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Night Owl's Shareware NOPV 05 - Night Owl Publisher (PDSI_005) (7082) (1990).iso
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trak270.doc
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1991-07-23
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TRAKSAT
TRAKSAT is a new satellite tracking program for amateur radio
and optical users alike. The program was written by Paul
Traufler. It provides all the features you would expect from
satellite tracking software and much more.
What makes this program so different is all the options
available to the user. TRAKSAT has covered many areas the
optical user has required for many years. TRAKSAT makes it easy
for the beginner to see satellites without all the fuss other
programs require. The experienced satellite observer will like
all the power and flexibility TRAKSAT provides. The program uses
"pop-up" style windows for easy use.
Below is a brief summary of the options available in TRAKSAT.
Elements:
TRAKSAT can read in standard ASCII NASA/NORAD 2-line element
sets. No pre-processing required. The elements are even
available from several BBS's around the country. (Some of the
BBSs are listed in the documentation.)
Tracking Stations:
Over 730 cities are included in the tracking station file. The
user can easily modify the file to include any special stations.
Real Time Tracking:
The program can display real time satellite data or a start/stop
time mode can be used. (To not only track satellites in real
time but predict into the future/past as well.)
Visibility:
The user can select Line Of Sight (LOS) or Optical visibility of
the satellites. The LOS method is best for amateur radio use
while the Optical method is for the back yard astronomer.
Graphics:
TRAKSAT has several graphics features also. A satellite ground
track can be produced as can a "sky view". The sky view comes in
handy for finding the satellites in the night sky. Orthographic
(3-D) views are also included in TRAKSAT, i.e., see the orbital
track about the earth from a point in space.
Analytical Solution:
The analytical solution will determine rise and set times of the
satellite. This option is VERY FAST and can easily produce a
evenings ephemeris of satellites that will be "seen". No
satellite tracking program has even come close to matching the
speed of this option. The user can "define" his or her favorite
satellites and produce a quick look for the nights viewing.
Multi-Tracking:
Up to six satellites can be tracked at one time with this
option. The user can define any of the satellites used in the
multi- tracking modes. Graphic or tabular outputs are available
in the multi-tracking modes.
Tabular Output:
TRAKSAT can produce tracking information on the screen or to a
file for later use. (Ephemeris generation)
Batch Mode:
This mode is similar to the tabular output but it can use more
than one satellite. The output can go to the screen or a file.
Printer Output:
TRAKSAT can print out the graphic screens to a printer. This
combined with the sky view can produce "star maps" to use
outside far away from the computer to help locate the
satellites.
Documentation:
The documentation included with TRAKSAT is both helpful and
extensive (65+ pages). Many areas are covered in the
documentation along with a complete list of sources used in
TRAKSAT. A brief overview of the methods used in TRAKSAT is
included in the document also.
Availability:
TRAKSAT is available directly from the author. Send $10.00 to
the address below for a complete copy.
** STATE DISK SIZE REQUIRED WHEN ORDERING **
TRAKSAT and its companion files is 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.
Paul E. Traufler
111 Emerald Drive
Harvest, Al. 35749
(205) 726-5511 (Work)
(205) 830-8450 (Home)
Required Hardware:
IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, clone, etc. with 640K memory, hard disk is
recommended, mouse is optional but supported.
Any display type for the text mode screens, but VGA preferred for
the graphic modes. (CGA, EGA, VGA, and Hercules graphic modes are
supported.)
A numeric coprocessor (8087/80287/80387) is NOT required, but it
is RECOMMENDED.
TRAKSAT is compatible with Windows 3.0.
----------------------------------------------------------------
TRAKSAT REPORTED PROBLEMS
Version Date Problem
----------------------------------------------------------------
1.0 12-29-89 TRAKSAT version 1.0 released (first release).
(THIS FILE HAS BEEN CONDENSED TO SAVE SPACE)
2.60 1-15-91 TRAKSAT version 2.60 released. This version
corrects a few minor bugs. The user can now select
the type of twilight, star background update
interval, printer pins, plotting color, and more
from the Main Menu. A file view option was added
also.
** TRAKSAT IS OVER ONE YEAR OLD NOW !!! **
2.65 3-15-91 Fix a few MINOR bugs in the Analytical solution
options and added 0 degree min. elevation for LOS
operations. Satellite file output improved.
COMMERCIAL VERSIONS of TRAKSAT can output HP/GL
files for laser printers and inserting into
documents. Tracking station altitudes added to
TRAKSAT.CTY file. Save the LOS/Optical flag
setting from one run to the next. Added
altitude to tabular output options. XT USERS
WITH A COPROCESSOR INSTALLED PROBLEM HAS BEEN
RESOLVED NOW.
2.70 6-07-91 Fixed a few minor bugs in file name routines.
Added default satellite to load when starting
the program. Added a shell to DOS option. Added
sensor/antenna coverage plot options to ground
tracks. Fixed a few minor errors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
What is Next?
This section is the "dream" improvement area. Sometime in the
future these ideas MAY make it into TRAKSAT. I have always kept
an open mind when it comes to improvements especially when the
ideas come from registered users. Please take the time to express
your ideas and suggestions to improve TRAKSAT.
*********************************************************************
* REMEMBER THAT REGISTERING TRAKSAT WILL HELP KEEP THE IMPROVEMENTS *
* COMING! *
*********************************************************************
Improve the star background plot as not to erase the screen but just
update it. Polar projections also.
Add online help for some areas, improve documentation.
Add support for laser printers. (NOW IN REGISTERED COMMERCIAL VERSIONS)
Add a save screen to PCX, GIF, etc. files.
Add sun terminator to 3-d plots.
TRAKSAT
Satellite Tracking Program
TRAKSAT Order Form (PERSONAL USE ONLY)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Make checks payable to:
Paul E. Traufler
111 Emerald Drive
Harvest, Al. 35749
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Qty
____ TRAKSAT NON-REGISTERED Version @ $10.00 each $_________
____ TRAKSAT Laser Printed Document @ $15.00 each $_________
____ TRAKSAT REGISTERED Version @ $25.00 each* $_________
Total $_________
* THERE IS NO FIXED CHARGE FOR THIS PROGRAM, but in the spirit of
the shareware concept, if the end user finds this package useful,
and would like to help fund development of enhancements to this
package, any amount that the end user feels is appropriate for
the value received in using this package will be gladly accepted.
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
Name _______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Phone _____________________
Comments ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
2.70