Satellite tracking software

[jazzboypro]

Hello all,

I'm getting interested in SATCOM, what satellite tracking software are you using ? Any recommendation ?

Many thanks.
73 de VA2FCS

 

[merlin]

I use WXtrack. It has a lot of flexability and if like me with steerable antennas, it will control a number of the ALT/AZ mounts using a serial port.
Good to keep your TLEs up to date, then it is spot on.

WXtrack - predicts satellite positions and ground path images - from David Taylor, Edinburgh

David Taylor's Weather Satellite programs - orbit and ground track prediction

www.satsignal.eu

 

[jazzboypro]

Thanks for the info, i will check it out

 

[RichM]

I use Orbitron, it’s been rock solid and easy to use. Gpredict is another good one. They all perform similarly, pick the interface that you like the best.

 

[jazzboypro]

I think Orbitron and Gpredict can control rotators but not radios. The only one i found so far that can control the radio and a rotator (i don't have one yet) is SatPC32. I got it working with my 9700. it's a nice software but i think the UI needs a bit of work, it does not scale well to high resolution/large monitors

 

[RichM]

Orbitron controls my SDR receiver applying the Doppler shift to the frequencies and switching between active satellite passes automatically.

 

[jazzboypro]

I have an RSPDuo connected to my PC how do you get Orbitron to see it ?

 

[RichM]

I don’t have experience with RSPDuo. I use an Airspy mini with SDR#. Orbitron has been around a long time and there are lots of tutorials, and the Orbitron set up/help section within the software is very useful. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

 

[jazzboypro]

Thanks for the info i will search on the Internet. I really like the UI. One more question, i noticed that when i chose a satellite from the list i can see all the info in the Rotor/Radio tab but the Downlink/Uplink mode is not shown i kind of assume that this info would be there automatically (it appears to be the case when using SatPC32.

 

[RichM]

If I recall you manually type the frequency for the selected satellite into the Dnlink/Mhz box then select FM-W in the Dnlink mode box. You can disregard the uplink info. Also be sure and set up your ground station under the location tab.