration form to Johnson Scientific International /
Registration form and payment may be sent to: R
Johnson Scientific International
9746 US. Route 36
St. Paris, OH. 43072
For registrations using credit card or PO the registration form (and PO) may be sent electronically: +
1. By FAX
FAX Number: 513-663-0462
2. By EMail
Internet: 71371.1257@compuserve.com
Compuserve: 71371,1257 Thomas Johnson
See also About
Shareware
See also Pricing
Terms
See also Registration
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Pricing And Terms
Costs...
===================
Cost per registration.............................$45.00
Shipping (Each Registration)
US & Canada............................$ 5.00
Outside US & Canada....................$15.00
OHIO residents will be charged the appropriate sales tax. (The online registration form will automatically compute this.) D
REGISTRATION FEE AND SHIPPING COSTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER 6/1/96
Although every effort is made to ship registration packages as soon as possible, usually the next day after receipt of registration form, please allow a maximum of 3 weeks for delivery. (OVERSEAS ORDERS REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL 2 WEEKS) ]
See also How
Register
PC-Track
See also Registration
See also About
Shareware
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Select Printer Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to select the appropriate printer driver for your printer. To facilitate this, there is a list box and two buttons:
Printers List Box 3
This list
box shows you the pre-defined printers that are available for use with the program. If you cannot find your printer in this list, then look for a printer that yours emulates. If you can' t find one of those, then select Options | Printer Codes and enter the codes for your printer directly.
Select Button
This button will cause the currently highlighted printer in the Printers list box to be selected and then the dialog box will close, The selected printer driver will be loaded. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel Button
This button will close the dialog box and will NOT select any printer from the Printers list box. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. B
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
Return to Table
Contents
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Configure Printer Codes Dialog Box 4
This dialog box allows you to customize the printer driver for your printer by entering the specific printer control codes for each attribute given. See All
About
Printer
Codes for information on printer codes and how to enter them. To facilitate this there are a number of input lines and check boxes. .
Printer Code for Normal Character Printing
This input line allows you to enter the printer code necessary to cause the printer to print normal sized letters. This is commonly 10 or 12 CPI.
Characters Per Inch (Normal) }
This input line allows you to enter a number which is the number of characters per inch that the code above it represents. z
For example, if you have entered the printer code for 10 CPI printing, then you would enter a 10 here. Think of it this way, the "Printer Code" line tells the PRINTER how many characters per inch to print, and the " Characters Per Inch" line tells the program how many characters per inch the printer is printing. That way the program can know how to control the printer. #
Printer Code for Narrow Printing S
This input line allows you to enter the printer code necessary to cause the printer to print narrow letters, many times referred to as compressed print. This is commonly 16 or 17 CPI, but you may decide to enter a code which causes your printer to print smaller characters, such as 20 CPI. This would make your printouts more narrow.
Characters Per Inch (Narrow) ~
This input line allows you to enter a number which is the number of characters per inch that the code above it represents.
For example, if you have entered the printer code for 16 Characters Per Inch (CPI) printing, then you would enter 16 here. Think of it this way, the "Printer Code" line tells the PRINTER how many characters per inch to print, and the "Characters Per Inch" line tells the program how many characters per inch the printer is printing. That way the program can know how to control the printer. '
Printer Code for Normal Line Spacing
This input line allows you to enter the printer code necessary to cause the printer to print normal spaced lines. This is commonly 6 Lines Per Inch (LPI).
Lines Per Inch (Normal) ~
This input line allows you to enter a number which defines the number of lines per inch that the code above it represents. z
For example, if you have entered the printer code for 6 Lines Per Inch (LPI) printing, then you would enter an 6 here. Think of it this way, the " Printer Code" line tells the PRINTER how many lines per inch to print, and the "Lines Per Inch" line tells the program how many lines per inch the printer is printing. That way the program can know how to control the printer. '
Printer Code for Narrow Line Spacing
This input line allows you to enter the printer code necessary to cause the printer to print narrow line spacing. This is commonly 8 Lines Per Inch (LPI).
Lines Per Inch (Narrow)
This input line allows you to enter a number which defines the number of characters per inch that the code above it represents. y
For example, if you have entered the printer code for 8 Lines Per Inch (LPI) printing, then you would enter an 8 here. Think of it this way, the "Printer Code" line tells the PRINTER how many lines per inch to print, and the "Lines Per Inch" line tells the program how many lines per inch the printer is printing. That way the program can know how to control the printer.
Init u
This is a printer code which will initialize your printer to whatever mode you wish it to be in to print this form.
This initialization code could set the printer up for a particular type style or perhaps set it to draft mode or letter quality mode.
This is also where you could put the printer codes to tell the printer what size paper you have in the printer if it is not the standard 8.5" X 11" size.
Reset
This input line allows you to enter the printer code used by the printer to reset itself to the initial power-on condition. This should reset all aspects of the printer, just as if you turned the printer off and then back on.
Bold On
This input line allows you to enter the printer code necessary to cause the printer to print bold characters, sometimes called enhanced characters. Although BOLD is specified, you could decide to enter codes which causes the printer to use some other feature, such as underlining.
Bold Off
This input line allows you to enter the printer code necessary to turn off the printer mode that was turned on with BOLD ON code.
Printer Code For Form Feed
This input line allows you to enter the printer code used by the printer to advance to the next page. This is typically called Formfeed.
Select IBM Box Character Set I
This is Check Box allows you to select whether or not the program sends the IBM Box Characters to the printer. These are sometimes referred to as the extended ASCII character set. These characters include those that are used to form boxes and other items on the screen. Some printers can print these characters, some can not. F
Some examples of these characters are shown in the sample box below:
A similar box printed without the IBM Box Character Set would look like:
+========================================+
| |
+----------------------------------------+
| |
| |
| |
| ====__________________________ |
| |
+========================================+
BUTTONS:
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes and entries made. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes and entries made. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. B
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
Return to Table
Contents
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Page Setup Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to define how the printed page will be layed out, the margins needed, the print size, etc. To facilitate this there are a number of radio buttons and input lines available:
Line Spacing
This radio button allows you to select the line spacing that will be used in the printouts. These settings are defined in the printer
codes dialog box. The choices are:
[ ] Normal
[ ] Narrow
Character Width
This radio button allows you to select the character width that will be used in the printouts. These settings are defined in the printer
codes dialog box. The choices are:
[ ] Normal
[ ] Narrow
Page Width }
This is an input line which allows you to enter the width of the page in inches. Page Width is entered in a decimal form. U
For example: If you are using an 8 1/2" X 11" paper, then you would enter 8.5 here.
Page Length
This is an input allows you to enter the length of the form in inches. Page Length is entered in a decimal form. If you are using an 8 1/2" X 11" paper as your form, then you would enter 11.0 here.
Left Margin
This is an input line which allows you to enter the number of inches that will be used for the left margin of the form. Left Margin is entered in a decimal form.
Top Margin
This is an input line that allows you to enter the number of inches that will be used for the top margin of the page. Top Margin is entered in a decimal form.
Bottom Margin
This is an input line that allows you to enter the number of inches that will be used for the bottom margin of the page. Top Margin is entered in a decimal form.
For Advance Type
This radio button allows you to specify the type of form advance method to use for advancing to the next page. The options available are:
Form Feed Advance
This tells the program to send the Form Feed code to the printer to advance the paper to the next page. This will work for your printer if you have defined the paper size to be exactly what you have in the printer using the Init line.
Line Feed Advance
This tells the program to compute and send a series of Line Feed codes to the printer to advance the paper to the next page. This is handy to use if you do not know how to setup your printer to work with a particular page size other than the standard 8.5" X 11" size. The program will use the size defined by the top and bottom margin above to compute how many line feeds are necessary to advance the paper to the next form.
BUTTONS:
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes and entries made. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes and entries made. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. B
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
Return to Table
Contents
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Output Destination Dialog Box #
This dialog box allows you to select whether or not printer output goes to a text file or to the printer. In the case that printer output is to go to a file, it allows you to enter or select a file to be used for that purpose. To facilitate this, a radio button and input line are used:
Print To
This radio button is used to select where this output is to be sent...either to the printer itself or to a disk file. The options are
[ ] Printer
[ ] Disk File
Disk File To Print To W
This input line defines the file that will be used if output is to go to a disk file. ?
This combination will alloww you to enter or select the name of a disk file that this form should be sent to if you have the "disk file" button selected. If you do not enter anything in this box, and you select disk file as the destination of this output, the default name given in the input line will be used.
To activate the File
Select
Box, press the Down Arrow key, double click the left mouse button while the mouse cursor is on the line, or click on the down arrow in the small box to the right of the input line.
The program will tell you if you are using a filename or extension that is reserved for it's internal use. Currently those filenames and extensions are:
Reserved Filenames
'printers.dat'
'printer.def'
'svtsys.ini'
'colors.def'
'msats.dat'
'msites.dat'
'*.mpl'
'*.mps'
'*.lgw'
'*.smw'
See also Valid
Filenames
BUTTONS:
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes and entries made. Printing will commence when this is done. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes and entries made. The printing operation will be canceled. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. B
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
Return to Table
Contents
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
All About Printer Codes
Printer codes are nothing more than special characters that are sent to a printer to cause it to change the way it prints characters or to do something with the paper. Very often these special characters are unprintable, and will not show up on the screen. Most of them cannot be directly typed in from the keyboard. So how do we enter them in order to configure the printer to do what we want? We have to use a somewhat roundabout way to enter them by using characters which are printable and displayable and can be entered with the keyboard.
Each special character used as a print code is represented in the computer as a number. For example, the letter A is represented in the computer with the number 65. The ESC key is represented in the computer with the number 27.
Knowing this, we can enter the special characters by typing in the number of the character, and let the computer convert that number into the special character required by the printer.
The various input lines used by the program understand this relationship, and will accept as input the numbers that represent the various special characters required by the printer.
For example, most Epson compatible printers use the ESC character followed by the @ character to reset. Since the ESC character is used by the program to control the windows and dialog boxes, it cannot be typed directly into the input line. Therefore, since the number 27 represents the ESC character and since the number 64 represents the @ character, these two numbers can be entered into the input line to tell the computer to send ESC @ when it needs to reset the printer.
In addition to the numbers, we also need to some type of separator character to tell the computer where one number ends and the other begins. This is done with the slash character: (/). L
This then would be the entry for the RESET code for this example printer:
/27/64
Where do you get the printer codes for your printer? This is where you will have to dig into your printer manuals and locate the "Printer Commands" or "Printer Control Codes" table. It may have some other title but it will be somewhere in your manual and will list all the different code sequences needed for the various features for your printer. Some printer manuals list these both as decimal values or hexadecimal values. Make sure you use the DECIMAL values. The hexadecimal values can be recognized by the fact that they will, in many cases, include one or more of the letters A-F in the number(such as A0 or BF). The printer code input lines will only accept the letters 0-9 and the slash (/) character. y
The input lines can accept up to 255 characters, so you can enter quite a long sequence of printer codes if necessary. <
See Input
Lines for details on how to use an input line.
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Print-to File Exists
The program is trying to print the output to the disk file you designated. It has found that the file already exists. You have the choice of having this current form added to the end of that file (appended) or having the file cleaned out and used only for this current form (overwritten).
If you choose to have the file overwritten, the only thing that will be in that file will be this output. Everything else that was in the file will be erased.
Summary: r
If you wish to keep what is in the file and add this latest output to it, press N or click on the "NO" button. r
If you wish to clean out the file and have just this latest output in it, press Y or click on the "YES" button.
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No Filename
It appears as though the path you entered is empty. You need to enter a valid
filename in order to continue.
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Valid Filenames
A valid filename consists of a drive letter followed by a colon, a subdirectory name(s), a filename (8 characters or less), and an extension (a dot followed by up to 3 letters). For example:
c:\pct3\output\scan.txt
Extension
Filename
subdirectory
Drive Letter
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Non-Existant Directory
The (sub)directory you entered does not exist on the drive that you specified. You need to be sure that the directory that you enter is a valid one for the disk that you specify. B
See No
Filename for info on entering directories and filenames.
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Filename Used
The filename that you have entered is reserved for use by Master Chef, and cannot be used for your forms. You must select or enter another filename.
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Printer Error
While trying to print, the error you see in the message box occurred. You need to correct this problem if possible, or press the ESCape key to cancel this printing session.
See Error
Codes
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Error Codes
The following are some of the error codes you may see in the program. #
The program could not find the printer data file needed. Make sure that the PRINTERS.DAT file is in the current directory.
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Select Active Satellites Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to select and deselect active Satellites for use in tracking and scanning. To facilitate this, the dialog box contains two list boxes with a number of buttons, described as follows:
LIST BOXES:
Master Satellites List Box
This list box shows all of the Satellites in the master Satellites database. Double clicking on a satellite in the list will cause it to be added to the Active Satellites List Box.
Active Satellites List Box
This list box shows all of the Satellites in the active Satellites database. Double clicking on a satellite in this list box will remove that satellite from the active Satellites database.
BUTTONS:
This button will place the currently highlighted satellite in the master satellite list box into the active satellite list box. This does the same thing as double clicking on a satellite in the master satellite list box, thus activating that satellite.
This button removes the currently highlighted satellite in the active satellite list box from the list, thus deactivating that satellite.
< All l
This button will remove all Satellites from the active satellite list box, and deactivate all Satellites.
Done
This button closes the Select Active Satellites Dialog Box and updates the active Satellites database. Pressing the RETURN or ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Satellite Selection Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to select a satellite from the master satellite database. To facilitate this, there is a list box and two buttons.
Select Sat List Box
This list box shows all of the Satellites in the master Satellites database. Double clicking on a satellite in the list will cause it to be selected and the dialog box will close. This is the same as pressing the Select button described below.
Select Button
This button will cause the currently highlighted satellite in the Select satellite list box to be selected and then the dialog box will close, placing the selected satellite in the selection line it was called from. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel Button
This button will close the dialog box and will NOT select any satellite from the Select satellite list box. The original satellite listed in the selection line calling this dialog box will remain unchanged. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit Satellites Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to edit the master satellite database, active satellite database, and to select a primary Satellite. To facilitate this there is one list box, a pickline, and a number of buttons.
Master Satellites List Box 0
This list box contains the names of all of the Satellites in the master Satellites database. Double clicking on a satellite in the list box will bring up the satellite edit dialog box, allowing you to enter/change data for the satellite. This is the same as pressing the Edit button described below.
Primary Satellite Pickline:
The primary satellite pickline is where you can enter or select from the master satellite database a satellites to be used as the primary Satellite for text tracking purposes.
You may directly enter a satellite name (a name so entered is NOT checked against the master satellite database, and therefore could be a satellite that is not [currently] in the database). You may also pick a satellite from the master satellite database by pressing the down arrow key while in the pickline, or by clicking the mouse on the down arrow to the right of the pickline. Doing this will bring up a satellite
selection dialog box from which you may select the desired satellite.
BUTTONS:
Edit
Pressing this button will bring up the Edit
satellite dialog box which allow changing of satellite data for the satellite currently highlighted in the master satellite list box.
NOTE: If an existing satellite's name is changed, that newly named satellite will be added to the database as a new satellite. The original satellite will NOT be deleted.
Pressing this button will bring up the Edit
satellite dialog box which allow entering satellite data for a new satellite to be added to the master satellite database.
Delete
Pressing the button will cause the currently highlighted satellite in master satellite list box to be removed from the master satellite database. You will be prompted to verify this action.
Active
Pressing this button will bring up the Select
Active
Satellites dialog box which will allow you to select the active Satellites to be used for tracking.
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and returns control to the main menu. Pressing the RETURN or ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
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Edit Satellite Dialog Box
This dialog allows you to enter or edit data specific to a particular satellite. Here is where the name, keplerian elements, and frequencies for the satellite are defined. To facilitate this the dialog box contains several input lines and buttons described as follows:
INPUT LINES:
Name
This text input line allows you to enter/edit the name of the satellite. This is a text-only input line allowing up to 30 characters for the name.
Catalog #
This text input line allows you to enter/edit the catalog number of the satellite. This is a text-only input line allowing up to 5 characters of input.
Epoch Year u
This input line allows you to enter the year of the element set epoch. This should be an integer between 70 and 99.
Epoch Day
This input line allows you to enter the julian day/fraction of day floating point number representing the day of year and time of day of the element set epoch. The valid range for this input line is 0.0 to 366.9999999999.
Decay Rate
This input line allows you to enter the rate of decay of the orbital mean motion, which is the 2nd time derivative of mean motion. The valid range for this is - 99. 0 to 99. 0. The units of measure are Rev/Day/Day.
Inclination t
This input line allows you to enter the orbital inclination in degrees. The valid range for this is 0.0 to 180.0.
Rt Asc of Node
This input line allows you to enter the right ascension angle in degrees for the ascending node of the orbit. The valid range for this is 0.0 to 360.0.
Eccentricity y
This input line allows you to enter the eccentricity of the orbit. The valid range for this is 0.0 to 0.9999999999999.
Arg Of Perigee
This input line allows you to enter the argument of perigee which is the number of degrees in the orbital plane measured from the right ascension of ascending node. The valid range for this is 0.0 to 360.0.
Mean Anomaly
This input line allows you to enter the mean anomaly value in degrees for the epoch time of the given element set. The valid range for this is 0.0 to 360.0.
Mean Motion
This input line allows you to enter the mean motion value in Rev/Day for the orbit. The valid range for this is 0.1 to 22.0. ( Orbits with more than 16 rev/day would be impractical, but are allowed for experimental purposes).
Revolution o
This input line allows you to enter the revolution number at epoch. The valid range for this is 0 to 999999.
Frequency 1
This input line allows you to enter a downlink frequency value in MHZ for use in doppler shift calculations. The valid range for this is 0.0 to 999999.0.
Frequency 2
This input line allows you to enter a second downlink frequency value in MHZ for use in doppler shift calculations. The valid range for this is 0.0 to 999999.0.
BUTTONS:
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes and entries made to the satellite. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes and entries made to the satellite. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Pass Point Display Window
This window allows you to review the individual satellite position points for a particular selected pass from the Mutual Visibility pass window. The date of the first point of the pass as well as the name of the satellite is presented in the top title frame of the window. Each point in the pass is displayed in a list format for analysis. To facilitate this the following items are provided.
Pass Point List Box f
This list box lists each point in the pass, with the follwing information presented for each point:
Time : The time of the point given in either UTC or LOCAL time
depending on the settings in the System
Configuration
dialog box.
Latitude : Geodetic latitude in degrees.
Longitude : Longitude in degrees.
Altitude : Current satellite altitude given in either KM or Miles
depending on the settings in the System Configuration
dialog box.
Illum : An asterisk (*) appears beside each point where the satellite
is illuminated by the sun.
Primary Site View Angle
Azimuth : Current azimuth angle in degrees from true north.
Elevation : Current elevation angle in degrees from the horizon.
Distance : Current slant range to the satellite from the site in either
KM or Miles depending on the settings in the System
Configuration dialog box.
Illum : An asterisk (*) appears beside each point where the site
is illuminated by the sun.
Secondary Site View Angle
Azimuth : Current azimuth angle in degrees from true north.
Elevation : Current elevation angle in degrees from the horizon.
Distance : Current slant range to the satellite from the site in either
KM or Miles depending on the settings in the System
Configuration dialog box.
Illum : An asterisk (*) appears beside each point where the site
is illuminated by the sun.
BUTTONS:
Print
Pressing this button will cause the pass points to be sent to the device selected in the Output
Destination dialog box which appears when the button is pressed.
Done r
Pressing this button closes the pass point display window and returns to the mutual visibility pass scan window. *
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Mutual Visibility Pass Scan Window
This window allows you to scan a particular time frame for satellite passes that are mutually visible between the Primary and Secondary sites defined in the Edit
Sites dialog box. Every active satellite will be checked and the mutually visible passes will be listed by date and time of AOS in the list box. When completed, the computed pass summaries will be able to be printed, and displayed. To facilitate this, the window includes the following items:
Start Date and Time
The upper left corner of the window contains a number of input lines which allow you to input the date and time the scanning will begin. The date format is determined by the settings in the System
Configuration dialog box. The time base used will either be UTC or LOCAL depending on other settings in the System Configuration dialog box. Each element of the date and time may be accessed by either using the TAB and SHIFT-TAB keys, or by clicking on the desired element with the mouse.
Stop Date and Time
Just below the Start date and time is the stop date and time entry fields. These work just like the start, but specify the end of the scan period.
Reset Button "
Pressing this button will reset the start date and time to the current computer clock time. If UTC time is being used, UTC time will be computed from the system time by adding the local time zone to it. The stop date and time will be set to 1.0 day later than the start date and time.
Resolution
These two input lines allow you to enter the time value in minutes and seconds that is between each point analyzed during a scan. The lower the resolution (greater time value), the fewer points per pass that will be recorded. This results in lower accuracy in determining AOS and LOS times, but shorter scan times. Higher resolutions (smaller time values) result in slower scans, but higher accuracy in determining AOS and LOS times.
Status Line
The line below the start date / time input area shows the current status of the scan. Displayed here is the name of the satellite, the current date and time. If a particular point is mutually visible then a check mark will be visible to the right of the time. That point will be added to the pass point list. When a complete pass has been computed (from AOS to LOS) it will appear in the pass summary list box below.
Pass Summary List Box
This list box shows a summary of all of the mutually visible passes found during the scan. The items shown in the list box are:
DIR : Shows the direction of the pass:
NB = Northbound pass
SB = Southbound pass
* : Indicates at least one point in pass:
- Has the vehicle in sunlight and
- Has either the primary or
secondary site in darkness.
Satellite Name : Name of satellite for which visible pass was found.
AOS Date : Date of Acquisition of Signal. This represents the
date associated with the time when the satellite is
visible to the sensors at BOTH the primary and secondary
site.
AOS Time : Time of Acquisition of Signal. The accuracy of this
time is a function of the resolution selected with the
Resolution radio button. If Minute is selected,
AOS time will be to the nearest minute. If Second,
to the nearest second.
LOS Time : Time of Loss of Signal. This occurs at the first point
that the satellite is no longer visible to the sensors
at both the primary and secondary site.
T.I.R : Time in Range. Time difference between LOS and AOS.
PRI: ME : Maximum elevation at the primary site.
SEC: ME : Maximum elevation at the secondary site.
NOTE: Maximum elevations may, and probably won't occur at the same times for both the primary and secondary sites in a particular pass. This can be seen when the pass is displayed with the Display button below. 8
Maximum elevation accuracy is a function of the resolution selected with the Resolution radio button. The times of maximum elevation as displayed with the Display button will be within the time entered in the Resolution entry fields. Smaller resolution times will produce greater accuracy than larger ones.
BUTTONS:
Scan |
Pressing this button begins the scanning process. The scan process may be terminated at any time by pressing the ESC key.
Display
Pressing this button opens the Pass
Point display window. This window displays a list of each point found in the pass currently highlighted in the Pass Summary List Box.
Visualize
Pressing this button will display the currently highlighted pass in graphics form using the Earth Centered Fixed 3D view or the Mercator projection view. 0
See Graphics
Visualization for details.
Delete U
Pressing this button will delete the currently higlighted pass from the pass list.
Print
Pressing this button will cause the Pass Summary list shown in the Pass Summary list box to be sent to the device selected in the Output
Destination dialog box which appears when the button is pressed.
Done j
Pressing this button closes the mutual visibility pass scan window and returns to the main menu screen. *
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Select Active Sites Dialog Box c
This dialog box allows you to select and deselect active sites for use in tracking and scanning. m
To facilitate this, the dialog box contains two list boxes with a number of buttons, described as follows:
LIST BOXES:
Master Sites List Box
This list box shows all of the sites in the master sites database. Double clicking on a site in the list will cause it to be added to the Active Sites List Box.
Active Sites List Box
This list box shows all of the sites in the active sites database. Double clicking on a site in this list box will remove that site from the active sites database.
BUTTONS:
This button will place the currently highlighted site in the master site list box into the active site list box. This does the same thing as double clicking on a site in the master site list box, thus activating that site.
<< }
This button removes the currently highlighted site in the active site list box from the list, thus deactivating that site.
< All ]
This button will remove all sites from the active site list box, and deactivate all sites.
Done
This button closes the Select Active Sites Dialog Box and updates the active sites database. Pressing the RETURN or ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Site Selection Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to select a site from the master site database. To facilitate this, there is a list box and two buttons.
Select Site List Box
This list box shows all of the sites in the master sites database. Double clicking on a site in the list will cause it to be selected and the dialog box will close. This is the same as pressing the Select button described below.
Select Button
This button will cause the currently highlighted site in the Select Site list box to be selected and then the dialog box will close, placing the selected site in the selection line it was called from. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel Button
This button will close the dialog box and will NOT select any site from the Select Site list box. The original site listed in the selection line calling this dialog box will remain unchanged. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit Sites Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to edit the master site database, active site database, and to select primary and secondary sites. To facilitate this there is one list box, two picklines, and a number of buttons.
Master Sites List Box
This list box contains the names of all of the sites in the master sites database. Double clicking on a site in the list box will bring up the site edit dialog box, allowing you to enter/change data for the site. This is the same as pressing the Edit button described below.
PICKLINES:
The primary and secondary site picklines are where you can enter or select from the master site database sites to be used as the primary and secondary sites for tracking and scanning purposes.
You may directly enter site names (the names so entered are NOT checked against the master site database, and therefore could be a site that is not [currently] in the database). You may also pick sites from the master site database by pressing the down arrow key while in the pickline, or by clicking the mouse on the down arrow to the right of the pickline. Doing this will bring up a site
selector dialog box from which you may select the desired site.
BUTTONS:
Edit
Pressing this button will bring up the Edit
Site dialog box which allow changing of site data for the site currently highlighted in the master site list box.
NOTE: If an existing site's name is changed, that newly named site will be added to the database as a new site. The original site will NOT be deleted.
Pressing this button will bring up the Edit
Site dialog box which allow entering site data for a new site to be added to the master site database.
Delete
Pressing the button will cause the currently highlighted site in master site list box to be removed from the master site database. You will be prompted to verify this action.
Active
Pressing this button will bring up the Select
Active
Sites dialog box which will allow you to select the active sites to be used for tracking.
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and returns control to the main menu. Pressing the RETURN or ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit Site Dialog Box
This dialog allows you to enter or edit data specific to a particular site. Here is where the location, height, and sensor information for the site are defined. To facilitate this the dialog box contains several input lines and buttons described as follows:
INPUT LINES:
Name
This text input line allows you to enter/edit the name of the site. This is a text-only input line allowing up to 30 characters for the name.
Latitude
This input lines accepts the geodetic north latitude value of the site. Valid entries range from -90.0 to 90.0. Positive is north.
Longitude |
This input line accepts the east longitude value of the site. Valid entries range from -180.0 to 180.0. Positive is east.
Height
This input line accepts the height above Mean Sea Level value for the site. This may range between -500.0 and 30000.0. Depending on the system configuration, the values entered/ shown here will be either in Meters or Feet.
Minimum Elevation
This input line accepts the minimum elevation that the site is capable of viewing satellites. A minimum elevation greater than 0.0 would be required if the site were surrounded by mountains. Valid entries in this field may be -10.0 to 90.0 degrees.
BUTTONS:
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes and entries made to the site. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes and entries made to the site. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Too Many Files
This message
box is telling you that there simply are too many files in the current directory to list in the list box. This will not harm anything, it's just telling you that the list box can't show you all the files that there are.
[TABLE
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Invalid Drive or Directory
You have entered the name of a disk drive or a subdirectory that doesn't exist on the system. You will have to go back and enter a correct one.
[TABLE
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Invalid File Name
You have entered the name of a file using characters that are not allowed in a file name or you have entered a path that does not exist on your system. You will have to go back and enter a correct one. 7
Characters that are not allowed in DOS filenames are:
; , = + < > | " [ ] \
The space character is also not allowed.
[TABLE
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Invalid Directory
You have entered the name of a subdirectory that doesn't exist on the system. You will have to go back and enter a correct one.
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MM/DD/YY Date Format
Selecting this radio
button will allow the program to handle dates in a MM/DD/YY format. The MM denotes the month, the DD denotes the day of the month, and the YY denotes the last two digits of the year.
[TABLE
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DD/MM/YY Date Format
Selecting this radio
button will allow the program to handle dates in a DD/MM/YY format. The DD denotes the day of the month, the MM denotes the month, and the YY denotes the last two digits of the year.
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YY/MM/DD Date Format
Selecting this radio
button will allow the program to handle dates in a YY/MM/DD format. The YY denotes the last two digits of the year, the MM denotes the month, and the DD denotes the day of the month.
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Data Path
This combination input
line/pickline will allow you to define the data path to be used by the program to know where to look on your disk for the data it uses.
You can open up the Select
Path box which will allow you to select the desired path from the existing ones by pressing the Down Arrow key, double
clicking on the line with the left mouse button, or clicking on the down arrow in the small box to the right of the input line.
NOTE: ^
Changes made to the data path will not take effect until the next time you run the program.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Path Change
The new path you entered/selected will not be used until the next time you run the program.
[TABLE
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Done Button
Press this button when you are done editing the special options. The new information will be saved in place of the old, and you will be returned to the selection list.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Cancel Button
Press this button to exit and NOT save the changes made to this item.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Track Time Dialog Box
This dialog box allows you to set the current track date, time and interval. To facilitate this, the dialog box contains a number of input lines. To select the desired time, date, or interval element, you may use the TAB or SHIFT+TAB keys, or you may click on the desired element.
Date d
The order of the date elements (year, month, day) is set in the System
Configuration dialog box.
Time o
The time shown will either be UTC or LOCAL depending on the setting in the System
Configuration dialog box.
Interval
The interval is used for non-realtime tracking. Each successive track time is computed by adding the interval to the current track time. Tracking may be done either forward or backward in time, depending on the +/- sign to the left of the interval.
BUTTONS:
Done
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and saves all changes made. Pressing the RETURN key is the same as pressing this button.
Cancel
Pressing this button closes the dialog box and ignores all changes made. Pressing the ESC key is the same as pressing this button. %
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Text Tracking Mode Window
This window provides tracking capability without the use of graphics presentation. This mode is provided for situations where numerical presentations are desirable, and where hard copy predictions and logs are needed. The text tracking mode uses the primary and secondary sites designated in the Edit
Sites dialog box (F6), and the primary satellite designated in the Edit
Satellites dialog box (F5). To facilitate tracking there are several components in this window.
Track Date/Time
At the upper left of the window the current track date, time, and interval are shown. The time base used (either UTC or LOCAL) is determined by settings in the System
Configuration dialog box. The date format (year, month, day order) is set in the System
Configuration dialog box.
Set Time Button
Just to the right of the date/time/interval display is the Set Time button. Pressing this button brings up the Track
Time dialog box which allows you to set the date, time, and interval for non- realtime tracking.
Pause Checkbox
To the right of the Set Time button are a combination of one check box and two buttons which allow you to pause tracking and to single-step through non-realtime tracking.
The Pause checkbox will, when activated, halt tracking at the current time to allow analysis of data. Pressing ALT-P, tabbing to it and pressing the Space bar, or clicking with the mouse will active it. Doing the same again will deactivate it again. If the track mode is non- realtime (determined by the Realtime checkbox below) the -Step and +Step buttons allow you to step either forward and backward in time in increments equal to the current Interval value. This is good for close analysis of activity at a particular time.
Satellite Data <
The current satellite position data is displayed below the track time and controls. Information displayed here include the current latitude, longitude, altitude (in KM or Miles depending on the settings in the System
Configuration dialog box), phase, and whether or not the satellite is illuminated by the sun.
Phase shows the current position of the satellite in terms of what portion of the current revolution the satellite has traversed, measured from perigee, normalized to 256. In other words, phase is mean anomaly represented in a domain of 0 to 255.
Site Data
The next two portions show the satellite relationship to both the Primary and Secondary sites. Shown for each site are site name, latitude and longitude, azimuth, elevation, slant range, and whether or not the site is illuminated by the sun.
Slant range is shown in either KM or Miles depending on the settings in the System
Configuration dialog box. Also shown for each site is the range rate (again, in KM/SEC or MI/SEC depending on system settings) and the doppler shifted satellite frequencies as received by the site. Range rate is derived from the instantaneous velocity computed for the current time. The frequencies displayed are derived from the frequencies defined for the satellite, adjusted for the doppler shift computed using the range rate.
Realtime
In the lower left corner of the window is the Realtime checkbox, which controls the track mode. When activated, the program reads time from the computer system clock and uses that to determine satellite position. i
Note: The program always assumes that the computer clock is set to LOCAL time. If SVT is setup to track in UTC time, it adds the local timezone to the system time. For example, if the computer clock says it is 5:23:04, and the timezone is 5 (EST), then the computed UTC time will be 10:23:04, and that will be the time used to compute satellite position.
Printer Control
Printer control is provided by the Print Mode radiobutton. The three print modes available are Printer Off, Visible Only, and Continuous. ]
Printer Off mode turns the printer off and no output is sent to the printer or disk file. G
Visible Only mode turns the printer on or opens a text file for output, and then outputs satellite positions that are visible from BOTH primary and secondary sites. This provides an automatic mutual visibility listing. Visibilty is defined as a satellite position being within the sensor view zones defined for the sites. z
Continuous mode does the same, but continuously outputs satellite positions regardless of whether it is visible or not. H
If printing is currently off, then by pressing either the Visible Only or Continuous buttons opens the Printer
Destination dialog box. Once the output destination is selected (assuming it is not canceled) printing begins, and continues until either the Text Track mode is terminated, or the Printer Off button is pressed.
Done Button R
This button terminates Text Tracking mode and returns control to the main menu. '
See Also Working
Dialog
Boxes
PC-Track Version 3.1
Table Of Contents
Quick
Start
Guide
The
PC-Track
Interface
Menu Options:
About
Register
File
New
Open
Save
Save
---------
Import
Satellites
PCT
1.x/2.x
NORAD
AMSAT
Sites
PCT
1.x/2.x
---------
Exit
Edit
Satellites
Sites
Graphics
Colors
Text
Colors
View
Track
(Graphics)
Track
(Text)
Scan
(Text
Graphics)
Options
System
Config
---------
Select
Printer
Page
Setup
Printer
Codes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
This option allows you to conveniently fill out your registration form and have it printed on your printer. All applicable price computations are completed for you. Just fill in the blanks and press the Print button. w
See also Registration
Dialog
See also What
Shareware
See also How
See also How
Register
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File \
This main menu option provides menu options that allow you to create a new parameter set, load an existing one, save the current one, or save the current one with a different. Also available is an option that allows you to import site and satellite data from other sources, such as NORAD, AMSAT, and PC-TRACK version 1.x and 2.x format files.
See also: ,
New
Open
Save
Save
Import
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit
This main menu option provides menu options that allow you to edit satellite and site databases, change colors, and modify program attributes.
See also: G
Satellites
Sites
Graphics
Colors
Text
Colors
Attributes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
View
This main menu option provides menu options that allow you to access the graphics track mode, text screen numerical track mode and the mutual visibility pass scan mode.
See also 4
Track
(Graphics)
Track
(Text)
Scan
(Text)
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Options
This main menu option provides menu options that allow you to change system configuration settings (such as time base, distance units, date format, and timezone), select the appropriate printer driver, set up page layout, and customize specific printer codes for your printer driver.
See also B
System
Config
Select
Printer
Page
Setup
Printer
Codes
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | New
This menu option allows you to reset all program parameters to their default conditions. The new parameter filename will be DEFAULT.PRM.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Open I
This menu option allows you to open and load an existing parameter set.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Save e
This menu option allows you to save the current parameter set with the current parameter filename.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Save As m
This menu option allows you to save the current parameter set as a new file with a new parameter filename.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Import T
This menu option allows you to import satellite and site data from other sources.
See also: [
Satellites
PCT
1.x/2.x
NORAD
AMSAT
Sites
PCT
1.x/2.x
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Import | Satellites ]
This menu option allows you to import satellite data from NORAD, AMSAT, and PC-TRACK files.
See also: '
NORAD
AMSAT
PCT
1.x/2.x
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Import | Satellites | NORAD `
This menu option allows you to import satellite data from NORAD two-line element text files.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Import | Satellites | AMSAT ~
This menu option allows you to import satellite data from element text files in the Amateur Satellite (AMSAT) file format.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Import | Satellites | PC-TRACK
This menu option allows you to import satellite data from PC-TRACK data files. The OBJECTS.DAT files from any version of PC-TRACK are useable.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Import | Sites E
This menu option allows you to import site data from other sources.
See also
PCT
1.x/2.x
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Import | Sites | PC-TRACK
This menu option allows you to import site data from PC-TRACK data files. The OBSERVER.DAT files from any version of PC-TRACK are useable.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
File | Exit b
This menu option terminates PC-Track and returns to DOS. Pressing ALT-X will do the same thing.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit | Satellites
This menu option allows you to enter and edit kepplerian element data for individual satellites, select active satellites, and select the primary satellite.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit | Sites
This menu option allows you to enter and edit location and sensor data for individual sites, select active sites, and select the primary and secondary sites to be used in tracking and scanning.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit | Graphics Colors o
This menu option allows you to edit the colors used in the various graphical displays available in PC-Track.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit | Text Colors p
This menu option allows you to edit the colors used in the displays available in PC-Track while in text mode.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Edit | Attributes
This menu option allows you to change the operational program parameters which control how data is presented. Most of these parameters are used in the graphics modes available.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
View | Graphics Track
This menu option activates the graphical tracking mode available in PC-Track. While in tracking mode, most program parameters are changeable to enable you to customize the display to your need. This mode is capable of displaying current satellite position for all active satellites, the view angles from all active sites, and ground site views for the primary and secondary sites, and current track time. Earth views are in a three dimensionally projected Earth Centered Fixed view frame, with the viewpoint from space being user selected, or in a mercator projection flat map. Both can show satellite footprints and line of site lines for all active satellites and sites as well as many other items. &
See Graphics
Tracking for details.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
View | Text Track
This menu option activates the text tracking mode. This mode provides tracking capability without the use of graphics presentation. This mode is provided for situations where numerical presentations are desirable, and where hard copy predictions and logs are needed. The text tracking mode uses the primary and secondary sites designated in the Edit
Sites dialog box (F6), and the primary satellite designated in the Edit
Satellites dialog box (F5).
Information available here includes satellite latitude, longitude, altitude, and orbit phase. For both sites the current view azimuth, elevation, and slant range are presented, as well as current range rate and doppler shifted downlink frequencies for the satellite. '
See Text
Tracking
Mode for details.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
View | Scan
This menu option activates the Mutual Visibility Scan Window. This option allows you to scan a particular time frame for satellite passes that are mutually visible between the Primary and Secondary sites defined in the Edit
Sites dialog box. Every active satellite will be checked and the mutually visible passes will be listed by date and time of AOS in the list box. When completed, the computed pass summaries will be able to be printed and displayed. 0
See Mutual
Visibility
Scan for details.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Options | System Config
This menu option allows you to change certain parameters which affect the way time and distances are displayed, and to configure where map data will be located.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Options | Page Setup
This menu option allows you to configure the layout of the printed page for use in text tracking and mutual visiblility scan modes. Such items as margins, page size, line spacing, character size, and page advance method can be configured here.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Options | Select Printer e
This menu option allows you to select from a list the appropriate printer driver for your printer.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Options | Printer Codes
This menu option allows you to edit the printer control codes used in the printer driver. This permits you to customize the default driver for special print formats you may have.
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Quick Start Guide
Sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin when first trying a new software package. This is true of any package, no matter how simple or how complicated. There always is some sort of learning curve associated with it. The goal of this document is to "level out" that learning curve by getting you focused on the most important items of the program. This will assist you in your evaluation of the product prior to registration.
Ready To Run
PC-Track is extremely versatile, and has many options that are changeable by the user. But it is configured to be essentially "ready to go" when you load it on your computer. Only a few minor things need to be setup prior to using the program. Once you are up to speed on the basic operation, then you can explore more of the deeper features of the program and see how powerful it really is.
Eight Basic Steps C
There are eight basic steps to getting familiar with the product:
1 Get familiar with the basics
2 Select and Configure printer
3 Select Parameter File
4 Configure System Settings
5 Select Active Sites
6 Track in Graphics Mode
7 Track in Text Mode
8 Scan for available passes
Step One - Get Familiar With The Basics - F1
While PC-TRACK has been written to use many convenient methods of displaying and controlling the information available, it would be beneficial to you to review the help screens dealing with the various parts of the program (windows, dialog boxes, scroll bars, etc.) to become familiar with how they work. Once you gain that familiarity, it will be much easier for you to navigate your way through the program and understand the various terms and phrases used. Press the F1 key for help anywhere in the program. f
You are also encouraged to read the User Guide (USRGUIDE.DOC) chapter entitled "The User Interface." !
Step Two - Set Up the Printer m
A major thing you want to do is to select the printer that you will be using (assuming you have a printer).
First select the "Options" option from the main menu. Then select the "Select Printer" option. You will now see a list of printers that is available for use. Find your printer, or one that your printer emulates (acts like) and then press the "Select" button, (or double click on it).
You should then select the "Options" main menu option, and then "Page Setup" option. Set the desired page settings with this dialog box. P
You will then be ready to do most of the basic printing available in PC-Track. '
Step Three - Select A Parameter File
PC-Track allows you to have different parameter files. Each parameter file contains all of the parameters that define what PC-Track is configured to do. All attributes, colors, paths, active sites and satellites, times, views, etc. are contained in the parameter files.
Several different sample parameter files are provided for you to see how flexible PC-Track is. Examples of parameter files provided are:
AMATEUR.PRM : Configured to display some amateur radio satellites
WEATHER.PRM : Configured to display some weather satellites
GPS.PRM : Configured to display some global positioning satellites
To select a sample parameter file, select the File main menu option, then select the Open option. You will see a list of *.PRM files in the file selection box. Press the TAB key to move the cursor to the files list box. Highlight the one you wish to try. When highlighted (make sure it also appears in the input line at the top of the dialog box), press the RETURN key. The parameters will be loaded and you will be ready to proceed. '
Step Four - Configure System Settings
It will be important to configure PC-TRACK for the proper time zone, and to display dates and distances the way you wish. This is done using the System Config dialog box.
First, select the "Options" option from the main menu. Then select the "System Config" option. You will now see the System Configuration dialog box. This is where you can set up the date format, time frame, and time zone. It is particularly important to make sure the time zone is correct, so that predictions will be correct. Remember that the number entered here is the number of hours that UTC time is AHEAD of you. For example, Eastern Standard Time for the US would require a 5. D
You can ignore the map path for now, it should already be correct. ;
Step Five - Select Primary, Secondary, and Active Sites
PC-Track maintains a large database of sites for use (up to 300). From this database, you may select up to 300 "active" sites, along with a "Primary" and a "Secondary" site.
Active sites are the ones that will appear in the graphics tracking option. If the Line Of Site attribute is enabled, these sites display Line Of Site lines to satellites that are visible to them. n
The Primary and Secondary sites are special sites used in graphics tracking and the Mutual Pass Scan option. f
Active sites are selected from the Select Active Sites dialog box. This is accessible using the "Active" button. Now with the > and < keys (or by doubleclicking the mouse on the desired site names) you can select the desired active sites. When finished with this, press the Done button. Then press the Done button again to close the Edit Sites dialog box. e
The primary and secondary sites are selected from the Edit Sites dialog box. You can access this dialog box by selecting the "Edit" main menu option then the select the "Sites" sub option. Pressing the F5 hot key from the main screen will also bring up the Edit Sites dialog box. Select a primary site in the "Primary Site" and "Secondary Site"input line. &
Step Six - Track in Graphics Mode
To access the Graphics Tracking Mode, select the "View" main menu option, and then the "Track(Graphics)" option. You may also access this by pressing the F2 hot key from the main screen. The graphics tracking mode will then be activated. For details on options available in graphics track mode, see the chapter dealing with that mode. You may also press the F1 key for a list of available options. 6
NOTE:
PC-TRACK makes use of predrawn globe views
and maps to speed graphics displays while at
the same time providing versatility in the
viewpoints available to the user. The
unregistered release of PC-TRACK provides you
with 4 globe views and one world mercator
views. The colors and geographics features
are pre- determined by Acme Workshops as
those that would best serve as trial
displays. They are intended to allow an
adequate demonstration the capabilities of
PC-TRACK prior to registration.
The registered package, however, includes a
utility program that allows you to develop
your own globe views and mercator projection
world map. With this utility, you have the
capability of defining the viewpoint (point
in space from which the globe is viewed),
offset (point on the screen where the center
of the earth is), colors and geographical
features (coasts, islands, lakes, rivers,
country boundaries, and state boundaries) of
the views. You can define multiple sets of
globe views, each with up to 30 different
views. PC- TRACK can load and make available
up to 30 views at a time.
Please consider these items when evaluating
PC-TRACK, and realize that the 4 views of the
globe that you get with the pre-registration
copy is only the beginning.
Step Seven - Track in Text Mode #
To access the text track mode, select the "View" main menu option, and the "Track(Text)" option. You may also access this mode by pressing the F3 hot key from the main screen. This mode displays current or future position data for the Primary Satellite and the Primary and Secondary Sites. 1
Step Eight - Scan for mutually visible passes
To access the scan mode, select the "View" main menu option, and the "Scan(Text)" option. You may also access this mode by pressing the F4 hot key from the main screen.
This mode allows you to can for satellite passes that are mutually visible between the Primary and Secondary sites. All active satellites are scanned.
Additional Experimentation: 2
- Select Different Primary and Active Satellites
PC-Track maintains a large database of satellites for use (up to 300). From this database, you may select up to 300 "Active" satellites to track and visualize, along with a "Primary" satellite.
Active satellites are the ones for which positions will be computed and will appear on the graphics track screen. They are also the ones that will be scanned in the Mutual Visibility Pass Scan option (see below). a
The Primary satellite is used in the text tracking mode as the satellite that will be analyzed.
Active satellites are selected from the Select Active Satellites dialog box. This is accessible using the "Active" button. Now with the > and < keys (or by doubleclicking the mouse on the desired satellite names) you can select the desired active satellites. When finished with this, press the Done button. Then press the Done button again to close the Edit Satellites dialog box. _
The primary satellite is selected from the Edit Satellites dialog box. You can access this dialog box by selecting the "Edit" main menu option then the select the "Satellites" sub option. Pressing the F5 hot key from the main screen will also bring up the Edit Satellites dialog box. Select a primary satellite in the "Primary Satellite" input line.
Register t
If you decide to continue to use PC-Track after the trial period, you will need to register your copy of PC-Track. [
See also About
Shareware
See also How
See also How
Register
PC-Track
You can easily fill out your registration form using the on-line registration
form. When you do, you will receive many benefits, as well as additional software that will make PC-Track even more flexible and powerful.
Enjoy! ?
You should now have enough of an introduction into PC- Track to begin using it with confidence. Remember to use the F1 key when in doubt about anything. Complete help is available on all parts of the program. And now that you've got a feel for how PC-Track works, it might be a good time to read the PC-Track User Guide. For a more detailed information about the features and capabilities of PC-Track, read the PC- Track Reference. (Provided in the registered user package). To see what other products Johnson Scientific International has available, see Other
PC-TRACK is a simple but sophisticated means of tracking earth orbiting satellites. PC-TRACK is capable of tracking up to 300 satellites simultaneously in 3D or on a flat mercator projection! x
PC-TRACK is useful to amateur radio and weather satellite users, science teachers, experimenters, and serious satellite users. Use it for demonstrating orbital mechanics, predicting availability times, making presentations, performing satellite constellation studies, and general orbital analyses. PC-TRACK uses satellite data readily available from NASA and other sources. L
PC-TRACK offers the following features. k
PROGRAM FEATURES
New For Version 3.1:
- Incorporates SGP4/SDP4 propagation algorithms
- Capture graphics screens to PCX files
- Visualize mutually visible passes in 3D
- Improved graphics controls
- Different colors for dark and illuminated satellites
- Runs in DOS protected mode, utilizing up to 16MB of memory.
- Can track in 3D on spherical world projections.
- Uses 640x480 VGA resolution.
- Can track up to 300 satellites simultaneously.
- Text screen tracking for users with no VGA capability.
- Scan for visible passes
- Scan all satellites to find illuminated sats.
- Rapid graphics screen redraw.
- Informative satellite position display.
- All colors and parameters user definable.
- Capable of having separate parameter files for
different track/display scenarios.
- Quick start-up.
- Downlink frequency displays, showing doppler shift.
- Display orbital phase, based on current mean anomaly.
- Multiple maps of world and continents available.
- Can be configured to track using UTC time or LOCAL time
- Can be configured to display distances using metric or english system.
- Full control of Date, Time, and Interval used to predict object data.
- Site and Satellite data sorted by name.
- Can store data for up to 300 objects and 300 observers.
- Includes import capability for NASA 2 line Orbital Elements or
AMSAT data files.
- Select from over 100 printer drivers.
PC-Track is shareware. We encourage you to give it a good going over. If you find it useful, and continue to use it after a reasonable trial period (like 30 days), we encourage you to consider registering it. ]
We also have several satellite analysis products available. See Other
Products for details. >
For an quick tour of the product, see the
Quick
Start
Quide. 1
****** VISIT OUR WORLD WIDE WEB SITE *******
http://www.jsci.com/
********************************************
[TABLE
CONTENTS]
Other Products
Johnson Scientific International currently has these other satellite tracking, prediction, and analysis tools available for a wide range of uses...
PC-Track
Professional
Provides the convenient features of PC-Track 3.1 for users
who need extended graphics capabilities.
The
Satellite
Visualization
(SVT)
Provides a package of satellite analysis and
visualization tools for satellite management
and analysis professionals.
The
Satellite
Prediction
(SPT)
Provides the analysis power of SVT, with the ability to be
automated with macros and command line calls. Intended for
those who need the compute power of SVT with the ability
Do you like the performance, organization, and capabilities of PC-TRACK, but find that there are other things that you wish it were capable of? Do you need: S
* The ability to display graphics in higher resolution
(up to 1280x1024).
* The ability to define the 3D viewpoint "on the fly."
* The capability of defining and visualizing satellite and
site sensor areas of coverage. (separate from footprint).
* The abililty to define satellites sensors with either
conical or planar coverage.
* The ability to visualize orbit shapes and their relationships
to other orbits.
* The ability to visualize orbit propagation over time.
* The capability of computing and visualizing mutually visible
passes in 3D, on a mercator projection, or against a star
background.
* The capability of tracking over 300 satellites at a time.
* The ability to compute the visibility between sites and
If you need any of these capabilities, then you need PC-TRACK Professional (PCTP) from Johnson Scientific International. PCTP is a professional version of PC-Track, capabable of all of these things and more. The PCTP is excellent for: -
* Demonstrating astrodynamic principals.
* Visualizing satellite constellations.
* Determining site sensor cabilities.
* Analyzing "see and be seen" scenarios.
* Computing areas of coverage of satellite sensors.
The SVT is a powerful tool, utilizing the latest in object-oriented technology and double-precision calculations for accurate predictions and analysis. The SVT actually has three major tools integrated into one powerful application:
ANIMATED TRACKING C
This provides the capability to display satellite positions, sensor coverage, solar illumination, target visibility, and other source- target relationship information in an animated fashion. This animation may be done in real time, or may be accelerated over time to rapidly show positional and relationship changes.
Special site display windows are available to be used with a specified ground site. These windows show both graphically and numerically the current look angles, rise/set status and solar illumination status for all visible satellites. For constellations of more than 4 satellites, it will show Dilution Of Precision values for the currently visible targets. This is useful for GPS users who need positional reliability information for GPS geolocation data. (
ORBIT, SITE, AND SENSOR VISUALIZATION a
This provides the capability to visually analyze the orbits of single or multiple satellites and their sensor coverages in an Earth Centered Inertial view frame. It can also show the positions and sensor coverage of single or multiple ground sites in either 3D Earth Centered Fixed view frame or on selected mercator projection flat map displays. N
The orbit displays can show single orbits or up to 9 propagated orbits for any number of revolutions up to 999999 past epoch. Each orbit displayed can show the Node point, Mean Anomaly point, Apogee point, Perigee point, and the Epoch point. Multiple satellite orbit displays show the relationships of orbits in a constellation. Q
For single satellite displays, keplerian data for the first and last revolution data can be displayed numerically on screen along with the graphical view. Sensor coverage for the satellite can also be displayed for any point along the orbit, and solar position/ terminator line can be displayed to show solar beta angle graphically.
The site displays can show in 3D the site position and the area in space covered by the sensor. 11 different mercator projections maps are available to display site locations. Also available for a site display is a sky view, shown for a user selected date and time. This display shows either the sun and moon for day or moon and stars for night, along with the sensor coverage area, and a azimuth/elevation grid.
PASS SCANNING AND ANALYSIS
This provides the most powerful analysis tool in the product. With this tool, you can search for, display, visualize, print, and export source/target relationships over a specified period of time using a specifed search criteria. +
An exclusive feature of SVT is the abilty to do time correlated scans, which will find time segments in which ALL designated source/ target positions and relationships meet the search criteria. This is powerful feature which permits analysis of sophisticated multiple source/target scenarios.
For example, you can determine the times when ground site A can see relay satellite B, and when relay satellite B can what elements of satellite constellation C, containing multiple satellites, and when ground site D can see relay satellite B.
Data can be displayed using a variety of coordinate systems, units of measure, and display formats. Computed data and subsets thereof can be selectively displayed and analyzed. D
For any particular scan operation the following may be specified:
o Time period of the scan. o Resolution of (time between) time points. o Source and target objects (any number). o Filter (search) criteria.
During a scan operation, the positions of and relationship between each source/target pair are computed for each time point within the time period. The time between each time point is specified by the resolution. Each time point meeting the filter criteria is added to a time segment, with statistics and summary information for that time segment being automatically calculated. A
With data collected during a scan, the following may be done: D
o Display summary information for each time segment including: q
o Source and Target names
o Duration of time segment.
o Increment (resolution)
o Time point data for the following statistical points:
o Start, Mid & Stop points
o Minimum Elevation point
o Maximum Elevation point
o Minimum Range point
o Maximum Range
o Minimum Range Rate point
o Maximum Range Rate point
o Select multiple time segment summaries to: a
o Visualize in 3D or on mercator projections
o Compute and display Dilution of Precision
(DOP) values for GPS analysis
o Display a time correlation graph of time relationships
between segments.
o Print
o Export
o Select a single time segment summary to expand into component
time points which can be displayed, printed, exported, and
visualized against a sky view background. Time point data that
can be displayed consists of:
o Source/Target names
o Date of point
o Time of point
o Target visiblity flag
o Range Rate
o Source position
o Source velocity
o Source solar illumination status
o Target position
o Target velocity
o Target solar illumination status
SOLAR BETA ANGLE AND PERCENT SUN
Solar angle and percent sun values may be computed for any satellite in the satellite database. This data can be presented for one week, month, or year periods, at daily, weekly, or monthly increments. This data can be printed or exported. @
DATA MANAGEMENT In addition to the above major tools offered in the SVT, it also has built-in site and satellite data management tools which permit simple user maintenance of the data. With these tools the user is capable of adding, editing, deleting, and importing data elements. Data sets managed by the SVT are: G
o Satellite Vehicles
o Earth Sites
o Groups
o Target Objects
GRAPHICS
The SVT takes advantage of high resolution capabilities of VESA compatible video displays (up to 1280x1024) to provide stunning visual presentations. With any available mode The SVT is capable of displaying: 1
o Positions of any object.
o 3D representation of sensor coverage for sites or satellites.
o 3D visualization of orbit shapes of single or multiple satellites.
Visualize the relationships of satellites within a constellation.
Visualization can also be done while editing orbital elements to
see effects of parameter changes.
o 3D visualization of PROPAGATED orbit shapes of any of the
satellites. Visualization can be made of up to 9 orbits
propagated up to 999999 revolutions past the epoch revolution.
o Lines of sight from source objects to target objects.
o Altitude lines for all satellites.
o Visibility footprints for all active satellites in 2D or 3D.
o Satellite space position (with or without trail, and different
colors for points illuminated by the sun)
o Sub-satellite point position (with or without trail, and
different colors for points visible by source)
o Geographic features of the earth in 3 different detail levels.
o Any combination of coasts, islands, countries, states, rivers and lakes.
o Latitude and longitude lines.
o 11 different mercator projection flat maps.
o Earth Centered Fixed (ECF) 3D projections.
o Earth Centered Inertial (ECI) 3D projections.
o Ground Site viewing angles.
o Site and satellite names
GENERAL FEATURES F
o Runs in DOS Protected mode, which removes the 640K memory barrier.
Utilizes up to 16 MB of memory.
o Provides complete control over all display attributes, colors,
site and satellite selection to make displays as simple or
detailed as necessary.
o Simple update of orbital elements and site data through direct
import of data from:
o NASA/NORAD two-line element files
o AMSAT keplerian element files
o Site data files
o Multiple "personalities" through the use of user-defined parameter
files which define display attributes, colors, viewpoints, target
designations, etc.
o User friendly menu driven windowed interface.
o PCX file screen capture for all graphics displays at all resolutions.
o Choice of high-speed or high-accuracy propagation algorithms.
o Use of SGP4/SDP4 NORAD propagation algorigthms to provide
high-accuracy position predictions.
o Unique "group" feature which permits the collection of desired
objects into a group which can be selected for analysis just like
individual sites or satellites.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Y
o 80486 or greater CPU
o 8 MB Memory
o 10 MB Disk Space
o VESA compatible video
LIST PRICE: l
$195.00 USD + Shipping and Handling
(Subject to change without notice, contact us for latest pricing.)
The Satellite Prediction Tool is a DOS-based application designed to provide "compute engine" capabilities for the prediction, and analyis of earth orbiting objects. With the SPT, you will have the ability to pre-configure scenarios which can be run from the DOS prompt in an automated fashion.
The SPT is automated through a new Macro feature. Macros provide the capability of automating the operation of the SPT. Macros are "recorded" keystrokes that are contained in a collection and used to simulate the user typing keys on the computer keyboard. These recorded keystrokes do exactly the same things that the original keystrokes did. Macros can be saved to and loaded from files. They can even be specified on the command line at startup so that certain predetermined operations can be performed automatically. Parameter files (those files which configure targets, display attributes, data formats, scan times, etc.) may also be loaded from the command line, providing further automation control.
PASS SCANNING AND ANALYSIS
This provides the most powerful analysis tool in the product. With this tool, you can search for, display, print, and export source/target relationships over a specified period of time using a specifed search criteria. +
An exclusive feature of SPT is the abilty to do time correlated scans, which will find time segments in which ALL designated source/ target positions and relationships meet the search criteria. This is powerful feature which permits analysis of sophisticated multiple source/target scenarios.
For example, you can determine the times when ground site A can see relay satellite B, and when relay satellite B can what elements of satellite constellation C, containing multiple satellites, and when ground site D can see relay satellite B.
Data can be displayed using a variety of coordinate systems, units of measure, and display formats. Computed data and subsets thereof can be selectively displayed and analyzed. D
For any particular scan operation the following may be specified:
o Time period of the scan. o Resolution of (time between) time points. o Source and target objects (any number). o Filter (search) criteria.
During a scan operation, the positions of and relationship between each source/target pair are computed for each time point within the time period. The time between each time point is specified by the resolution. Each time point meeting the filter criteria is added to a time segment, with statistics and summary information for that time segment being automatically calculated. A
With data collected during a scan, the following may be done: D
o Display summary information for each time segment including: q
o Source and Target names
o Duration of time segment.
o Increment (resolution)
o Time point data for the following statistical points:
o Start, Mid & Stop points
o Minimum Elevation point
o Maximum Elevation point
o Minimum Range point
o Maximum Range
o Minimum Range Rate point
o Maximum Range Rate point
o Select multiple time segment summaries to: I
o Compute and display Dilution of Precision
(DOP) values for GPS analysis
o Display a time correlation graph of time relationships
between segments.
o Print
o Export
o Select a single time segment summary to expand into component
time points which can be displayed, printed and exported.
Time point data that can be displayed consists of:
o Source/Target names
o Date of point
o Time of point
o Target visiblity flag
o Range Rate
o Source position
o Source velocity
o Source solar illumination status
o Target position
o Target velocity
o Target solar illumination status
SOLAR BETA ANGLE AND PERCENT SUN
Solar angle and percent sun values may be computed for any satellite in the satellite database. This data can be presented for one week, month, or year periods, at daily, weekly, or monthly increments. This data can be printed or exported. @
DATA MANAGEMENT In addition to the above major tools offered in the SPT, it also has built-in site and satellite data management tools which permit simple user maintenance of the data. With these tools the user is capable of adding, editing, deleting, and importing data elements. Data sets managed by the SPT are: G
o Satellite Vehicles
o Earth Sites
o Groups
o Target Objects
GENERAL FEATURES
o Provides automation capabilities through the use of macros.
o Runs in DOS Protected mode, which removes the 640K memory barrier.
Utilizes up to 16 MB of memory.
o Provides complete control over all display attributes,
site and satellite selection to make displays as simple or
detailed as necessary.
o Simple update of orbital elements and site data through direct
import of data from:
o NASA/NORAD two-line element files
o AMSAT keplerian element files
o Site data files
o Multiple "personalities" through the use of user-defined parameter
files which define display attributes, colors, viewpoints, target
designations, etc.
o User friendly menu driven windowed interface.
o PCX file screen capture for all graphics displays at all resolutions.
o Choice of high-speed or high-accuracy propagation algorithms.
o Use of SGP4/SDP4 NORAD propagation algorigthms to provide
high-accuracy position predictions.
o Unique "group" feature which permits the collection of desired
objects into a group which can be selected for analysis just like
individual sites or satellites.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Y
o 80486 or greater CPU
o 8 MB Memory
o 10 MB Disk Space
o VESA compatible video
LIST PRICE: l
$145.00 USD + Shipping and Handling
(Subject to change without notice, contact us for latest pricing.)
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