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┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │░
│ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 │░
│ Satellite Tracking Program │░
│ * Shareware Version * │░
│ │░
│ Copyright (C) 1989-94, All Rights Reserved │░
│ Paul E. Traufler │░
│ 111 Emerald Drive │░
│ Harvest, AL 35749 │░
│ WK (205) 726-5511 or (205) 837-0084 │░
│ Compuserve ID 76600,610 │░
│ │░
│ │░
│ │░
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
1 January, 1994
TRAKSAT
Copyright (C) 1989-94
By Paul E. Traufler
All Rights Reserved
****************************************************************
ALL VERSIONS OF TRAKSAT, INCLUDING VERSION 3.00, ARE NOT PUBLIC
DOMAIN SOFTWARE, NOR ARE THEY FREE SOFTWARE.
Non-registered users are granted a limited license to use TRAKSAT
on a trial basis for the purpose of determining whether TRAKSAT
is suitable for their needs. The term of the trial basis shall
not exceed 30 days. Use of TRAKSAT, except for this limited
purpose, requires registration.
TRAKSAT and its companion files are being distributed as
Shareware. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THIS SOFTWARE WITH OTHERS
PROVIDED THAT IT IS DISTRIBUTED COMPLETE WITH DOCUMENTATION AND
IN UNMODIFIED FORM AND THAT NO FEE OR OTHER CONSIDERATION IS
CHARGED OR ACCEPTED. (DISTRIBUTORS OF PUBLIC DOMAIN OR USER
SUPPORTED SOFTWARE MAY DISTRIBUTE TRAKSAT FOR A COPY FEE, NOT TO
EXCEED $5.00 (US)).
****************************************************************
TRAKSAT makes no warranty of any kind, either express or implied,
including but not limited to implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with
respect to this software and accompanying documentation.
Paul E. Traufler, author of TRAKSAT, SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY
TO USE TRAKSAT, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. This
agreement is governed by the laws of the state of Alabama.
What is Shareware? (Why ask why!)
Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed at minimal
cost. Because you can "try before you buy", it's easy to find
programs to fit your needs. Shareware authors release programs
with an element of trust, expecting payment if a program is used
regularly. You save when you buy Shareware since expensive
marketing costs are eliminated, however it should be remembered
that producing Shareware costs the author time, energy, and
money. Remember that registering Shareware will help keep high
quality low cost software available to all users.
Why should I register?
Well first off it is the right thing to do. If you use TRAKSAT
for more than 30 days it is time to register. What you get by
registering TRAKSAT is;
1. Support for Shareware so you can keep getting low-cost
software in the future.
2. You will be mailed a notice when new versions become available.
3. Support will be provided to registered users only.
4. The option of getting you name placed on the About screen so
everyone will know you registered the program.
5. The warm feeling that you are supporting me in this pursuit.
6. The latest version of the program and new satellite elements
also.
7. The registered version does NOT display the reminder screen at
startup.
Your registration helps support me and my family also. I have
spent a great deal of time and effort in this program and would
hope that you will be honest and register. I have kept the cost
of this program within the reach of almost anyone, just try to
find another satellite tracking program with all the features of
TRAKSAT for less money.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
INTRODUCTION ........................................... 6
HARDWARE REQUIRED TO RUN THE PROGRAM ................... 9
CHAPTER 1 (GETTING STARTED) ........................... 9
RUNNING THE PROGRAM .................................... 10
CHAPTER 2 (USER OPTIONS) .............................. 13
CHAPTER 3 (MAIN MENU FILE OPTIONS) .................... 17
CHAPTER 4 (MAIN MENU SATELLITE OPTIONS) ............... 21
CHAPTER 5 (MAIN MENU STATION OPTIONS) ................. 27
CHAPTER 6 (MAIN MENU TIME OPTIONS) .................... 30
CHAPTER 7 (MAIN MENU OPTIONS) ......................... 33
CHAPTER 8 (MAIN MENU OUTPUT/SINGLE SATELLITE) ......... 39
CHAPTER 9 (MAIN MENU OUTPUT/MULTI-MODES) .............. 51
CHAPTER 10 (REGISTERING/UPDATES) ....................... 55
CHAPTER 11 (OBTAINING ELEMENTS/FILE FORMAT) ............ 56
CHAPTER 12 (SATELLITE MAGNITUDE/FREQUENCIES) ........... 60
CHAPTER 13 (ODDS AND ENDS) ............................. 62
CHAPTER 14 (PROBLEMS/HELP) ............................. 70
BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................... 73
ORDER FORMS ............................................ 75
Trademarks used in this document
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IBM, PS/2, and PC DOS are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and QuickC are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer
Technology.
PC-WRITE is a trademark of Bob Wallace, Quicksoft.
All others are owned by there respected companies.
Introduction
TRAKSAT is a general purpose satellite tracking program, by that
I mean any satellite that has a NORAD, NASA 2-Line element set
can be used. The solution to the satellite motion which is used
by TRAKSAT is completely analytic and therefore requires no
numerical integration. This makes the program fast, even faster
when a coprocessor is used, since the solutions can be evaluated
at arbitrarily large, or small, time intervals.
The purpose of this program is to provide the user with a means
of propagating NORAD element sets in time to obtain tracking
information of the space object.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The NORAD satellite data set included with TRAKSAT contains the
elements for over 650 satellites. HOWEVER this data will be
several weeks old by the time most people obtain this program.
The elements included can be used to run the program through its
paces but updated elements will be required in order to make
accurate predictions. For more information on satellite elements
see Chapter 11.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
To print out the document, TRAKSAT.DOC use the DOS copy command.
The syntax to use would be "COPY TRAKSAT.DOC PRN", without the
quotation marks.
A complete development of the theory required to predict
the position of an artificial satellite about the earth is not
presented here because this is not proper place for it. Such a
development would require a volume in itself and would be more of
a distraction than an aid to the potential user. Only enough of
the concepts required for a general understanding plus the final
results are given. References to detailed works from which these
results are derived are provided for the more than casually
interested reader.
A Brief Editorial
TRAKSAT version 3.00 (3.00 because this is the third MAJOR
revision of the program) is written in 100% C code. The program
has some 40,000 lines of code in it and represents some 2800
hours of work. I have enjoyed the work and have heard from many
people all over the world.
I'm an Aerospace Engineer working for a company in Huntsville,
AL.. My job title is; Trajectory and Orbit Analysis Engineer. I
work with NASA, mostly the shuttle program, "on-console" for
several shuttle missions. I have done orbital lighting, TDRS
coverage, Pass Planning, and many other things. I also have
worked with a telemetry system that was used to determine the
actual pointing of the Shuttle on the ATLAS-1 and ATLAS-2 shuttle
missions. I was in charge of the real-time software development
for these missions. I will be one of the Orbit Analysis Engineers
for the upcoming IML-2 Shuttle mission also.
****************************************************************
This is an add For WinTrak, the Satellite Tracking Program for
WINDOWS.
Is Windows your idea of the way software should be? Well I have
produced the first and only Windows based satellite tracking
program. It is called WinTrak. This program is the most advanced
program of its kind. There are many features of this program that
would make any DOS program green with envy.
WinTrak is an easy-to-use program for tracking satellites in
real-time on PC type personal computers running Windows. It
provides a variety of features required by Amateur Radio
Operators, Astronomers, and Satellite Watchers. Some of the key
features include:
Quick, simple clean operation
Fast, accurate results
Nearly unlimited number of satellites
User configured multiple tracking stations
Multiple satellite tracking
Satellite ground tracks
Predict upcoming satellite passes
Real-time satellite tracking
3-D satellite earth views
Satellite tracks across a stars background
Easy to use Windows program
Doppler shift calculations
Squint angle calculations
Simple easy installation program included
Supports any video mode used by Windows
Special satellite groups available
Fast tabular satellite rise/set options
Optical tracking options
Complete on-line help available
Printed documentation provided
Uses NASA/NORAD Two-Line Elements
Satellite database of over 600 satellites included
Free technical support via CompuServe
What will WinTrak do for me? WinTrak tracks orbiting satellites
including the Moon, Sun, and Stars. The program can continually
update the screen with the current positions of multiple
satellites and tracking stations. WinTrak provides the user with
a wealth of options to suit the particular needs of a broad
spectrum of users. WinTrak is high quality software but at an
affordable price!
WinTrak was designed to be easy-to-use for both the beginner and
the expert alike. This program may be the best reason to switch
to Windows!
Computer Software/Hardware Requirements:
WinTrak runs on IBM & compatible 286, 386, 486 PC computers
capable of running Windows in either Standard or Enhanced modes.
Other system requirements include; 2 Meg of Ram, 1.44M floppy
disk, 3 Meg of disk space, DOS version 4.X or better, Windows
version 3.X,. A coprocessor is strongly recommended. WinTrak is
supplied on 3.5 inch 1.44M floppy disks, 5.25 inch 1.2M floppy
disks can be ordered. High density disks only.
Recommended Minimum System:
386-33MHz with 4 Meg Ram, 387 coprocessor, Super VGA color
graphics, 130 Meg hard drive, 1.44M floppy, mouse, DOS 5.0 or
6.0, Windows 3.1.
Price: Until April 15, 1994 $49.95 then $59.95 + $4.00 Shipping.
(Save $10.00)
For more information please contact;
WinTrak
c/o Paul E. Traufler
111 Emerald Drive
Harvest, AL. 35749
Phone (work) 205-726-5511
Phone (home) 205-837-0084
Compuserve ID# 76600,610.
****************************************************************
Chapter 1 (Getting Started)
Did you get a complete copy of the program? The following files
SHOULD have been included in the archive file.
TRAKSAT.EXE The program.
TRAKSAT.INI The default data for TRAKSAT.
TRAKSAT.CTY The city file for tracking stations.
TRAKSAT.DOC TRAKSAT program documentation.
EARTH.DAT World map data file.
TLE.TXT This is the latest NORAD satellite data set,
READ.ME Latest notes about the program.
TRAK300.NEW New features for this version.
MSHERC.COM This utility is used for Hercules graphics.
MODERN.FON This is a font file used for the graphics.
ORDER.FRM This file contains TRAKSAT order forms.
STAR6A.BIN This is a star data base that is NOT required
to run TRAKSAT, it is optional. This data file
can be used in the external star data
option. It has all stars to magnitude 6.0
in it.
What do I need to run the program? In order to run the program
the user will need the following hardware/software;
IBM or 100% compatible PC,XT,AT,PS/2,386,486, 640K
Ram (460K FREE RAM IS REQUIRED), Floppy or Hard
Disk (approximately 950K free), Text mode display
(25x80), Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, or SVGA graphics
Math coprocessor is NOT required BUT RECOMMENDED,
(IF A COPROCESSOR IS PRESENT IT WILL BE USED *),
PC DOS or MS DOS VERSION 3.0 or above.
* It should be noted that a coprocessor will be 3 to 4 times
faster than the emulator version. If the user plans on using the
real-time tracking mode, a coprocessor will "smooth out" the time
steps to such a small delta as to appear instantaneously. At any
rate the real-time mode runs as fast as the host computer can
calculate the data and update the screen.
TRAKSAT is available from many BBS's and shareware firms and
normally stored in a compressed format such as ZIP. The user will
be required to uncompress the files by whatever means it was
compressed with first. To install the program first create a
directory on your hard disk. Type "C:" <Enter> then "cd\trak300"
<Enter> to create a directory named C:\TRAK300. (Do not type the
quotes, the <Enter> means press the Enter or Return key.) If your
hardware is different substitute the required changes as needed.
Next copy ALL the files to the just created directory on your
hard disk. That is all that is required to run the program. Read
Chapter 2 (User Options) for additional details on user set
options that you may want. IT IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT YOU
SET THE OUTPUT PATH IN THE TRAKSAT.INI FILE. If you do not set
the path the program may over write output files.
Running The Program
To start TRAKSAT you type "TRAKSAT", without the quotation marks,
at the DOS prompt. Several command-line options are available to
modify the start-up of the program. See Chapter 2 for details.
After the opening screen is displayed the Main Menu will be
displayed next. From the Main Menu the user can control the
program. The Main Menu is the core of the program, i.e. from this
menu the user can setup satellite data, tracking station data,
and output selections.
Here is an Main Menu example;
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
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└ 1:49pm ┘
A full explanation of the options is included in this document
but for the most part the user can figure out most of the options
without additional help.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
All of the menu selections can be changed by either the arrow
keys, mouse movement, or ALT+ the first letter of the menu
choice. (The left mouse button will select the hi-lighted menu
option, while the right mouse button will simulate the escape
(Esc) key.) Some options have Hot-Key assignments that will go
directly to the option without going through and menus. The Hot-
Keys are always a Alt+Key options, i.e., Alt+E, this means
pressing down the Alt key and the E key at the same time. (This
combination will allow the user to change satellite element
files.) If a Hot-Key option is available for a menu option it
will be displayed on the right side of the menu options. If you
do not have a mouse the Tab key will change the cursor setting on
the menus and buttons.
The mouse driver version used in the testing of TRAKSAT was
Microsoft 7.03. Several other versions and other mice have been
used with no problems also. (The mouse is disabled during any
graphics output.)
Chapter 2 (User Options)
Command-Line options
TRAKSAT has several command-line options available that may prove
useful. To use any of these commands type "traksat /?", without
the quotes. (Replace the ? with one or more of the following
commands.) Valid options are;
/a = Run Analytical Solution Mode at start up,
/m = Use Monochrome mode,
/x = Do NOT try to load element data at start-up.
These commands are not upper/lower case specific.
The TRAKSAT.INI File
TRAKSAT has many options available to suit your particular needs.
The program stores your options in a file called TRAKSAT.INI.
This file is an ASCII text file that can be edited by any word
processor that can save as ASCII text. (DOS utility program EDIT
works fine.) The program will look for this file in the same
place as the program EXE is located. ONE WILL NOT BE CREATED IF
IT IS MISSING, however the program will use some defaults to get
you started at least. Several options allow you to save your new
defaults to the INI file, however the program will first make a
backup of the current INI settings to a file called TRAKSAT.BAK.
An example of the INI file is included below;
; TRAKSAT Version 3.00 INI file.
; *** A semi-colon in the FIRST column means a comment field ***
; ALL DATA MUST FOLLOW THE = SIGN, ** NO SPACES ** 79 columns MAX
; The section titles i.e., [Program Info] MUST start in column ONE
;
; Program Info, Defaults, Automatic, and Groups can NOT be set inside the
; program, you must edit the TRAKSAT.INI file and make the desired changes.
;
[Program Info]
;You may put a complete path to this file
Element Filename=TLE.TXT
;Adding an output path is strongly recommended, i.e., C:\TRAKSAT
Output Path=
;
;*** CONSULT DOCUMENTATION FOR DETAILS *BEFORE* SETTING VIDEO MODES ***
;-4=EGA 640x350x16, -3=Herc, -2=CGA Mono, -1=VGA Mono, 0=Auto, 1=Standard VGA
;
; *** THE MODES LISTED BELOW REQUIRE A SVGA CARD AND MONITOR ***
; *** DAMAGE MAY RESULT IF YOUR HARDWARE DOES NOT SUPPORT THESE MODES ***
;2=800x600x16, 3=800x600x256, 4=1024x768x16, 5=1024x768x256
;6=1280x1024x16, 7=1280x1024x256
Video Mode=0
;Land fill color for Ground Tracks, 0 none,2=green,6=red,8=gray
Color Land=2
;0 = no refresh of Ground Track
Rev Update Interval=6
[Defaults]
Satellite Name=Mir
;0 Text screen,4 Ana. screen, 10 GT,11 Star, 12 3D,13 Multi Text
;14 M Sat GT, 15 M Stat text, 16 M Stat file
Run Mode=10
;Used for Doppler Freq. calculations
Freq Up=145.0
Freq Down=440.0
[Automatic]
;LOCAL TIMES
Start Time=18.0
Length Hours=24.0
;0 = ALL, 1 = Group One, etc.
Group=0
[Options]
Sensor=1
Sun Terminator=1
Grids=1
Visible Only=0
Star Direction=3
Star Names=1
Internal Stars=1
External Stars=1
Star Time Tags=1
Star Update Interval=15.0000
Star Mag Limit=4.5000
Ra Dec Output=0
[Station 1]
Station 1 Name=Harvest,AL
;Units are Degrees, Km, Hours
Station 1 Lat=34.797
Station 1 Lon=-86.679
Station 1 Alt=220
Station 1 UTC Offset=-6
Station 1 Min Elevation=0
Station 1 Max Range=2000
;1 = LOS, 2 = Optical, 3 = Optical W/Max Range
Station 1 Visibility=1
Station 1 Twilight=-12.0
[Station 2]
Station 2 Name=Adelaide,Australia
Station 2 Lat=-34.7666
Station 2 Lon=138.5367
Station 2 Alt=6.00
Station 2 UTC Offset=-6.0
Station 2 Min Elevation=0.0
Station 2 Max Range=2000.0
Station 2 Visibility=2
Station 2 Twilight=-12.0
[Station 3]
Station 3 Name=Rancho Palos Ver,CA
;Units are Degrees, Km, Hours
Station 3 Lat=33.7675
Station 3 Lon=-118.4033
Station 3 Alt=186.00
Station 3 UTC Offset=-8.0
Station 3 Min Elevation=0.0
Station 3 Max Range=2000.0
;1 = LOS, 2 = Optical, 3 = Optical W/Max Range
Station 3 Visibility=1
Station 3 Twilight=-12.0
[Group 1]
;25 Satellites Max. Per Group
Group1 Satellite01=Mir
Group1 Satellite02=STS-61
Group1 Satellite03=HST
Group1 Satellite04=NOAA 12
Group1 Satellite05=MIR
Group1 Satellite06=NOAA 12
[Group 2]
;25 Satellites Max. Per Group
Group2 Satellite01=NOAA 9
Group2 Satellite02=NOAA 10
Group2 Satellite03=NOAA 12
[Group 3]
;25 Satellites Max. Per Group
Group3 Satellite01=AO-13
Group3 Satellite02=Mir
Group3 Satellite03=AO-10
[Attitude]
;Six Satellites Max.
Attitude Satellite1=AO-13
;NORAD ID Number
Attitude ID1=19216
;Bahn lat/lon in Degrees
Attitude BLAT1=1.5
Attitude BLON1=185.0
[Multi Satellites]
;Six Satellites Max.
Multi 1=STS-61
Multi 2=HST
Multi 3=NOAA 12
Multi 4=Mir
Multi Color 1=14
Multi Color 2=5
Multi Color 3=7
Multi Color 4=15
Multi Color 5=13
Multi Color 6=11
The user can choose a color from the palette of;
0 = BLACK
1 = BLUE
2 = GREEN 9 = LIGHT BLUE
3 = CYAN 10 = LIGHT GREEN
4 = RED 11 = LIGHT CYAN
5 = MAGENTA 12 = LIGHT RED
6 = BROWN 13 = LIGHT MAGENTA
7 = WHITE 14 = LIGHT YELLOW
8 = GRAY 15 = BRIGHT WHITE
It is important that you follow the this format or unexpected
results may occur. Please note that any data after the = sign
must be without any spaces. Most of the options have comments by
them so you will not get into trouble and error checking is done
on the data also.
Some areas of the INI file can only be changed by editing the
file and making the changes. The areas include Program Info,
Defaults, Automatic, and Groups can NOT be set inside the
program, you must edit the TRAKSAT.INI file and make the desired
changes.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
If the user selects any graphic output the program will test for
a graphics adapter and based on the type of graphics hardware
will select the "highest" standard graphics mode supported. You
may override these options by setting the INI file with the
desired video mode.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
Some of the higher resolution modes require special hardware to
run. You may damage your hardware if you exceed its capabilities.
do not attempt to set any graphic modes above 640x480 (VGA) or
Video Modes over 1 without ensuring that you monitor can safely
handle that resolution. Otherwise, you may risk damaging your
display monitor. Consult your owner's manual for details.
An example of the standard graphics modes would be;
VGA mode 640x480 pixels,
EGA mode 640x350 pixels,
CGA mode 640x200 pixels,
HGC mode 720x348 pixels (Monochrome).
******************
* SPECIAL NOTE *
******************
The Hercules graphics mode requires running the driver
MSHERC.COM, this is the driver supplied with several Microsoft
programing languages, before using the TRAKSAT program. Type
"MSHERC" and then "TRAKSAT" to start the program. (A TRUE
Hercules card works with TRAKSAT, some clone cards may NOT.)
If the hardware does NOT support graphics an error message will
be displayed and the program will return to the Main Menu. All of
the text modes will still be available however.
Chapter 3 (Main Menu File Options)
The File options from the Main Menu will allow the user to change
satellite element files, shell to DOS, display a About screen,
and Quit the program. Below is an example of the File options
screen.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░┌──────────────────────────┐░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░│ Open Elements... [Alt+E] │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░│ Shell to DOS │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░│ About... │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░├──────────────────────────┤░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░│ Exit [Alt+X] │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░└──────────────────────────┘░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1:49pm ┘
Changing the satellite element file is the first File option, the
user can press the Alt+E keys to jump to this option.
The program will display a list of files and drives for the user
to select a element file from. The first place the listing starts
is with the current default for element files as set in the INI
file. If you want to use the same directory as TRAKSAT is
installed to just leave the INI setting Element Filename= blank.
To cancel this operation either select the Cancel button or press
the Esc key. To save time you can double-click the desired file.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
Double-clicking will select an item a single-click will only hi-
light that item BUT NOT SELECT IT. (The note is for mouse users
only.)
Below is an example of the Open File select screen.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌ ≡ Open File ┐░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Filename *.TXT │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Directory: C:\TRAK300\ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Files Directories │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │SCREEN.TXT │ │[A:] OK ▄ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │TLE.TXT │ │[B:] ▓ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │TLE302.TXT │ │[C:] ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ │ │ ░ Cancel ▄ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ │ │ ░ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ │ │ ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ │ │ ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ │ │ ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ │ │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1:49pm ┘
The Shell to DOS File option will work with DOS version 3.0 and
above ONLY. This option will allow you to run other DOS programs
or commands. TRAKSAT is a large program and uses a large amount
of memory so you may not have much free memory with this option.
On most computers 150K will be free to use. Typing "EXIT" will
resume TRAKSAT.
The third File Option will display the About screen, this will
display the current version and support numbers and such. This
screen will be displayed when starting the un-registered
versions of the program. (The registered version does NOT display
this reminder screen at all, another advantage to registering
your program!)
The last File option will quit the program. No warnings or
messages will be displayed asking if you are sure about quitting.
If you have a un-registered version a reminder message will be
posted also.
Chapter 4 (Main Menu Satellite Options)
To select a particular satellite you will select the
Satellite/Find option. A list of the current satellite names will
be displayed for you to select a satellite name. (A maximum
length of 20 characters is allowed in the satellite name). The
list is not sorted but rather listed just as the satellites are
listed in the element file. If you want a satellite that starts
with an "A" press the A key and the FIRST satellite with the
letter A will be hi-lighted. Scroll through the satellite list
until you find the desired name then either select Ok or double-
click the satellite name to select it. Below is an example screen
of the Satellite/Find option.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌ ≡ Satellites ┐░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ╔════════════════════════╗ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║STS-61 │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 040C ▓ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║Mir ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║Cosmos 2258 ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 034C ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 041D ░ OK ▄ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 041C ░ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║Soyuz TM-17 ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 042C ░ Cancel ▄ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 042B ░ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 042A ░ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ║1993 041B │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ╚════════════════════════╝ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└───────────────────────────────────────┘░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1:49pm ┘
You will notice that the satellite name list box is drawn with
double lines. This means that the list box has the current
keyboard focus. Focus is important because if you press the Enter
key while a control has focus that command will be processed. If
the Ok or the Cancel button has the focus and you press Enter you
will send either the Ok or the Cancel command to the program. To
change the current focus press the Tab key or use the mouse to
"click" on the window that you want to have focus. The same
screen as above but with the whole window in focus would look
like;
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░╔ ≡ Satellites ╗░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ ┌────────────────────────┐ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │STS-61 ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │1993 040C ▓ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │Mir ░ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │1993 034C ░ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │1993 041D ░ OK ▄ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │1993 041C ░ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │Soyuz TM-17 ░ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │1993 042C ░ Cancel ▄ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │1993 042B ░ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ │1993 041B ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ └────────────────────────┘ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░║ ║░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░╚═══════════════════════════════════════╝░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 3:38pm ┘
Notice that the window border has the double lines meaning it has
the focus. If you give the focus to a command button such as the
Ok button it will show the hi-lighted colors. (Monochrome users
will also see the hi-lighting.) This works much like Microsoft
Windows.
This program uses the NASA, or NORAD 2-line, satellite element
data file format to read data into the program, (in this text the
use of NORAD refers to NASA 2-Line or NORAD satellite element
data sets). For a full explanation of the NASA 2-line satellite
element data sets see Chapter 11.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
TRAKSAT is limited by available memory to the number of
satellites it can load into memory. The number of satellites
loaded will vary from computer to computer, however for the most
part element files used by most will pose no problems. If you
have a file with more satellites than can be loaded you will need
to remove, using a text editor, satellite data sets or free up
more memory. This may not prove to be a limitation for most
people as most satellite data sets have less than 600 satellite
data sets.
The second Satellite option will display a list of the currently
visible satellites from the current file. The program will use
the currently selected tracking station and visibility tests for
this option. The program will read the system date/time and than
determine what satellites are visible. You can select a
satellite from the list by either selecting the satellite name
first than selecting Ok or just double-clicking on the satellite
name.
The next Satellite option, Info will display the orbital
information on the currently loaded satellite. All data displayed
will be in units of Km, Km/Sec and alike. An example of the
Satellite/Info screen is below.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│ │
│Mir │
│NORAD ID 16609 │
│ │
│Epoch DOY 194.087158 Epoch Julian Date 2449181.587158245 │
│1st Dot (R/Day^2) 4.47700000E-005 Epoch Date/Time 07/13/93 02:05:30 │
│2nd Dot (R/Day^3) 0.00000000E+000 Period (Min) 92.3926 │
│Bstar (Drag) 6.01500000E-005 Semi Major (Km) 6769.943 │
│Inclination (Deg) 51.6201 Radius Apogee (Km) 6773.395 │
│RAAN (Deg) 89.4523 Radius Perigee (Km) 6766.492 │
│Eccentricity (Deg) 0.00050980 Velocity Min (Km/S) 7.677 │
│Arg. Perigee (Deg) 189.4989 Velocity Max (Km/S) 7.669 │
│Mean Anomaly (Deg) 170.5928 Ave Altitude (Km) 391.808 │
│Mean Motion (R/Day) 15.587426 Long Asc Node (Deg) 127.107 │
│Rev Number 42317 ±Visible Lat (Deg) 71.209 │
│BLAT (Deg) 0.0000 BLON (Deg) 0.0000 │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ Press Esc to Quit │
│ │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1 49pm ┘
The last option, Attitude is used for the squint angle
calculations only. The OSCAR series of satellites use a antenna
pointing system called Bahn coordinates. These coordinates are
Bahn latitude and longitude and are used in the calculations.
This option will only display the current values to change them
you will need to edit the INI file under the [Attitude] sections
and make the changes. Below is an example of the [Attitude]
section from the TRAKSAT.INI file.
[Attitude]
;Six Satellites Max.
Attitude Satellite1=AO-13
;NORAD ID Number
Attitude ID1=19216
;Bahn lat/lon in Degrees
Attitude BLAT1=1.5
Attitude BLON1=185.0
Chapter 5 (Main Menu Station Options)
The first Station option, Find will display the tracking stations
listed in the file TRAKSAT.CTY. The city data file has 1700 of
the larger U.S. cities latitude, longitudes, and altitudes in it.
(Some world-wide cities also.) You will be asked to replace what
tracking station number, 1, 2, or 3 with the new data first. The
first time you run the program and you want to set your station
you should select the number 1 option, from then on either number
2 or 3 would be recommended. The program can have up to 3 tracking
stations. The current station will have a check mark before its
name. Once you have the desired tracking stations loaded and
saved you can select one of them by just selecting the station
name from the Main Menu.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The latitudes used in TRAKSAT are ALL considered to be GEODETIC
latitudes NOT GEOCENTRIC. It will be left up to the user to
determine the conversion from geocentric to geodetic latitude.
(For the most part this conversion should not be required as MOST
maps and atlas coordinates are listed as geodetic.) The altitude
measurement is the altitude above mean sea-level and is in
meters.
If you can not find a match to the city data then you will need
to use a text editor to add the city data in the file TRAKSAT.CTY
or use the closest city in the file.
Below is an example from the TRAKSAT.CTY file. The format of the
tracking station file is;
City Name Long. Lat. Alt.
(deg) (deg) (m)
Harvest,AL,-86.6792,34.7972,220.
The city name can be up to 20 characters long while the
longitude, latitude, and altitude can be up to 10 characters
long. Commas MUST separate the data fields and the program
expects 4 commas per line of data.
The TRAKSAT.CTY file can hold a MAXIMUM of 1800 tracking stations
in it. The user can enter city data into the TRAKSAT.CTY file in
any order but it would be wise to include the data in an
alphabetical order. (You may enter 100 new stations in the file.)
Below is an example screen for Harvest, AL..
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░┌ ≡ Tracking Stations ┐░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ╔════════════════════╗ ┌ Visibility ──────────────────────┐ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harper Woods,MI │ ( )LOS │ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harpers Ferry,WV ░ │ (*)Optical │ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harrington,DE ░ │ ( )Optical/Max Range Km 2000 │ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harrisburg,PA ░ └──────────────────────────────────┘ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harrison,AR ░ UTC Offset Hrs -6.0 │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harrisonburg,VA ░ Min Elev.(Deg) 0.0 │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Hartford,CT ▓ Twilight (Deg) 12.0 │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harvest,AL ░ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Harvey,ND ░ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Hastings,NE ░ Station Name: │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Hattiesburg,MS ░ Harvest,AL │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Hauula,HI ░ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Havana,Cuba ░ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Havre,MT ░ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Hawthorne,CA ░ OK ▄ Cancel ▄ Save ▄ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ║Hawthorne,NV ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░│ ╚════════════════════╝ │░░░░░│
│░░░░░└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 11 24am ┘
The city file has been sorted by city names and as such you may
press the first letter of the desired city name to quickly jump
to that section of the listed names. Edit the UTC Offset and Min
Elev. setting to suit your needs also. After the tracking station
has been chosen the Main Menu will appear waiting for the next
user choice.
Chapter 6 (Main Menu Time Options)
TRAKSAT can operate in two different time modes, Real-time and
Delta-time. (The delta-time mode is starting at some particular
date and time using a user defined time increment until a ending
time is reached.)
To change time modes in TRAKSAT the user can select Time from the
Main Menu. The two time mode options will be displayed with a
check mark before the current mode name.
The Real-time mode will update the screen at 1 second intervals if
the hardware will allow. For an XT class machine with no
coprocessor, the update time may be 10 to 15 seconds. An AT class
computer with a coprocessor can do the 1 second per update with
no trouble.
If you would like to track a satellite from say today's date to
some future date, the Delta-time mode is the choice to use. The
basic idea is track from some starting date to some stopping
date. If the user selects the Delta-time mode some additional
information will be required. The starting date and time along
with the length of the simulation. The time step will also need
to be entered. The program will display "defaults" that can be
accepted or edited to suit your needs.
It is noted that the maximum length, that is from the starting
date to some future time, of the simulation is 99 days 99 hours
99 minutes 99 seconds. The step size can be 1 second to a
maximum of 2 days. (1 Minute is the default.)
Below is an example of the delta-time mode data input screen.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌ ≡ Starting UTC Date/Time, Length ┐░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ UTC Date (mm/dd/yy): 12/22/93 │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ UTC Time (hh:mm:ss): 00:00:00 │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Length (dd/hh:mm:ss):01/00:00:00 │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Step Size (min): 1.00000 │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ OK ▄ Cancel ▄ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└──────────────────────────────────────┘░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1:50pm ┘
An approach most people use with the Delta-time mode is to pick a
2-3 minute time step and check the output for any passes near the
tracking station for that day. Then return back to the Delta-time
mode and use a smaller time step to obtain a better estimate of
the satellite visibility. Another method is to use the Analytical
Solution option see Chapter 8.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The time is read from the system clock, and as such is only as
accurate as the setting of this clock. The date and time should
be set before running TRAKSAT.
Chapter 7 (Main Menu Options)
TRAKSAT has many options that you can change to suit your needs,
such as plotting a lat/long grid or a satellite sensor coverage
plot. All of the output options can be set from one screen saving
you from digging into the program too deep.
The first menu option, Display will allow you to change the basic
screen display. The options allow you to set the window border,
status bar, and texture along color/monochrome and the number of
line displayed. These options will not be saved, however the
color/mono options can be set by a command-line option, see
Chapter 2 for details.
Below is an example screen for the Display options.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌ ≡ Display ┐░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ┌ Window ──────────┐ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ [X] Border │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ [X] Status bar │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ [X] Texture │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ └──────────────────┘ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ┌ Colors ─────┐ ┌ Lines ──────┐ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ (*) Color │ │ (*) 25 │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ ( ) Mono │ │ ( ) 43 │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ ( ) Reverse │ │ ( ) 50 │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ OK ▄ Cancel ▄ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└─────────────────────────────────┘░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1 50pm ┘
The next menu option, Program will allow you to set output
options. TRAKSAT can output date/times in either UTC or Local
based on the options. The options are saved in the INI file so
you should only have to set them once or so. Below is an example
screen of the Program options.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Options ┐░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ┌ Time Options ─────┐┌ Tabular Options ──┐ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │(*) UTC Times ││( ) Visible Only │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │( ) Local Times ││(*) All Passes │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ └───────────────────┘└───────────────────┘ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ┌ Plotting Options ─┐┌ Star Direction ───┐ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │[X] Grids ││( ) North │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │[X] Sensor ││( ) East │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │[X] Sun Terminator ││(*) South │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │[X] Star Names ││( ) West │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │[X] User Stars │└───────────────────┘ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │[X] Internal Stars │┌ Star Mag Limit ───┐ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │[ ] Ra&Dec Output ││Star Mag 4.500000 │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ ││ │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ ││ │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ └───────────────────┘└───────────────────┘ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ OK ▄ Cancel ▄ Save ▄ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└────────────────────────────────────────────┘░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└
The plotting options include settings for all of the graphic
screens used in the program. Grids will turn on/off any grids or
either lat/long or azimuth/elevation. The Sensor will plot the
satellite footprint. You can adjust the size of the footprint by
setting the minimum sensor angle setting under the Station
options. You can use the internal stars or the external user
stars as required also. The last plotting option Ra&Dec Output
will only display the right ascension/declination of the
satellite in the Tabular modes ONLY. (The Star background option
will ALWAYS have it.)
The last Options menu item, Star Update Interval will set the
desired interval between star background updates. The recommended
setting is 16 minutes. The INI file has the default value while
this menu will only allow the listed options. (This means you can
set the INI file to a much finer detail than with this option.)
Below is the list of options for the star background update
interval.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌─────────────────────────┐░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Display... │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Program... ┌─────────────┐░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Star Update Interval │ 2 (Minutes) │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└─────────────────────────│ 8 │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ 14 │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ 16 │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ 22 │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ 28 │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ 34 │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ 40 │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└─────────────┘░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1 50pm ┘
Chapter 8 (Main Menu Output/Single Satellite)
The Main Menu Output options will control the output modes
available in TRAKSAT. The output modes available are; Analytical
Solution, Batch mode, Ground Track, Orthographic, Tabular, and
Star Background. (Assuming a single satellite tracking mode is
desired. The multi-modes have Ground Track, Tabular output and
Multi-Station modes.) If you select the Output from the Main Menu
the following screen will appear.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌─────────────────────┐░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Single Satellite >│░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Multi Modes >│░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└─────────────────────┘░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1:49pm ┘
If you select Single Satellite the next menu option screen will
appear.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌────┌─────────────────────────┐░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Sin│ Tabular >│░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Mul│ Analytical >│░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└────│ Batch Mode >│░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Ground Track [Alt+G] │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Star Background │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Orthographic │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└─────────────────────────┘░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1:49pm ┘
From this menu screen you can select Tabular, Analytical, Batch
Mode, Ground Track, Star Background, and Orthographic modes. The
first three options are text only and can be displayed on screen,
send to a file, or both at the same time. It is noted that with
the Tabular Modes the Main Menu clock display, in the lower right
of the screen, will not update.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌────┌───────────────┌─────────┐░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Sin│ Tabular │ Screen │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Mul│ Analytical │ File │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└────│ Batch Mode │ Both │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Ground Track └─────────┘░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Star Background │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Orthographic │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└─────────────────────────┘░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
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└ 1:49pm ┘
Below is an example of the Tabular Mode with the output going to
the screen. You will notice that the last column, Vis will only
display a Y if the satellite is visible.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│Satellite: Mir │
│Station: Harvest,AL │
│Visibility Mode: Line of Sight, All Passes │
│ │
│UTC │
│Date Time Elev Azim Range Lat Long Alt Dopp Dopp Phz Sqt V│
│MM/DD/YY HH:MM:SS Deg Deg Km Deg Deg Km Up Down 256 Ang │
│ -- Rev # 44915 -- │
│12/26/93 19:58:15 -28.5 47.8 6843 48.8 0.0 389 -3734 -11332 151 -1 │
│12/26/93 19:58:16 -28.5 47.7 6848 48.8 0.1 389 -3735 -11332 151 -1 │
│12/26/93 19:58:17 -28.6 47.7 6852 48.9 0.2 389 -3735 -11333 152 -1 │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ Press Esc to Quit │
│ │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
└ 1:58pm ┘
Below is an example of the tabular file output. The header
information in the file will help you remember what you ran.
TRAKSAT Version 3.00
Tabular Mode
Local Date/Time Run: Thu Dec 23 11:24:57 1993
Element File: TLE.TXT
Tracking Station: Adelaide,Australia
Visibility Mode: Optical
Satellite: Mir
UTC
Date Time Elev Azim Range Lat Long Alt Dopp Dopp Phz Sqt V
MM/DD/YY HH:MM:SS Deg Deg Km Deg Deg Km Up Down 256 Ang
-- Rev # 44855 --
12/23/93 00:00:00 3.0 252.2 1999 -38.2 117.6 404 -251 -761 65 -1
12/23/93 00:01:00 6.1 241.8 1732 -40.6 121.4 405 -425 -1288 68 -1
12/23/93 00:02:00 8.8 228.0 1532 -42.7 125.5 406 -597 -1811 71 -1
12/23/93 00:03:00 10.4 211.2 1431 -44.7 129.8 407 -767 -2326 74 -1
12/23/93 00:04:00 10.2 193.3 1448 -46.5 134.5 408 -933 -2832 76 -1
12/23/93 00:05:00 8.2 177.3 1581 -48.1 139.5 409 -1096 -3327 79 -1
12/23/93 00:06:00 5.3 164.6 1803 -49.4 144.7 409 -1255 -3809 82 -1
12/23/93 00:07:00 2.3 155.1 2084 -50.5 150.3 410 -1409 -4275 85 -1
The Lat and Long are the satellite latitude and longitude. The
Azim and Elev are azimuth and elevation as seen from the tracking
station, while the Range is the distance from the satellite to
the tracking station. Alt is the satellite altitude above the
earth.
The azimuth is always between 0 and 360 degrees with north being
0, east 90 south 180 and so on. The elevation will be always be
between -90 and +90 degrees. If the elevation is less than zero
the satellite is below the horizon as seen from the tracking
station.
The doppler shift comes about from the simple fact that both the
satellite and the ground station are in motion. The relative
motion between the station and the satellite causes either a
compression or expansion of a radio signal, this is called the
doppler shift. TRAKSAT will calculate a doppler shift for two
frequencies, uplink/downlink. The base frequency is listed in the
INI file under the section labeled [Defaults]. The output units
are in Hertz while the inputs are in MHz.
The phase angle, Phz is used for the amateur radio satellites.
The phase angle is based on the mean-anomaly, (the position in
the orbital plane from the perigee). The mean-anomaly is normally
measured from 0 to 360 degrees, however the phase angle is from 0
to 256ths of a circle. The conversion of degrees mean-anomaly to
phase angle is;
Phase = (mean anomaly (deg))/(360/256).
(256ths of circle)
It has become common practice with radio amateur satellites to
use Mean Anomaly to schedule satellite operations. Satellites
commonly change modes or turn on or off at specific places in
their orbits, specified by Mean Anomaly. Unfortunately, when
used this way, it is common to specify the mean anomaly in units
of 256ths of a circle instead of degrees. The phase angle is
therefore displayed in units of 256ths of a circle.
The Sqt is the squint angle, this is a measure of the angle from
the satellite antenna to your tracking station. The smaller the
angle means the antenna is pointing directly at you. A -1 output
means that no attitude information for that satellite is
available.
The last item displayed is based on if the satellite is visible
from the tracking station. See Chapter 13 for a complete
description of the methods used by TRAKSAT to test for
visibility.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
To stop the display the user can press the space bar and the
screen will "freeze". The user will need to press any key again
to continue the simulation. If the user presses Esc, escape key,
the simulation will stop and the user will be returned to the
Main Menu.
Analytical Solution
TRAKSAT version 2.00 and above has included a very powerful
option, Analytical Rise & Set. Many people have asked "why use
this analytical approach ?". Three reasons come to mind speed,
speed, and speed! The analytical approach used is a closed form
solution to the problem of determining when a satellite can be
seen (either LOS or Optical) by a ground tracking station. In
effect, this problem usually involves the calculation of the
rise-and-set time (UTC) of a given satellite from a specific
ground tracking station.
In the past, it has been the custom to solve the problem by
letting the satellite run through its ephemeris, and checking at
each instant to see whether the elevation angle of the satellite
was greater than some minimum value. However, by attacking the
problem from a different point of view, that is, with the
eccentric anomaly taken to be the independent variable, it is
possible to obtain a closed-form solution to the satellite
visibility problem. Specifically, the closed-form solution is a
single transcendental equation in the eccentric anomalies
corresponding to a rise-and-set time for a given orbital pass of
a satellite. It is more difficult to solve the controlling
equation than the standard Keplerian equation. However, the
method offers the advantage that the controlling equation is
solved only ONCE PER ORBIT PERIOD as contrasted with the hundreds
of times the Keplerian equation must be solved with the standard
step-by-step technique.
"How much faster is the analytical solution ?" Several
"benchmarks" were run using the same satellite data sets and
starting times to determine the speed of each method. If the user
selects the Delta Time Mode and then the Analytical Solution the
speed difference will be obvious.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
TRAKSAT version 3.00 has changed the minimum elevation
angle for the Analytical Solution options. The analytical
solution will use the tracking station minimum elevation angle
setting now.
On the machine used for testing (coprocessor installed) the
analytical solution runs about 4 seconds per satellite per 24
hours of simulation time vs. the 120 seconds per 24 hours in the
delta time mode. (This was on a 386/16 with a 287/8 coprocessor
and still produced a 3000% DECREASE in the time required.) (A
486/33 computer can crank out 20 satellites per second!) This
mode can really be boosted by a coprocessor, 3-6 times faster!
Use the analytical solution for "rough" estimates and the delta
time mode for the detailed analysis. The term "rough" implies
that the analytical solution is not as accurate as the Delta Time
mode, and in fact that is true. The error (Delta Time mode vs.
Analytical Solution) is usually LESS then 1 minute for predicted
rise or set times. The error is the price to pay for the speed
advantage.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The analytical solution DOES INCLUDE THE DRAG EFFECTS in the
calculations, (as of TRAKSAT version 2.30). By including the drag
effects in the solution a long term prediction can be done
without a great loss of accuracy.
It has proved helpful for several TRAKSAT users to predict
several weeks into the future any visible passes and make a note
of the dates. As the date approaches and newer elements become
available the user can "improve" the viewing times to finally
obtain an accurate prediction of the satellites. Using this
approach the user can mark "special" days when a particular
satellite should be seen.
The analytical solution will save the user from "looking" for
satellites that will not be seen, or unfavorable passes.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
If the user selects the analytical solution AND any OPTICAL
visibility tests then only satellites with a mean motion of
greater than 2.5 revs per day will be calculated. That is any
satellite that is "near geosync." will not be calculated. This
should NOT be of to great importance to most users as seeing ANY
near geosync. satellites is VERY DIFFICULT. The line of sight
(LOS) method will still work for the near geosync. satellites. If
the user needs to "see" a near geosync. satellite then the single
satellite delta time mode OR Batch Mode will be required.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The analytical solution works by revs NOT so much time, by that I
mean that the program calculates at rev to rev time steps and
does NOT use the time step. This will also mean that if the user
were to set a one hour simulation length the program will find
some satellites outside this time interval because there are not
any satellites that can have a period of 60 minutes. (Don't be
alarmed by the longer than requested times in the output it is
normal operation.)
That is enough "horn blowing" let us look at an example. Below is
and example output from the analytical solution using the file
output option. The visibility method in this example was OPTICAL
while the starting date was 12-23-1993 @ 0 UTC hours. The end
time was 24 hours. The "header" at the top of the display will
show some vital information to the user. The tracking station
name and satellite data file name along with the visibility
method will be displayed to remind the user of the current
settings.
(File Output Option)
TRAKSAT Version 3.00
Analytical Mode
Local Date/Time Run: Thu Dec 23 11:25:21 1993
Element File: TLE.TXT
Tracking Station: Adelaide,Australia
Visibility Mode: Optical
UTC
Satellite Date Time Max Azm Azm Range Duration
Name MM/DD/YY HH:MM:SS Ele Rise Set Km HH:MM:SS
SPOT 1 12/23/93 13:00:05 45 S N 1106 00:14:56
SPOT 1 12/23/93 14:40:42 20 S NW 1830 00:13:10
NOAA 9 12/23/93 11:33:03 82 S N 859 00:15:24
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The user can NOT stop/start the screen as in the other modes,
i.e., pressing Esc will STOP the display and terminate the
analytical solution. This method was chosen to avoid
inadvertently waiting for the screen to update while in a pause
mode. The screen update can be slow on an Optical visibility test
and a NON-coprocessor equipped machine. (There may not be any
satellites optically visible at all!)
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The default is to write output to the file TRAKSAT.000. If this
file name exists the program will try TRAKSAT.001, TRAKSAT.002...
and so on until a new file name is found. If the limit of 999 is
reached then the program will use 000 as the extension AND OVER
WRITE THE FILE. (All options will use this file naming method.)
All/Group Satellites
You have the choice with the analytical solution options to
select all of the satellites in the data file or some user
defined groups of satellites. The default will be to read ALL of
the satellites for these options. You can define your "favorite"
satellites, up to 25 satellites per group can be included. You
will need to use a word processor to edit the TRAKSAT.INI file
and add the satellites names to it. The word processor used will
need to save the file in PLAIN ASCII format, i.e., NO SPECIAL
CONTROL CHARACTERS EXCEPT THE END OF FILE MARKER. The DOS EDIT or
PC-Write word processors will do the job nicely for the user.
Batch Mode Output
TRAKSAT version 2.55 and above has included a new option, called
Batch Mode. This option is similar to the Tabular Output mode but
can be used on all or a group of satellites. The method used in
this option is; enter into the delta time mode and select the
starting date/time and length of the simulation. The next step is
to select Batch Mode from the Output options. The program will
prompt the user for some additional information and then run each
satellite through the delta tabular mode one at a time.
The output from this option can go to the screen,file, or both.
Below is an example of the file output created with this option.
The starting date/time was 12-26-94 00:00:00 UTC to 00:04:00 UTC
by one minute steps.
The output parameters are same as the tabular output but
without the rev. number. If not passes are visible just the
satellite name will be printed.
(Batch Mode File Output)
TRAKSAT Version 3.00
Batch Mode
Local Date/Time Run: Sun Dec 26 12:55:09 1993
Element File: TLE.TXT
Tracking Station: Harvest,AL
Visibility Mode: Line of Sight
UTC
Date Time Elev Azim Range Lat Long Alt Dopp Dopp Phz Sqt V
MM/DD/YY HH:MM:SS Deg Deg Km Deg Deg Km Up Down 256 Ang
STS-61
12/26/93 00:00:00 -26.8 98.7 6873 9.1 -24.6 573 -2906 -8819 191 -1
12/26/93 00:01:00 -28.9 98.4 7218 7.4 -21.5 573 -3014 -9145 194 -1
12/26/93 00:02:00 -30.9 98.0 7557 5.6 -18.4 572 -3110 -9438 196 -1
12/26/93 00:03:00 -32.9 97.7 7889 3.8 -15.4 572 -3195 -9696 199 -1
1993 040C
Mir
12/26/93 00:00:00 -8.4 49.0 3372 49.7 -51.6 389 -2834 -8601 159 -1
12/26/93 00:01:00 -11.0 48.9 3784 50.7 -46.0 389 -2965 -8997 162 -1
12/26/93 00:02:00 -13.5 48.8 4192 51.4 -40.2 389 -3082 -9353 165 -1
12/26/93 00:03:00 -15.8 48.9 4595 51.7 -34.2 389 -3186 -9669 167 -1
(Editors note)
The idea for this new option was inspired from searching for a
satellite trail left on a CCD captured graphics image file. The
date, "rough" time, and position of the "exposure" were known but
no idea on what the satellite was that passed through the image.
Using the Batch Mode and a satellite data set from that time
period the satellite was found. The idea of going through the
satellite file one satellite at a time was just too much! So out
came the Batch Mode to help in this kind of search.
Here is another use for the Batch Mode; one night I was tracking
IRAS passing north to south over head when another satellite came
into view heading almost opposite the path of IRAS. I actually
saw two different satellites at the same time! I wish I had the
Batch Mode at that time, it would have been easy to discover that
unknown satellite.
Ground Track Output
If the ground track option is entered the program proceeds to
draw a Mercator projection map of the world. The upper left
corner is at latitude 90 degrees and longitude -180 degrees,
while the lower right corner is latitude -90 degrees and
longitude 180 degrees. The grid spacing is 10 degrees for
latitude and longitude. A box will be plotted for the current
tracking station.
The plotting process may take a minute or two on a slow XT type
computer, something under 1/3 second on the particular computer I
use. (486-33 MHz.)
You have the option of redrawing the ground track after "X"
number of revs have been completed. The default is 0 = NONE,
however the user can chose between 0 and 99 revs for the screen
refresh rate. If the user picks 2 rev refresh rate then after two
revs are completed the screen will be redrawn. This option will
prove useful for those users who like to leave the ground track
running for long periods of time and do not like all the screen
clutter. The setting is in the INI file under the section
[Program Defaults] and is called Rev Update Interval.
Several plotting options are used with this output selection see
Chapter 2 for a listing of the options.
The sun terminator is not dependent on the satellite but rather
the tracking station. The terminator is plotted based on a zero
sun elevation angle. (That is to say the terminator is the line
where the top edge of the sun is "just" below the local horizon.)
The terminator is accurate to about 5-10 minutes of actual. The
effects of the local horizon and atmospheric refraction can
"shift" the terminator a few minutes anyway so great accuracy may
not be achieved. The sun is plotted as an box in the center of
the terminator. This will tell the user on what side of the
terminator the tracking station is on. (Daylight or darkness.)
The sun terminator will be refreshed every 4 minutes in either
the real or delta time modes. The refresh may take several
seconds on the slower machines.
As of TRAKSAT version 2.70 and above an antenna/sensor coverage
plot option is included with the ground track. The user can
include the antenna/sensor coverage if desired along with a
minimum elevation angle to be used in determining the coverage
area.
Star Background Output
The star background is a view looking from the tracking site
towards the stars. This plot will be useful for producing a "star
map" to take outside with you to compare the night sky with the
satellite path.
Several Star Background plotting options are available such as,
display the visible star names, what direction to look, i.e.,
North, East, South, or West, or the star background screen
refresh rate. (Only the internal star data names will be
displayed, not the external star data.) The field of view of the
star background is 180 degrees in azimuth and 0 through 90
degrees in elevation. If you select North the visible range of
the azimuth will be 270 degrees (west) to 90 degrees (east). If
you select East the visible range of the azimuth will be 0
degrees (north) to 180 degrees (south) with 90 degrees being the
center of the screen (due east). The option South will display
from 90 degrees (east) to 270 degrees (west). The option for West
will display from 180 degrees to 360 degrees with 270 degrees
(west) being the center of the screen (due west).
An example could be to see a satellite rise out of the west the
user would select W, that will display from due south through
west to the north.
The star background option will display visible stars from a
database of 58 navigational stars, the Sun, the planets, and the
moon. (Not including any external star data.)
TRAKSAT has the data for 58 stars in memory at all times however
you can read a external star data file (STAR6A.BIN). This file
has all the stars up to magnitude 6.0, some 5100 stars in all. In
order to use the external stars the file STAR6A.BIN MUST be in
the same directory as the EXE file. You must also select the
option to use the external stars. If you do NOT have a co-
processor using the external stars will slow down the screen
update.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The program can save the screen display to a PCX file by pressing
the "P" key. The program will save to a new file the screen
image. The PCX file can be used in other programs or printed with
some paint-type programs.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
It is noted that the star background will be refreshed (USER
DEFINED) minutes, in either delta or real time modes. It is
therefore wise to select a starting time about 1 minute PRIOR to
the time of interest and run the program in the delta mode until
PAST the time of interest. An example of this would be;
Time of interest 11:30:00 UTC,
Starting time 11:29:00 UTC,
Time span 00:14:00.
This will provide the user with the "sky map" from 11:29 to 11:43
UTC and avoid the screen refresh.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
To stop the display the user can press the space bar and the
screen will "freeze". The user will need to press any key again
to continue the simulation. If the user presses ESC, escape key,
the simulation will stop and the user will be returned to the
Main Menu.
Output Orthographic View
If the user selects the Orthographic View Main Menu a 3-D
orthographic projection of the earth and the satellite will be
drawn. The perspective will be centered on the satellite. A small
"X" will mark the tracking station coordinates. The grid lines
are drawn 10 degrees apart with the orthographic projections. The
screen will be updated based on the satellite altitude and how
much it has moved from the last update. The Sun terminator can be
plotted on this view also.
****************************************************************
THE 3-D PROJECTION WILL BE SLOW ON XT TYPE COMPUTERS WITHOUT A
COPROCESSOR SO IF THE USER DOES NOT WANT TO WAIT FOR THE COMPLETE
EARTH TO PLOT OUT PRESS ANY KEY AND THE EARTH LAND MASS PLOT WILL
STOP AND THE SATELLITE VIEW WILL START. (Only the grid lines will
be displayed.)
****************************************************************
The screen can be stopped and started the same way as any other
graphic modes, i.e., space bar to freeze and Esc to stop.
Chapter 9 (Main Menu Output/Multi Modes)
TRAKSAT has several multi-modes of operation besides the single
satellite modes. The mode are Multi-Satellite Tabular or Ground
Tracks, and Multi-Station modes. The program reads the INI file
for the names of the satellites to look for or you can select the
Load Multi-Sat option to make changes to the satellites. Below is
the menu options screen for the Multi-Modes.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░┌─────────────────────┐░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ ┌────────────────────────────┐░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ │ Load Multi-Sat │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└─├────────────────────────────┤░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Multi-Sat Text │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Multi-Sat GT [Alt+M] │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░├────────────────────────────┤░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Multi-Station Text │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│ Multi-Station File │░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░└────────────────────────────┘░│
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└ 1 49pm ┘
Multi-Satellite Tabular Output
As of TRAKSAT version 2.30 and above a tabular multi-tracking
mode has been included. The output is in text rather than a
graphic display mode. Below is an example of the multi-tracking
tabular output mode. The different satellites will be displayed
in different colors also, the colors are the same as the ground
track options.
Multi-Satellite Ground Track Output
If the ground track option is chosen the program will proceed to
plot the tracks on the world map. The plots are very similar to
the single satellite plots, except that for every satellite a
different colored line is drawn. The user can select a satellite
to display the current data bye pressing the up/down arrows. The
colors will change as will the satellite name on the bottom of
the screen.
Multi-Station Text Mode
You may select a Multi-Station mode also. This mode will display
the current tracking data for up to three different stations. This
mode is useful for setting-up satellite communications for two
different stations. The date/time are based on the first station,
number 1, UTC Offset.
┌ ≡ TRAKSAT Version 3.00 ┐
│ File Satellite Stations Time Options Output │
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│░░░░╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗░░░░│
│░░░░║ ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Satellite: Mir ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ UTC Date(mm/dd/yy) 12/26/93 Time(hh:mm:ss) 19:58:42 ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ -- Rev# 44915 -- ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Lat Lon Alt Phase ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ 49.4 2.4 389 153 ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Station Name Ele Azm Range Dopp Dopp Sqt Vis ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Deg Deg Km Up Down Ang ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Harvest,AL -29.2 46.5 6963 -3740 -11349 -1 ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Adelaide,Australia -72.0 308.3 12513 2918 8855 -1 ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Rancho Palos Ver,CA -38.9 34.4 8613 -2686 -8152 -1 ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ ║░░░░│
│░░░░║ Press Esc to Quit ║░░░░│
│░░░░╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝░░░░│
│░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
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└ 1 58pm ┘
Chapter 10 (Registration/Updates)
TRAKSAT is Shareware and your support is required. You would be
amazed at the reasons people give for not registering the
program. Some of the more funny ones are; (THESE ARE ACTUAL
QUOTES FROM LETTERS OR TELEPHONE CALLS AND EVEN FACE-TO-FACE
MEETINGS. The names have been removed to protect their identity.)
"Your fee ($25.00) is too low and I think it is worth much more
so until the price goes up I'm not going to register."
"Your fee is too high, I can not afford to register and buy that
new computer also."
"I do not know how to register the program as I'm new to
computers."
"I only use TRAKSAT once or twice a week so I don't use it enough
to register."
"I have been using TRAKSAT for many years and think it is the
best program I have used for satellite tracking but I don't get
anything EXTRA for the registration fee."
"I lost the registration form."
"I'll send you a check soon."
"The check is in the mail."
"My brother/wife/son/friend registered so I'm using their copy."
"I think the program will not do what I want but I use it because
it is free."
"The program has too many features that I do not need so I will
send $5.00 to register."
"Send me the registered copy and I'll see if it suit my needs
then I'll register the program."
The user can obtain the latest version (NON-registered) of
TRAKSAT from several BBSs around the country. The BBSs listed in
Chapter 11 list several places to obtain the current version.
Compuserve has TRAKSAT and many other related files also. (Try
the HAM or the ASTRONOMY file areas.) You may even register
TRAKSAT on Compuserve.
TRAKSAT will be updated 1-2 times a year with update notices
going out to registered users only. Order forms are at the end of
this document and in the file ORDER.FRM also.
Chapter 11 (Obtaining NORAD Satellite Elements/Format)
Format of NORAD/NASA 2-Line Satellite Data
NORAD maintains general perturbation element sets on all resident
space objects. These element sets are periodically refined so as
to maintain a reasonable prediction capability on all space
objects. In turn, these element sets are provided to users.
The element data will be maintained in ASCII format in a file.
Data for each satellite will consist of three lines in the
following format:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
1 NNNNNU NNNNNAAA NNNNN.NNNNNNNN +.NNNNNNNN +NNNNN-N +NNNNN-N N NNNNN
2 NNNNN NNN.NNNN NNN.NNNN NNNNNNN NNN.NNNN NNN.NNNN NN.NNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Line 1 is a 20-character name. Lines 2 and 3 are the standard
Two-Line Orbital Element Set Format identical to that used by
NASA and NORAD. The format description is:
Line 2
Column Description
01-01 Line Number of Element Data
03-07 Satellite Number
10-11 International Designator (Last two digits of launch year)
12-14 International Designator (Launch number of the year)
15-17 International Designator (Piece of launch)
19-20 Epoch Year (Last two digits of year)
21-32 Epoch (Julian Day and fractional portion of the day)
34-43 First Time Derivative of the Mean Motion (rev/day^2)
or Ballistic Coefficient (Depending of ephemeris type)
45-52 Second Time Derivative of Mean Motion (Blank if N/A)
54-61 BSTAR drag term if GP4 general perturbation theory was used.
Otherwise, radiation pressure coefficient.
63-63 Ephemeris type
65-68 Element number
69-69 Check Sum (Modulo 10)
(Letters, blanks, periods=0; minus sign=1; plus sign=2)
Line 3
Column Description
01-01 Line Number of Element Data
03-07 Satellite Number
09-16 Inclination [Degrees]
18-25 Right Ascension of the Ascending Node [Degrees]
27-33 Eccentricity (decimal point assumed)
35-42 Argument of Perigee [Degrees]
44-51 Mean Anomaly [Degrees]
53-63 Mean Motion [Revs per day]
64-68 Revolution number at epoch [Revs]
69-69 Check Sum (Modulo 10)
All other columns are blank or fixed.
Example:
NOAA 6
1 11416U 86 50.28438588 0.00000140 67960-4 0 5293
2 11416 98.5105 69.3305 0012788 63.2828 296.9658 14.24899292346978
The following BBS's have the current satellite data files;
Celestial RCP/M
Fairborn, Ohio
SYSOP: Dr. T.S. Kelso
513-253-9767
24 hours, 14400/9600/2400/1200 baud,
8 bit NO parity 1 stop.
Datalink RBBS System
Dallas, Texas
SYSOP: Dr. Jeff Wallach
214-394-7438
24 hours, 9600/2400/1200 baud,
8 bit NO parity 1 stop.
RPV BBS
Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca.
SYSOP: Dave Ransom Jr.
310-541-7299 (Primary) or 310-544-8977
24 hours, 14400/9600/2400/1200 baud,
8 bit NO parity 1 stop.
Elements are available via INTERNET also, anonymous FTP to
address 129.92.1.66 then go to the pub/space directory. These
elements are the same as the Celestial BBS ones.
To obtain the elements from the Celestial RCP/M BBS, (with the
least amount of trouble), just dial up the BBS and login. The
next step is to type "F" (without the quotes) to go to the Files
section, then to area #1. The next step is to type "D", for
download and then type "TLE.ARC" as the file to download, open an
XMODEM file transfer mode with your telecommunications software.
(The file name is always called TLE.ARC.) This will transfer the
NASA 2-line elements to a file on the users computer. Log out of
the BBS and then unarchive the file using several of the
unarchiving programs, (PAK, ARC, PKZIP, etc.).
(This method assumes that an account is available to the user).
The RPV BBS is one of the best systems for satellite tracking
information particularly for the Shuttle flights. This BBS has
more current Shuttle elements than any other BBS open to the
public. TRAKSAT will always be available on the RPV BBS.
Obtaining Elements From the NASA BBS
The following is a partial extract from the notice sent out by
the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Orbital Information Group.
Interested users should write to the address given and request
access to the RBBS; include your full name and address with your
request.
The NASA OIG RBBS has four lines operating in rotation. A modem
and software is required to download data. The RBBS operates at
2400/1200/300 baud. You MUST write for access and password; you
cannot call and log on without having first received that
information by mail from NASA OIG!
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
Note that the format used on RBBS for two-line orbital elements
is slightly different from that required by programs like TRAKSAT
and STSORBIT. One program that will "fix" the file format is
called ORBITEL and can be found on the RPV BBS. The file is
called OExxxx.ZIP. (The xxxx will be the version number such as
9352.)
For some time the Orbital Information Group's Reports and
Information Dissemination (RAID) section has been developing an
electronic bulletin board as a way to reduce our cost of
providing orbital elements to users worldwide, in addition to
providing mail users with an around-the-clock way to obtain the
latest two-line element set iteration.
Development and enhancement of the electronic bulletin board is
completed, and activation was on September 16, 1991. The official
name of the RAID Bulletin Board System is RBBS. Effective
immediately, ALL USERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE THE RBBS INSTEAD OF
THE MAIL SERVICE.
Those who use the service and find it serves their needs or is an
acceptable alternative to the slower and more costly mail
service, should advise us to drop them from mail distribution.
This may be done by advising the RBBS SYSOP or by sending a
letter. Users may not continue to use the RBBS and to receive
mail service.
The RBBS permits users of our NASA Prediction Bulletins and Two-
line Orbital Elements (TLE's) access to the latest element set
provided to us, avoiding the mail delay, in addition to allowing
a user the flexibility of accessing the two-line element set of
choice. One may obtain the latest two-line element set iteration
around-the-clock from anywhere in the world, via telephone modem.
Correspondence regarding our service should be sent to:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Project Operations Branch/513
Attn: Orbital Information Group
Greenbelt, MD 20771 USA
The RBBS is updated with revised TLE's on the following schedule:
Monday TLE's revised between 12:00 GMT Friday and 12:00 GMT
Monday.
Wednesday TLE's revised between 12:00 GMT Monday and 12:00 GMT
Wednesday.
Friday TLE's revised between 12:00 GMT Monday and 12:00 GMT
Friday.
Should a holiday fall on a day that the RBBS is scheduled to be
updated with the latest TLE's, updating will be done on the next
Monday through Friday working day.
Chapter 12 (Satellite Magnitudes/Frequencies)
Below is a list of some satellites that are "good hunting" for
the optical users. (First timers should look for the smallest
magnitude satellites, i.e., Mir, Kvant-1, HST.)
Norad Vis Satellite Name
ID# Mag*
00694 3.0 Atlas Centaur 2
01001 3.3 Transtage 3
01359 3.3 Transtage 4
03598 3.0 OAO 2 R/B
04597 3.3 Cosmos 374 R/B
04622 3.3 Cosmos 375 R/B
04786 1.9 Cosmos 382
04966 2.3 Cosmos 398
05994 .9 Pageos
06155 3.0 OAO 3 R/B (Copernicus R/B)
06212 2.7 1972-076A Radcat
06779 3.0 IntelSat 4 F-3 R/B
08074 1.6 Pageos 1 DEB (Pageos H)
10967 3.0 SeaSat 1
12054 2.4 Cosmos 1220
12069 3.0 FltSatCom 4 R/B
12363 3.0 Comstar 4 R/B
12445 3.0 IntelSat 5-2 R/B
12465 -1.6 Cosmos 1271 R/B
12497 3.0 IntelSat 5-1 R/B
13007 3.0 IntelSat 5-3 R/B
15423 2.5 KH 11-6
15772 2.9 Cosmos 1656 R/B(4)
16182 2.5 Cosmos 1697 R/B
16609 -.4 Mir Space Station
16615 3.2 Spot 1 R/B
16910 2.8 EGP/JAS-1 R/B
17358 2.9 Cosmos 1603 R/B(4)
17369 3.3 Cosmos 1818
17528 3.1 MOS-1 R/B
17590 2.5 Cosmos 1833 R/B
17845 -.4 Kvant-1 (part of Mir)
17974 2.5 Cosmos 1844 R/B
18187 3.3 Cosmos 1867
18441 2.5 KH 11-7
19120 2.5 Cosmos 1943 R/B
19274 3.3 Okean 1
19460 3.3 USA 32
19461 3.3 USA 32 R/B
19625 2.5 KH 11-8
19650 .7 Cosmos 1980 R/B
19671 1.8 Lacrosse
19911 2.7 Delta Star
20147 2.4 Cosmos 2033
20261 3.3 In-Cosmos 24
20322 1.8 Cosmic Background Explorer
20335 -.4 Kvant-2 (part of Mir)
20443 3.1 Spot 2 R/B
20491 3.1 MOS-1B R/B
20516 2.0 USA 53
20523 3.0 IntelSat 6-3
20525 2.4 Cosmos 2060
20580 -.8 Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
20625 2.5 Cosmos 2082 R/B
20635 -.4 Kristall Module (part of Mir)
20638 3.2 ROSAT
20683 3.2 Gamma
20765 2.4 Cosmos 2096
20963 2.0 USA 67 (STS-38 Payload)
20985 2.4 Cosmos 2107
21015 2.5 Cosmos 2112 R/B
21065 2.4 Cosmos 2122
21147 1.8 Lacrosse 2
21148 2.9 Lacrosse 2 R/B
21213 2.2 Almaz 1 radar spacecraft
21225 2.8 Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO)
21311 -.4 Soyuz TM-12 (part of Mir)
21610 3.1 ERS-1 R/B
21638 -1.1 STS-43 (landed)
21653 3.0 Intelsat-6
21662 -.4 Progress M9 (part of Mir)
21700 -1.1 STS-48 (landed)
* This magnitude is an approximation, it assumes 75% illumination
of the satellite and 900 Km slant range.
Below are some frequencies used by satellites for different
reasons.
Freq. (MHz) Satellite Type Mode
29.357 RS-10 Amateur CW
29.360-400 RS-10 " SSB/CW
29.407 RS-11 " CW
29.410-450 RS-11 " SSB/CW
29.454 RS-12 " CW
29.458 RS-13 " CW
136.380 GOES 1/2/3 Weather APT
136.770 NOAA 11 " APT
137.050 Meteosat 1 " APT
137.500 NOAA 10/12 " APT
137.626 NOAA 9/11 " APT
143.625 Mir Manned FM/Voice
145.550 Shuttle " FM/Voice
145.825 OSCAR 13 Amateur CW
145.825-975 RS-14 " FM/PACSAT
435.651 OSCAR 13 " CW/PACKET
435.715-999 OSCAR 13 " CW/SSB
1227.6 GPS DOD Data
1614 GEOS Weather TLM
Chapter 13 (Odds and Ends)
A brief note about tracking satellites.
The accuracy of the data is the most important part of the
prediction process. NORAD does track some 8000+ objects in orbit
around the earth, and maintains a data base of the objects. The
earth modeling and perturbations are the most important factors
in satellite tracking. This program uses the NORAD element sets
mainly because they are available and have reasonably good
accuracy.
If the user would like to "see" a satellite in the night sky the
precision of 1 or 2 seconds is not important, several minutes may
not even be that important. This is not to say that the average
person can not locate the satellite, it is going to pass over
some site sooner or later, its the time of the passing that is of
importance.
It could be said that if you tell me where to look for the
satellite and tell me about when I should be looking for it the
chances are it will be spotted. The sky is a big place and it
would be almost impossible to locate a satellite without any help
from programs such as TRAKSAT.
In order to observe satellites the user must do a certain amount
of pre-observing work. The best way to determine an evening's
viewing would be to run the Analytical Solution and use all of
the satellites in a data file. Then exit the program and search
the output for any satellites with minimum ranges about 1000 km
or less. Most nights several satellites will be visible and meet
the users requirements. (Some advanced users may use 2000 km as
the minimum range but remember the brightness of these satellites
can make them almost invisible.)
The next step would be plot out star background maps for the
selected satellites, or a tabular output. All the user needs now
is to wait until the appointed time and go "hunting" for the
satellites.
This process only takes a few minutes and can greatly reduce the
frustration levels new users may experience.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The satellite attitude is a measure of how the satellite is
oriented in space, for most satellites it is oriented so that its
sensor/antennas point toward earth. TRAKSAT assumes that the
satellite maintains a constant orientation with respect to the
earth, i.e., that it's sensor/antennas point towards the center
of the earth, (true of some, BUT NOT ALL satellites). Version
3.00 and above includes an option for calculating the squint
angle. This angle is a measure of how far from the center of the
satellite antenna you are pointed. If the squint angle is zero
that means the satellite antenna is pointed directly at you. The
OSCAR series of satellites uses the squint angle to determine if
you can access the satellite for comm. links.
If the user selects 10 degrees as the minimum elevation angle for
the antenna/sensor a circle will be placed around the satellite
surface point indicating when the elevation will be above 10
degrees as seen from the ground site.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
If the user selects any graphic output the program will test for
a graphics adapter and based on the type of graphics hardware
will select the "highest" standard graphics mode supported. You
may override these options by setting the INI file with the
desired video mode. Some of the higher resolution modes require
special hardware to run. You may damage your hardware if you
exceed its capabilities. do not attempt to set any graphic modes
above 640x480 (VGA) without ensuring that you monitor can safely
handle that resolution. Otherwise, you may risk damaging your
display monitor. Consult your owner's manual for details.
An example of the standard graphics modes would be;
VGA mode 640x480 pixels,
EGA mode 640x350 pixels,
CGA mode 640x200 pixels,
HGC mode 720x348 pixels (Monochrome).
******************
* SPECIAL NOTE *
******************
The Hercules graphics mode requires running the driver
MSHERC.COM, this is the driver supplied with several Microsoft
programing languages, before using the TRAKSAT program. Type
"MSHERC" and then "TRAKSAT" to start the program. (A TRUE
Hercules card works with TRAKSAT, some clone cards may NOT.)
If the hardware does NOT support graphics an error message will
be displayed and the program will return to the Main Menu. All of
the text modes will still be available however.
In this program the Long is the satellites longitude, positive
(+) means EAST longitude while negative (-) means WEST longitude.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The Ra & Dec are based on the J2000 epoch, 1,1.5,2000 UTC date,
and are NOT user selectable, perhaps in the next version of
TRAKSAT. The J2000 epoch is the "current" epoch on most star
charts.
The option has been added to TRAKSAT version 1.5, and up, to
display only the visible passes, based on the setting of the
visibility options.
The output, in the tabular modes, can display Ra & Dec of the
satellite also. The coordinate used is based on J2000 epoch, this
was chosen to be used with "current" star charts.
Visibility Options Use in TRAKSAT
There are three different methods used by TRAKSAT to determine
visibility. The first method is simply when the elevation is
greater than the tracking station minimum elevation angle. This
method is called line of sight (LOS) in the program. This method
would be suitable for monitoring satellite radio transmissions,
interesting RF signals no doubt. It should be noted that at most
tracking sites zero degrees elevation is not visible due to
ground based obstructions, i.e. trees buildings, and other such
objects. A rule of thumb is if you hold out your arm straight and
stick out your thumb horizontal to the ground so it appears to
touch the horizon the upper edge of your thumb is about two
degrees elevation, while your closed fist is about ten degrees
elevation.
The second method, optical visibility, requires the satellite to
be above the minimum elevation setting also, however the
satellite must be sun-lit while the tracking station is in
darkness. This method would be used for viewing satellites with
the aid of say binoculars.
Remember that three conditions must be meet for the satellite to
be optically visible.
1. The elevation angle to the satellite must be above
the minimum as seen from the tracking station.
2. The sun must be BELOW the twilight setting.
The recommended twilight setting is -12°.
3. The satellite must "see" the sun or the satellite must
be in the sun light not the earth shadow.
The third method uses the same conditions as the second option
(Optical) but adds a range test also. You can set the maximum
range for each station and filter out un-wanted passes based on
range.
It is of interest to note that some satellites are NOT visible
even if the elevation angle is above the horizon, because they
are in the earth's shadow. It is difficult to observe a satellite
"coming out" of the earth's shadow, it is easier to see the
entrance into the shadow.
If the lighting conditions are favorable a "bright" satellite can
be seen with the naked eye also. The best time for these
favorable lighting conditions usually occur an hour before sun
rise or an hour after sun set, as seen at the tracking site. The
best type of satellite is low, about 250 - 500 kilometer
altitude, ones for naked eye observations. (Mir, Hubble, Shuttle
are a good examples.)
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
The recommended twilight setting is -12°, i.e., the sun is
greater than or equal to -12 degrees BELOW the local horizon, to
determine the lighting conditions. The user CAN change the type
of twilight used in TRAKSAT, i.e., civil, nautical, or
astrodynamic, when using the optical visibility options.
The type of visibility can be set from the Station/Find option,
the default is to use the LOS method. If the user would like to
change the visibility method, select from the Main Menu the
Station/Find option and chose the same station name but then
change the visibility option before saving this new station.
Another simple way would be to edit the INI file and change the
setting of the Visibility flag directly.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
With either method the visual magnitude is NOT calculated. Such a
calculation would require knowledge about the emissivity of the
satellite, and atmospheric conditions, neither of which is
readily available to the user.
The Propagation Models
Two mathematical models for prediction are used by TRAKSAT. The
first of these, SGP4, was developed by Ken Cranford in 1970 (see
Lane and Hoots 1979) and is used for near-Earth satellites. This
model was obtained by simplification of the more extensive
analytical theory of Lane and Cranford (1969) which uses the
solution of Brouwer (1959) for its gravitational model and a
power density function for its atmospheric model (see Lane, 1962).
The next model, SDP4, is an extension of SGP4 to be used for
deep-space satellites. The deep-space equations were developed
by Hujsak (1979) and model the gravitational effects of the moon
and sun as well as certain sectoral and tesseral Earth harmonics
which are of particular importance for half-day and one-day
period orbits.
Compatibility With NORAD Element Sets
The NORAD element sets are currently generated with either SGP4
or SDP4 depending on whether the satellite is near-Earth or deep-
space.
For SGP4 and SDP4 users, the mean motion is first recovered from
its altered form and the drag effect is obtained from the SGP4
drag term (B*) with the pseudo-drag term being ignored. The
value of the mean motion can be used to determine whether the
satellite is near-Earth or deep-space (and hence whether SGP4 or
SDP4 was used to generate the element set). From this
information the program will decide whether to use SGP4 or SDP4
for propagation and hence be assured of agreement with NORAD
predictions.
Program Limitations and Assumptions
The ephemeris equations DO include the zonal harmonics, through
2nd order, of the gravitational potential. This implies a
gravitational field produced by an oblate spheroidal earth
unsymmetrical with respect to the equator, pear-shaped. In other
words, the ephemeris equations contain J2, J3, and J4 terms. The
currently accepted values of J2, J3, and J4, which are used in
TRAKSAT, are;
-3
J2 = 1.082616 X 10
-6
J3 = -2.53881 X 10
-6
J4 = -1.65597 X 10.
The earth equatorial radius used by TRAKSAT is; 6378.135 Km,
while the flattening factor used is 1/298.257 (both are from the
1972 WGS models).
The program TRAKSAT models only ELLIPTICAL orbital motion about
the earth. That is, the orbital eccentricity MUST BE LESS THAN
ONE and GREATER THAN ZERO. Very small eccentricities are
acceptable, i.e., such as 0.0000001.
TRAKSAT will propagate NORAD/NASA 2-line elements until the MEAN
altitude above the earth reaches 160 Km. This is due to the fact
that at 160 Km altitude the satellite will decay from orbit very
soon. The prediction process is not as accurate for such a low
satellite. (The remaining lifetime of a low satellite could be on
the order of a day or less.) The mean altitude is based on the
semi-major axis of both the earth and the satellite.
Stars Used in TRAKSAT
The star background option will use the following list of stars
for the display. (Internal stars)
Bayer Name Proper Name
---------- -----------
Ursae Minoris Polaris
Andromedae Alpheratz
Phoenicis Ankaa
Cassiopeiae Schedar
Ceti Diphda/Deneb Kaito
Eridani Achernar
Arietis Hamal
Eridani Acamar
Ceti Menkar
Persei Mirfak
Tauri Aldebaran
Orionis Rigel
Aurigae Capella
Orionis Bellatrix
Tauri Elnath
Orionis Alnilam
Orionis Betelgeuse
Carinae Canopus
Canis Majoris Sirius
Canis Majoris Adhara
Canis Minoris Procyon
Geminorum Pollux
Carinae Avior
Lambda Velae Suhail
Carinae Miaplacidus
Hydrae Alphard
Leonis Regulus
Ursae Majoris Dubhe
Leonis Denebola
Corvi Gienah
Crucis ACrux
Crucis GaCrux
Ursae Majoris Alioth
Virginis Spica
Ursae Majoris Alkaid
Centauri Hadar
Centauri Menkent
Boötes Arcturus
Centauri A Rigil Kentaurus
Librae Zubenelgenubi
Ursae Minoris Kochab
Coronae Borealis Alphecca
Scorpii A Antares
Triangulii Atria
Ophiuchi Sabik
Lambda Scorpii Shaula
Ophiuchi Rasalhague
Draconis Eltanin
Sagittarii Kaus Australis
Lyrae Vega
Sagittarii Nunki
Aqilae Altair
Pavonis Peacock
Cygni Deneb
Pegasi Enif
Gruis Al Na ir
Piscis Austrini Fomalhaut
Pegasi Markab
Accuracy of TRAKSAT
Several people have asked the question; " How accurate is TRAKSAT
?". To answer such a question one must define a set of limits.
The real "acid test" is to have a prediction from TRAKSAT and
then go outside and observe that satellite, taking note of the
time and position of the satellite. A comparison between actual
observed data and predicted can then be determined.
Another approach is to compare the output from TRAKSAT against
several other satellite tracking programs. Both the public domain
and the commercial markets have several good tracking programs
that the user could compare with.
The later approach, that is the comparison between tracking
programs, has been carried out by several people including
myself. The output from TRAKSAT compares very well with many of
the "current" tracking programs (both commercial and public
domain). It could be concluded from a simple test of TRAKSAT that
it agrees with several other tracking programs.
The next step is one of comparing predicted output and observed
data. The most popular use for TRAKSAT has been in the optical
sighting options. The optical sighting of a satellite will be the
"acid test" used for this accuracy test.
First a note about NASA 2-line elements, low earth satellites
(about 15 rev per day satellites) have larger disturbances from
the atmosphere than higher satellites. The drag on a satellite
can cause purtubations greater than the J2 terms therefore the
drag term is of great importance. The very latest elements for
the low earth satellite can greatly improve the prediction
process, while the higher satellites do not require as current of
elements. (The term low will be in the range of 250 - 375
kilometers altitude.)
Reports about TRAKSAT (and its predictions) have been made on the
MIR satellite along with several other low earth satellites. The
bottom line being LESS THAN 30 SECONDS ERROR (prediction vs.
actual) for 10 day old satellite element sets. If the satellite
elements are 20 days old the error is about 60 seconds. If the
elements a only a day or two old, errors of less than 10 seconds
are possible (several reports have been made about 2-10 seconds
of error).
The position data is on the money, it is the time at that
position that usually drives the accuracy of the observation.
The higher earth satellites generally have less than 30 seconds
of error for 20 day old elements.
A NOTE MUST BE MADE ABOUT THE ERROR ANALYSIS, THE ASSUMPTION IS
MADE THAT NO ORBITAL MANEUVERING WAS DONE TO THE SATELLITE DURING
THE "TEST" PERIOD.
In general it can be said that the most current elements are the
best ones for planning the evenings viewing. (Elements over 30
days old can have a very large error to them). Element sets 7 -14
days old will be acceptable for most users.
NORAD/NASA updates the satellite elements for this very reason,
to keep the prediction process accurate.
The Hubble Telescope is a good example of a "high" satellite that
is fairly easy to see because it is bright. Myself and others
have reported actual vs. predicted times of shadow entry to
within 10 SECONDS with 13 day old elements! That is less than one
second per day error!
Chapter 14 (Problems)
TRAKSAT has been fully tested on MANY different types of
computers, however due to the very nature of personal computers
and different user configurations it is not possible to test the
program with all possible configurations. It may be possible that
some versions of DOS or some computers will not be 100%
compatible and cause the program to stop. THE FIRST STEP TO SOLVE
THE PROBLEM IS TO READ THE DOCUMENTATION INCLUDED WITH TRAKSAT.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
A few users have reported TRAKSAT not running on one of their
computers after installing Windows 3.x. A possible solution would
be that some installations place the DOS command "STACKS 0,0" in
the CONFIG.SYS file. This command should be changed to "STACKS
9,256", this MAY solve the problem. It is not all-together clear
why some computers require this command but at least it is an
easy fix!
TRAKSAT is a large program and uses OverLays in order to run if
you have extended or expanded memory TRAKSAT will use it. The XT
users will have to suffer with some performance loss due to
memory limits.
TRAKSAT is limited by available memory to the number of
satellites it can load into memory. The number of satellites
loaded will vary from computer to computer, however for the most
part element files used by most will pose no problems. If the
user has more than satellites in a data file than can be loaded
they will need to remove, using a text editor, satellite data
sets or free up more memory. This may not prove to be a
limitation for most users as most satellite data sets have less
than 600 satellite data sets.
******************
* IMPORTANT NOTE *
******************
TRAKSAT version 3.00 MAY be one of the last versions that will run
on XT (8088) computers. The XT type computer is not really suited
to satellite tracking and if you are serious about satellite
tracking you will use better hardware. CGA displays are supported
still, however this too MAY be dropped soon.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss TRAKSAT. I can reached
through the RPV BBS;
RPV BBS
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
310-541-7299 (Primary Line)
24 hours, 14400/9600/2400/1200 baud.
This BBS is owned and operated by Dave Ransom Jr.. I call up the
BBS three or four times a week to check my mail and do some file
transfers. This BBS is geared towards Astronomical interests.
Other BBS's I frequent are;
Celestial RCP/M CompuServe
Fairborn, Ohio ID# 76600,610
513-253-9767
24 hours, 14400/9600/2400/1200 baud
I can also be reached at work or home, please no calls after 9 PM
Central Time. Please leave a phone number and the best time to
call on any messages that require by personal attention. The
last, and slowest method to reach me is with the U.S. mail
service, IF YOU REQUIRE A ANSWER PLEASE INCLUDE A SELF-ADDRESSED
AND STAMPED ENVELOPE.
Paul E. Traufler
111 Emerald Drive
Harvest, AL. 35749
Phone (work) 205-726-5511
Phone (home) 205-837-0084
Compuserve ID# 76600,610
Questions and Comments
I have retained any and all commercial rights to TRAKSAT and as
such can only control its use by controlling the source code.
Therefore the source code can only be licensed for use by the
author, Paul E. Traufler.
The time, money, and energy spent on the development of TRAKSAT
has been both informative and interesting, however as with all
shareware developers my resources are limited. Support for
TRAKSAT, by registering, will be required to continue the
improvements and new features. REMEMBER THAT IF YOU USE TRAKSAT
ON A REGULAR BASIS YOU ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER THE PROGRAM.
TRAKSAT is still growing and improvements WILL BE MADE IF users
provide feedback, report errors and REGISTER. The only way this
can happen is if you, the user, takes the time to leave me
messages or mail on problems or suggestions. I will try to answer
your messages in a timely manner.
One of the major goals of this project was to make the finest,
easiest to use, satellite tracking program available. A PROGRAM
THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN USE AND SUCCESSFULLY TRACK SATELLITES!
I would suggest the user to OBTAIN A COPROCESSOR if they do not
have one already. A coprocessor speeds up math intensive
programs, such as TRAKSAT, to a level that was only dreamed about
a few years ago. Besides the cost of coprocessors has fallen to a
level that most people can afford one with little struggle. As of
December 1993, 287's cost $30-$50 while 387's cost $40-$70.
Special Thanks
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people
who helped me either directly or indirectly on this program.
First of all my wife, Anita, who understands why I have a hobbie
like computers and enjoy working with them. She has not
complained about the many hours, in excess of 2800 hours, I have
spent working on TRAKSAT. My children have learned to "share" my
free time also.
Dave Ransom Jr., of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. has kept me going
when my interest in the program was slipping away. I did use the
city data from his excellent program STSPLUS. I also used several
of the references Dave listed in his program. I would highly
recommend his program. My thanks to Dave and his wife Vicki.
John Williams and Dr. Jeff Wallach, from the Dallas DataLink BBS,
have been very helpful in this project also. They have offered
data and a helping hand with TRAKSAT. The DataLink BBS has a
vast amount of satellite information along with other interests.
I would recommend it to others interested in satellite tracking.
The DataLink BBS is THE place to learn about obtaining satellite
images. My thanks to John and Jeff and their families.
I would also like to thank Dr. T.S. Kelso, SYSOP of the Celestial
BBS where current satellite data can be downloaded. Several
satellite tracking programs are also available on his BBS along
with a vast amount of satellite information. Its people like T.S.
that make satellite tracking possible by providing the means to
obtain current satellite data sets. Good work!
Alan Bose has done a wonderful job sparking interest in the
Chicago area with his radio "talk shows". He has made satellite
watching a simple task even for the beginner. Tune in to WGN AM
720 radio sometime and hear for yourself.
To the many other people who have helped with a steady stream of
ideas and improvements, THANKS, and keep them coming!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The following sources were used to prepare and test TRAKSAT.
Meeus, Jean, ASTRONOMICAL FORMULAE FOR CALCULATORS, 3rd Edition,
Willmann-Bell, Inc., Richmond, VA. 1985.
Duffett-Smith, Peter, PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY WITH YOUR PERSONAL
COMPUTER, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY. 1986.
Danby, John, FUNDAMENTALS OF CELESTIAL MECHANICS, 2nd Edition,
Willmann-Bell, Inc., Richmond, VA. 1988.
Bate-Mueller-White, FUNDAMENTALS OF ASTRODYNAMICS, Dover
Publications, Inc. New York, NY. 1971.
Forsythe-Malcolm-Moler, COMPUTER METHODS FOR MATHEMATICAL
COMPUTATIONS, Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ. 1977.
USAF-Ford Aerospace Corporation, ORBITAL MECHANICS, O&M Training
Section, Sunnyvale, CA. 1982.
Moulton, F. R., CELESTIAL MECHANICS, Macmillan Company, New York,
NY. 1960.
Brand, L., VECTOR ANALYSIS, John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.
1957.
Geyling-Westerman, INTRODUCTION TO ORBITAL MECHANICS, Addison
Wesley, Whippany, NJ. 1971.
Brouwer, D., "Solution of the Problem of Artificial Satellite
Theory without Drag", Astronomical Journal 64, 378-397, November
1959.
Hilton, C.G. and Kuhlman, J.R., "Mathematical Models for the
Space Defense Center", Philco-Ford Publication No. U-3871, 17-28,
November 1966.
Hoots, F.R., "A Short, Efficient Analytical Satellite Theory".
AIAA Paper No. 80-1659, August 1980.
Hoots, F.R., "Theory of the Motion of an Artificial Earth
Satellite", accepted for publication in Celestial Mechanics.
Hujsak, R.S., "A Restricted Four Body Solution for Resonating
Satellites with an Oblate Earth", AIAA Paper No. 79-136, June
1979.
Hujsak, R.S. and Hoots, F.R., "Deep Space Perturbations Ephemeris
Generation", Aerospace Defense Command Space Computational Center
Program Documentation, DCD 8, Section 3, 82-104, September 1977.
Kozai, Y., "The Motion of a Close Earth Satellite", Astronomical
Journal 64, 367-377, November 1959.
Lane, M.H. and Cranford, K.H., "An Improved Analytical Drag
Theory for the Artificial Satellite Problem", AIAA Paper No. 69-
925, August 1969.
Lane, M.H., Fitzpatrick, P.M., and Murphy, J.J., "On the
Representation of Air Density in Satellite Deceleration Equations
by Power Functions with Integral Exponents", Project Space Track
Technical Report No. APGC-TDR-62-15, March 1962, Air Force
Systems Command, Eglin AFB, FL.
Lane, M.H. and Hoots, F.R., "General Perturbations Theories
Derived from the 1965 Lane Drag Theory", Project Space Track
Report No. 2, December 1979, Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson
AFB, CO.
Bellman, R. and Kalaba, R.E., "Modern Analytic Computational
Methods in Science and Mathematics", American Elsevier Publishing
Company, Inc. 1967.
Escobal, P.R., "Methods of Orbit Determination", John Wiley and
Sons, New York, NY. 1965.
Craig, C. John, "Microsoft QuickC Programmer's Toolbox",
Microsoft Press, Redmond Washington 1990.
El'yasberg, P. E., "Theory of Flight of Artificial Earth
Satellites", Israel Program for Scientific Translations Ltd.,
1967. (Translated from Russian)
King-Hele, Desmond, "Observing Earth Satellites", Van Nostrand
Reinhold Co. Inc., 1983.
Jamsa, Kris A., "Microsoft C Run-Time Library", Mircosoft Press A
division of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond Washington 1989.
"THE ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC 1989", U. S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC, 1988.
"THE ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC 1990", U. S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC, 1989.
Duffett-Smith, Peter, "PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY WITH YOUR CALCULATOR",
2nd Edition. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 1981.
Lawrence, J. L., "BASIC ASTRONOMY WITH A PC". Willmann-Bell Inc.,
Richmond, VA, 1989.
Meeus, Jean, "ASTRONOMICAL FORMULAE FOR CALCULATORS", 4th
Edition. Willmann-Bell, Inc., Richmond, VA, 1988.
Adams, Lee, "High Performance Graphics In C", TAB Books Inc.,
Blue Ridge Summit, PA, 1988.
Davidoff, David, "The Satellite Experimenter's Handbook", ARRL,
Newington, CT, 1990.
TRAKSAT Order Forms
TRAKSAT
Satellite Tracking Program
Why should I register ?
Well first off it is the right thing to do. If you use TRAKSAT
for more than 30 days it is time to register. What do I get by
registering TRAKSAT ?
1. Support for Shareware so you can keep getting low-cost
software in the future.
2. You will be mailed a notice when new versions become available.
3. Support will be provided to registered users only.
4. The option of getting you name placed on the About screen so
everyone will know you registered the program.
5. The warm feeling that you are supporting me in this pursuit.
6. The latest version of the program and new satellite elements
also.
Your registration helps support me and my family also. I have
spent a great deal of time and effort in this program and would
hope that you will be honest and register. I have kept the cost
of this program within the reach of almost anyone, just try to
find another satellite tracking program with all the features of
TRAKSAT for less money.
Quantity discounts are available, contact the author for more
information.
Quantity discounts to schools are available also, contact the
author for more information.
TRAKSAT and its companion files are being distributed as
Shareware. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THIS SOFTWARE WITH OTHERS
PROVIDED THAT IT IS DISTRIBUTED COMPLETE WITH DOCUMENTATION AND
IN UNMODIFIED FORM AND THAT NO FEE OR OTHER CONSIDERATION IS
CHARGED OR ACCEPTED. (DISTRIBUTORS OF PUBLIC DOMAIN OR USER
SUPPORTED SOFTWARE MAY DISTRIBUTE TRAKSAT FOR A COPY FEE, NOT TO
EXCEED $5.00 (US)).
TRAKSAT
Satellite Tracking Program
TRAKSAT Order Form
---------------------------------------------------------------
Make checks payable to:
Paul E. Traufler
111 Emerald Drive
Harvest, AL 35749
---------------------------------------------------------------
Qty
____ TRAKSAT NON-REGISTERED Version @ $10.00 each $_________
(* NO SHIPPING CHARGE *)
____ TRAKSAT Laser Printed Document @ $15.00 each $_________
____ TRAKSAT REGISTERED Version @ $25.00 each $_________
(OPTIONAL)
____ Place your name on the registration screen $_________
add $5.00
Shipping and Handling (USA $3.00 Per Unit) $_________
(Outside U.S. $5.00 Per Unit)
Total $_________
Diskette type (check or circle one): [ ] 360K [ ] 720K
[ ] 1.2M [ ] 1.44M
Payment: (check or circle one):
[ ] Check [ ] Money Order [ ] Other
Checks and Money Orders must be drawn on U.S. banks in U.S. funds
** PLEASE PRINT **
Name _______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Phone _____________________
Comments ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3.00
TRAKSAT
Satellite Tracking Program
COMMERCIAL LICENSE DETAILS FOR TRAKSAT
Information on Site Licenses and Custom Versions.
In order to use TRAKSAT, or its output, in a commercial
application the user must obtain a site license. This section
explains the details and limitations of the site license
agreements.
The commercial version of TRAKSAT includes all of the features in
the Shareware version plus a printed manual, additional end user
support, and update notification my mail.
Corporate and Governmental Site License
This is a license for use of the software within your company or
government agency, and is not transferable. This allows internal
use and copying of the software for as many sites / computers as
contracted for. An unlimited Site License allows unlimited
copying of the software for internal use by your company or
government agency. With the unlimited options the user will make
all the required copies from one master disk. Distributing,
repackaging, or reselling of the software to third parties is not
allowed. All licenses are prepaid.
Custom Versions of the Software
If you require any modifications or changes to the software,
please include detailed information describing all changes you
are interested in. Customization fees will be based on the
extent of the modifications required to the software and any time
constraints.
Price List
Commercial License (Case 1)
Single Copy $ 50.00
Updates $ 25.00
Commercial License (Case 2)
2 - 10 Copies (2 Copies Supplied) $250.00
Updates $ 50.00
Commercial License (Case 3)
11+ Copies, Unlimited (User to make copies) $1000.00
Updates $ 300.00
Commercial License (Case 4)
SOURCE CODE, written agreement required Call for current
price.
TRAKSAT Order Form (Commercial Use)
----------------------------------------------------------------
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
Paul E. Traufler
111 Emerald Drive
Harvest, AL. 35749
----------------------------------------------------------------
Qty
1 TRAKSAT COMMERCIAL Version (Case 1) $ 50.00 $_________
2-10 TRAKSAT COMMERCIAL Version (Case 2) $ 250.00 $_________
11+ TRAKSAT COMMERCIAL Version (Case 3) $1000.00 $_________
Shipping & Handling (Inside USA $4.00) $_________
(Outside USA $8.00)
Total $_________
Diskette type (check or circle one): [ ] 360K [ ] 720K
[ ] 1.2M [ ] 1.44M
Payment: (check or circle one):
[ ] Check [ ] Money Order [ ] Other
Checks and Money Orders must be drawn on U.S. banks in U.S. funds
** PLEASE PRINT **
Name _______________________________________________________
Company _______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Phone _____________________ Bus. ___________________________
What would you like for a displayed registered message?
Registered ID ________________________________________________
(40 Characters MAX)
3.00