World of Ham Radio 1997/WOHR97_AmSoft_(1997-02-01).iso/sat/sat_12/amsoft.iii

Text File | 1997-02-01 | 21KB | 423 lines

SMART TRACK
v.0.92p  (c) 1990-92 W6PIO

[A versatile satellite tracking program for MS-DOS]


Background:

SMART TRACK v.0.92p is for MS-DOS; however, SMART TRACK was originally
written in 1989-90 for the ATARI ST computer, as there were no adequate
satellite tracking programs available for that machine.     Most of its
success has been here, at W6PIO, and in Europe where the ATARI ST is more
prevalent in the amateur radio community.  SMART TRACK has had outstanding
success on the ATARI ST, and a release of the next version for the ATARI ST
is planned.

SMART TRACK was written using GFA Basic for the ATARI ST.  The GFA Basic
interpreter and editor were exceptionally easy to use and fast, and error
correction in the editor mode was outstanding.    The GFA Basic Compiler made
the compiled version of SMART TRACK easy for other to use as a stand alone
program.

When GFA Basic and the GFA Basic Compiler became available for MS-DOS,
we couldn't resist the urge to port SMART TRACK over to MS-DOS.  It was
a challenge requiring more than expected rewriting to accommodate the
system differences.

NOTE:  There are other exceptional satellite tracking programs already
available for MS-DOS, and SMART TRACK doesn't pretend to supercede these
outstanding programs.  On the other hand, SMART TRACK has a couple selling
points:

1.  Former ATARI ST users of SMART TRACK, who are now using MS-DOS, have
available through SMART TRACK v.0.92p a satellite tracking program for
MS-DOS that they are familiar with and already know how to use.  Operation
of SMART TRACK is identical between the MS-DOS version and the ATARI ST
version.

2.  SMART TRACK v.0.92p is FREEWARE.  It doesn't cost a dime.  All you
have to do is download it or copy it from someone else.  Future versions,
if there is a demand, will possibly require a small fee for mailing of
upgrades.  If you're just getting started and need a satellite tracking
program, this may be for you.

SMART TRACK v.0.92p is provided free to use and duplicate, but it is
copyrighted and the executable program SMRTRACK.EXE may be neither modified
nor sold.


Introduction:

SMART TRACK v.0.92p requires MS-DOS version 3.x or higher and a 286 or
higher machine with 640x480 VGA graphics capability.  (The ATARI ST
monochrome mode has 400 lines.    Rather than trying to cram everything into
320 lines EGA mode on the PC, we elected to use the standard medium and
small fonts and go to the 480 line VGA mode.)  A monochrome monitor is all
that is required for SMART TRACK v.0.92p, as the program runs in the
640x480x2 graphics mode to maintain maximum compatibility with the ATARI ST
version of SMART TRACK.     If you use a laptop computer with a monochrome
liquid crystal display, SMART TRACK looks great on the screen!

SMART TRACK is delivered as an executable file (ST.EXE) to run on MS-DOS.
It does not require a hard disk, although a hard disk will provide faster
execution as well as more memory for the "station library" (LIBRARY.DAT)
file.  There is a configuration file (SMRTRK92.CFG), a world map screen
data file (ST_WORLD.SCR), a menus screen data file (ST_MENUS.SCR), and
several additional data files (.DAT), some of which may be modified by the
user during program execution (or with a text editor outside the program).

SMART TRACK has been written as user-friendly as possibly, and
modifications or additions to the data files are generally through prompts
during program execution.  Most of the interactive menus and prompts are
self-explanatory, but additional information on program operation is
included in this file (README.TXT).  Most of the menu prompts are in the
upper left sector of the screen, and hot keys are indicated by the letters
in parentheses.  Hot keys are used extensively.

Additional information can also be obtained via Compuserve 70275,574.
I will respond as soon as possible with answers to your questions.  Users
wishing to be notified of improvements and upgrades should send an SASE
to Ed Epperson W6PIO, 3637 N. Moraine Av., Claremont, CA, 91711.


Instructions:

A.  FILES.

1.  The OPSKED__.DAT files are operating schedules for the various
satellites.  They are NOT REQUIRED -- the program runs quite well without
them, but the operating modes (and estimated doppler for modes B and J)
will not be indicated on the screen.

2.  The OSC_____.DAT files are element sets.  You will NEED AT LEAST ONE.
I have provided several.  If you try to run SMART TRACK without any, the
program will prompt you to make one before allowing you to proceed.  The
first two blanks (after "OSC") are for the OSCAR number (10, 13, 17, etc.)
or possibly (RS or B1) which is my temporary method for denoting RS10/11
and BADR-1, respectively.  Any one or two character string will suffice for
identifying a satellite.  A better method will be worked out later, but
so far this has worked out comfortably.  The last three blanks (just before
".DAT") denote the element set which might be _93 or 452 or _R4, for
example.   (The R4 denotes Rex number 4, because the element set came from
Rex, G4JUJ.)  Any one, two, or three character string will suffice for
identifying the element set.  Don't be concerned about remembering the
format -- SMART TRACK takes of everything while prompting the user for
the data.

3.  There are BAHN___.DAT files.  These are self-explanatory, providing
the user has some knowledge of Bahn coordinates.  If not, it suffices to
know that the Bahn coordinates are used in SMART TRACK to determine the
squint angle, or pointing angle, of the satellite antenna relative to the
user location.    There are two options for entering the Bahn data -- either
Bahn coordinates or Inertial coordinates -- but the data which are written
to the file are always in Inertial coordinates, as they don't change daily
like the Bahn coordinates do.

Bahn coordinates are continually updated automatically by SMART TRACK,
using the Inertial coordinates in the Bahn file, so you don't have to keep
updating your Bahn coordinates unless the satellite is deliberately
magnetorqued, or encounters an attitude change.     You will likely enter your
original Bahn coordinates in Bahn format because that is what's usually
available.  I have provided two Bahn files.  As with the OPSKED files,
these files are NOT REQUIRED to run SMART TRACK.  If the BAHN___.DAT file is
missing for the satellite on the screen, Squint Angle will not be available.

4.  The LIBRARY.DAT file is for station locations.  SMART TRACK will
display as many as five stations (one Primary station and up to four
Auxiliary stations) on the screen, simultaneously.  These are displayed
on the screen as the small rapidly flashing circles.  In addition to the
data on the upper right of the screen, you can also show AZ and EL data
and doppler for the first two Auxiliary stations displayed.  Data for the
Primary station are always shown on the upper right of the screen.  Data
for up to two Auxiliary stations are displayed on the upper left of the
screen when desired.  In other words you can display another station's
antenna pointing data as well as your own, simultaneously.  This feature
is real handy if you want to advise another station of its correct antenna
pointing coordinates.  The LIBRARY.DAT file is NOT REQUIRED.

5.  The TIMING.DAT file sets the UTC (GMT)/computer time offset (in hours).
The file supplied here has an 8 hour offset for Pacific Standard Time.    If
your computer time is the same as UTC (GMT), you would set this to zero
when the prompt is issued.  The Century Start merely selects which century
you want SMART TRACK to assume as its operating century.  It can begin
anywhere, and the program will be valid for the subsequent 100 years.
The file also is used to set your computer time and date if you care to
update it from the executing program.  The TIMING.DAT file is NOT REQUIRED,
but the displayed UTC (GMT) time may be in error if you're not on Pacific
Standard Time, so it's best if you set up your own TIMING.DAT file.

6.  The OSC_DFLT.DAT file holds up to ten particular satellite/element
set combinations which you select individually by pressing "O" in the
Automatic Track Mode or Manual Track Mode menu.     I have provided an
OSC_DFLT.DAT file, but it can be modified as you will see through
experimentation.  An OSC_DFLT.DAT file with at least one satellite included
IS REQUIRED.  If SMART TRACK doesn't see it, it will prompt you to make one
and help you do it.

7.  Print files for producing hard copies of satellite tracking data are
generated by SMART TRACK.  The only printer I have tested with SMART TRACK
is the Brother HL9 which is a clone of the HP Laserjet II.  Emulation modes
tested with SMART TRACK are Epson FX80 and HP Laserjet II.  I believe the
program will print to a standard Epson printer, when the FX80 mode is
selected, but no guarantees.  I plan to support other printers as needed.
SMART TRACK writes to a Print file on disk.  Included in the written file
are printer formatting characters, so the file can be printed later from
the computer outside execution of SMART TRACK.    This prevents SMART TRACK
from bombing just because of a printer compatibility problem.

Obviously, you could use an editor to delete the formatting characters
from the Print file, set up your printer format by other means, and then
print the .LIS or .LIP file and get the same results.  There are only three
formatting commands necessary:    1/8 inch line spacing, condensed (16.6
characters/inch, approx.) font, and left margin = 0.

The only two options currently available for printing are Satellite Orbits
(primarily for high altitude satellites) and Satellite Passes (for LEO
satellites).  The Satellite Orbit file (xxxxxxxx.LIS) consists of a single
page of data for each selected orbit.  Data for an orbit will be written
to a print file only for those times when the satellite is above the
horizon.  The Satellite Pass file (xxxxxxxx.LIP) consists of a sequence of
satellite passes (above the horizon) with as many as six passes per page.
The first part of the .LIS or .LIP file name contains the OSCAR number and
Element Set number.  If the particular file already exists when you choose
to write a new Print file by the same name, the program will prompt you
for a decision to overwrite the existing file or to append to it.

8.  The ST_MENUS.SCR file provides all the screen menus used during
execution of SMART TRACK.  This file is REQUIRED for operation.     Do not
modify it.

9.  The ST_WORLD.SCR file provides the data for the map of the world, and
it too is REQUIRED for operation.  Do not modify it.

10. ST.EXE is the executable file.  Just put ST.EXE and all the other files
in the same folder and type ST to execute SMART TRACK.

11. Depending on your system, ONE of the following overlay files is
REQUIRED:  GFABAS00.OVL        if you have a normal PC/AT
       GFABAS03.OVL     if you have a 386
       GFABAS70.OVL     if you have a PC/AT with a 8087 or 80287
       GFABAS73.OVL     if you have a 386 with 387 or a 486

These are not the proprietary GFA Basic Interpreter files.  They are
intended to be given away with .EXE files written and compiled from GFA
Basic.    All four files are included here, but you need only one in your
folder.  Caveat:  I have thoroughly tested SMART TRACK on a 286/80287
with the GFABAS70.OVL file, but testing on other machines has been minimal.


B.  HOT KEYS.

(M)anual Track Mode.
    There are two track modes -- Automatic Track Mode and Manual Track
    Mode.  Each is selected from the menu for the other.  Both Track Modes
    have the same menu options except for the (T)ime/Date Select option in
    Manual Track Mode.    In Manual Track Mode, the time and date can be
    selected using the (T) key or the Arrow keys.  Depressing the INSERT
    key will bring the Manual Track Mode up to the current time and date.

    (T)ime/Date Select.
    Permits the user to select a specific date for the Manual Track
    Mode display.  The arrow keys are simpler to use, however.

(M)anual Track Mode and
(A)utomatic Track Mode.

    (S)tation Select Mode.
    Selects up to four Auxiliary station locations to be displayed
    on the screen as blinking circles.  Be sure to note which station
    you are modifying or adding (Primary or Auxiliary 1 through 4).
    CAUTION:  Toggle to the station you want to modify or add before
    entering any data!

    (H)ome Station can be selected, but it will normally be in place
        as the Primary station.  (This is usually you.)

    (L)ibrary of Stations can be used for selecting the station, or...

    (S)elect Station Coordinates manually as prompted, or...

    (C)ursor or Mouse Selection is just what it says.  But if you don't
        have a mouse, the arrows keys won't function here either.
        (We'll change that later.)

    (R)emove this Station from Display if you don't want it.

    (T)oggle to the station you wish to add or modify.  (See CAUTION
        above.)

    When you back out of this menu using (N), there will be blinking
    circles on the map corresponding to the station locations you have
    selected.  When you are back on the Manual Track Mode menu or the
    Automatic Track Mode menu, tracking data for the first two of the
    selected Auxiliary stations can be displayed in the upper left
    of the screen by pressing (C) as noted on the screen.  Pressing
    (C) a second time returns to the corresponding Track Mode menu.

    (O)SCAR Select Mode.
    Shortcut method for selecting the satellite from a menu having
    a maximum of 10 choices.  These constitute the OSC_DFLT.DAT file,
    which is created using the (D)efault File menu discussed later.
    It is quite possible that you might have several dozen element
    sets for various satellites, but only wish to access a few of
    them regularly.  That's what (O) is for!  Of course, if you want
    to select one of the other satellite/element sets, merely type
    "F" (for a full menu) followed by carriage return at this point,
    as indicated in the prompt, and then follow the additional prompts.


    (D)ata Entry Mode.
    This is the menu from which most of the data files are constructed
    by the user interacting with SMART TRACK.

    (B)AHN File.  (a non-mandatory file)
        Select the coordinate system in which the data are given --
        usually Bahn (B).  Then follow subsequent instructions.  The
        program permits you to save the old Bahn file as an ".OLD" file
        with the same prefix.  (You may want to copy it back to the
        original ".DAT" file later while in DOS, who knows!)

    (O)perating Schedule File.  (another non-mandatory file)
        Type in the Mode when prompted.  This will be one to three
        characters, like "B" or "JL", or "OFF".  SMART TRACK works best
        when the entries are done in chronological order -- i.e.,
        starting at MA=0 and finishing eventually at MA=256.  The last
        entry could be for the omni antennas, in which case you might
        type OMN for the mode.  SMART TRACK recognizes Modes B and J
        for the purpose of computing approximate doppler frequencies,
        based on the center frequencies of the Modes B and J frequency
        bands.  You might want to examine the OPSKED13.DAT file while
        in DOS to see how it looks.

    (E)lement Set File.  (you need at least one)
        Follow the prompts.  If an Element Set file already exists
        by the same name, you will be prompted to create a (N)ew one
        or (C)hange an existing one.  There is some degree of error-
        checking in the values entered, but be careful.  The Decay
        Rate is fixed at zero by design.  This will normally not make
        a significant difference in tracking accuracy, and equations
        have not been implemented in SMART TRACK for using this
        parameter.    If (C)hange is selected, the old value will appear
        briefly before vanishing in anticipation of your numerical
        entry.  The last two entries, Epoch Rev, and Source, are not
        critical to anything.  Most sources include the Epoch Rev.
        The Source can be left blank.

    (D)efault File.
        This creates or modifies the OSCAR Select Default file,
        OSC_DFLT.DAT, mentioned previously.  Just follow instructions
        with each option.

        (N)ew Default File creates a new OSCAR Select Default file.

        (C)orrections to Old Default File.

        (A)dd a Satellite to Old Default File.

        (D)elete a Default Satellite.

    (H)ome Station File.  You will need to set up the coordinates and
        the name for your home station.  The files are provided to
        you with the home station for W6PIO.

    (T)iming File sets up some time references.  A carriage return
        will normally keep the existing value for that entry.

        (S)et Computer Clock.  (Two entries -- Date and Time)
        This allows the user to set the computer Date and Time if
        desired.  Some users use UTC (GMT) while others use Local.

        (C)reate Timing File.  (Two entries -- Time zone and Century)
        Some users set their computer clocks to UTC (GMT) and some
        set them to Local time.  In either case, you will need to
        set the time zone difference between UTC (GMT) and your
        computer clock.  Merely enter the time zone difference at
        the prompt.  The Century Start prompt wants to know the
        starting year for the century over which SMART TRACK is
        valid.    It doesn't really matter much what year you pick,
        but 1990 might be a good idea if you want to project orbits
        ahead until 2090!

    (L)ibrary Editor allows you to edit the Station Library from which
        stations are selected using the previously mentioned Station
        Select option.

        (A)dd to Station Library.
        In the Configuration file, SMRTRK92.CFG, there is a
        variable, probably "250", which determines the maximum
        number of stations in the library.  You can modify the
        .CFG file while in DOS Mode -- memory is the only thing
        to watch out for.  The (A)dd option will not permit more
        than this value.  If the .CFG file is missing, the default
        value in the executable code is 100.

        (D)elete this Station.  Just press the (D) key and watch the
        station disappear from the scroll.

        (M)odify this Station.  Just follow the prompts.

        (N)o Further.  Press this key when done.

    (E)lement Set Display.  Displays Element Set Data for the current
    satellite as well as the current orbit number.    Depressing the
    (E) key again returns to the Track Mode menu.

    (C)o-Station Display, as discussed above, shows tracking information
    for up to two Auxiliary stations.  Pressing (C) again returns to
    the Track Mode menu.  If you are in Manual Track Mode, the Manual
    Track Mode menu will vanish and its Hot Keys will be inactivated,
    but the arrow keys for incrementing the time can still be used
    for changing the time of the display.  The time increment is shown
    in the upper left part of the screen.  This powerful combination
    permits the user to quickly look ahead to tracking data for any
    station location for any time in the future.

    (P)rint Mode was discussed previously.  Use Automatic Track Mode or
    go to Manual Track Mode and select a date or orbit for which you
    want a listing or sequence of listings).  The print files .LIS
    and .LIP can be sent to a printer later.

    (S)equence of orbits, primarily for high altitude satellites.

    (P)ass listings, primarily for LEO's.

    (Q)uit will get you back to DOS if you respond with (Y)es.

NOTE:  You can usually execute a "QUICK QUIT" from SMART TRACK at any
point in the program by merely pressing ^E (Control-E).

C.  DISPLAY.

The satellite is directly overhead the place on the earth denoted by the
slowly blinking square.  The area surrounding the square out to the horizon
line (either a smooth symmetrical curve extending from left to right or
an oval) denotes the region which is visible to the satellite and vice
versa.

Time and date are displayed in the upper right portion of the screen in
UTC (GMT) format.

Probably the most important data on the upper side of the screen are the
Antenna coordinates.  These indicate the Az and El angles for pointing
your antenna.  The number to the right of Az and El is the slant range from
the station to the satellite.

Doppler is only approximate and is indicated as a convenience only for
Modes B and J in Automatic Track Mode.

Squint Angle denotes the computed pointing angle of the satellite antenna
relative to the line of sight to the station.  For OSCAR 13, smaller values
are better than large values.

Satellite Coordinates denote the Longitude and Latitude for SSP (directly
below the satellite) and Altitude above the Earth surface.  Radius of
Coverage is the radius of the circle on the Earth represented by the
horizon seen by the satellite.

If a mouse is implemented, either button or both buttons can be depressed
to observe the coordinates of the mouse cursor while it is moved along
the map, the current Epoch time, or the current Bahn coordinates.
Coordinates of the cursor are given in Longitude/Latitude and in Grid
Square coordinates.