SimpleSat
Tom, W9KE has written a program which looks for satellite passes
where communications between two different grid locations is
possible.
Tom invites interested testers to download the program
from http://www.tomdoyle.org/simplesat/simplesat.html.
It is a zip
file. Un-Zip the files into a folder and run the SimpleSat.exe file.
No install is required and the three files it will create
are stored in the same folder as the SimpleSat.exe program. It does
nothing
to the registry. It downloads sat data from the net so use
a computer connected to the net when you run the program.
Contact Tom
directly at tomdoyle1948@gmail.com with any questions or comments
SimpleSat Look Down’ is a satellite tracking program
designed for ease of use and is particularly well suited for
demonstrations, educational environments and people new to the satellite
hobby.
This program requires .Net 4 so you will have to install it if you do
not have it installed already. Not sure ? Try running the program – if
it runs you have it – if you do not have it you will see a message box
telling you that you do not have it. Unlike most ham radio programs this
program uses most all of the new bells and whistles of .Net 4 and WPF.
Unfortunately this means that it may not run on a few computers even
thought most all the other ham programs run just fine.
The program runs well on Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista or XP. How well
the program runs depends on a couple of things: Your computer speed – if
you have an old computer that does not run very well this program will
probably not run well. Your internet connection – if you have a poor
internet connection the Tracking Map scroll will not be very smooth.
If the vertical screen resolution on your computer is less that 768
pixels you will have some problems. Many netbooks have only 600 pixels
of vertical screen resolution so they may not be entirely satisfactory. I
have run the program on a old netbook running XP that has a 768 pixel
vertical resolution emulation mode for its 600 pixel screen and it works
great.
Here are links to three videos you should watch before running the
program. The videos are in high def and look decent in full screen HD.
You can access this same page from the ‘Help’ button on the program main
screen.
FAQ:
Q: Does the program require internet access.
A: If you do not have internet access the program will work but the tracking map will not
be displayed.
A: If you do not have internet access the program will work but the tracking map will not
be displayed.
Q: Why don’t you just cache the map data.
A: Still need internet access to authenticate my Bing Maps license number.
A: Still need internet access to authenticate my Bing Maps license number.
After you have looked at the video and read everything on this page
you are ready to try the program. The program does not have to be
installed on your computer. It does not store files all over your
computer or alter your registry. It runs fine off a modern USB thumb
drive. This is actually quite handy as you can take the program with you
in your pocket.
Unzip the zip file onto your computer – the desktop works just fine
as a location. Go into the extracted folder and double-click on the .exe
file. There is an online help button which you my want to try out. SimpleSatLookDown.zip
Version with rotor control – beta version. Click on the ‘Help’ button
on the main program window for information on the rotor control
function. SimpleSatLookDownRotor1.0.zip
